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A rendering of a RaceTrac gas station and convenience store, similar to the one proposed at State Road 44 and Kepler Road.

A rendering of a RaceTrac gas station and convenience store, similar to the one proposed at State Road 44 and Kepler Road.

RENDERING COURTESY RACETRAC

County Council votes down RaceTrac at State Road 44 and Kepler Road

Thursday, October 19, 2017
Posted by Editor
The Volusia County Council voted down plans for a RaceTrac gas station and convenience store 4-3 during a Thursday-afternoon meeting. A group of concerned citizens, including residents of... + continue reading
MOST OF THE CREW — From left, Denise Theer, Tiffany Morgan and Marjorie Marcus are three members of the administrative staff at Senior Helpers’ office in DeLand.

MOST OF THE CREW — From left, Denise Theer, Tiffany Morgan and Marjorie Marcus are three members of the administrative staff at Senior Helpers’ office in DeLand.

BEACON PHOTO/JOE CREWS

Senior Helpers marks six years in DeLand

Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Posted by Editor
Senior Helpers, a company that supplies in-home caregivers for elders, recently invited members of the DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce to help celebrate its sixth anniversary in DeLand with a ribbon-... + continue reading
Volusia County schools news

Volusia County schools news

Schools ready for Puerto Rican influx

Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Posted by Editor
The Volusia County school system is preparing informational pamphlets and assembling transition teams to help families fleeing the devastation in Puerto Rico that followed Hurricane Maria. As of... + continue reading
St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop Alliance

St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop Alliance

River-to-Sea trail could be economic driver for several counties

Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Posted by Editor
A paved trail for bicyclists and hikers circling through Volusia and four other East Florida counties could bring economic benefits to the communities along its 260-mile length, according to Jim Wood... + continue reading
Ripe for development — A 16-acre site on the right side of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Beltway in this photo, nearly a half-mile from State Road 472 and nestled on the south side of Victoria Hills, could become the site of 200 or more apartments. This photo shows the view looking south toward State Road 472.

Ripe for development — A 16-acre site on the right side of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Beltway in this photo, nearly a half-mile from State Road 472 and nestled on the south side of Victoria Hills, could become the site of 200 or more apartments. This photo shows the view looking south toward State Road 472.

BEACON PHOTO/ERIKA WEBB 

200-plus apartments planned near Victoria Park

Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Posted by Editor
A 274-unit apartment complex might be on its way to an area of West Volusia that is inspiring all sorts of large-scale projects. The development would add an estimated 1,784 vehicle trips per day... + continue reading
SIDEWALK SUPPORT — Members of the DeLand-based “Greatest Run Club” gather in the wee morning hours and run for about an hour. Four of the eight pictured will run in the 2018 Boston Marathon April 16. In back, from left, are Judy Wilson, Justin Holder and Chris Kemp. In front, same order, are Bego Lopez, Erin Slicer, Litsa Taylor, Carolyn DeRosby and Laurel Angel. Not pictured but running in the 2018 marathon are Richard Paine of DeBary and Julie Kersey of DeLand.

SIDEWALK SUPPORT — Members of the DeLand-based “Greatest Run Club” gather in the wee morning hours and run for about an hour. Four of the eight pictured will run in the 2018 Boston Marathon April 16. In back, from left, are Judy Wilson, Justin Holder and Chris Kemp. In front, same order, are Bego Lopez, Erin Slicer, Litsa Taylor, Carolyn DeRosby and Laurel Angel. Not pictured but running in the 2018 marathon are Richard Paine of DeBary and Julie Kersey of DeLand.

