New Smyrna Beach

Photo for Headline Surfer / Gov. Scott, shown here,  sends an inspirational message to his Florida constituents, describing Christmas as a 'wonderful time for loved ones to reflect on life's many blessings.' 

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Gov. Scott's press office sent Headline Surfer and other media outlets throughout the Sunshine State a personal message for Floridians on Christmas Eve: "Reflect on life's many blessings."

"Ann and I want to wish every Florida family a Merry Christmas. As families come together and celebrate the birth of Jesus, it's a wonderful time for loved ones to reflect on life's many blessings.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The regularly-scheduled Jsn. 8 meeting of the Community Redevelopment Agency Commission has been cancelled, City Clerk Johnny Bledsoe announced in an e-mail.

With nothing of significance pensing ina light agenda, Bledsoe said the CRA commission will reconvene 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 meeting in the chambers at New Smyrna Beach City Hall, 105 Sams Ave.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- When it comes to police teamwork, there is no better partnership than duo than Bruce Holcomb and his K9 partner Buddy. 

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach is pleased to announce another season of WonderLand Children's Theatre, its youth theatre program. Held on six Wednesday afternoons, starting on Jan. 23, its mission is to encourage youngsters to participate in and learn about the performing arts.

When it comes to making Christmas extra special for children, Florida East Coast Railway's top executive James Hertwig and his wife, Debbie, play the Santa couple, with whistle stops from Jacksonville to Miami, including stops in between to places like New Smyrna Beach, as shown here, covered by Headline Surfer, the 24/7 Internet newspaper, which has covered his visits for three years now.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- James Hertwig plays the train Santa delivering Toys for Tots once a year during the holiday season, but in everyday life, he's president and CEO of Florida East Coast Railway, the leadership position he's held since 2010, having brought 40 years of freight transportation experience to the post.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Votran bus routes throughout Volusia County could be impacted by parades this weekend and next weekend, including the Saturday afternoon Christmas parade in New Smyrna Beach, county officials said.

“We’ve tried to ensure as little disruption to service as safely possible,” Votran General Manager Steven Sherrer said. “To minimize the inconvenience, we’ve tried to gather as much parade information as possible to share with our riders.”

County spokeswoman Michelle Coats said most parades are scheduled for two hours. Parade route streets close an hour ahead of the parade. Some side streets may be closed.

Mayor's Message

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Most of the political signs have been removed from the roadsides, the mailboxes are no longer filled with political campaign mailers and the dust from the campaign trails have settled. It is now time for our newly elected officials to fulfill their campaign promises, and to that, I wish them all the success.

Headline Surfer photos by Henry Frederick / Kaye Walker, shown at left, poses with a friend at her Holiday Charity Ball at the Brannon Center. Tia McDonald,  of Edgewater, shown in the front entranceway, was among a contingent of volunteers. 

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- A couple hundred people showed up for the 16th annual Holiday Charity Ball at the Brannon Center to help support Habitat for Humanity, the Council on Agings Meals on Wheels and the NSB Caps Scholarship Fund.