Local News Now

Weekly Observer newspaper clueless on geography

Newspaper Section

Observer newspaper weather gaffHere is a graphic cutout of the weather map on the weekly Edgewater Observer's website. 

EDGEWATER -- The weekly Observer newspaper's operatives could learn a thing or two about geography. 

Their website's weather map showcases Des, Moines, Iowa. This has been the situation for several weeks.

Then again, the Observer's owners claims to be in New Smyrna Beach. The sad reality is a post office box doesn't cut it.

New Smyrna Beach Commissioner and Vice Mayor Jim Hathaway announces candidacy for Volusia County Council dist. 3 seat

Jim HathawayNEW SMYRNA BEACH – Longtime New Smyrna Beach Commissioner and Vice Mayor Jim Hathaway announced Tuesday his candidacy for the district 3 seat on the Volusia County Council seat held by incumbent Joie Alexander, who is not seeking re-election.

“I have spent the last 17 years of my life dedicated to common sense government, smart budgeting, and responsible growth in New Smyrna Beach,” Hathaway said. “After consulting with my family and deep consideration, I feel the time is right to bring my experience and knowledge to a broader citizenry."

Hathaway, 58, has been elected four times as a commissioner by the citizens of New Smyrna Beach, during which his peers on the commission have tabbed him as vice mayor five times. He has represented the City of New Smyrna Beach on various boards, councils, and committees through the Florida League of Cities including serving on the board of directors.

Hathaway is also the current vice president of the Volusia League of Cities and serves on its executive committee. He was formerly a trustee of the New Smyrna Beach Fire Pension Board.

Born and raised in New Smyrna Beach, Hathaway was a 1971 graduate of New Smyrna Beach High School

Movie Review: 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' no rehash Matthew Wall Mon, 08/15/2011 - 15:30
Key Words

Scene from Rise of the Planet of the ApesRise of the Planet of the Apes 3 ½ out of 5 Stars

Haven’t we all been wondering how those apes from Planet of the Apes came to take over the Earth? Well I've got good news my friends: After years of uncertainty, it looks as though Hollywood is finally ready to start answering our questions in the latest version, the aptly called "Rise of the Planet of the Apes."

Don't we have religious freedoms in this country?

Key Words

Have you been watching the program Sister Wives on TLC (Brighthouse channel 45)? It is an eye opening show which has introduced us to a polygamist family consisting of a man, his four wives and their 16 children. They did not have to do this show and out themselves.

Ex cop & wife rip Oak Hill Commissioner Ron Engele

Newspaper Section

Ron EngeleTheresa EberhartMJ Eberhart

OAK HILL -- Former Oak Hill cop M.J. Eberhart and his wife, Theresa, both pointed the accusing finger directly at City Commissioner Ron Engele at Monday's meeting for his role in the demise of the police force and that scenario is likely to be repeated again when the commissioners vote on a contract proposal from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.

There is such a thing as a free ride in New Smyrna Beach with 'NSBFree'

Jim Long

NSBNEWS.NET photos and videos by Henry Frederick / Jim Nelson, the city of New Smyrna Beach's tennis pro, moonlights as a driver for "NSBFree," which shuttles people for free all over the New Smyrna Beach beachside and even parts of the mainland near the North and South Causeway bridges such as Canal Street. The people in the vehicle are surfers from Barbados here for a surfing tournament Saturday near the South Jetty. NSBNews.net went along for a ride with Nelson and the surfing visitors.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- They say there's no such thing as a free ride, but residents and visitors alike in New Smyrna Beach beg to differ with "NSBFree."

Nearly $800,000 South Street project in New Smyrna Beach completed; ribbon cutting scheduled Wednesday

Newspaper Section

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Municipal and county officials will participate in a ribbon
cutting ceremony Wednesday, Aug. 24, to mark the official completion of the nearly $800,000 South
Orange Street Streetscape and Parking Lot Improvement project.

The ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. on S. Orange Street near its intersection with Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach.

Missing 81-year-old Lake Helen man found safe in Orange County

Courtesy photo / Donald Bennett, the 81-year-old Lake Helen man reported missing Tuesday by his family was found safe earlier in the day Thursday.

LAKE HELEN -- Donald Bennett, the 81-year-old man last seen pedaling his black trek mountain bike on Tuesday when he was reported missing by his family in Lake Helen, was found safe today in Orange County and reunited with loved ones, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said.

Donald Bennett left his house at 1210 Deer Run Court at about 1 p.m. Tuesday. His family was worried because he has Alzheimer's and takes medicine for the condition, but did not have any with him when he left. But when he failed to return home from his bike ride after an hour, the Sheriff's Office was called by family members. 

This story had a happy ending, though.

"A citizen saw him at a convenience store near the intersection of Piedmont Wekiwa Road and East Semoran Boulevard in Apopka," Sheriff's spokesman Brandon Haught said. "The citizen had seen his picture in the news, recognized him and reported his location to local law enforcement. A family member was notified and went to a police sub station in Apopka to pick Bennett up."

Volusia County Sheriff's Office searching for missing 81-year-old Lake Helen man who has Alzheimer's

Courtesy photo / If you see this man, Donald Bennett, reported missing by his family in Lake Hellen, please call 9-1-1 immediately as he has medical issues related to Alzheimer's.

LAKE HELEN -- The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating an 81-year-old man who rode away on a bicycle from his house near Lake Helen Tuesday evening and has failed to return home.

Donald Bennett left his house at 1210 Deer Run Court at about 1 p.m. He has Alzheimer's and takes medicine for the condition, but did not have any with him when he left.
His family reported him missing at 3:40 p.m. He regularly takes bike rides, but is usually only gone for about an hour.

Bennett is 5 feet 4 and 140 pounds, with white hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a cream colored baseball cap with a Castrol logo on it, a blue shirt, blue polyester pants and brown loafer shoes. He wears a medical bracelet.
Bennett was last seen pedaling on a black trek mountain bike.

Anyone who spots Bennett is asked to call 911 immediately.