PHOTO COURTESY LITSA TAYLOR

Six from DeLand group will run Boston Marathon

Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Posted by Editor
West Volusians Litsa Taylor, Judy Wilson, Erin Slicer, Julie Kersey, Justin Holder and Richard Paine — all members of a DeLand running group — are among the tough competitors who have... + continue reading
Cleaning up Irma’s mess — From left, C.J. Alfafara, tower monitor for Thompson Consulting Group, Kevin Curl, operations manager for Thompson, and DeLand Public Works Director Demetris Pressley stand in front of a giant pile of storm debris on the DeLand Municipal Airport. The city and its contractor, DRC Emergency Services, have picked up 72,000 cubic yards of debris as of Oct. 18, with Thompson Consulting tracking the loads. That’s the volume of 20 Olympic-size swimming pools, and nine-tenths as big as Spa

Cleaning up Irma’s mess — From left, C.J. Alfafara, tower monitor for Thompson Consulting Group, Kevin Curl, operations manager for Thompson, and DeLand Public Works Director Demetris Pressley stand in front of a giant pile of storm debris on the DeLand Municipal Airport. The city and its contractor, DRC Emergency Services, have picked up 72,000 cubic yards of debris as of Oct. 18, with Thompson Consulting tracking the loads. That’s the volume of 20 Olympic-size swimming pools, and nine-tenths as big as Spaceship Earth, the geodesic sphere at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT. 

BEACON PHOTO/ANTHONY DeFEO

Daunting debris: Battle to get it all continues

Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Posted by Editor
Crews have completed their first pass of debris removal along many of DeLand’s streets, but the cleanup from Hurricane Irma will continue for a while longer. DeLand Public Works Director... + continue reading
A rendering of a RaceTrac gas station and convenience store, similar to the one proposed at State Road 44 and Kepler Road.

A rendering of a RaceTrac gas station and convenience store, similar to the one proposed at State Road 44 and Kepler Road.

RENDERING COURTESY RACETRAC
MOST OF THE CREW — From left, Denise Theer, Tiffany Morgan and Marjorie Marcus are three members of the administrative staff at Senior Helpers’ office in DeLand.

MOST OF THE CREW — From left, Denise Theer, Tiffany Morgan and Marjorie Marcus are three members of the administrative staff at Senior Helpers’ office in DeLand.

BEACON PHOTO/JOE CREWS
Volusia County schools news

Volusia County schools news
St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop Alliance

St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop Alliance
Ripe for development — A 16-acre site on the right side of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Beltway in this photo, nearly a half-mile from State Road 472 and nestled on the south side of Victoria Hills, could become the site of 200 or more apartments. This photo shows the view looking south toward State Road 472.

Ripe for development — A 16-acre site on the right side of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Beltway in this photo, nearly a half-mile from State Road 472 and nestled on the south side of Victoria Hills, could become the site of 200 or more apartments. This photo shows the view looking south toward State Road 472.

BEACON PHOTO/ERIKA WEBB 
SIDEWALK SUPPORT — Members of the DeLand-based “Greatest Run Club” gather in the wee morning hours and run for about an hour. Four of the eight pictured will run in the 2018 Boston Marathon April 16. In back, from left, are Judy Wilson, Justin Holder and Chris Kemp. In front, same order, are Bego Lopez, Erin Slicer, Litsa Taylor, Carolyn DeRosby and Laurel Angel. Not pictured but running in the 2018 marathon are Richard Paine of DeBary and Julie Kersey of DeLand.

SIDEWALK SUPPORT — Members of the DeLand-based “Greatest Run Club” gather in the wee morning hours and run for about an hour. Four of the eight pictured will run in the 2018 Boston Marathon April 16. In back, from left, are Judy Wilson, Justin Holder and Chris Kemp. In front, same order, are Bego Lopez, Erin Slicer, Litsa Taylor, Carolyn DeRosby and Laurel Angel. Not pictured but running in the 2018 marathon are Richard Paine of DeBary and Julie Kersey of DeLand.

