NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The two main taxing agencies in New Smyrna Beach mired in controversy are undergoing a metamorphosis. They are, of course, the Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority and the Community Redevelopment Agency. As the clock ticks closer to April, NSBNews.net will take a closer look in the coming weeks at how scandal took root with both taxing entities and what government leaders are doing -- or not doing -- to clean it up in our continuing investigative project, "Show Me the Money: New Smyrna Beach."
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And having pored through thousands of pages of public government documents and court records and having covered countless public hearings, including a federal bankruptcy hearing in Orlando, NSBNews.net will shed light on a key business figure deeply embedded in the controversy who benefited from thousands of dollars in taxpayer money and has a trail of debt to show for it. His name is Robert Lott, who just four years ago, was among the most powerful and influential businessmen in Southeast Volusia.
Though Lott refuses to speak with NSBNews.net, our reporting includes persective of his supporters and critics to help define his standing in the community then and now.
On the flip side, NSBNews.net will highlight the bricks-and-mortar development that is creating a buzz on Canal Street and Flagler Avenue -- at the heart of New Smyrna Beach's business and tourism growth.