Ever since I attended my first county fair in New Jersey in 1985, I’ve been hooked on that kind of down-home hospitality and entertainment. Being somewhat deprived of the simple, country life as a child in Brooklyn, the homemade preserves, mile-high pies, giant vegetables and wild assortment of sh…

Every autumn, the Daytona News-Journal sponsors a home exposition at the Ocean Center and this year’s Thursday, October 25 through Sunday, October 28 event should be better than ever. With over 200 exhibitors showing their wares, visitors will have a lot to see and many products to try for themsel…

Here in Volusia County, we didn’t have to wait for Al Gore to win prize after prize for his efforts to spread the word about how our planet is in peril before we decided to take action. For the past six years, the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, just a short drive down the coast from Daytona…

When I first moved to Daytona, I finally checked out the famed flea market. As a frequent visitor to the area for many years, my schedule and the market’s just never quite clicked. It is open only on weekends (Fri.-Sun., 8 AM - 5 PM), times tourists are usually busy at the beach, in the pool or en…

If you haven’t already made plans to come to Daytona Beach for Biketoberfest 2007, what are you waiting for? Although the official dates for this annual, extended weekend event are Oct. 18 - 21, many participants come early and stay late. It’s just that much fun.

Some bikers come to cruis…

“But really, he just loved to cook and to talk to everyone about everything.” When Stefanos ‘Steve’ Mauronas immigrated to the United States from his native Greece in 1966, he had $30 in his pocket.Along with that small amount of cash, he packed more than his share of ambition and a dream of becomi…

More than two dozen beach-patrol vehicles and lifeguards looked in the water and on the beach for the out-of-state teen who struggled in the surf Monday afternoon, said Capt. via South Florida Sun-Sentinel Tags: palm beach gardens, real estate, blog, florida, naples, south florida, ocala, theme par…

When the wind is howling out of the east, those of us who live by the beach know it’s not a good day to take a dip in the ocean.

Here in Daytona, more than 95% of the time the beach is wide and wonderful. There’s lots of room to lay back and soak in the sun, play some Frisbee, rent and ride a…

“Our charges were based on the probable cause that we thought existed at the time of this crash” A man accused of crashing into the car of a married couple, killing the woman instantly, is now charged with DUI manslaughter by the State Attorney’s Office. via The News-Journal Tags: theme parks, gato…

An Ormond Beach woman who worked in a medical office has surrendered to authorities after a lengthy investigation revealed she embezzled money from the facility, according to the State Attorney’s Office. via The News-Journal Tags: palm beach, vacation, miami heat, lake park, key west, south florida…

The death of a 38-year-old inmate at the Volusia County Correctional Facility last night in Daytona Beach is being investigated as an apparent suicide. via Daytona Beach News-Journal Online Tags: cocunut grove, homestead, real estate, theme parks, clearwater, marco island, politics, lake park, hote…