NSBNEWS.net photos by Henry Frederick. The nearly $9,000 artificial Christmas tree on the eastern-most end of Canal Street lost some of its lighting as shown in these photos taken just after 8 p.m. Friday. The tree was lit just a week ago with Mayor Adam Barringer leading the minus-10 countdown before 200 people. The photo on the far left taken from the north side shows the bottom half is unlit. In the other two photos taken from the south side, the lower middle is unlit.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Well, the rain might be blamed for New Smyrna Beach's nearly $9,000 artificial Christmas tree partially malfunctioning Friday night. The tree was supposed to be sturdy and durable to handle the outdoor elements, at least that is what city officials touted in justifying the expense.
INSTA POLL RESULTS: Speaking of the tree, NSBNEWS.net's Instapoll question on it during the past three weeks drew more responses than any previous topic. We asked: What is your view on the CRA's purchase of a nearly $9,000 fake X-mas tree for Canal Street? Great, it will spur economic development for the merchants: 8% It's a waste of taxpayer money, especially in a recession: 92% Total votes: 543.