PHOTO COURTESY LITSA TAYLOR
Cleaning up Irma’s mess — From left, C.J. Alfafara, tower monitor for Thompson Consulting Group, Kevin Curl, operations manager for Thompson, and DeLand Public Works Director Demetris Pressley stand in front of a giant pile of storm debris on the DeLand Municipal Airport. The city and its contractor, DRC Emergency Services, have picked up 72,000 cubic yards of debris as of Oct. 18, with Thompson Consulting tracking the loads. That’s the volume of 20 Olympic-size swimming pools, and nine-tenths as big as Spa

Cleaning up Irma’s mess — From left, C.J. Alfafara, tower monitor for Thompson Consulting Group, Kevin Curl, operations manager for Thompson, and DeLand Public Works Director Demetris Pressley stand in front of a giant pile of storm debris on the DeLand Municipal Airport. The city and its contractor, DRC Emergency Services, have picked up 72,000 cubic yards of debris as of Oct. 18, with Thompson Consulting tracking the loads. That’s the volume of 20 Olympic-size swimming pools, and nine-tenths as big as Spaceship Earth, the geodesic sphere at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT. 

BEACON PHOTO/ANTHONY DeFEO

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A neighborhood destroyed — Roofs, windows and even walls are gone in Buen Consejo, where relatives of Orange City resident Antoinette Montañez live. Eight family members have found safe haven in West Volusia. Buen Consejo is a sector in Rio Piedras, a province in San Juan.

A neighborhood destroyed — Roofs, windows and even walls are gone in Buen Consejo, where relatives of Orange City resident Antoinette Montañez live. Eight family members have found safe haven in West Volusia. Buen Consejo is a sector in Rio Piedras, a province in San Juan.

PHOTO BY MARIA ORTIZ COURTESY ANTOINETTE MONTAÑEZ

After the storm, safe in West Volusia: Orange City, Deltona families welcome eight new members
10/18/2017
Ana Rosa Hiraldo-Montañez explains the devastation Hurricane Maria wrought on her Puerto Rican homeland. “One day life was normal, with a routine to follow and then, overnight, we are looking for the pieces of our lives,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. For a few days after the storm slammed into the island Sept.... + continue reading
DeBary section — In DeBary, James A. Ardito rides the section of the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop named for former Volusia County Council Member Pat Northey, an ardent trails supporter.

DeBary section — In DeBary, James A. Ardito rides the section of the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop named for former Volusia County Council Member Pat Northey, an ardent trails supporter.

PHOTO/MARGUERITE E. ARDITO

Events celebrate St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop
10/16/2017
Supporters of the longest loop trail in Florida will meet Oct. 26-28 in West Volusia for the St Johns River-to-Sea Loop Summit and Celebration. Events are planned to involve the community, including The Great DeLand Pumpkin Ride, and tours and a dinner in Enterprise. Taste of the Loop is set for Thursday, Oct. 26. Those attending will be... + continue reading
Lexie Murray of Ormond Beach

Lexie Murray of Ormond Beach

BEACON PHOTO/VICKI DUCKETT

PHOTOS: Spinner winners from DeLand's National Night Out event
10/13/2017
  These folks visited the Beacon booth at DeLand’s National Night Out event and spun our magical wheel of fabulous prizes. They won the opportunity to have their photo in the newspaper! Other prizes on the wheel include free subscriptions (up to five years!) and Web advertisements. Be sure to visit us next time you see us at... + continue reading

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Sports

PHOTO COURTESY ELIZABETH STROPLE
Connor Painter, left, and McKenzie Bostic, right, are recognized as recipients of the DeLand High School annual Student-Athlete Leadership Award. DHS Athletic Directior Paul Ryder made the presentation at the Senior Awards Night Assembly. Bostic played both soccer and flag football, while Painter participated in golf as a Bulldog. 

Bulldogs honor athletes at year's end

During the recent DeLand High School Senior Award Assembly, many
PHOTO COURTESY JAMES LOWENSTEIN
The DeLand High School Bulldog track team recently presented letters and awards, with coach Chris Madzik, center, making the presentation. The Coaches Award went to four-year athlete Jeremy Wilson, left, who just missed going to state in the 300 hurdles. The Most Valuable Runner Award went to Tyler Rollins, who will extend his education and track career in the 800 meters at the University of North Florida. 

