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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.

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EDGEWATER -- In 2003, Edgewater Fire-Rescue, in conjunction with Edgewater Fire-Rescue Association, began to expand the Operation Caring program, said Jill Danigel, Edgewater Fire-Rescue captain and spokeswoman.

For many years, both organizations had been active in providing food and toys to children and families during the holiday season through the Operation Santa program.

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Video by Multimedia Editor Sera Frederick. The Run for the Fallen 5K walk/run in New Smyrna Beach will be held at 10 this morning from Riverside Park and across the South Causeway to the North Causeway and back to the park. The effort is led by Danielle Oldham, shown at left, who also organized the last run two years ago. Check out our exclusive video coverage from that last run.

Here is a description of event,  dedicated to our fallen soldiers from the "Iraqi Freedom War."  as written by Oldham on her Facebook page:

• Every mile that is walked or ran is in rememberance of the brave men and woman who have served our country with courage and pride.
• The run will start out with a 21-Gun Salute, TAPS, The National Anthem, and a prayer.
• Each individual is encouraged to walk or run the South Causeway Bridge, down Peninsula Avenue, over North Causeway Bridge and to meet back at Riverside Park for food and refreshments.
• Donations are not required, but are certainly accepted for the "Wounded Warrior Project." Hope to see our community come together to support this event.

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

Photo by Dale Smith

The United Church of Christ, 203 Washington St., New Smyrna Beach, is making preparations for the opening of the Community Farmers Market on the church grounds.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The New Smyrna Beach Farmers Market will have new competition Saturday morning, and each Saturday morning thereafter, when the United Church of Christ begins its own Community Farmers Market on the church grounds.

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EDGEWATER -- Sea Pines Memorial Gardens will host a Veterans Day Celebration beginning at 11
a.m on today, 3001 S. Ridgewood Ave. The public is invited for the military presentations including speakers, music, laying of wreaths, followed by a hot dog cook out. The event will be broadcast live on WSBB radio.

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NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Bert Fish Medical Center's merger with Adventist Health System came full circle tonight with a 6-1 vote to seal the deal that was first made in July before a lawsuit prompted a "do over" of the process with several suitors.

The biggest change in the new agreement is a 35-year lease as opposed to five years before possibly buying the hospital outright.

And that was music to Bert Fish board member Jackie Hersheck's ears.