Courtesy photo. Gov. Charlie Crist's Christmas message includes being thankful for the blessings of friends and family and safe haven for Florida servicemen and women in harm's way.
During this season of peace and giving, I want to wish all Floridians a Merry Christmas.
PALM COAST -- A Groveland truck driver was killed early Tuesday on Interstate 95 when another truck pulled out in front of him, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Julio A. Rentas, 38, was southbound on I-95 near Old Kings Road at 4 a.m., when a truck driven by Betty Tucke, 58, of Richmond., Va., exited the shoulder and into his path, troopers said.
Tucker, hauling sweet potatoes, was not hurt, the FHP said. the victim, pronouned dead on the scene was transporting make-up.
No charges were filed, but an investigation is ongoing, the highway patrol said.
DAYTONA BEACH SHORES -- A pedestrian struck and killed by a minivan while trying to cross 3200 block of South Atlantic Avenue on Sunday night has been identified by police there as 55-year-old James Steager.
The victim died enroute to Halifax Medical Center shortly before 6:30 p.m. He had been struck just north of Simpson Avenue by the minivan heading north. No charges were filed against the driver, a 38-year-old woman from Ponce Inlet, police said.
DELAND -- Votran will not operate bus service Christmas Day, Friday, and New Year’s Day, also a Friday, in the Greater Daytona Beach Area, Southeast and West Volusia County areas.
Votran service will close two hours early Christmas Eve, Thursday.
Orlando Express and Connector routes also will not operate during the two holidays.
For further information, please call (386) 761-7700 in Daytona Beach, (386) 943-7033 in West Volusia or (386) 424-6800 in Southeast Volusia.
Courtesy photo/jail mug. John D. Yovaish, is charged with grand theft auto and other related charges that reslted in a fatal crash that killed another motorist. An investigation is ongoing and he could face even more serious charges in the Dec. 12 fatality.
DELAND -- A 19-year-old DeLand man could be facing greater charges than grand theft auto in the wake of a Dec. 12 crash that killed another motorist.
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Courtesy photo/Holly Hill police. Robert Tremaine Williams, 24, of Daytona Beach, collapsed and died Saturday while engaged in a training exercise for police recruits with the Holly Hill Police Department.
HOLLY HILL -- A 24-year-old Holly Hill police recruit who played college football died Saturday during a pre-employment physical-agility test, police there said.
DAYTONA BEACH -- Passenger traffic at Daytona Beach International Airport increased 12 percent in November 2009 compared with November 2008. The traffic increased from 29,300 to 32,853 passengers.
November’s traffic increase reflects the first month of passenger growth since June 2008, and may be an indicator of increased demand for commercial air transportation in the new year, according to airport officials.
Additionally, passenger loads were strong in November. Delta Air Lines filled 92 percent of available seats and US Airways filled 84 percent.
DELAND -- Volusia County’s 15 public libraries will close at 5 p.m. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and remain closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Patrons will be able to visit the library system online at www.volusialibrary.org during the holiday closings.
Courtesy photo/Jail mug. Issac Andrews was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his conviction to robbery with a firearm in the April 13 robbery of a Port Orange Subway, less than three years after being released from prison.
CASSADAGA -- The Volusia County Sheriff's Office is investigating an armed robbery that targeted four people from out of town who said they were sightseeing in Cassadaga.
While taking pictures near a historic sign, a car suddenly pulled over and two men and one woman got out and
confronted the visitors. The two men pointed guns at the victims and demanded their possessions. They then got back in their car and sped away. No shot were fired and no one was injured.
