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Promotional grants available for LOOP events
Businesses and organizations planning events in the NSB Waterfront LOOP may benefit from a grant program established by the New Smyrna Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The “Grants and Aids Program” offers funds for marketing events that generate positive regional publicity for the NSB Waterfront LOOP.
Grant-eligible events must be held within the CRA district October 1, 2012-September 30, 2013.
Funds are limited and will be allocated on a first-come basis and on the merit of each event.
The deadline to submit an application is Friday, June 1, 2012.
For additional information on eligibility and funding requirements, please visit the CRA webpage at www.cityofnsb.com. Click on Departments, Community Redevelopment, and Grant Programs. Interested applicants also may call 386.424.2265 or email rrichards@cityofnsb.com.
Infill Housing Workshop April 30
Next steps to increase downtown residents topic of second
Infill Housing Workshop April 30, New Smyrna Beach
When the City of New Smyrna Beach hosts its second Infill Housing workshop Monday, April 30, participants will be asked to weigh in on the best way to increase the downtown residential population within the Canal Street Historic District.
“The purpose of the workshop is to gather information for use in the development of incentive programs and code amendments to encourage infill residential development in the City’s traditional downtown area,” said Gail Henrikson, City planning manager.
The workshop will be held at 6 p.m., at the Brannon Center, 105 S. Riverside Dr., New Smyrna Beach. Residents, developers and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend.
Discussion topics include density limits, residential parcel locations, boundaries, and design requirements.
Two or more members of the New Smyrna Beach City Commission, Planning and Zoning Board and/or Community Redevelopment agency may attend.
For more information, please call the CRA office at 386.424.2265.
News release for local/Volusia County
NEW SMYRNA BEACH— If you’re not sure your boat will pass an official safety inspection, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary can help you find out and avoid a ticket.
Flotilla 48 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is teaming up with two local marine businesses to promote free boating safety equipment checks Saturday, March 10 at the city’s public boat ramps. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day, several Auxiliary members will set up a voluntary vessel examination station on the west side of the municipal boat launching ramps on the North Causeway, said Harry Munns, Past Commander of Flotilla 48.
“We check the registration and registration numbers, required number of life jackets (one for every person on the boat). We check fire extinguishers to make sure the boat has an extinguisher that hasn’t expired,” Munns said. “We also check for flares to make sure they are current, and look over the engine and fuel lines and tanks to make sure they’re safe. If they pass, they get a decal.”
North Causeway Marine, 4 N. Causeway, and South of the Mouth Café, Volusia County’s only floating concession stand, are working with the Auxiliary to enhance the boater safety event.
“There’s no report made; it’s not a law enforcement activity at all,” Munns stressed. “If they fail the inspection we simply tell them what they need to do to correct the deficiency and if they come back with that fixed we’ll re-examine the boat and give them their decal. North Causeway Marine is offering a 15 percent discount on all boat safety equipment during our vessel examinations, so if they fail they can just go down the street to get the required equipment.”
South of the Mouth Café marks its 20th anniversary this year as a local business serving boaters, a career that has made Athearn keenly aware of the need to educate the public about safety on the water.
“There are just too many people who ask me, ‘Which way to the inlet?’ and ‘What are the red and green signs on those posts?’ (channel markers in the Intracoastal Waterway),” Athearn said. “It’s smarter and safer for everyone in a boat if you take the time to do the course and have your boat inspected and ready for the summer boating season.” If law enforcement agencies stop a boat and find something wrong during an inspection, Athearn pointed out the boater can receive an $88 ticket for each required item that’s missing.
Munns said the focus of the boating safety checks is to remind boaters of what they must have aboard for an official inspection on the water. As a side benefit, boaters who opt for the free safety checks also can sign up for the Auxiliary’s March safe boater course at the discounted rate of $10. The class will be offered on two Saturdays, March 17 and 24, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Edgewater City Council Chambers, 102 N. Riverside Dr. It normally costs $35, including study materials. To further encourage people to take the Auxiliary’s boating course at the reduced rate, the group will hand out free, South of the Mouth Café lunch coupons when boaters complete the Auxiliary’s class next month.
