Volusia News Now

Good grief! Messed up cruise does not rise to level of national tragedy

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Good grief! You could not get away from the anguished and alarmist reporting about the Triumph, a luxury cruise ship that experienced mechanical and systems breakdowns as a result of a contained fire. The ship did not sink; it floated safely around in the Gulf of Mexico until tug boats could tow it into port.

58. New Smyrna Beach celebrates MLK holiday

Videos produced by Multimedia Editor Serafina Frederick / Photos by Henry Frederick /
Video highlights include"We Shall Overcome," by the NSB Middle School Stingrays Marching Band,  sisters Samaria and Constance Darrisaw singing, and Jimmy Harrell giving the keynote speech, all in commemoration of the Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday. Below, Pastor Lorenzo Laws hosts the MLK festivities at Old Fort Park.

Pastor Lorenzo LawsNEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Some 200 strong led by Allen Chapel AME Church pastor Lorenzo Laws marched, prayed and sang -- all in respect to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the national holiday.

Pope breaking long-held tradition by stepping down

EDGEWATER -- I think the resignation of the pope of his own volition should be heeded by many of our politicians and supreme court judges who think their positions are for life and stay way past viable ages. There are those who are trying to make it seem he is being forced out, but I think the man knows his limitations and is smart enough to step down.

Considering the use and abuse that comes with Facebook

Where else can you find up to the minute plans of people you never see in person, photos of the latest haircuts of all your friends, overused inspirational quotes, and above all else, the central location for complaints, but Facebook? As an initial disclaimer, I am in no way discrediting the genius behind the social media that is Facebook; I’m simply stating my opinion on its use and abuse.

Kevin Harvick wins Sprint Unlimited under the lights at Daytona International Speedway

Harvick wins Sprint Unlimited / Getty Images / Headline SurferKevin Harvick in victory lane at Daytona / Getty Images / Headline SurferPhotos by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images for NASCAR / Headline Surfer
Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 Budweiser Chevrolet, crosses the finish line to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday.

DAYTONA BEACH -- Kevin Harvick made his No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet as wide as he could in the final laps, holding off repeated challenges for the lead on his way to victory Saturday night in The Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway.

On the last lap, Harvick blocked both Greg Biffle and Tony Stewart to win his third career Sprint Unlimited, NASCAR's fan-favorite non-points event that featured the debut of the Gen-6 race car. Harvick's previous Sprint Unlimited wins came in 2009 and 2010.

Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrates 93rd annual meeting

Newspaper Section

Video produced by Multimedia Editor Serafina Frederick / Headline Surfer highlights the 2012 activities and events of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce in this video compilation.

DAYTONA BEACH -- 2012 was a banner year for the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, which just celebrated its 93rd annual meeting with more than 650 guests attending at the Hilton Daytona Beach Resort.

John Wes Townley wins 50th annual Lucas Oil 200 Arca race at Daytona International Speedway

John Wes Townley / Wikipedia / Headline SurferDAYTONA BEACH -- John Wes Townley started on the pole and finished in Gatorade Victory Lane Saturday capturing the 50th annual Lucas Oil 200 presented by MAVTV American Real at Daytona International Speedway.

The race marked Townley's eighth start at the "World Center of Racing," and his first career pole and win in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. His previous best finish in the series also came at DIS when he finished third in 2010.

59. Halloween parade in NSB draws lots of children

Nolan Kirkland with parants, Nicole and Mike Kirkland of Edgewater / Headline SurferNSB Hallowen parade shark boy Nolan Kirkland / Hedline SurferHeadline Surfer photos by Henry Frederick / Nicole and Mike Kirkland of Edgewater with their 1-year-old son, Nolan, dressed as a shark, take in the annual New Smyrna Beach Halloween Parade.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Nolan Kirkland of Edgewater didn't win any trophies for his costume at the 2012 Halloween Parade, but his costume certainly was an eyecatcher. The 1-year-old Edgewater baby was dressed as a shark.

And how appropriate considering New Smyrna Beach's South Jetty is known for its shark bites among the surfing crowd.

The Halloween parade comes in at No. 59 in Headline Surfer's countdown of the top 100 stories of 2012.

Daytona Beach holding workshop on wayfinding signage

DAYTONA BEACH -- The public is invited to a workshop about the City of Daytona Beach's wayfinding signage program, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 in City Hall, 301 S. Ridgewood Ave.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the master plan process and receive the public's comments regarding purpose, benefits and schedule of the program, city spokeswoman Susan Cerbone said.

"The workshop will provide attendees the opportunity to give comments for the three-phased project which will create a plan to guide vehicular and pedestrian traffic to venues of interest within the city and create distinct signage," Cerbone said. "City commissioners in August 2012 approved an agreement not to exceed $120,000 with Lassiter Transportation Group to produce a wayfinding master plan."