NSBNEWS.net photo by Henry Frederick. Robert Tolley and Robert Rees of the Public Watch Committee will host Saturday's second and final "Peoples' Candidates Debate" leading to the Sept. 22 primary.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The second and final candidates debate in advance of the Sept. 22 primary will be held 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the United Church of Christ meeting hall, 203 Washington St.

DAYTONA BEACH -- Law enforcement turned up the heat on criminals in East Volusia Thursday night during a multi-agency street crimes operation that resulted in 35 arrests and the issuance of 51 traffic citations, Sheriff's spokesman Brandon Haught said.

The Sheriff's Office organized the operation, which was designed to target street crimes, known criminal suspects and wanted persons, high traffic locations and individuals with gang ties.

Sept. 11, 2009: Michael S. Tobin, New Smyrna Beach, Iris L. Doster, Kannapolis, N.C.

Courtesy photo/NSB police. Kareen Walshaed McNeal, 28, of New Smyrna Beach, a registered sexual predator, was arrested Thursday on charges of imperonating a law enforcement officer and carring a firearm on school property after he was seen the last couple of days at Chisholm Elementary School carrying a handgun and claiming to be a federal drug agent, police said.

Ernest Russell, 75, of New Smyrna Beach, a former pest control technician, died Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009.

Ruth Collins Vlasin, 85, of Oak Hill, a lifelong resident and New Smyrna Beach native survived by her husband of 63 years, Bernard, died Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009.

Janet Schofield, 72, of New Smyrna Beach and Holly Springs, NC and formerly of Titusville, who devote her life to her family and her husband of 52 years, James, died Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009.

Elizabeth M. Scheid, 90, of New Smyrna Beach, a homemaker, died Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- An armed man robbed three patrons just before 3 this morning outside the Surf Lounge, 181 North Causeway, before fleeing in one of their vehicles, New Smyrna Beach police said.

The robber pointed a handgun at the three victims and demanded cash before fleeing, said police Sgt. Michael Mathyas. The stolen vehicle was found abandoned a short time later in the 600 block of Roper Street. None of the victims were injured.

NSBNEWS.net photos by Henry Frederick. The New Smyrna Beach Board of Realtors has recommended the election of Mayoral candidate Adam Barringer, Zone 2 incumbent City Commissioner Jack Grasty and Zone 1 City Commissioner candidate Judy Reiker.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Mayoral candidate Adam Barringer, incumbent Zone 2 City Commissioner Jack Grasty and Zone 1 City Commissioner candidate Judy Reiker all received "recommendation" for support from the New Smyrna Beach Board of Realtors for the Sept. 22 primary and in the general election.

NSBNEWS.net photos by Sera Frederick/Henry Frederick. More than 200 people showed up for the City Commission's public hearing on the $21 million proposed budget for the new fiscal year. Mayoral candidate Marilee Walters (center photo) urged the commissioners and incumbent Mayor Sally Mackay to make even further cuts than was recommended by Interim City Manager Pam Brangaccio. The commission instead voted unanimously to go with the rolled-back rate of 3.74 mills, which under Florida law means no tax increase.  Zone 1 City Commissioner Jack Grasty (far left), who is up for re-election, was adamant against any further cuts, including a suggestion by challenger Palmer Wilson to furlough city employees, saying he did not want to compromise essential city services. The mayor said there had been enough job losses over the last several years and that salary freezes across the board were in place. Mackay, Grasty, Randy Richenberg and Lynne Plaskett all voted in favor of lowering the millage rate from 3.94 down to the rolled-back rate. Commissioner Jim Hathaway was out of town on city business.

Primary voting is Sept. 22...