Athearn and her waterfront cafe will be at the vessel examination site March 10 providing a free sandwich and samples of her fare for each boat that is inspected. “I’m offering samples of some new wrap sandwiches that I’m adding to the menu,” she said. “The morning portion of the event also will include sample coffee cakes to introduce my new morning menu offerings.” In addition, Athearn will be signing copies of her newest book, “More Stories From The Menu @ South Of The Mouth.”
As the Coast Guard Auxiliary nears the end of its inspection event, Athearn will celebrate her 20-year milestone as owner and operator of South of the Mouth Café with a re-christening ceremony for her houseboat concession at 12:30 p.m. Shortly after, she’ll motor away from the launching ramps to start the first day of her 2012 boating season serving food and beverages to boaters from her floating café anchored near Marker 35 and Chicken Island in the Intracoastal Waterway.
For more information about the free boating safety inspections and other details of this news release please contact: Harry Munns – (386) 428-6532 Donna Athearn – (386) 426-3198
Three Commission Seats Available on the CRA
Deadline for Applications February 14, 2012
New Smyrna Beach currently is seeking volunteer applicants for the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Directors. Applicants must live or work within the district and must complete an application form. A map of the district and the application form are available on the city’s website www.cityofnsb.com Qualified applicants who return the form by Feb. 14, 2012 may be considered at the commission’s meeting scheduled for that day.
General information about the CRA:
Mission Statement “To enhance the economic potential of the New Smyrna Beach Community Redevelopment Area through strategic and timely public investments that advance the competitiveness and attractiveness of the area for the business community, visitors and residents of the City.”
Overview The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is composed of seven members who reside in, work in, or own a business within the CRA District, which means owning a business, practicing a profession, performing a service for compensation, or serving as an officer or director of a corporation or other business entity so engaged. The CRA members serve four-year terms.
NSB Commissioner Parlays with State Leaders
By Robert Burns
Photos by Robert Burns
TALLAHASSEE – The fourth week of January was ‘a time to be heard’ in Tallahassee. With the beginning of this year’s Florida Legislative Session, more than 100 elected ‘local’ officials attended the annual Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days event in Tallahassee – to speak directly with state senators and representatives regarding key issues impacting their respective communities across Florida.
In the thick of things – NSB City Commissioner Jim Hathaway was pounding on doors and walking the floors of Florida’s Capitol. “I’ve been on the City Commission 18-years,” said the veteran leader, “each one of those years I’ve been coming up here with the League of Cities, making sure Southeast Volusia’s ‘concerns’ are heard.”
Teaming-up with Deland Mayor Bob Apgar, Commissioner Hathaway pushed regional leaders for continued support to Florida’s ‘localities’. State Reps. Dorothy Hukill, Fred Costello and Dwayne Taylor, as well as State Senator John Thrasher all took part in the give-and-take with Commissioner Hathaway. The topics were broad – pension reform, economic development, ability to regulate local businesses and water clarity issues, were all top priorities.
The two-day advocacy-centered program is specifically designed to facilitate discussion and idea-sharing – between city officials and legislators. The 18-year veteran of the NSB City Commission spoke to Representatives and Senators regarding SB760/HB1063. Accordig to the Florida League of Cities, if passed, this proposed bill would ‘gut’ NSB’s ability to maintain public safety – when it comes to businesses.
“Basically, this bill tries to take away every city’s ability to levy business taxes,” said Mr. Hathaway, “that may not mean much to the State – but it would cut our City by $184,000 – compromising safety.”
The League of Cities stated this bill would be undercut funding of services critical to business such as zoning, permitting, code enforcement, and police and fire. These business tax revenues can also used to help fund economic development programs. The local business tax allows cities to know what businesses are operating within their jurisdiction and enables cities to allocate municipal resources appropriately.
According to the League of Cities, not only do elected officials have a chance to make their voices heard, they get a first-hand view of happenings in Tallahassee and the opportunity to speak directly with those who make decisions which impact their communities and citizens.
“I think we made great headway,” said Mr. Hathaway, “it was a very positive event. I look forward to returning for Volusia Day – this coming Feb. 15th. Today was a victory for home rule!”
For more information about Legislative Action Days and the League’s legislative priorities visit www.floridaleagueofcities.com/Advocacy.aspx.
VolCo Chair to Give ‘State of the County’
By Pat Kuehn
Photo by Robert Burns
DAYTONA BEACH – Volusia County Chair Frank T. Bruno Jr. will deliver the annual State of the County address Monday, Feb. 6. He will focus on the county’s challenges and accomplishments in 2011 and goals for the coming year.
