Volusia News Now

OCALA -- When Frank Bruno takes to the podium at the Ocean Center on Monday, he'll have trekked across five Central Florida counties in just a matter of days in his dual role as the face of Volusia County government and as Democratic candidate for the newly redrawn dist. 8 seat in the State Senate.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- In no national election since Goldwater vs. Johnson in 1964 or Reagan vs. Carter in 1980, has there been a clearer choice about America’s path to the future than that taking place in November.

Headline Surfer videos by Sera Frederick / Panelists Sally Gillies of Ormond Beach and Stan Escudero answer questions from moderator Henry Frederick.

Big Lots is the new anchor tenant for the NSB Regional Shopping Center, along with a new Bealls Outlet, replacing Walmart as shown here, which closed last year with the relocation of a new Walmart Supercenter further west on State Road 44. Additionally, the city is getting a Dollar General Market where the old Food Lion was on the beachside before it closed in February.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The city is getting an infusion of new stores at the NSB Regional Shopping Center with a Big Lots and Bealls Outlet and a Dollar General is moving in where the Food Lion was on the beachside.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- Two key shopping centers are getting new tenants.

DAYTONA BEACH --  Gov. Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Judge Wendy W. Berger, of St. Augustine to the 5th District Court of Appeal.

Judge Berger, 43, has served on the 7th Judicial Circuit Court since 2005. Previously, from 2001 to 2005, she served as an assistant general counsel in the Executive Office of the Governor. From 1993 to 2000, she served as an assistant state attorney for the 7th Judicial Circuit.

Judge Berger received bachelor's and law degrees from Florida State University.

A kitchen fire in an apartment at the Groves Apartments over the weekend resulted in a man' death, but the fire was contained to his unit.

PORT ORANGE -- The man who perished in his residence at the Groves Apartments early Saturday morning in a fire contained to his unit has been identified as 66-year-old Richard Lynn Wagner.

THE VILLAGES -- The profile story on Volusia County Republican Jim Oddie's interaction with Wisconsin Congressman and VP hopeful Paul Ryan's visit to The Villages was trending in the Internet search engines.

Courtesy photo by Holly Smith / Wanna get away? Here is a scenic shot of New Smyrna Beach on an early Friday morning as shown here with this couple. Who wouldn't want to hear the roar of the waves and watch the sun come up?

OAK HILL -- School starts Monday in Volusia County and Burns Sci-Tech. in Oak Hill will be ready! Their huge new building was dedicated Wednesday, Aug. 15, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.