Volusia County | featured news

DAYTONA BEACH — Kris Krautwurst has <span class="entry">Asperger's syndrome and bipolar disorder, and might not have a job if not for the Americans with Disabilities Act.“If not for the ADA, I would never have been able to be a bagger," the 25-year-old said about his job at the Ormond Beach Publix.Krautwurst joined dozens of people Wednesday on the Daytona State College campus to dance, chant and testify how their lives had been changed by the legislation passed 25 years ago this Sunday that made them equal in the eyes of the law.Later, a crowd of about 100 gat

South Daytona residents can sleep a little easier - and may see some savings on their property insurance rates - after their city earned a rating from the Insurance Services Offices that puts it among the top 2 percent in the country for fire service safety.Fewer than 100 of the 50,000 communities inspected by ISO receive a better rating, according to information provided to the city by the company.

ATLANTA — Jamaica stunned the United States with two first-half goals, one off a blunder by goalkeeper Brad Guzan, and held on for a 2-1 victory in the Gold Cup semifinals Wednesday night.Darren Mattocks put the Reggae Boyz ahead with 31st-minute header off a throw-in. Giles Barnes followed five minutes later with a goal on an 18-yard free kick after Guzan was caught going outside the penalty area on a routine throw.Michael Bradley scored in the 48th minute for the Americans, but it wasn't enough to prevent a stunning setback in front of sold-out crowd at the Georgia Dome.

DAYTONA BEACH — A man was convicted by a jury Wednesday of leaving the scene of a crash involving death, an official said.Joseph Daugherty, now 29, is facing a maximum of 30 years in a state prison for his role in the death of Joshua Krodel, State Attorney spokesman Spencer Hathaway said.Daytona Beach police said it was a drug deal gone bad on May 13, 2013, that resulted in 34-year-old Krodel suffering fatal injuries.Witnesses told police they saw Daugherty, of Daytona Beach Shores, sitting a car in the driveway of a beachside home arguing with Krodel and his wife, Jessica Krodel, accord

DAYTONA BEACH - A man is facing up to 35 years in state prison following his conviction on burglary and related charges, an official said.Reginald Rogers was convicted by a jury Tuesday of burglary of a dwelling, possession of burglary tools, possession of drug paraphernalia, dealing in stolen property and resisting an officer without violence, State Attorney spokesman Spencer Hathaway said.Rogers, who has several prior burglary and misdemeanor convictions, stole a portable air conditioning unit in the burglary of a home on South Martin Luther King Boulevard on Oct.

DELTONA - A mishmash of vacancies and re-purposed small businesses adjoin the city's only motel, the former Deltona Inn, along a boulevard that City Commissioner Heidi Herzberg calls "sad."Herzberg, who represents the city's southwest side, and her fellow commissioners unanimously passed a resolution declaring Deltona Boulevard blighted and asking the Volusia County Council to approve a Community Redevelopment Area, or CRA.

TALLAHASSEE - Florida, the state famously known for its sunshine, ranks third in the nation in solar capacity but lags at 13th in the number of solar installations.Less than 1 percent of the state's power is generated from solar sources. And only 6,600 of the 9 million electricity customers get some of their power from solar sources.Facing high utility bills, Floridians seem eager for more solar options. Yet efforts to expand the use of solar power in the nation's third-largest state are largely stalemated.

DELAND — A need for more space prompted Jim Cara to move his downtown pop-culture business from the east side of Woodland Boulevard to the west, but the afternoon sun bearing down on his storefront pushed him to move even faster. “That’s the sunny side of the street. There are no tall buildings on this side protecting that side from the sun,” Cara said of the former location of his Carasells Pop-Culture Collectibles.

What's one of the most noticeable features when you view your home from outside? The garage doors, of course. If they are in need of a facelift, they'll make your whole house exterior look drab. Here's a list of four great ways - from small to large - you can update your garage doors.Paint themHave you got garage doors that are in great shape … but a little dull and faded? No need to replace them: Give them a new lease on life with stain or paint.For your garage door makeover, choose a dry, sunny day when mild temperatures are forecast.

Does your cat try to bully you? All cats love to play, but sometimes their behavior is interpreted as aggression. Many cats, especially younger felines, have a tendency to play rough. However, this does not necessarily mean that there is a problem. The key is learning the difference between normal play and behavioral issues.Cats have an instinctual nature to hunt. This shows in their actions and behavior, even when playing. Cats will chase, scratch, bite, or pounce on their toys and/or other cats.