In addition, the county will honor Lesa France Kennedy as this year’s Community Leader of the Year. She is an executive with NASCAR and International Speedway Corp.
The program begins at noon at the Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.
The event is open to the public, and seating is limited. Reservations are required and must be made by Monday, Jan. 30, by contacting the County Manager’s Office at (386)736-5920 or shilson@co.volusia.fl.us.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Florida statutes, persons with disabilities needing special accommodation to participate in the meeting should request assistance at least two business days before the meeting.
Deb Denys Announces for County Council
I am enthused to announce that I have filed papers to seek the seat of Volusia County Council Member in District 3 in 2012. This is an exciting election year full of possibilities!
Most of you know me. I continue to serve my community through boards and currently as a court appointed Guardian Ad Litem for the 7th Judicial Circuit. More campaign information will follow with current issues.
Now more than ever, Volusia County requires representation that will be a “Voice For The People”. My experience in business, elected office and Chair of a multi-county board , appointed by Governor Bush, has prepared me with the necessary skill sets to lead.
Going forward, I will qualify by petition instead of paying over $2000.00 to have my name on the ballot. I am currently in that process and need your help! When you see me, I will have petitions, please help me qualify by petition.
This is a re-districting year, so any registered voter in Volusia County can sign my petitions.
Let’s Restore Accountability to Volusia County.
Deb Denys For Volusia County Council, District 3
Home Office: 386-428-5943
Cell: 386-451-5260
Island Style Sweeps NSB’s Beachside
By Robert Burns
Photos by Robert Burns & Mark Steighner >>>> Click To View Photo Gallery <<<<
NEW SMYRNA BEACH – The concussive sound of exotic drumming echoed off the buildings of New Smyrna’s beachside ‘Flagler Avenue’ shopping district Thursday evening, Jan. 19. Grass-skirts wiggled and visitors gaped as hundreds of revelers celebrated the 2nd Annual ‘Flagler Luau’ – Island Style.
The professional dance crew from Daytona Beach’s “Hawaiian Inn” once again thrilled the sweater-clad, snowbird crowd. While it was chilly for Central Florida, in the mid 50’s, it was a tropical paradise for many of the seasonal tourists down from Canada and the northern tier of states. “But when the sun goes down here – it’s gonna get pretty cold for the girls,” quipped dance troupe member and Samoan torch juggler, Bennie Kapaloa as he watched the day’s last light turn rosy. “It’s okay though. We been on the Mainland a while.”
Halfway down NSB’s boulevard of bistros, things were hopping at Adele Aletti’s shop, Gone Bonkers (www.gonebonkers.com). “Here you go!” said the smiling business woman as she draped colorful Hawaiian leis around each customer’s neck. “We just love New Smyrna Beach!” declared Pennsylvania transplant Debbie Miller, “we have a winter place in Port Orange,” said the Key Stone State native in a conspiratorial manner, “but it was New Smyrna Beach – and events like these, that ‘hooked us’ on moving to Southeast Volusia.”
Out on the street, gaggles of strollers wandered from putt-putt hole, to ‘munching’ spot, to next putt-putt green; all along chatting and enjoying the offerings. “You need to try some of these ribs – really!” said Mike Dresser of Blind Mullet Ribs& Spices. Apparently, his approach was working, because there wasn’t a potential ‘finger licker’ who walked by, without staggering away balancing a plate of ribs in one hand – while trying to negotiate his or her supper, with the other.
“This is my first Flagler Avenue Luau,” said the grinning giant, “I brought my mobile barbecue pit down here for the Barbecue Cook-off a couple of months ago – and got so many positive responses – I received another invite to come back.” Mr. Dresser’s niece, Kailin Dresser and her friend Kerrianne Para, both seniors at NSB High School, were helping the barbecue wizard sell his product. “This is a great opportunity for folks to enjoy NSB – at the same time as helping our kids establish a good work-ethic,” crowed the New Smyrna Beach native.
“How come there’s no walking down the street with open containers, tonight?” queried one clearly parched shopper, as she buttonholed NSB City Commissioner Jack Grasty. “Well,” replied the City father, “it all depended upon whether or not the Merchants’ Association requested it or not – sometimes they do – this time they didn’t,” he said with a shrug. This Thursday, the more ‘potent potables’ would have to be consumed indoors.
