West Volusia Wire

Monday, May 7, 2012

14 arrests in crime suppression operation
posted 11:55:30am

DELTONA

By: Volusia County Sheriff's Office

Crime hot spots in Deltona got some extra attention Friday from Volusia County Sheriff’s deputies working a special crime suppression operation that resulted in 14 arrests and the issuance of more than 60 citations.

Teams of patrol deputies and Sheriff’s investigators fanned out around the city, targeting areas where burglars and auto thieves have struck recently. Deputies also cracked down on traffic and drug infractions during the 10-hour operation that kicked off at noon. Among those arrested was one nervous vehicle passenger who was caught giving deputies a phony name due to his knowing the he had an arrest warrant for him. Nine other people stopped Friday by deputies were arrested after they also were found to have open warrants. Most of the warrants were for failure to appear in court or violation of probation.

Deputies also issued 59 traffic citations and 10 criminal citations during the operation. More operations are planned in the future.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Beer thief threatens store clerk with knife
posted 9:36:40am

DELTONA

By: Volusia County Sheriff's Office

With a can of soda and a can of beer shoved down his pants, a man threatened a store clerk with a knife when she confronted him about his shoplifting attempt. Fortunately, no one was hurt as 25-year-old Steven Gilb (5/30/1986) fled the Deltona store on foot late Tuesday night. Deputies who were responding to the incident found Gilb a short distance away with the cold soda in hand and a knife in his pocket. He was arrested and booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach. The stolen beer was never found.

Gilb walked into the CVS store at 2187 Howland Blvd. at about 11:30 p.m. A 28-year-old store clerk thought that the DeBary man was acting strange and kept an eye on him as he headed to the beverage coolers. She saw Gilb grab a soda and then a beer and stuff both of them in his pants. Gilb then went straight for the exit, bypassing the registers. That’s when the clerk confronted Gilb, calling him a “dirt bag” for stealing the drinks. The woman later told deputies that Gilb’s response was to grab her shoulder and threaten her with a folding knife while stating, “I’ll show you dirt bag.” But when another store employee approached, Gilb chose to flee.

Deputies found a man matching the description given to them by the victim at 2125 Howland Blvd. The victim positively identified Gilb, and he admitted to having been in the store. Gilb claimed to have purchased the soda at a different store but he had no wallet and only three cents on him when deputies found him. He also couldn’t explain how the store clerk knew he had a black folding knife. Gilb was charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Friday, April 6, 2012

VOLUSIA COUNTY FIRE SERVICES ISSUES BURN BAN
posted 2:09:02pm

Volusia County Fire Services has issued an outdoor burn ban because of recent dry conditions. The ban will take effect at effective 1 a.m. Friday, April 6, and applies to the county’s unincorporated areas, Oak Hill, Lake Helen and Pierson.

According to Volusia County Fire Chief Mark Piland, the burn ban is necessary because of severe drought conditions. Volusia County’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index is 591.The drought index measures soil dryness on a scale of 1 to 800, with one being saturation and 800 being desert-dry.

Under the burn ban, all outdoor burning, unless authorized by the Florida Forest Service, is prohibited. This includes the burning of yard trash, household paper products, bonfires, campfires, warming fires and cooking fires. Outdoor cooking done with a contained gas or charcoal grill (excluding a fire pit) is the only exception.

Violations of the ban are punishable by a fine up to $500 and/or imprisonment in county jail for up to 60 days. Personnel from Volusia County Fire Services will issue violation notices to any person violating the burn ban and also will extinguish any fire not authorized by the Florida Forest Service.

Fire officials urge residents to be cautious with outdoor activities and offer these wildfire safety tips:

Practice wildfire safety

● Do not discard cigarettes from moving vehicles.

● Do not park a hot car or operate all-terrain vehicles on dry grass.

● Check lawnmowers and farm equipment for properly working spark arresters.

● Extinguish fires when cooking outdoors, and never leave fires unattended.

Protect your home

● Design and landscape your home with fire safety in mind. Allow a 30-foot buffer of non-combustible material around your home.

● Use non-combustible materials on the roof and clean the roof and gutters regularly.

● Teach family members how to use a fire extinguisher. Test smoke detectors regularly.

● Inspect chimneys twice a year and clean them once a year.

● Rake leaves and dead limbs and twigs. Clear flammable vegetation.

● Have a garden hose long enough to reach any area of your home and property.

