When you are the mayor of a small community like New Smyrna Beach, you have to take the good with the bad. NSBNews.net takes no pleasure in linking Monday's DUI arrest of Mark Christopher Barringer to Mayor Adam Barringer. But the name recognition is too strong not to make the family connection for those who might be asking if there is one.
When the younger Barringer was arrested last year on a DUI charge that resulted in a crash with another motorist, NSBNews.net took a great deal of flak for not reporting it beyond what was in the daily New Smyrna Beach police listings that are posted on this website every day.
With now a second DUI arrest and the driver asleep at the wheel in the middle of Flagler Avenue after allegedly striking a palm tree, NSBNews.net has a responsibility to inform the public and making it clear the familiy connection. Unfortunately, this is not the kind of news any mayor would want out there. It's a double-edged sword.
With now a second DUI arrest and the driver asleep at the wheel in the middle of Flagler Avenue after allegedly striking a palm tree, NSBNews.net has a responsibility to inform the public and making it clear the family connection. Unfortunately, this is not the kind of news any mayor would want out there.
The timing of this is terrible for myself and the mayor as he let me know Friday he could no longer commit to writing his "Mayor's Message" blog because of time constraints.
Vice Mayor Jim Hathaway has agreed to write a blog of his own for NSBNews.net starting this week as has Volusia County Councilman Frank Bruno. State Rep. Dorothy Hukill also writes an exclusive blog for NSBNews.net called "Hukill's House."
Bruno, a Democrat, and Hukill, a Republican, have both announced they are running for term-limited Evelyn Lynn's state senate seat in the 2012 elections. Hathaway is running for the dist. 3 County Council seat held by Joie Alexander, who is not seeking re-election to that post which represents Southeast Volusia.
The mayor has not announced officially his plans though he's said he is leaning towards a second term as mayor because he is opening a second restaurant in Orlando.
When it comes to breaking news in New Smyrna Beach, NSBNews.net has stood alone in reporting news that local print media has ignored, which explains why NSBNews.net enjoys strong readership.
NSBNews.net reported exclusively on the arrest two years ago of then-CRA Director Kevin Fall, who was charged with driving with an open container of alcohol and speeding through a beachside neighborhood.
Earlier this year, NSBNews.net stood alone in reporting the arrest of former chief planner Mark Rakowski, charged with battery for allegedly beating up his girlfriend.
And last year, NSBNews.net was the lone media outlet to report that then-Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce Director Steve Dennis had been fired.
NSBNews.net reported the arrest of popular Flagler Avenue bar owner Dave Fernandez, who was charged with taking part in the beating of Henry Wheeler, a career criminal.
In all of these cases, the accused are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.
None of these stories are pleasant, but the news has to be reported.