“What we have here,” said Gnarly Surf Grill & Bar executive chef Danny Veltri to visitors from Orlando, “is teriyaki beef skewers over here… or pulled-pork sliders with a pineapple coleslaw over here.” Both visitors chose the beef skewers, stating just easier to handle. “That is so cool,” stated the grinning husband, “we watched him win the ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ challenge back a few years ago – and now we not only meet him – but get to eat his cooking!” The parka-clad couple wandered-off munching their teriyaki and enjoying the fact they’ll have one more great story to tell next week at work.
Nearby, ‘That’s Amore’ restaurateur Pietro Capuano was checking-out the competition. The newest addition to Mr. Capuano’s stable of talent, Dario Dalmonte was also ‘taking-in’ the vast array of comestibles. “Dario is the executive chef at the newest restaurant in the region,” said the Flagler restaurant owner, “he runs ‘L’Aldila’ over in Cassadaga. In Italian ‘L’Aldila’ means – The Other Side.” Mr. Capuano’s eyebrows rose as if to better emphasize the gravity of dining in what is arguably the continent’s most mysterious community. “I love these street festivals,” added the native of Naples, “it means good business.”
Volusia’s Teen Musicians Battle it Out!
By Nancy Wait & Robert Burns
Photos by Robert Burns
NEW SMYRNA BEACH – Brass will flash. Reeds will dance and timpani will soon thunder!
Volusia County Schools will hold its 39th Annual All-County Band Music Festival in the auditorium at DeLand High School, 800 N. Hill Ave., DeLand, featuring middle and high school band students. This performance will be held Saturday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m., and is open to the public. There is no admission charge.
Ms. Kristy Dell, Band Director at Woodrow Wilson Middle School (Tampa), will conduct the middle school band. Mr. Joseph Kreines, freelance conductor and composer (Melbourne), will conduct the high school band. The ensembles will perform a broad spectrum of musical selections from a variety of styles.
This year’s festival will feature more than 170 of the finest instrumental musicians selected from the public schools throughout the county. Be sure to check-in with www.yes2localnews.com – for updates on local musicians – ‘Cudas and Stingrays; along with their hopes and dreams.
For more information, contact Dr. Monty R. Musgrave, Performing Arts Specialist, at (386) 734-7190, extension 20682.
Family Fun Headed to Port Orange !
By Jill Geddy
Photos by Robert Burns
PORT ORANGE – The sidewalks and park area around Port Orange’s City Center Lake will bloom with arts and crafts and old fashioned fun March 29 to April 1 as the volunteers, 
who attract more than 100,000 fun-seekers a year with free entertainment and movies and family oriented expos, take on a new theme for their annual spring event.
“We’ve run Kidz Dayz the last few years in the spring, and while it has been well-attended, the focus and the appeal has always been for families. Our Board decided this year to recognize that focus and recreate the feel and fun of a fair,” said Debbie Connors, Chair of the event and Executive Director of the Port Orange/South Daytona Chamber of Commerce. “Even those who have never attended a true Spring Fair know from stories and movies the idea was that after the hard winters, community residents got together in the Spring to show off their handiwork and take part in events that let them work off energy stored when winter activities slowed. Our Volusia winters aren’t that bad, but the idea still has a lot of appeal,” she said.
Family Days Spring Fair aims to debut with one of the largest food and craft expositions held in the region. 
The Craft Fair will be Saturday and Sunday March 31 and April 1 and will replace the business expo feature of Kidz Dayz, although year-round Family Days sponsors will be represented along with food and craft booths. Other activities will include a car show, a pie bake-off and cake walk. Most of the handicrafts and art works will be for sale and many demonstrations are scheduled for those interested in learning new skills. Extensive free entertainment will include excerpts from a well-known musical presented on the amphitheater stage; an old fashioned barn dance, an Amazing Pet Tricks contest and an evening of free movies.
A high point of the Spring Fair will be a large, family friendly carnival with rides and games appealing to all ages. Details of the entertainment and other events will be announced as the dates approach and will be posted on the Family Days web site at www.familydays.com.
Food and craft vendors interested in participating in the Spring Fair are urged to get information from the web site or apply by calling the Family Days office at (386) 506-5935.
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Phone: (386)235-5678
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