When wildfire threatens

● Listen to the media or a weather radio for civil emergency messages about where the danger is.

● Prepare your family, pets and supplies in case you have to evacuate.

● If told to evacuate, do so immediately.

● If evacuating, tell someone you are leaving and where you are going. Drive away from fire hazards and listen to public safety officials.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Ex-boyfriend charged in death of 59-year-old-woman
posted 8:48:31am

DELAND

BY: Volusia County Sheriff's Office

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office’s Major Case Unit has been building a case against Scott Stuut ever since his ex-girlfriend was found murdered in her home near DeLand earlier this month. On Tuesday investigators sealed the case against Stuut after he confessed to killing 59-year-old Margaret Gee. The 24-year-old Stuut (DOB: 6/8/87) was arrested Tuesday afternoon and charged with murder and armed burglary. He’s being held without bond at the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach.

Gee was found dead on the evening of March 2 in her bedroom at her home at 88 Melodie Lane. Her body was discovered by a couple that she rented part of the house to. The couple had gone out for the evening and had taken one of their children, leaving their 19-month-old son at the house with Gee. When they returned, they found their landlord dead in her bed. The child was unharmed. Responding deputies observed a bullet hole in a window next to the victim’s bed and multiple areas of trauma to her body.

Investigators quickly focused on Stuut after they learned that Gee had recently kicked him out of the house. In an initial interview with investigators, Stuut admitted being in Gee’s neighborhood on the night of the murder, but claimed he couldn’t remember much because he had blacked out. A few days later in a second interview, he said he remembered parking along Gee’s road and walking up to the house and knocking on the door. But he insisted that he left after getting no answer. Asked why he went to the house, Stuut claimed he was bringing one of the victim’s roommates some cleaning supplies. Investigators figured that was a lie, though, because the roommates told investigators that they didn’t remember asking Stuut for any cleaning supplies. And they also said they had spoken to Stuut earlier that day and he knew they were going out for the evening and wouldn’t be home. On Tuesday, investigators learned that Stuut had confessed to the murder to one of Gee’s roommates. He later confessed to Sheriff’s investigators after Stuut showed up at the DeLand Police Department to talk about crime. During Tuesday’s interview, Stuut said he went to Gee’s house on the night of the murder and knocked on the door. When no one answered, he let himself in. Stuut then walked past the crib where the toddler was sleeping and proceeded to Gee’s bedroom, where he attacked her. Stuut said when Gee fought back, he shot her.

During questioning, Stuut blamed Gee for his personal hardships and also said that he killed her because she had been verbally abusive to him.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Lost Dog near DeLand High School
posted 2:19:57pm

This dog was lost at DeLand High School Monday, February 13. He has a green collar with a long white with green trim leash attached to it. Muchacho is his name and he is a tri-color (white/black/brown) chihuahua.

Please contact Cherie Stockholm

Office - 386-673-7001

Fax - 386-673-7469

Cell - 386-212-2160

Friday, February 10, 2012

Walk and Roll sponsored by The Everything Is Possible Foundation
posted 1:28:29pm

For Immediate Release

For more information, please contact:

Terry at 386.738.5781 events@walkandrollinthepark.com

Saturday, February 25th, 2012

Annual Walk and Roll in The Park – 10 am to 1pm, DeLand – Lake Beresford Park Event is Sponsored by The Everything Is Possible Foundation to help disabled people to live full and independent lives. The walk and roll is open for ALL to participate, including wheelchair and other disabled individuals, veterans, the general public including individuals, families, children, bicyclers and dogs. It is a fun packed event for everyone. The event will start with a walk around the 1.8 mile trail and includes rest stops, water, refreshments and lots of goodies along the way and a celebration at the end of the trail. There will be sponsorship tables and entertainment. It is free for anyone to walk, if you make the suggested $10 contribution as an official walk and roller, you’ll receive a t-shirt and a good bag filled with treasures! For more information and /or to register please go to walkandrollinthepark.com or call 386.738.5781

1702 N. Woodland Blvd. Suite 116-118, DeLand Florida 32720. 386.738.5781 EverythingisPossibleFoundation.com

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Children can receive postcards from Santa
posted 2:58:31pm

Santa is making his list and checking it twice at Volusia County’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Division.

As part of an annual tradition, the division will send personalized postcards from Santa to children up to age 11.

Parents can have their children added to Santa’s mailing list by e-mailing the child’s name and address to elves@co.volusia.fl.us, calling 386-736-5953 or faxing 386-943-7012. Requests will be accepted through Dec. 9.

