Open House & Sopie Circle Fundraiser – May 28th

Southeast Volusia Humane Society Spring Fling Photo Gallery

Bert Fish Medical Center Foundation Elects New Chairman

Fulton Williams was elected as the new Chair of the Bert Fish Medical Center Foundation, Inc, on February 18, 2013. The Foundation provides philanthropic support for Bert Fish Medical Center by generating ongoing resources dedicated to improving the health of the community we serve. Mr. Williams joined the Foundation Board in 2003.

Williams is a “Northerner” by birth but a Floridian by heart! He retired at the end of 2001 and had been in sales and sales management for medical device companies since getting out of the service in 1969. At his last company which was the Guidant Corporation they manufactured and sold Implantable Heart Pacers and Defibrillators and another division sold stents. So he was in the “heart” of the business for a long time.

Williams resides in New Smyrna Beach with his wife Diane M. Williams, also a member of the Foundation Board and serves as the Membership Committee Chairman.

Foundation Board members also elected a slate of 2013 officers in addition to the new chairman. They are: William Preston, Esq., Vice Chair; Barbara Diegel, Secretary; and William O’Meara, Treasurer.

About Bert Fish Medical Center

Located in the city of New Smyrna Beach, Bert Fish Medical Center is a 112-bed, nonprofit acute care hospital serving Southeast Volusia County. Bert Fish Medical Center provides convenient access to services which include radiology/imaging services, an oncology center, a wound care center and one of the busiest emergency departments of any hospital its size. Bert Fish Medical Center is the only hospital in Florida to be a Planetree ™partner, joining over a hundred other hospitals around the country in focusing on a renewed spirit of patient-centered care. Please visit www.bertfish.com for additional information on services.

The Little Theatre announces WonderLand Summer Camp programs

- A summer camp for 8 to 14 year olds from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The camp will begin on June 10, 2013 and run for two weeks, ending on June 21st. The cost of the camp is $240.00.  “The Hobbit Adventure” A play by Edward Mast, adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel, is a suspenseful, fast-moving journey through the sometimes dark, sometimes charming, always compelling world of Middle Earth. Bilbo Baggins is a comfortably well-off hobbit with a love for rousing  adventure stories. Real adventures, however, are definitely not his cup of tea. So when Gandalf the wizard knocks at Bilbo’s door, bringing with him Thorin Oakenshield, 11 ragged looking dwarfs, and a
contract for an adventure to recover the lost treasure of Lonely Mountain, Bilbo is not interested, at first. But Bilbo’s love of a good story gets the better of him, and before he knows it, he is off on a perilous quest over mountain and under hill through caves and forest and slimy dark places. Parents and friends are invited to final
shows.

- A summer camp for 5 to 7 year olds from 9:00 AM to noon. The camp is to begin on June 24, 2013 and run for one week, ending on June 28th. The cost of this camp is $85.00.”Come Imagine with Skippyjon Jones” This camp for the young child features the Skippyjon Jones books. Who can resist that lovable Siamese cat who imagines he is a Chihuahua? Students will participate in imagination games, story drama and crafts revolving around the Skippyjon Jones saga. On our final day we will have an imaginative showcase full of fun, cats, and Chihuahuas for family and friends.

- A summer camp for teens 13 to 15 years old which will run for one week, beginning June 24, 2013 and ending on June 28th. The hours of  the camp will be from 12:45PM to 3:45 PM. The cost for the camp is $85.00. “ACT OUT!” Students in this class will be able to concentrate on acting skills and techniques while doing a dramatic reading from a text, usually with little or no memorization involved. Unlike traditional theatre,  the emphasis is on oral expression of the part and enables students to bring a text to life and together create a powerful interpretation. Costume suggestions, music and other props are encouraged but are not necessary. There will be a performance for friends and family on the last day of camp.

