Local News Now

Headline Surfer photos® / Crossing guard Donna Bryant helps second grader Tyrek Colley, 7, cross Ronnac Lane at Palm Street in front of the Chisholm Elementary School in New Smyrna Beach to open the 2011-'12 school year in Volusia County. 

DAYTONA BEACH -- They're out there every day with their green uniforms, and flourescent orange and yellow vests with the Volusia County Sheriff's emblem on their backs, ensuring students have a safe journey to and from the nearby elementary schools.

"Yet many residents may not take the time to thank Volusia’s school crossing guards for their service to the community," Sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson told Headline Su4rfer®. "This Friday, however, is a day to do just that as the annual school crossing guard appreciation day is observed here in Volusia County and throughout the state."

Their first priority is making sure that young students safely get across bustling roadways as they walk and bike to and from school each day. However, being a school crossing guard is much more than that.

Co-defendant's guilty plea to filing a false statement accepted by court

Photo for Headline Surfer® / James Sotolongo and Ramara Garrett and his longtime live-in girlfriend, Ramara Garrett, parents of a 9-month-old baby, are among four defendants accused of mortgage fraud involving seven homes in Volusia County valued at $13 million, according to a federal grand jury indictment. The other two accused are Christopher Mencis and Stephanie Musselwhite, shown in the inset.

ORLANDO -- A federal judge rejected -- at least for the time being -- a guilty plea for James Fidel Sotolongo that would have capped his prison sentence at five years in a deal negotiated with the U.S. Attorney's Office that had him copping to only one of 13 counts in a grand jury indictment.

News-Journal has not reported on defense motion against it 4 days ago & has ignored internet newspaper's inquiries as to merit of accusation

Headline Surfer® inset photo /

DAYTONA BEACH -- One of the remaining defendants about to go to trial in the alleged Volusia mortgage fraud case has asked a federal judge to consider polling jurors individually or even consideration for a change of venue a because of incessant coverage in the Daytona Beach News-Journal that her attorney asserts has crossed the line with "inflammatory and adverse articles published in print and on the Internet."

DAYTONA BEACH -- This Super Bowl Sunday already is a day stacking up with lots of news. The two most significant news developments are an "open letter" to Gov. Scott on pervasive corruption in Volusia County government involving Councilwoman Deborah Denys in the removal of Palmer Wilson from the SEV ad authority and an exclusive interview with Ramara Garrett and Jim Sotolongo. They are the principals in Waverly Media who are accused of mortgage fraud in federal court.

By Dr. L. DURHAM

DAYTONA BEACH -- Professional sports fans today, at least in the wake of the recent comments made by Seattle Seahawks defensive back Richard Sherman, seem to be cut from a very different mold from fans back in the 1960s and '70s.