Volusia News Now

NSBNEWS.net and VolusiaNews.net provide 24/7 online-media coverage for a 21st-century world

Cindy Jones, left, and Deborah Peterson are co-chairwomen of the second annual for New Smyrna Beach "Christmas on Canal," which continues Wednesday with "Girls Night Out." The two are merchants on Canal Street.

Editor's note: The following story was submitted by contributing writer Dale Smith:

NEW SMYRNA BEACH – It’s "Girls Night Out" on Wednesday as Christmas on Canal continues to celebrate the start of the holiday season.

NSBNEWS.net and VolusiaNews.net provide 24/7 online-media coverage for a 21st-century world

Photos and videos by Sera Frederick. Mayor Adam Barringer welcomed several hundred people to the second annual "Christmas on Canal" on Friday evening with the lighting of the NSB Christmas Tree. Among the local dignitaries he recognized were Canal Street merchants Debbie Peterson and Cindy Jones, who spearheaded the event to encourage shoppers to consider historic Canal Street for bargains.

Editor's note: The following story was submitted by contributing writer Dale Smith:

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The rain stropped just in time Friday night as Santa Claus prepared to flick the switch lighting the Christmas tree on Canal Street kicking off the holiday season.

NSBNEWS.net and VolusiaNews.net provide 24/7 online-media coverage for a 21st-century world

Photos by Dale Smith.

A Living Nativity scene on Canal Street Friday night brought into focus the true mean of the holiday season.  Participants were from St. Paul’s Catholic Church in New Smyrna Beach. In the inset photo, Tiona Stone, 4, of New Smyrna Beach, reacts to the chugging of the kiddie train she boarded that just took off on Canal Street Saturday morning. Tiona is the daughter of Brandon and Lacey Stone. The family enjoyed the sights and sounds of Coastal Market on Canal, including seeing Santa Claus. "Christmas on Canal" was a veritable wonderland for countless families looking for bargains at the start of the holiday shopping season.

Editor's note: The following story was submitted by contributing writer Dale Smith:

NEW SMYRNA BEACH – Festive holiday carols echoed up and down Canal Street Friday night as merchants kicked off Christmas on Canal with a gala Christmas tree lighting ceremony and holiday cheer. And the holiday cheer continued well into Saturday with kiddie rides and other festive activities designed to make "Christmas on Canal" a positive shopping experience for families.

NSBNEWS.net and VolusiaNews.net provide 24/7 online-media coverage for a 21st-century world

Photos by Dale Smith.

Wal-Mart at the NSB Regional Shopping Center on State Road 44 wasn't the only happening place in New Smyrna Beach for Black Friday holiday shoppers. Canal Street and Flagler Avenue merchants showcased bargains too. Bright lights and a window of a Christmas wonderland at the Pink Flamingo at Petals, 201 Canal Street, beckoned shoppers Friday night. 

Editor's note: The following story was submitted by contributing writer Dale Smith:

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Merchants on Canal Street saw a busy day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, having hoped for a better-than-usual influx of shoppers from a year ago when the economy was bottoming out.

NSBNEWS.net and VolusiaNews.net provide 24/7 online-media coverage for a 21st-century world

Photos by Henry Frederick and Sera Frederick.

Denise Marie, proprietor of Dapper Dan's hair salon in New Smyrna Beach held a haircut a-thon fundraiser several weeks back for breast cancer research in honor of her mother, Margaret Varanoa, now 80 and a 22-year survivor. In the inset photo, Jim Walsh of the UPS Store does his part: Not only fdid he get a haircut, but he printed all of the event flyers for free. At left, the "sexy" mannequin outside Dapper Dan's, 633 N. Dixie Freeway, turned heads and even brought in a few for a trim. Below, stylist Roxanne Wessler cuts a little boy's hair.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Today is a day where Denise Marie leaves her scissors behind at her and instead stands on her feet preparing the family Thanksgiving meal.

There is no rest for the weary when it comes to this small business owner who stands on her feet all day to earn an honest day's work. Several weeks back, Sunday, Oct. 24, to be precise when the salon is normally closed, Marie worked for free to support a cause. And she enlisted others to help her, too.

The cause? Marie, along with four other stylists from shops near and far donated 100% of the price of haircuts to the Susan Komen Breast cancer Research Foundation. Together they generated several hundred dollars, including the sale of pink ribbons and T-shirts emblazoned with "Save the Ta Tas."

NSBNEWS.net and VolusiaNews.net provide 24/7 online-media coverage for a 21st-century world

SOUTH DAYTONA -- An elderly woman escaped flames that fully engulfed her home mid-day Monday, city officials said.

NSBNEWS.net and VolusiaNews.net provide 24/7 online-media coverage for a 21st-century world

Courtesy photo

Flare Elliott, a Canal Street merchant and one of the leaders of the Friends of Historic Canal Street, is excited that the FEC has a train passing through New Smyrna Beach next month to deliver toys for tots.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Who needs a sleigh when there's a train? The Florida East Coast "Toys For Tots" Train will stop in New Smyrna Beach on Dec. 11 at Myrtle Avenue and the tracks.

NSBNEWS.net and VolusiaNews.net provide 24/7 online-media coverage for a 21st-century world

Editor's Note: This story was reported and written by contributing writer Dale Smith

Photo by Dale Smith.

Deposed Daytona State College President Kent Sharples gives the thumbs up Thursday after a separation-retirement agreement is announced by board Chairman John Tanner, shown here at left.

DAYTONA BEACH -- Two major events in an otherwise stellar career as president of Daytona State College, proved to be the undoing Thursday of Kent Sharples.

NSBNEWS.net and VolusiaNews.net provide 24/7 online-media coverage for a 21st-century world

DEBARY -- A precautionary boil-water notice was lifted today for 33 homes on Jasmine and Bougainvillea drives and Lupine and Larkspur lanes.

The boil-water notice had been issued Monday after county crews discovered a break in a three-inch water main. The main has been repaired.

NSBNEWS.net and VolusiaNews.net provide 24/7 online-media coverage for a 21st-century world

ORANGE CITY -- It’s time to get in the swing of things with Volusia County’s adult winter softball league. Games will be played at Pfc. Emory L. Bennett Veterans Memorial Park, beginning Dec. 13.

The fee for this league, which consists of 10 - 12 games, is $425. Coed teams will play Monday nights, and men’s teams will play Tuesday and Thursday nights. The league will follow ISA rules with various modifications.