Central Florida

OUR ENDORSEMENTS in New Smyrna Beach: Russ Owen for mayor; Peggy Belflower for zone 1 city commissioner

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- Russ Owen has pledged that if elected on Nov. 6, he will do everything possible to fight over-development as the new mayor of this tourism-driven city where preserving the charm appears to be more than just a slogan.

The key word is "over" as in excess development, and based on that campaign pledge Headline Surfer is endorsing Russ Owen for mayor over Lisa Martin. In the other contested race for zone 1 city commissioner, Headline Surfer is endorsing Peggy Belflower over Michael Kolody.

Obit: Lois 'Dolly' Krohn of New Smyrna Beach

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla -- Funeral service for Lois "Dolly" Krohn, age 81 of New Smyrna Beach, who died Thursday at Bert Fish Medical Center, will be 11:00 Monday, July 5, 2010 at Settle-Wilder Chapel, New Smyrna Beach, with The Reverend Luke McKinney, First Baptist Church, New Smyrna Beach, officiating.

Autopsy finding: Montreal tourist's drowning accidental

DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla -- A 73-year-old Montreal tourist's drowning death Wednesday was ruled accidental after an autopsy was performed a Volusia County spokesman said. Raymond Gravel drowned in the ocean near the Perry's Ocean Edge Resort. His body was pulled to shore after he was seen floating face down in the surf just after 11 a.m., said Volusia County Beach Patrol Capt. Scott Petersohn, the agency's spokesman.

NSB citizens group declares victory with city lease opinion; takes aim at election incumbents

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla – Concerned Citizens of New Smyrna Beach announced today that it had achieved the first victory in a recently launched effort to reform its local government by virtue of a legal opinion that puts in doubt a longstanding "sweetheart" lease between the city and the Angler's Club for exclusive use of 43 boat slips .