Community

No April Fool's Joke: County Chair Jason Davis 51 today

No joke either: Bronze star recipient not pleased NSB mayor called cop/Iraq War veteran a 'pr-ck' while sarcastically shaking his hand

County Chair Jason Davis is 51 on April 1, 2013 / Headline SurferNSB cop and Iraq War vet Ralph Hunnefeld / Headline SurferNew Smyrna Beach Mayor Adam Barringer disrespected a cop / Hadline SurferVolusia County Chair Jason Davis, shown here in an American flag campign photo, turns 51 today, April 1, 2013. What isn't a joke to Davis, recipient of the Bronze Star, is New Smyrna Beach Mayor Adam Barringer disrespecting a city cop who served his country with a tour of duty in Iraq.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- County Chair Jason Davis is 51 years old today and that's no April Fool's joke.

"Yes, I was born on April 1, 1962," Davis said over the weekend with a laugh. "I'll be 51 on April 1, no fooling."

Another thing that's far from a joke to Davis, a Bronze Star recipient for his tours of duty in the Iraq, is the verbal abuse a New Smyrna Beach cop took from that city's mayor before the start of the municipal Christmas parade.

Reporter's Notebook: New Smyra Beach City Commission activity

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Here is a summary of action by the New Smyrna Beach City Commission at its meeting Tuesday night.

Recognition:

# Atlantic Center for the Arts – A presentation by Community Education and Outreach Manager Ren Morrison, accompanied by Community Artist Tory Tepp, of the organizations programs and planned activities for the upcoming year.

Medicare open enrollment program Oct. 25 at Babe James Center in New Smyrna Beach

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Babe James Community Center, New Smyrna Beach / Headline SurferNEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Need to switch providers? Unsure of your current plan? Need to sign up for Medicare? Now is the time to answer all your questions. This is open season for Medicare, don't let your questions go unanswered, now is the time to get answers.

NIMBY: New Smyrna Beach residents oppose workforce housing on North Causeway

Housing siteWorkforce housing proposed, 100 block N. Causeway, NSB / Headline SurferHeadline Surfer photo by Henry Frederick / The 100 block of the North Causeway in New Smyrna Beach is being proposed for a 202-unit development that includes workforce housing, something nearby neighbors in the upscale Venezia neighborhood want no part of.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- It's known as NIMBY or "not in my backyard."

That was the message of some 250 New Smyrna Beach residents to a development on the North Causeway that includes workforce units or affordable housing for families making between $20,000 to $40,000 annually.

But the residents attending a special meeting at the Brannon Center called for by the project's developers want no part of the 239-unit apartment complex Causeway Landings.

Free education programs offered to kids and adults at NSB's Babe James Center

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla -- Children and adults alike Youth and adults soon will have a convenient avenue to success. The City of New Smyrna Beach is partnering on two education programs to make it easier for youth and adults to receive their GED.

New Smyrna Beach Fire Chief Dave McCallister recipient of a 2012 distinguished service award by Volusia League of Cities

NSB Fire Chief Dave McCallisterNEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Fire Chief Dave McCallister is being honored with the Volusia League of Cities' Distinguished Service Award for 2012.

McCallister was recommended by the VLOC nominating committee and voted in by the organization's executive committee.

This award is presented to outstanding individuals who have made their community, and Volusia County as a whole, a better place to live.

New Smyrna Beach cops: Biker, 21, killed on US 1 while apparently speeding and smacking into back of minivan

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- A 21-year-old biker apparently speeding was killed when he slammed his Suzuki sport bike into a minivan in front of him Saturday night while both vehicles were heading south on U.S. 1 near Skyline Drive, New Smyrna Beach police said.

Wade A. Althafer was pronounced dead at the scene of the 8:50 p.m. accident. The driver of the Chrysler minivan was not hurt.

"He was (going) at a high rate of speed when witnesses said he locked up his brakes," Sgt. Christopher Roos said told NSBNews.net.

Florida Highway Patrol: 44-year-old New Smyrna Beach biker killed near Edgewater

EDGEWATER -- A 44-year-old New Smyrna Beach biker was killed when he fell off his Harley-Davidson while riding north on Edgewater Canal Road near Tuum Boulevard just after 7 p.m. Thursday, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

Lawrence Goble, who was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead on the scene. His 2010 Harley was found in the nearby Canal.

"For some unknown he fell off his motorcycle," FHP spokesman Sgt. Kim Montes told NSBNews.net. "It may have been a medical situation. We won't know until results of an autopsy."

Drug dealer indicted on 1st-degree murder charge in gunshot slaying of New Smyrna Beach woman

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- Debra Gibson was a street walker with a record of petty crimes. James Desmond Booth was a convicted drug dealer. When their paths met again on Jan. 25, 2011, she was shot dead.

SPCA dog shots available Saturday in New Smyrna Beach and in Edgewater

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The SPCA is sponsoring two pet shot clinics Saturday:11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Kmart plaza on State Road 44 in New Smyrna Beach, and from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Family Dollar store on U.S. 1 in Edgewater.

These clinics are open to everyone and a veterinarian will be on hand to perform the shots. They only take cash at the clinics. If you need more information, please call 386-748-8993.