Volusia News Now

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ORLANDO, Fla.-- The NBA's Orlando Magic have promoted Charles Freeman, who is entering his 20th season with the team, to chief operating officer, CEO Alex Martins announced today.

Martins also announced the promotion of Michael Forde to executive vice president of sales and Anthony Perez to executive vice president of strategy. Freeman's responsibilities include management and oversight of ticket sales, services and operations; premium sales, client services, corporate partnerships, marketing, arena operations and retail. Freeman was previously promoted to chief revenue officer in July 2012. 

PORT ORANGE, Fla. -- The honking cars and cheers were like symphony music to the ears Maredy Hanford and nearly two dozen other parishioners from Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Port Orange at the intersection of Ridgewood and Dunlawton avenues.

They were there from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday protesting gay marriage.

PALM COAST, Fla. -- Emmanuel’s Closet is pleased to announce it will be hosting the inaugural Flagler Fashion Show 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, at the Italian American Social Club at Palm Coast at 45 Old Kings Rd N, in Palm Coast. The local mission provides free clothing to Flagler children and families in need.

The fundraising event includes dinner, dessert, raffles, a silent auction, dancing, photos and other activities. The models in the fashion show will be wearing clothes that have been donated to Emmanuel’s closet. Dinner tickets are $50 and all proceeds benefit the mission shop.

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Daytona State College has been named the newest member of the Washington, D.C.-based Manufacturing Institute’s M-List, which recognizes schools providing manufacturing training that meets industry standards.

“We’re honored to be recognized by the Manufacturing Institute with its renowned advocacy for manufacturing in the U.S.,” Tom LoBasso, president of Daytona State said. “This reaffirms our long-standing record of quality and service to the community with our responsive workforce career programs.”

Mary Bruno, associate vice president of continuing and workforce education, added, “M-list membership signifies DSC’s commitment to closing the skills gap and helping to grow our region’s manufacturing sector to its fullest potential as a jobs creator and economic driver.”

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DELAND, Fla. -- A DeLand-area house fire in late November left a married couple out shopping at the time homeless and the smoke inside killed their four Persian cats.

 

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ORLANDO, Fla. - An Orlando man was re-appointed to the Florida Barbers' Board by Gov. Rick Scott, among 112 appointments Friday following the state Senate's failure to confirm them when it abruptly adjourned during the regular legislative session last month.

Among the governor's appointments is that of Lionel Rodriguez, 79, of Orlando, the owner and manager of Lionel's Hair Systems. He was re-appointed for a new term that ends on Oct. 31, 2018.

Among the governor's appointments is that of Lionel Rodriguez, 79, of Orlando, shown here at left, twho is the owner and manager of Lionel's Hair Systems.

Rodriguez was re-appointed for a new term that ends on Oct. 31, 2018.

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DELAND, Fla. -- There's nothing worse for a child than Christmas without a present. Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson and his deputies won't let a single child go without a toy of some kind for the holidays anywhere in this county of half a million residents when made aware of such despair.

As with 3 of 4 recent drownings, nearby lifeguard tower was unmanned 

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DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. -- An 11-year-old boy visiting from Georgia was struck by lightning Tuesday afternoon while fishing in knee-deep water with his father in Daytona Beach Shores and rendered unconscious. Thankfully however, a nearby surfing instructor came to his rescue and administered CPR.