City food and toy drive guaranteed to benefit Deltona agendes
posted 2:57:06pm

Wondering where our next meal is coming from is something most of us never have to worry about. However, for many Deltona families it's a constant concern.

"We are issuing a call to action to Deltona residents who are able to lend a hand this holiday season. In the spirit of giving, let's get involved and stock the pantries of the agencies and churches here in Deltona ... agencies that have had their supplies greatly depleted," said Mayor John Masiarczyk.

The Deltona City Commission has discussed at length the needs of the residents of Deltona and about how to keep what residents give within Deltona, benefiting Deltona families. They are asking everyone to please donate food and/or new and unwrapped toys and help the City make sure that no adult or child goes hungry or without this holiday season.

The collection will be ongoing until noon, Dec. 16. Food and toys may be taken to Deltona City Hall, 2345 Providence Blvd.; the Deltona Community Center, 980 Lakeshore Drive; Deltona Water, 255 Enterprise Road; Deltona Fire Station 61, 1685 Providence Blvd.; Deltona Fire Station 65, 2983 Howland Blvd.; Wes Crile Park, 1537 Norbert Terrace; and the Harris M. Saxon Community Center, 2329 California St. Look for the large holiday boxes in the common areas at these locations.

Deltona agencies and/or churches wishing to receive collected food for distribution to Deltona families must register with the City Manager's Office before Dec. 16. Toys will be given to Students Reach Out. Registration will require proof of the agencies nonprofit status, the days and hours of operation of the agency's food bank, and the contact information of the person from the agency who will pick up the food Dec. 16. To register your agency, e-mail ilaborde@deltonafl.qov or call 386-878-8850.

Be a Santa to a Senior program can brighten holidays
posted 2:52:34pm

Residents can brighten the holidays for local seniors with the Be a Santa to a Senior program that runs now through Dec. 13.

Christmas trees at Belk’s at 5519 S. Williamson Blvd. in Port Orange, Belk’s at 2617 S. Woodland Blvd. in DeLand, Ramada Inn Speedway at 1794 W. International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach, State Farm at 713 N. Clyde Morris Blvd. in Daytona Beach, The Clubhouse Restaurant at 600 Wilder Blvd. in Daytona Beach, Southern Commerce Bank at 1101 Beville Road in Daytona Beach inside Wal-Mart, Walgreens at 1420 Beville Road in Daytona Beach and Aberdeen at 50 Allwood Green Blvd. in Ormond Beach feature ornaments with the first names only of the seniors and their gift requests. Holiday shoppers can pick up an ornament at participating locations, buy items on the list and return them unwrapped to the store, along with the ornament attached.

“Many older adults continue to struggle in a down economy, particularly those who live alone with no family nearby to help provide resources,” said Susan Miller, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Volusia County.

Friday, October 14, 2011

County officials to discuss Laurel Wilt Disease Oct. 18
posted 4:58:10pm

A disease that is deadly to redbay and avocado trees has been detected in Volusia County. The disease, afungus carried into the trees by a beetle, has been found in local trees. Volusia County Environmental Management and the Volusia County/University of Florida Extension will sponsor a public meeting about laurel wilt disease at 5 pm Tuesday, Oct. 18, at the City Island Library, 105 E. Magnolia Ave, Daytona Beach. Experts will be onhand to tell homeowners what they need to know about this disease.

“Laurel wilt disease is caused by a fungus that stops the flow of water in host trees, casing the leaves to wilt,” said David Griffis, director of the VolusiaCounty/University of Florida Extension. “The fungus is carried into trees by the redbay ambrosia beetle, an insect the size of the date on a penny. Redbay ambrosia beetle are tiny wood-boring insects that bore into a tree, creating tunnels and inoculating the walls with fungal spores that are carried on its body. The insect is native to India, Japan, Myanmar and Taiwan and probably arrived in the United States in infested woodpacking materials.”

Laurel wilt disease first appeared in the United States in 2002. By 2003,it had destroyed numerous redbay trees in Georgia and South Carolina. And by spring2005, it was detected in Jacksonville. Experts fear the beetle and laurel wilt will spread through central and south Florida and attack avocado trees in home landscapes and commercial groves.

