NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The Observer newspaper returned today under new ownership as a free weekly publication. News-Journal Corp., meanwhile continues to cut back its workforce as its ownership prepares for a possible sale later in the year.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- A gunman robbed the Spits of 44 liquor store in the K-Mart plaza Sunday night, police Sgt. spokesman Michael Brouillette reported.
The man grabbed the clerk and pointed a gun at him just after 9 p.m. while ordering him to open the register, which he did before fleing with an undisclosed amount of money, Brouillette said.
The robber was described as black, in his early 20s. His face was covered by a blue bandana and he had a black beanie on his head.
Anyone with information is asked to call New Smyrna Beach police at (386) 424-2000.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Police Cmdr. William Drossman urged some 300 people gathered at a service earlier tonight at VFW Post 4250 to commemorate the seventh anniversary of 9/11 to not lose sight of America's purpose as the leader of the free world.
"I fear the nation has forgotten the freedom we're fighting for," said the 53-year-old, who attended the U.S. Naval Academy and as a Marine was a liasion advisor in a country bordering Vietnam in 1973.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- For the third time in two days, Florida satellite offices of Congressman Tom Feeney have been targeted by mailings containing flour that staffers feared might have been the deadly anthrax -- the first Monday to to his Port Orange office and two others earlier today at his office in Orlando and in Titusville.
"Obviously, it was sent to his office(s) to be disruptive," said Ed Moffitt, a spokesman for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Orlando. "The individual may have a contrary point with whatever the representative's office is doing."
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Kerri Harris was pleased her 8-year-old daughter could see first hand the benefits of living in a world where recycling and conserving resources can make for a better world.
"I think it was awesome," the New Smyrna Beach mom said of the two-day "green Fair" at Riverside Park that concluded Sunday. "The only complaint I have is there could have been more advertising because there aren't a lot of people here."
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- When No. 5 Florida hosts the unranked Miami Hurricanes 8 p.m. Saturday in the Swamp, Harvin Clark will be rooting for his beloved Gators. Clark will always be a hero to New Smyrna Beach fans, especially if they are also Gator fans.
However, his role as arch villain to Miami fans nearly four decades ago will never die.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Who wants to strike it rich? Who wants to enjoy great food and drinks and dance the night away with the chance to win thousands of dollars?
This is your chance to become a thousandaire and support the many local diverse needy children's programs funded by the Southeast Volusia chapter of Kiwanis through its largest fundraiser, "Strike It Rich."
The 2008 Kiwanis Club "Strike It Rich" Fundraiser is 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Brannon Center. Tickets cost $125, which admit two people. There is a limit of 400 tickets sold.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- So what is a working gal supposed to do on Labor Day? Well, work silly.
Just ask Marion Free, dining room manager at Ruthy's restaurant.
"It's just like every other day," said Free, one of two waitresses serving the customers at the bustling restaurant on West Canal Street. "I'm just not going fishing like everyone else."
Grace Ann Fritchie, 63, of New Smyrna Beach, died Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008. She was a retired flight attendant for Delta Airlines.
