Local News Now

Christopher Besuden and Serena L. Cooper, Edgewater.

Renee Annette Hafner Hall, 47, of Edgewater, a bookkeeper for a real estate appraisal business, died Wednesday, April 29, 2009.

Don LaRosa, 81, of New Smyrna Beach, who retired from Kleeban Tool and Dye Co.,died Wednesday, April 29, 2009.

Frances Gilliam Little, 93, of Stuart and a former long-time resident of New Smyrna Beach who was a retired computer operator for New Smyrna Beach Utilities Commission, died Wednesday, April 29, 2009.

Jerry F. Nelson, 69, of Edgewater, a former substation inspector for AT&T, died Wednesday, April 29, 2009.

Editor's Note: The following was written by the press office of Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas

WASHINGTON, DC – In response to today’s report that Florida unemployment reached 8.6% in January with 800,000 out of work, Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas (FL-24) issued the following statement:

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- A gunman robbed the GNC store, 1968 State Road 44 this afternoon by demanding money from the cash register and then running away in an unknown direction, New Smyrna Beach police said.

Officers responded to the store right after the 3:24 p.m. robbery was called in on a 911 call, but the clerk wasn't sure which way the armed robber fled. The employee was unhurt, said acting police Sgt. Shane Riggle.

The robber was described as a white man in his mid-30s, 5 feet 6 with sandy-colored hair. He was wearing shorts, a white T-shirt and sneakers.

NSBNEWS.net video by Sera Frederick. Bad language by two New Smyrna Beach residents led to chastising by Mayor Sally Mackay during Tuesday's City Commission meeting. Robert Rees felt he was being stonewalled on who initiated a proposed pay raise fr the city clerk, prompting him to say "This is bullshit." Fellow resident Bob Tolley was upset about something to do with the NSB Utilities Commission and used the word "bitching."

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The Gallery Group of Flagler Avenue is seeking professional artists in any medium to participate in the* "Paint Out" Art Walk* from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., May 23 in New Smyrna Beach. Artists who can demonstrate their artistic technique are especially invited to attend.

Artist are also sought for upcoming Art Walks: June, "Waterworks"; July, "Christmas in July"; August, "Surf's Up"; September, "All That Jazz"; October, "Fantasy Works Halloween Spooktacular"; November, "Christmas Village"; and December, "Special Christmas Celebration."

NSBNEWS.net photos by Sera Frederick. New Smyrna Beach Mayor Sally Mackay said a $5,200 raise request for City Clerk Johnny Bledsoe, below, will be taken off tonight's agenda because "the time is not right" with economic conditions and a tough budget season approaching.

The Volusia County Health Department sent out two messages through the school district's parent telephone system today alerting the public about the swine flu outbreak elewhere in the country and encoraging hand washing and covering mouths while coughing.

The Volusia County Web site makrs no specific menion locally of efforts to educate the public, but a statewide health advisdory was posted and reads as follows:

Helen Lashway Adams, 78, of New Smyrna Beach, former owner and operator of the Islander Beauty Salon, died Friday, April 24, 2009.

Franklin Tyrie Miller, 89, of New Smyrna Beach, who served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, retired after 45 years of service as a locomotive engineer with Pennsylvania Railroad, Conrail and Amtrak, and was a member of First United Methodist Church, Hidden Lakes Country Club and New Smyrna Beach Men's Garden Club, died Wednesday, April 22, 2009.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The New Smyrna Beach Regional Library will celebrate spring with a “Magical Tea Party” at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Children in grades K - 5 are invited to wear party clothes or dress up as their favorite magical creature, superhero or book character. Snacks will be served, and children are asked to bring their own cup and saucer for the tea party.