The Theatre is located at 726 Third Avenue, Beachside, New Smyrna Beach. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required. Limited financial aid may be available.
For more information, contact the box office at 386-423-1246 or visit  our website www.wonderlandchildrenstheatre.org

Free Latin dance lessons in the LOOP May 31

The area around the NSB Waterfront LOOP’s Christmas Park will be transformed into a dance floor later this month. Free Latin dance lessons will be offered as part of Salsa in the Park from 6 – 9 p.m., Friday, May 31.

            Lessons will be offered on several Latin dance styles. The full schedule includes:

• 6 – 6:45 p.m.: Salsa and zumba party
• 7 – 7:30 p.m.: Salsa, merengue and cha-cha line dancing
• 7:30 – 9 p.m.: Open dance to Latin music
• 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: A Taste of Salsa (food) contest

            Christmas Park is on the corner of Canal and Live Oak streets in New Smyrna Beach.

            The event is hosted by the City of New Smyrna Beach and is open to the public. Lessons will be taught by a professional dance instructor.

            For more information, please call the New Smyrna Beach Events and Recreation Department at 386.424.2175.

Your Grey Matters 5K Run/Walk to help local man finish his battle against cancer

New culinary options June 1 with Food Trucks in NSB

Food truck foodies will have new menu options when a fleet of food trucks rolls into the LOOP’s Canal Street Historic District Saturday, June 1.  Chefs will serve from 3-9p.m. along Magnolia Street between Canal and Douglas streets in New Smyrna Beach.

            “These food trucks will bring new culinary options,” said Liz Yancey, New Smyrna Beach recreation and events manager. “We’ve sandwiched this event between the Art Stroll and the Gallery Walk. It will be a fun, busy day around Canal Street.”

            Dishes will include flat bread, tacos, barbeque, fish, lobster, crab, Vietnamese cuisine, gelato, ice cream and more. As many as 20 trucks are expected to participate.

For more information, please call the New Smyrna Beach Recreation Department at 386.424.2175.

Workout Camp sponsored by New Beginnings Nutrition of Edgewater, Florida

Bethany Hamilton, Professional Surfer & Motivational Speaker Comes to New Smyrna Beach

“Beach Weeks” kicks off with visit from inspirational guest

New Smyrna Beach, FL – April 30, 2013 – “Beach Weeks” is an exciting new events festival celebrating the coastal heritage and healthy lifestyle of New Smyrna Beach and Southeast Volusia County. The 7-week-long family-friendly celebration runs from Memorial Day Weekend until July 4th, 2013 and starts off with a surprise appearance by internationally-renowned surfer and motivational speaker, Bethany Hamilton.

The Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority, in conjunction with the City of New Smyrna Beach and The Smyrna Surfari Club welcome Bethany Hamilton to the New Smyrna Beach High School Auditorium on Monday, May 20th for two presentations: the first for students only and a second for the general public.

The student only session will take place at 3:15 pm in the New Smyrna Beach High School Auditorium and feature a 1-hour Q&A, followed by a showing of the movie, “Soul Surfer”, based upon Bethany’s life. Tickets will be distributed free to students on May 14th between 3:00 and 4:00 pm (limit 1 ticket per student). Further information will be provided through the school. The evening session, open to the Public, will begin at 6:45 pm, and will feature a half-hour speech by Bethany, followed by a second showing of the movie. Tickets will go on sale for $5.00 each on May 15th from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the News Smyrna Beach High School Auditorium ticket booth. There will be a limit of 4 tickets allowed, per purchaser. All proceeds will be donated to the Friends of Bethany Hamilton Foundation, where funds raised will go towards aiding victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. Seating is on a first-come basis. Each event will allocate 760 tickets to auditorium seating and 140 for overflow into the cafeteria, which will offer a live video feed from the auditorium.

A native of Hawaii, Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing at the age of 13, leaving her with a severed left arm. Just one month after the attack, Bethany miraculously returned to surfing and achieved her goal of a professional surfer. An inspiration to millions, Bethany’s story has been shared the world over with numerous awards, public appearances, and various speaking engagements.

