Volusia News Now

Headline Surfer file photo / Doug Gibson, shown seated in this photo from last Aug. 1, when he led the vote to disband the city's scandal-ridden police force under Chief Diane Young, is now running for mayor against Linda Hyatt, vice mayor and commissioner, who was opposed to the police being shut down in favor of patrols by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. Both have since said they are pleased with change.

 OAK HILL -- Saying he wanted to ensure the citizens of Oak Hill get to decide who the next mayor is, Commissioner Doug Gibson filed paperwork today to run for the top elected post. Vice Mayor Linda C. Hyatt did the very same thing earlier this month.

Latisha Anne Vester, 33, of Daytona Beach, an employee of Metra Electronics in Holly Hill, is being held without bail at the Volusia County Branch Jail on  a felony charge of falsely reporting a bomb threat where she works.

HOLLY HILL -- An employee of Metra Electronics told investigators she called in a bomb threat that forced the evacuation of 300 co-workers there earlier today because she "needed a break."

The bomb threat was called in prior to the day shift and left with the human resources department, which in turn notified police and 300 people were evacuated at 9 a.m., including the caller, identified by police as 33-year-old Latisha Anne Vester, who works in Metra Electronics' paint department.

Police Chief Mark Barker said Vester admitted making the call, saying she "needed a break" from work.

"As far as her explanation -- nothing, and I mean nothing -- surprises me anymore," the Holly Hill police chief told Headline Surfer.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Here is the weather forecast for greater New Smyrna Beach: There's a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms today with a high of 91 under prtyly cloudy skies and a heat index of 104.  Tonight will have a low of 68 with a 28 percent chance of rain with winds West Southwest at 5-10 mph.

The weather Thursday calls for mostly cloudy skies with a high of 88 and a heat index of 93 with winds from the West at 5 to 10 mph shifting to the North in the afternoon. The chance of rain is 30% with rainfall amounts near 0.2 inches possible. Thursday Night will see mostly cloudy skies with a 20 percent chance of rain and a low of 68, with winds less than 5 mph. 

Photos for Headline Surfer by Jeanette DiCara / Veterans and citizens pray during Memorial Day services at the Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery.

EDGEWATER -- The air was hot and breezy and the expected rain held off as a tent filled with 100 or so patriotic people enjoyed the Memorial Day ceremony at the Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery ceremony on U.S. 1 with American Legion Post 285 Cmdr. Wallace Ferreira serving as the master of ceremonies.

OAK HILL -- The message I have today is short and sweet and to the point: Let's hope everyone here in Oak Hill and throughout Volusia County will take a moment or two this Memorial Day to remember and give thanks for those who sacrificed their lives so that we live in a free country where we can worship, speak and behave as a free society.

New Smyrna Beach City Commissioner and Volusia County candidate Jim Hathaway and City Manager Pam Brangaccio were among notable public figures absent from the Memorial Day ceremony at Riverside Park that drew several hundred people.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Mayor Adam Barringer was in attendance at the Memorial Day service put on by the VFW, as was City Commissioners Jack Grasty and Judy Reiker. So too was Fire Chief Dave McCallister and Assistant City Manager Khalid Resheidat.

Among the no-shows were City Commissioner and Volusia County candidate Jim Hathaway, City Manager Pam Brangaccio, City Commissioner Lynne Plaskett and Police Chief Ron Pagano. Also not in attendance were Hathaway's heir apparent on the city commission in Jason McGuirk and Steve Casserly, who is seeking the seat held by Plaskett who has not said whether she's running again.

Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember all who fought and gave their lives for to Keep America free: From the day the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock to George Washington crossing the Delaware to attack the British fighting for our independence and all of the wars that followed.

To remember all the men and women who have served to keep America free and preserving our way of life: From the Alamo, to the Civil War, to World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan.

By State Rep. DOROTHY L. HUKILL

Hukill's House, exclusive blog for Headline Surfer

PORT ORANGE -- In our busy lives, it can be difficult for us to step back and take stock of what’s really important. Our day-to-day concerns often override what truly matters. Despite these obstacles, I hope you’ll join me this Memorial Day in thinking of our nation’s many heroes and honoring their sacrifices.

My father, who earned a Purple Heart as an infantryman in Europe during World War II, was fortunate to safely return home to tend to his injuries.

But in that war, and in others throughout our nation’s history, many brave Americans made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. That is why we have set aside a day of public remembrance in their honor.

Memorial Day was originally celebrated after the Civil War to recognize union soldiers who had been killed in action, but it rightfully now recognizes all Americans who have died while wearing the uniform of our nation’s armed services.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Headline Surfer has been looking for a cover girl to blend into our masthead and we found her: Meet Marina Canova, 19, of Gainesville.

She was taking in the waves on this stormy Sunday afternoon when we caught up with her on New Smyrna Beach.