Local News Now

Blogger Capt. Budd Neviaser: The Osprey - a superb fisherman

Photo by William L. Newton/Darling NWR. This adult osprey is about to feast on fish.

Almost everyone being by the water has witnessed a brown bird with white markings on its belly hovering over the water, then swooping down to the water and then fly upwards again with a fish in its talons.

News Flash... Southeast Volusia Chamber Directory/Community Guide to go to press soon

Newspaper Section

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The 2010 edition of the Southeast Volusia Chamber Directory/Community Guide
will be coming out soon. The good news is that if you're a chamber member there's still time to advertise in this glossy full-color publication.

Rates are structured to fit any budget and any design work is free.

As a bonus, you'll receive a free ad in the online "flip book" version that will be on the chamber's Web site and your ad will contain a hyperlink to your Web site.

To see the current directory online go to http://www.heronfla.com/books/book.cfm?book=SoutheastVolusia2008.

Planning Board approves Flagler Avenue hotel -- again

Newspaper Section

NSBNEWS.net photos by Henry Frederick. Rezoning for the proposed Hampton Inn & Suites on Flagler Avenue was approved Monday night by the Planning Board with the lone dissenting vote cast by Marie Bushey, in the far left photo. Planning Board Chairman Thomas Wheeler, pictured with Bushey, voted with the majority for the hotel. David Swentor, principal in Premiere Development, the developer of the hotel, is shown in the near left photo. Behind him are Linda DeBorde, chairwoman of the Community Redevelopment Agency and Steve Dennis, executive director of the Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce, the latter two supporters of Swentor's project.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Even with two new members on the Planning Board, approval for the proposed 112-room Hampton Inn & Suites on Flagler Avenue and backing into Florida Avenue was never in doubt Monday night.

'Cudas overwhelmed by powerhouse Dwyer in Class 4A playoffs; 42-6

Newspaper Section

NSBNEWS.net file photo by Sera Frederick. The 2009 football season is over for the New Smyrna Beach 'Cudas who were no match for powerhouse Dwyer High School Panthers of Palm Beach Gardens, with a 42-6 loss tonight on the road in the Class 4A state quarterfinals. Cudas senior quarterback A.J. Granger, at right, had a rough night getting intercepted by Florida High School Player of the Year Matt Elam early in the first quarter. The Cudas' scoring was limited to six points the third quarter. Dwyer, now 12-1, moves on while the season comes to an abrupt end for the Cudas who finish with an 8-5 record.

Obituaries

Frances M. Riess, 92, of Edgewater, a member of Edgewater Baptist Church who enjoyed knitting along with her church activities, died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009.

Carol Ford Grooms, 87, of New Smyrna Beach, a New York native who moved to Florida and was an active Democrat, having served on the Titusville Shoreline Authority, the Democratic Executive Committee, and as President of the Democratic Women's Club there, died Friday, Nov. 27, 2009.

Light Up Flagler Avenue canceled tonight because of rain; rescheduled for next Friday

Newspaper Section

NSBNEWS.net photo by Henry Frederick. Steady rainfall has caused organizers of Light Up Flagler to postpone tonight's annual street-lighting ceremony to next Friday because of heavy rainfall.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Tonight's scheduled Light Up Flagler Avenue has been postponed until Dec. 11 because of the storm front moving through the state today.

The festive holiday event has been rescheduled to take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11, on Flagler Avenue.

The Merchants Association will host free live entertainment by school groups, choirs, strolling carolers and there will be wonderful light displays. Most merchants will have an open house at their place of business, while serving refreshments, and will be decorated for the season.