No quit in Daytona Beach-area County Councilwoman Billie Egger Wheeler - work, work, work during Speedweeks

Billie Whheler, Lisa Lewis & Heather Post / Headline SurferVideo for Headline Surfer / Billie Wheeler shot this brief video of the Daytona Beach Half Marathon on Feb. 5, which drew several thousand runners to Daytona International Speedway fror Speedweeks, which culminates with Sunday's 59th running of the 'Great American Race' known as the Daytona 500. Shown with Wheeler are Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis and District 4 County Councilwoman Heather Post.
 
By HENRY FREDERICK
Headline Surfer

Party Lines Political Notebook / Headline SurferDAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. -- It was just a couple of weeks ago that Billie Egger Wheeler was at Daytona International Speedway with several of her elected colleagues, waving the green flag for the Half Marathon. 

Even as she was fighting bronchitis, she didn't sleep in.

And it wasn't that long ago -- three months in the rear mirror -- that she was in the middle of a hotly-contested election, which she won, handily over Willie J. Kimmons of Daytona Beach for the district 2 seat on the council representing greater Daytona Beach. 

One would think she'd pace herself. But not Wheeler, who campaigned vigorously, barely allowing herself time to grieve when she lost her loving husband, Jim, seeing through with a heavy campaign schedule, saying that's what he would have wanted her to do.

Wheeler didn't hesitate when Headline Surfer told her it was scheduling public debates for three county council seats in advance of the general election. Her opponent was a no-show. She got the internet news outlet's endorsement -- not merely because she showed up, but her issues-oriented platform that prioritized dealing with homelssnes and jobs creation and she easily win on Nov. 8,  replacing attorney and surfer Joshua Wagner, who was barred by terms limits from seeking a third four-year term.

Wheeler, 68, a former councilwoman in Daytona Beach Shores is all about work, work, work. 

Here is what she wrote on her Facebook page an hour ago on this Tuesday evening: "Well today was another full day. Started with Team Volusia, worked on 67 emails 8 phone calls, study agenda for TPO (transportation Planning) for meeting at 9:00 in morning, meeting with FAITH and Daytona Mayor, then I spoke at the Seabreeze community meeting.

"Wheeler continued, "Then I went to son Jason's house to visit grandchildren (6 1/2 of his precious ones ) to deliver a dinosaur book and now finally home. Done! Oops did I say I forgot to eat. I think a glass of wine will do tonight. I love my job."

Here is what she wrote on her Facebook page an hour ago on this Tuesday evening: "Well today was another full day. Started with Team Volusia, worked on 67 emails 8 phone calls, study agenda for TPO (transportation Planning) for meeting at 9:00 in morning, meeting with FAITH and Daytona Mayor, then I spoke at the Seabreeze community meeting.

"Wheeler continued, "Then I went to son Jason's house to visit grandchildren (6 1/2 of his precious ones ) to deliver a dinosaur book and now finally home. Done! Oops did I say I forgot to eat. I think a glass of wine will do tonight. I love my job."

Former Orange City Mayor Tom Laputka who ran for county chair in the 2016 elections, commented: "Bless you dear Lady!"

Chris Gent, chairman at Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce, added, "The voters of Volusia County made an excellent choice in electing you!"

Daytona Beach Road Race / Headline SurferVintage Indian motorcycle / Headline SurferVintage Norton motorcycle / Headline SurferVolusia County Councilwoman Billie Egger Wheeler waves the checkered flag at racing events featuring some vintage cars and bikes at the North Turn Legends event in Ponce Inlet on Saturday. And check out these vintage motorcycles - an Indian and a Norton. Bike Week follows March 10-19.

There's just no quit in Wheeler, who three days ago, was actively involved in racing festivities at the Famous Historic North Turn Legends event of racing on the beach in Ponce Inlet.

"I got to wave the checkered flag at North Turn for the winner of the nearly 50 entrants of historic cars," Wheeler said. "So much fun. So much history...  If you haven't seen this before, put it on your calendar for next year. It is a must see."

And so goes Billie Egger Wheeler, who only knows one speed like the automatic transmission in her car - drive! But no cruise control.This week it's all about cheerleading for tourism with Speedweeks, by far the biggest special event of the year, followed by Bike Week.

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