Redbay trees constitute about 16 percent of the forest system in Volusia County and are a source of food for many birds and wildlife. The disease also could devastate Florida’s $30 million avocado industry if it reaches the state’s southern tip, experts say. Other trees at risk include the sassafras, camphor, silkbay, swampbay, pondspice and pondberry.

“Symptoms of laurel wilt disease include wilted stems and leaves, black streaking in the wood, and strings of compacted sawdust protruding from tree trunks, added Griffis. “There is no cure for the disease and no method for controlling the fungus or beetle, but researchers are testing pesticides and repellants. It is extremely important to identify infected trees early and dispose of them properly to prevent the further spread of the disease.”

For more information about the meeting or laurel wilt disease, please call the County Extension at (386) 257-6012.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Charity golf tournament Oct. 1 to benefit Volusia families
posted 3:28:44pm

DeBary Golf & Country Club is hosting a Give, Golf & Dine golf tournament Saturday, Oct. 1, with all proceeds going to three charities.

The charities include the Domestic Abuse Council Inc., which provides services to families in Volusia County. The two other charities are the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the ClubCorp Employee Partner Care Fund.

The event is in conjunction with the ClubCorp Charity Classic. ClubCorp, owner of some 150 country clubs and business and sports clubs, is conducting similar one-day golf tournaments the same day at locations throughout the country for numerous charities.

The DeBary tournament will be at 1 p.m. The format is a four-person scramble. Cost is $15 for members and $30 for non-members. Players can enter as individuals or teams. Includes team awards, longest drive, closest to the pin and a luncheon afterwards.

Call 386-668-1705.

Monday, September 26, 2011

County extension sells pomegranate trees
posted 3:13:59pm

The University of Florida/Volusia County Extension is selling pomegranate trees for $10 each.

The self-pollinating trees, which are two to three feet tall, were grown by Dr. William Castle, professor emeritus from the University of Florida Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred.

Pomegranates are well known for their flavor and health benefits. According to Dr. Castle, they’re loaded with anti-oxidants and are rich in thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.

Orders must be placed and pre-paid by Oct. 17. To order a tree, call Marika Campbell at 386-822-5778 or visit the Agricultural Center at 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand. Payment may be made with cash or check. The trees will be available for pickup Oct. 19.

Proceeds will benefit Volusia County’s 4-H program.

Play board games at Deltona Library
posted 3:13:01pm

Join the librarians for “Deltona Game Nights” 5:30-7 p.m. Thursdays in the Mockingbird Room at the Deltona Regional Library, 2150 Eustace Ave.

Families and individuals can play board games including Scrabble, Uno, checkers and more. No experience is necessary.

For more information, please call 386-789-7207, ext. 236.

The Library is open from 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

Learn more about the Volusia County Public Library system at www.volusialibrary.org.

Teens can sign up for Super Smash Brothers Tournament at DeLand Library
posted 3:11:29pm

Teens in grades 6-12 can “get their game on” by competing in the Super Smash Brothers Tournament 12:30-3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at the DeLand Regional Library, 130 E. Howry Ave.

First- and second-place winners will receive $30 and $20 Game Stop gift cards, respectively.

The tournament will be limited to 32 registrants, and interested teens can register at the second-floor reference desk.

Sign-in for registrants will be from 12:15-12:30 p.m. the day of the tournament. Walk-ins will be accepted after 12:30 p.m. if there are no-shows.

For more information, please call Paul Giovanetti at 386-822-6430, ext. 109.

The library is open from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Learn more about the Volusia County Public Library system at www.volusialibrary.org.

County to open new dog park Oct. 1
posted 3:01:42pm

Residents and their dogs are invited to celebrate the opening of a new county dog park at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Bicentennial Park, 1800 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Ormond Beach.

Members of the Volusia County Council will be on hand to cut the ribbon.

The park was developed after area residents requested an area on the north peninsula where dogs could play without a leash. It features separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, watering stations, benches and shade trees.

“There is a great need for a dog park in this area,” said Carl Persis, the district’s member on the county council. “I am glad the county council was able to add this feature to Bicentennial Park.”

Bicentennial Park, which is open from sunrise to sunset every day, encompasses 40 acres stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Halifax River. In addition to the dog park, amenities include a baseball field, an open play area, basketball court, tennis and volleyball courts, fishing dock, pavilion and picnic area, playground, community building, restrooms, a nature walk and boardwalk.

The county also maintains dog parks at Barkley Square in DeLand and Gemini Springs Park in DeBary.

For more information, please call the county’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Division at 386-736-5953.