Local News Now

The State Attorney's Office released its video and audio evidence against embattled Mainland High School football coach John Maronto to the media after NSBNEWS.net and other news organizations sought the digital evidence under Florida's freedom of information statutes. Maronto, 68, of Daytona Beach Shores, was arrested by Daytona Beach police two weekends ago during an undercover prostitution sting on the beachside. Maronto, the winningest football coach in Volusia County, held that position for New Smyrna Beach High in the mid 1990s. He's been allowed to continue coaching and teaching a gym class by Volusia County School District Superintendent Margaret Smith despite the misdemeanor arrest that has drawn widespread media coverage. After the 2 p.m. release of the electronic evidence, school district spokeswoman Nancy Wait said school officials were waiting for release of the video as well and would reassess the stuation.

DAYTONA BEACH -- In a frainy DVD video and accompanying audio, embattled Mainland High School football coach John Maronto is heard telling an undercover female cop he believes is a prostitute that he's "married," though it's his night out and he's looking for "sex" and willing to pay "fifty" for it, even asking the woman to get in his car.

Video and photo by Sera Frederick.

Spirits were lifted by the taste of fine wines during Saturday's Wine Tasting event on Flagler Avenue, including Clancy's Cantina where Kathleen Hughes, at left, was having a good time. The wine tasting was just as popular at the That's Amore restaurant on nearby Pine Street. At these eateries and several other participating establishments, patrons  bought wine glasses at nominal prices and various ticket amounts for refills.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Kathleen Hughes knows a good wine when she sees it, but the true test is in the taste.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla.  -- A 21-year-old man shot twice Sunday night was uncooperative with detectives as he was being treated for non-life threatening wounds at Bert Fish Medical Center, police said.

Video by Multimedia Editor Sera Frederick. The New Smyrna Beach Cudas marching band looked sharper than ever Friday at the NSB sports complex and with good reason, thanks to shiny new uniforms.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Strike up the band. The 55-member Cudas marching band looked and sounded real sharp Friday night, especially at halftime of the football game, with 12 color guards led by senior drum major Kaitlin Hearn.

Video by Multimedia Editor Sera Frederick

New Smyrna Beach lost its first game of the season in its home opener Friday, 21-12 to Deltona to fall to 2-1 on the season with Cudas head coach Lance Jenkins saying his team was outcoached.

Photo by Sera Frederick

The Deltona Wolves were strong in the trenches, easily getting to the 'Cudas backfield on several key plays that led to scoring on turnovers.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The Cudas scored on the opening kickoff of the game with running Raheem Mostert sprinting 94 yards to put the Cudas up 6-0. But it was the power runs of Deltona fullback Josh Dagley who ran in three touchdowns and a stellar defense by the visiting team en route to a 21-12 loss at the NSB Sports Complex before a packed house.

EDGEWATER -- Beginning Monday, Edgewater Fire-Rescue will be offering flu shots at both fire stations (Station 55 – 1605 South Ridgewood Ave. and Station 57 – 2628 Hibiscus Drive).

Department paramedics will be administering the shots 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday from Department personnel will remain subject to emergency calls during these times so there may a delay when there is not a paramedic available to administer the flu shots.

EDGEWATER -- The Southeast Volusia Chamber on Sept. 21 will hold its newest business development seminar: "Beyond Winning-Success on Your Terms"

The 8:30-10:30 a.m. seminar is presented by Ned Harper, director of the Small Business Development Center of Daytona State College. It will be held in the Edgewater City Commission chambers of City Hall, 102 N. Rivereside Drive.

'One of the longest days of my life'

Driving to the city on that day was pretty normal until I heard on the radio that a plane had wrecked into the World Trade Center. That was 8:45 a.m. and I didn't believe it and also the guy on the radio also didn't. As I drove the 75 miles to my destination by JFK Airport, I clinged to hear every word coming over the radio and just kept driving, which eventually I should have turned around, but I just went on my way.

Today, in remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach (FL-24), issued the following statement:

"As we remember the tragic events that took place nine years ago today, my thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of 9/11 and their families, our first responders and rescue workers, and to our brave men and women in uniform.

NSBNEWS.net video by Sera Frederick. Ralph and Beverly Plant invited NSBNEWS.net into their New Smyrna Beach home on the eve of the ninth anniversary of 9/11. Ralph, 78, and Beverly, 79, who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in March, were in New York City during the 9/11 attacks. This is their story.