Bulldog track team presents letters and awards

PHOTO COURTESY JAMES LOWENSTEIN
Award-winners — DeLand High School girls’ track team coach Jim Lowenstein announced that two sophomores are this year’s award-winners. At left, Amberleigh Sauer was named Most Valuable Player. She competed in the shot put and discus. Cheyenne Dunn, right, was named Most Valuable Sprinter. She advanced onto the regional meet as the district champion in the 400 meters. 

Lady Bulldog track award-winners announced

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Columnists

Line down — In a scene repeated in hundreds of locations around West Volusia after Hurricane Irma, this power line on DeLand’s north side lies on the ground, the tree branch that snatched it from its mooring still wrapped around it.

Line down — In a scene repeated in hundreds of locations around West Volusia after Hurricane Irma, this power line on DeLand’s north side lies on the ground, the tree branch that snatched it from its mooring still wrapped around it.

BEACON PHOTO/TOM STEVENS 

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17 today
Tanner Andrews: Keeping us in the dark
10/12/2017
First off, let me say that I am glad those guys from Missouri, and surely several other states, made it down here. Irma was a bad storm, and there were a lot of outages in West Volusia. The... + continue reading
These photos by East New York Avenue resident Johnny Engle, taken on different days during rush hour, illustrate the extreme congestion at Kepler Road and State Road 44. The photos were part of Engle’s presentation to the Volusia County planning commission.

These photos by East New York Avenue resident Johnny Engle, taken on different days during rush hour, illustrate the extreme congestion at Kepler Road and State Road 44. The photos were part of Engle’s presentation to the Volusia County planning commission.

Astrid de Parry: A tale of two gas stations

10/12/17
Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Climate change not a left or right issue

10/12/17
David Rauschenberger

David Rauschenberger

David Rauschenberger: Constitution 101 - just do it

10/12/17

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Business

St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop Alliance

St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop Alliance

454
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394 today

River-to-Sea trail could be economic driver for several counties

10/18/2017
A paved trail for bicyclists and hikers circling through Volusia and four other East Florida counties could bring economic benefits to the communities along its 260-mile length, according to Jim Wood... + continue reading
UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP — Westminster Communities of Florida recently bought Hugh Ash Manor, shown here at 740 N. Woodland Blvd. in DeLand, for an undisclosed sum. Westminster had been managing the affordable-living community for seniors since 2015.

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP — Westminster Communities of Florida recently bought Hugh Ash Manor, shown here at 740 N. Woodland Blvd. in DeLand, for an undisclosed sum. Westminster had been managing the affordable-living community for seniors since 2015.

BEACON PHOTO/JOE CREWS

Hugh Ash Manor joins Westminster family

10/11/17
GATOR TRAINING — Nathan Sweeting works with Trapper, a nearly 13-foot American alligator, at Smooth Waters Wildlife Park. Sweeting says he’s training Trapper to pose and react to commands.

GATOR TRAINING — Nathan Sweeting works with Trapper, a nearly 13-foot American alligator, at Smooth Waters Wildlife Park. Sweeting says he’s training Trapper to pose and react to commands.

BEACON PHOTOS/JOE CREWS

Wildlife park showcases reptiles of all sorts

10/11/17
FORMER TENANT — Wells Fargo was still open in DeLeon Springs when this photo was taken recently. The property now is for sale, along with an adjacent property to the left in this photo that has a vacant training center on it.

FORMER TENANT — Wells Fargo was still open in DeLeon Springs when this photo was taken recently. The property now is for sale, along with an adjacent property to the left in this photo that has a vacant training center on it.

BEACON PHOTO/JOE CREWS

Wells Fargo closes its DeLeon Springs branch

10/04/17

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Videos

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WATCH: Burglary suspects caught after deputy predicts next move

05/08/2017
This video, from Volusia County Sheriff's Office body camera and helicopter footage, shows the apprehension of two burglary suspects. The suspects started hitting cell phone stores... + continue reading

"We Will Roth You" - Volusia County Clerk of Court's Office staff welcomes Laura Roth

01/04/2017

'Just fishing': Suspect hides in pond after attempted robbery

11/28/2016

Lisa Lewis reflects on her first election as Volusia County Supervisor of Election

11/08/2016

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