Volusia News Now

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Videos by Multimedia Editor Sera Frederick. Check out our exclusive video coverage of Saturday's Run for the Fallen 5k walk/run in New Smyrna Beach and our tribute photo video to Buddy Richardson, who died Monday at the age of 81, who was a key part of the initial run two years ago.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Danielle Oldham was relishing in the success of her weekend "Run for the Fallen" 5k walk/run when she learned of Monday's passing of a veteran who had been a key part of her initial campaign two years ago: "R.I.P. Buddy Richardson. You were a great man to our community and a brave man for serving our country. You will be missed."

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NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- A 25-year-old pedestrian was struck and killed Wednesday night on State Road 44 by a motorist in a Honda, New Smyrna Beach police said.

Rafael E. Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene of the 8:15 p.m. accident in the 2100 block of S.R. 44, police said.

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Editor's Note: Dale Smith contributed to this story.

Courtesy photo / VCBJ.

Donald Woulard, a 24-time convicted felon, was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison for kidnapping and sexual battery of a woman during a burglary of her home. Please click on the attachment to read further details of the crime.

DAYTONA BEACH -- A career criminal was sentenced today to life in prison with no hope for parole for rape and aggravated battery of a 26-year-old woman 13 months ago during a burglary.

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

Photos by Dale Smith

Concrete culverts as shown here are stacked and ready to be dropped into the ocean as part of Volusia County's artificial reef program, now in its 30th year. Sunken ships, concrete poles and slabs are also used to create a natural marine habitat some 5-15 miles out to sea off the coastline from as far north as Ormond-by-the-Sea and as far south as Canaveral National Seashore. These culverts are stacked in the Utilities Commission yard on Swoopes Drive in New Smyrna Beach.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH – Numerous ship wrecks dot the ocean floor from Ormond-By-The-Sea to the Canaveral National Seashore. But these ships didn’t fall victim to Florida hurricanes. Beginning in 1980, ships destined for the scrap metal yard were strategically placed there by Volusia County in an attempt to create artificial reefs.

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

Photos by Dale Smith

Sue Ross and Bob Mitchell of New Smyrna Beach pick up fresh lettuce and tomatoes from Logan Laurino, of Laurino Produce of Samsula, at the United Church of Christ's farmer's market, which had its debut on Saturday.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The debut of the United Church of Christ Community Farmers Market brought smiles to Sharon Sturms on Saturday morning.

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

Photos by Dale Smith

In far left photo, Allen Chapel AME Church Pastor, Lorenzo Laws, right, chats with Ronnie Rogers, a freelance musician who provided his talents at the church's weekend fall festival. "He's the best bass player at Allen AME," Laws said of his church member. In the nearer photo, the moon bounce was a popular spot for children to burn off energy during the festival.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The smell of barbecue foods hung in the air in the 500 block of Mary Avenue this weekend as the Allen Chapel AME Church hosted its three-day outdoor fall festival fundraiser.

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NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- After snapping a photo of the seven unused cigarettes swirling down the toilet, Southeast Volusia County resident Deborah Keyser smiled to herself and went to bed a quitter.

Ending a lifelong smoking habit was not as instantaneous as flushing a toilet, but was a hard-fought battle Keyser won with the help of a free smoking cessation program at Bert Fish Medical Center. After years of nagging from her family, repeated advice from her doctor, and even personal concerns about the rising cost of cigarettes, Keyser decided to confront her smoking addiction.

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

Photos by Dale Smith

Edgewater Fire Chief stands next to a fire truck that barely fits in the bay of Station 55 on Ridgewood Avenue. A vote Monday by the City Council paves the way for a modern station.

EDGEWATER -- After learning there would be no extension for a federal grant to build a new fire station, the Edgewater City Council on Monday night gave the go-ahead to spend just over $2 million to tear down existing Station 55 on Ridgewood Avenue and replace it with a 21st century 6,000-square-foot facility.

DEBARY -- A precautionary boil-water notice is in effect for 33 homes on Jasmine and Bougainvillea drives and Lupine and Larkspur lanes in DeBary.

Utilities crews shut off water today to make repairs on a three-inch water main break. Residents are advised to bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute before using it for drinking, cooking or ice-making. It is not necessary to boil water for showering or other external uses.