For more information about Beach Weeks, including all event dates/times, visit www.beachweeks.com For more information about ticket distribution call New Smyrna Beach High School at (386) 424-2555 or the Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority at (386) 428-1600. Special considerations are available to members of the media by request, or linking your website to our Beach Weeks event page.

New Smyrna “Beach Weeks” Coming to Southe ast Volusia County

May 16 public meeting on voluntary annexation into NSB

Through the end of 2013, owners of property in the unincorporated areas north and south of State Road 44 may annex into the City of New Smyrna Beach for free. Owners interested in taking advantage of waived annexation fees may get additional information at a public meeting at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 16, at the Brannon Center, 105 S. Riverside Dr., New Smyrna Beach.

“We want to make sure property owners have accurate information about the option to voluntarily annex into the City,” said Gail Henrikson, New Smyrna Beach planning manager. “Most of the day-to-day things will not change.”

In addition to waived annexation fees, Henrikson cites historically lower property taxes as one benefit. Property taxes on incorporated properties have been lower than those levied on comparable properties in the unincorporated (County) areas over the past four years. For example, in 2013 a home with a taxable value of $171,000 in the City will pay $235 less than the same home in the unincorporated area.

Annexed properties also will receive increased trash pick up and local representation at City workshops and town hall and commission meetings.

In April, the City mailed to all eligible property owners an explanation of the voluntary annexation including an invitation to attend the public meeting. Within days, City staff began receiving telephone calls about the opportunity.

“It’s interesting to hear the individual concerns the property owners have,” Henrikson said. “This meeting will give everyone an opportunity to get answers to questions that are specific to their situation.”

Staff anticipated questions about land-use changes involving farm animals and trash burning. Questions about mandatory hook up to the City’s sanitary sewer system also were expected.

“No land-use changes are proposed,” Henrikson said. “Residents also are not required to hook up to the City’s sewer system as part of annexation.”

Additional questions fielded by staff have ranged from concerns over being required to change from a private utility provider to the New Smyrna Beach Utilities Commission and whether the County of Volusia is required to maintain a minimum acreage of unincorporated area, Henrikson said.

The City is seeking voluntary annexation to provide more efficient services, Henrikson said. Currently there are enclaves of unincorporated areas within the City, and municipal borders are irregular.

“By squaring off our boundaries and eliminating those unincorporated pockets, the City can streamline its services while bringing our communities together,” Henrikson added.

Nearly 2,800 parcels north and south of State Road 44 are included in the voluntary annexation area.

For more information on voluntary annexation or the public meeting, please contact the New Smyrna Beach Planning Department at 386.424.2132.

Free Ship Model Show Regatta on May 25th by Port Orange Ship Modelers Club

On Saturday, May 25th, 2013 ~ 9:00 am to 12:00 NOON

Port Orange Ship Modelers Club sixth Annual Regatta will be held at the Reed Canal Park in Port Orange on Saturday May 25^th from 10 AM to 12 noon. All young and old who are interested, in model boats and radio control are invited. Club members plan to launch six to eight radio-controlled (RC) boats, large, and small (two to nine feet long), to during the event. Some static and work-in-progress boats will also be on display.

A recently completed 1/48 scale RC model of an Atlantic Fleet Ocean Going Tug, built by the club members in honor of Ron Hull, a member who passed away in 2010, will be officially launched and a plaque honoring him will be presented to his family.

This is a FREE show, open to all ages!  Hot Dogs and sodas available but on a limited basis – so come early!

