Community

Editor's Note: New Smyrna Beach Mayor Jim Hathaway, shown here in the inset, was asked for a copy of his 2016 Memorial Day speech, which he delivered on the sacred holiday on Monday in Riverside Park for publication in Headline Surfer®. Hathaway, a New Smyrna Beach native, who served as a city commissioner for 18 years until 2012, was elected mayor two years later. He is seeking re-election for another two years in the 2016 elections. Hathaway served in the United States Army Reserves, earning the rank of captain in the Quartermaster Corps, before he was honorably discharged. The main display picture in recognition of Memorial Day, was shot on the hard sands of New Smyrna Beach, among the most popular tourist destinations for the eclectic shops on Flagler Avenue, leading to the curling waves where it's a badge of honor for surfers nipped by a shark near the South Jetty, and home to the US Coast Guard station. 

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- On this day of remembrance, we honor the bravest amongst us – those who stood up, carried the American Standard, and then came home embraced in that flag. What do you say to a young wife whose husband won’t return from a foreign battlefield? How do you console a grieving child whose parent paid the ultimate sacrifice for his or her nation?

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- The public is invited to an April 20 Environmental Justice Conference in New Smyrna Beach, overseen by Donna Gray-Banks, the municipality's community resource coordinator. Here are the details:

What: Environmental Justice Conference geared toward non-profit organizations, governments, community stakeholders, students, scholars, artists and environmental health professionals. Dr. Deanna Wathington, Bethune-Cookman University College of Health Sciences executive dean, will discuss how the environment affects health. Environmental engineers and community redevelopment staff will define brownfields and environmental justice and discuss community perspectives.

Who should attend: Scholars, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, community stakeholders, students, environmental health professionals and artists.

Photo for Headline Surfer® /

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- A Florida native has been selected as New Smyrna Beach’s next fire chief.

The City Commission is expected to confirm Greg Anglin to lead the department at its next regular meeting, Tuesday, April 28, in City Hall Commission Chambers, 210 Sams Ave.

“We received 42 applications from around the country including many very strong candidates,” New Smyrna Beach City Manager Pam Brangaccio told Headline Surfer®. “The interview panel and I feel Chief Anglin has the expertise and leadership skills to fit well internally with the department and in our community.”

Photos for Headline Surfer® /

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- A firefighter received a promotional pin from his police officer-father during a ceremony before the City Commission, showing a penchant for public safety runs in the Hazelwood family.