Local News Now

This is the season of Thanksgiving. Not just the day, but the season. As Americans, we rarely see people walking around giving thanks for everything we possess and enjoy in this wonderful land: Freedom of speech, freedom to own land, freedom to drive a car, freedom to have a job and earn money and freedom not to work.

All these freedoms come as a right granted to us by the Constitution of the United States of America .

I challenge anyone who is unhappy with the way we live in America to visit a third world country and experience first-hand poverty, rule by authoritarian leaders, the lack of food to feed one’s family. I could go on and on with the list.

Rather than beat this point to death, let’s talk about what it takes to please God for the many blessings we are granted here in the good ole’ U.S.A.

First

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- A gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is now under $2 a gallon at most stations in Southeast Volusia, cheaper than a gallon of milk or a pack of cigarettes.

Still, motor vehicles aren't lining up at the pumps.

April Brown had the pumps all to herself this afternoon when she filled her Mercury Grand Marquis for $40. Back in July, that same tank fill-up would have cost her $80 when a gallon of unleaded gasoline was more than $5.

"These prices are reasonable now," the 39-year-old New Smyrna Beach resident said. "They are very beneficial. I can now go more places like Deltona and work another job."

Though gas prices are down, other necessary commodities such as bread and milk are not.

DELAND, Fla -- Nearly 200 trails enthusiasts gathered Friday at Lake Beresford Park in West Volusia to celebrate Florida’s designation as the Best Trails State in America, said Volusia County spokeswoman Pat Kuehn. 

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The New Smyrna Beach Regional Library will present “Solid Gold Country Classics” with singer Bobby Meeks at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, said Volusia County spokeswoman Pat Kuehn.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Meeks has been a local singer and songwriter for several years, performing at festivals, amphitheaters and nursing homes. He was second runner-up in a “Daytona Discover” contest for his original song “Whiskey Bottles.”

This “Live in the Library” performance is sponsored by the Friends of the New Smyrna Beach Regional Library.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The 'Cudas family is comprised of much more than the football team. The cheerleaders, the Show Dolls and the Band all contribute to the festive atmosphere of New Smyrna Beach High School football.

Enjoy the video shot by Sera King of NSBNEWS.net at Friday's season finale at the New Smyrna Beach sports complex, won, of course by the 'Cudas over the visiting DeLand Bulldogs, 21-13.

You can read our previous story for game highlights.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Here are video highlights of the 'Cudas' season-finale win over the DeLand Bulldogs, 21-13 at the New Smyrna Beach sports complex.

The NSBNEWS.net video was shot by Sera King. See previous story for game highlights.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a robbery of a taxi driver that happened early this morning near New Smyrna Beach, Sheriff's spokesman Brandon Haght said.

"The assailant was a customer who during the ride pulled out what the driver believed to be a gun and demanded money," Haught said. "The driver handed over some cash and the suspect then jumped out of the vehicle and fled. There were no injuries or shots fired."