The next regular meeting of the club is Saturday June 22^, at 10AM in the Port Orange Library. All young and old who are interested, in model boats and radio control are invited. Highlight of the meeting will be an auction of magazines, ship plans, and miscellaneous. items donated to the club by current and former members of the club. Membership is open to the public

ArtHaus’ Annual Fun & Funky Dinner – May 29

ArtHaus is pleased to announce a “Green Hometown Hootenanny” as the theme for our 14th Annual Fun & Funky Dinner. Port Orange Mayor Allen Green has agreed to be Roasted and Toasted on Wednesday, May 29 at the Riverside Pavilion in Port Orange for this important ArtHaus fundraiser. Please help us spread the word about this fun filled evening. Festivities will begin at 6 pm with an extensive Silent Auction during cocktail hour, followed by a creative art activity, dinner, and a laugh filled roast of Mayor Green. The event will also celebrate the Centennial birthday of the City of Port Orange. Please save the date. Tickets are $80 with proceeds helping to continue the many valuable visual arts programs that ArtHaus provides. Call ArtHaus at 386-767-0076 or email us at office@arthaus.org for reservations, info about sponsorships, or any other questions.

ArtHaus is pleased to announce a “Green Hometown Hootenanny” as the theme for our 14^th Annual Fun & Funky Dinner. Port Orange Mayor Allen Green has agreed to be Roasted and Toasted on Wednesday, May 29 at the Riverside Pavilion in Port Orange for this important ArtHaus fundraiser. Please help us spread the word about this fun filled evening. Festivities will begin at 6 pm with an extensive Silent Auction during cocktail hour, followed by a creative art activity, dinner, and a laugh filled roast of Mayor Green. The event will also celebrate the Centennial birthday of the City of Port Orange. Please save the date. Tickets are $80 with proceeds helping to continue the many valuable visual arts programs that ArtHaus provides. Call ArtHaus at 386-767-0076 or email us at office@arthaus.org for reservations, info about sponsorships, or any other questions.

New Smyrna Beach Summer Concert Series

ALL CONCERTS ARE ON THURSDAY UNLESS NOTED
All concerts will be held in Riverside Park, on Riverside Dr.
Concert will be in the Brannon Center if inclement weather.
Bring your lawn chair or favorite blanket and enjoy an evening of fine music.
Concerts will be held from 6:30-7:45 P.M.

June 6, 2013 Uptuit – Variety
June 13, 2013  Mighty Groove Machine – R & B and Pop
June 20, 2013  SEASIDE FIESTA – SEE YOU ON FLAGLER AVE
June 27, 2013  J.P. Inc – Variety
July 4, 2013  FIREWORKS & MUSIC –Brickyard Road & Crescent City Eagles Dixieland Jazz Band
July 11, 2013  The Afterwhile – Folky Blues
July 18, 2013  Marc Monteson Quintet – Swingin’ Sounds of Sinatra
July 25, 2013 Vivacity – Dixieland Music
August 1, 2013  The Cook Trio – Gypsy Jazz
August 8, 2013  Amy Alysia and the Soul Operation – R & B

New culinary options with Food Trucks in NSB May 4

Food truck foodies will have new menu options when a fleet of food trucks rolls into the Canal Street Historic District Saturday, May 4. Chefs will serve from 3-9p.m. along Magnolia Street between Canal and Douglas streets in New Smyrna Beach.

“These food trucks will bring new culinary options,” said Liz Yancey, New Smyrna Beach recreation and events manager. “We’ve sandwiched this event between the Art Stroll and the Gallery Walk. It will be a fun, busy day around Canal Street.”

Dishes will include flat bread, tacos, barbeque, fish, lobster, crab, Vietnamese cuisine, gelato, ice cream and more. As many as 20 trucks are expected to participate.

For more information, please call the New Smyrna Beach Recreation Department at 386.424.2175.

“In the Loop” Monthly Electronic Newsletter

Click To View Newletter

In the Loop is a monthly electronic newsletter distributed by the City of New Smyrna Beach Community Redevelopment Agency.  For more information on CRA programs or projects, please call the CRA Office at 386-424-2265 or log on to www.cityofnsb.com.  210 Sams Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

Next New Smyrna Beach police chief selected; Markert to be confirmed April 23

2nd annual Senior Summit in NSB April 25

City of Edgewater Celebrates Earth Day with a Party for the Planet

April 4, 2013 – Edgewater, Florida – The City of Edgewater is throwing a ‘Party for the Planet’ and everyone is invited! Join the fun on Saturday, April 20th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hawks Park as Edgewater celebrates Earth Day. The free, family-friendly event will include exhibits by environmental organizations, hands-on activities for children, entertainment, vendors selling produce, plants, crafts, and earth-friendly products, and more!

