Local News Now

Ephrom Howell "Howie" Branton Jr., 39, of Edgewater, a landscaper, died Thursday, May 7, 2009.

Patricia A. Picciano, 73, of Edgewater, a volunteer at the Edgewater Public Library, died Thursday, May 7, 2009.

Mae J. Hayman, 86, of New Smyrna Beach, a Charter Member of the Southeast V olusia Historical Society, Menorcan Cultural SoCiety-St. Augustine, Friends of Canaveral Seashore and Friends of El Dora, an honorary member for over 40 years of the Florida Sheriffs Association (Boy's Ranch) and an avid bird watcher, died Wednesday, May 6, 2009.

NSBNEWS.net photo by Henry Frederick. New Smyrna Beach native Jim Humphrey, 75, enjoys pancakes and good conversation with Rick Newell, president of the Southeast Volusia Historical Society, earlier today for the annual Pancakes in the Park fundraiser at Old Fort Park in New Smyrna Beach. The event drew 600 people for the 7-11 a.m. breakfast today, which featured a display of antique cars, a mini-yard and book sale and plenty of comaraderie.

Jack Sauers, 59, of Edgewater, a laboratory technician for the City of Edgewater in the Waste Water Department for 25 years before his retirement, and a 1969 graduate of New Smyrna Beach High School, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam Era and a member of the Booze Fighter Motorcycle Club, died Thursday, May 7, 2009.

Alexander G. Lianos, 60, of Edgewater, who moved to Florida five years ago and enjoyed hot rods and car shows, died Monday, May 4, 2009.

Patrick A. Sams and Julie D. Thiessen, New Smyrna Beach; Michael A. Schmidt and Lisa M. Murphy, New Smyrna Beach.

Ann Kovacs, 73, of Edgewater, a grandma, mom, and housewife who enjoyed cooking and playing bingo, died Thursday, May 7, 2009.

Mae J. Hayman, 86, New Smyrna Beach, a homemaker, died Wednesday, May 6, 2009.

Carol L. Cope, 58, New Smyrna Beach, who worked in security for Oceanwalk Condominiums, New Smyrna Beach, died Tuesday, May 5, 2009.

Jeffrey A. Bailey and Shelley M. Baker, New Smyrna Beach.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Sea turtle nesting season is here.

Visitors to Volusia County beaches and residential and business owners along the coast are encouraged to be proactive to help ensure a productive nesting season. The sea turtle nesting season is May 1 through Oct. 31, said Shelley Szafraniec, a Volusia County spokeswoman.

OAK HILL -- The Friends of the Library will honor local artists who have displayed their work with a "Meet the Artist" tea and reception at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Oak Hill Public Library.

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

The Oak Hill Library is at 125 E. Halifax Ave. For more information, please call (386) 345-5510.

Learn about Volusia County's 16 libraries at www.volusialibrary.org.

Courtesy photos. And then there were two. It's Danny vs. Paula in a showdown prize at 9 tonight on FOX reality TV's "Hell's Kitchen." to pave the way for next weeks winner. Danny, of course, is Danny Veltri, of Edgewater, executive chef at Flip Flops in New Smyrna Beach.

Courtesy photo. Greg Keler, a senior at New Smyrna Beach High School, has received a $20,000 Dell scholarship for colle, Volusia County officials announced today.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH — New Smyrna Beach High school seniorGreg Keller has earned a $20,000 college scholarship from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, the Volusia County School District announced today.