See birds of prey up on stage at 11 a.m., courtesy of Wild About Birds, Inc. Wild About Birds is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental education, conservation and preservation of habitats for the benefit of Florida’s birds and other wildlife. The Wild About Birds presentation will feature Katie Belle, an American Kestrel, Mr. Frodo, an Eastern Screech Owl, Tomahawk, a Red Shouldered Hawk, and Miko, a Barred Owl.

Canaveral National Seashore, the Southeast Volusia Audubon Society, and Marine Discovery Center will also have exhibits at the festival and master gardeners from the University of Florida Volusia County Extension will be there to answer gardening questions.

While at the festival, make sure to take part in the fun and educational scavenger hunt! People who complete the hunt will be eligible to win prizes. And plan to do some shopping too! There will be fresh produce, honey, crafts and lots of other items to purchase.

Home Depot will be at the festival helping children build something to take home with them at the Kids’ Workshop. The Southeast Volusia YMCA will also have a booth for children to make pinecone bird feeders. And children and adults alike can get a bird’s eye view of the festival by climbing the rock wall.

The event also includes the ‘Trashformation’ recycled art contest for all ages. Contact Tyna Lynn Hilton at (386) 424-2494 or thilton@cityofedgewater.org for a contest application and more information.

D.J. Big Tom will be on stage all day as the event’s official master of ceremonies, spinning earth-friendly tunes. Smyrna Brass, a 5-piece brass band, will perform at 2:45 p.m. courtesy of the Cuchetti-Conti Family School of Music.

Come enjoy the Edgewater Earth Day Festival and learn what you can do to preserve and conserve our natural resources for future generations. Sponsors of the Earth Day Festival are Redman Consulting Group, Inc., G&S Good Environmental, Riverside Clinical Research, Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. and Southard’s Recycling.

For more information, please contact 386-424-2485 or email jshira@cityofedgewater.org. You can also visit us on Facebook at Edgewater Earth Day Festival. Hope to see you at the Party for the Planet!

Esther St. Beachfront Park grand opening, ‘family fun day’ April 20

New Smyrna Beach soon will add another beachfront park to Volusia County’s list. City and County officials will cut the ceremonial ribbon on Esther Street Beachfront Park at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 20. The ceremony will be followed by a Family Fun Day from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the park at the east end of Esther Street in New Smyrna Beach.

“This park provides 45 spaces of off-beach parking just a few blocks north of one of Volusia County’s most popular beach ramps – Flagler Avenue,” said Tony Otte, New Smyrna Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) director. The project also includes a playground, walking trails, pavilions, restroom facilities and a volleyball area.

During the Family Fun Day portion of the grand opening, attendees will break in the new court with beach volley ball. Activities also will include a face painter, a street performer on stilts, surfing lessons, hotdogs, chips and drinks, according to Liz Yancey, City events manager.

All activities are free.

Construction on the Esther Street Beachfront Park and Stormwater Improvements Project began in August and included drainage improvements to reduce flooding in the North Atlantic Avenue area and milling and resurfacing of the roadway along North Atlantic Avenue from Flagler Avenue to Crawford Road, Otte said. The seawall was reconstructed and a dune walkover was built.

The total cost of construction is nearly $1.6 million and is funded jointly by the County of Volusia and the City of New Smyrna Beach through its CRA, the City’s stormwater fund, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Otte said.

Project contractors include SE Cline, concrete seawall and dune walkover construction, and A.G. Pifer Construction Company, general contractor. Parker Mynchenberg and Associates served as the project consultant.