SOUTH DAYTONA – South Daytona police are investigating a fatal crash that involved two vehicles and a pedestrian Sunday morning the South Daytona Police Department said in a news release was struck by at least one vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene The drivers of both vehicles involved remained at the scene and were cooperating with the investigation Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the police department at 386-322-3030 No further information had been shared or confirmed at the time of this report Note: This map depicts the general area of this crash and not necessarily an exact location Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved joined the ClickOrlando team in November 2021 TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us / Follow on Social Media Careers at WKMG Closed Captioning / Audio Description Public File Current EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Info FCC Applications EEO Report Disability Assistance Copyright © 2025 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group a day Americans usually commemorate at the local Mexican restaurant with their favorite dish and a margarita or two But what is Cinco de Mayo and why do we celebrate it Cinco de Mayo translates to May 5 in Spanish significantly outnumbered Mexican troops stopped an invasion of French troops during the Battle of Puebla About 1,000 French troops were killed in the battle Cinco de Mayo became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century as a way for Mexican immigrants to show pride in their Mexican heritage And if you're looking for a place to celebrate Volusia County has plenty of authentic restaurants to enjoy handmade tamales or crispy birria tacos with a side of consommé the Daytona Beach area is rich with traditional and modern Mexican kitchens that bring bold south-of-the-border flavors right to your plate From fast-casual roadside joints to elevated restaurants and bars here are 10 of the area's best Mexican restaurants New NSB restaurants? 9 Volusia-Flagler eateries open, 3 close, 1 sells to new owner Mexican scratch kitchen to expand with 4th location in Ormond Beach Taqueria La Fondita is the kind of counter-service spot you might pass by without noticing but won’t soon forget once you’ve had your first taste While the unassuming roadside joint is usually buzzing with to-go orders it does house a handful of shaded tables for those who’d rather dig in on the spot Its menu doesn’t try to do everything — but what it does with staff more than willing to walk you through its homestyle offerings No matter where I looked during my recent visit —tables or to-go bags — its tacos like an unofficial dress code of the eatery — and I now know why yet sturdy corn tortillas and sprinkled with cilantro and a rich from chorizo and carnitas to cabeza (roasted beef head) with every bite shattering its crispy outer shell and giving way to tender shredded bits of seasoned chicken that fills each roll guests can choose between several signature plates traditionally made with tripe (cow’s stomach) You’ll have your choice of sauces to pair with your meal and Arroz Con Leche is just one branch of a family-run restaurant tree that spans several no-frills Latin spots across the Volusia-Flagler region all of which have maintained a loyal following of Central Florida foodies for nearly a decade Serving as the Holly Hill outpost of husband-and-wife Saul Cifuentes and Norma Castañeda’s four other eateries within the Daytona Beach area Arroz Con Leche occupies a petite space in an unassuming retail strip along Ridgewood Avenue where its unpretentious surroundings give way to unforgettable flavors alongside a plethora of other juicy Cuban platters its Mexican menu is about as authentic as it gets with prices that are unparalleled in today’s restaurant climate Options include flavor-dripping steak fajitas meat-stuffed or vegetarian enchiladas and classic taco salad are best-sellers for a reason and come cradled in soft chopped onion and my choice of shredded chicken — though steak grab a canned soda or homemade flan to enjoy with your meal neighborhood kitchen than a commercial eatery The brand started with its original Daytona Beach restaurant where guests can enjoy the same array of traditional Mexican You’ll likely catch me with cheeks ballooned spiced and far less messy helping of steaming fajita veggies and jalapenos black or refried beans and your protein of choice so do yourself a favor and mix and match several a la carte tacos from lengua (beef tongue) and classic steak to chorizo Be sure to save room for at least one gordita — a hearty sandwich-like dish made from frying disc-shaped corn dough until crispy splitting it open and filling it to the brim with beans Mexico City Street Food & Bar855 Mason Ave. inspired by the street food staples of Mexico’s capital city Inside the Dia de Los Muertos-decorated eatery guests can grab a seat at its LED-lit bar and sift through over a dozen handcrafted margaritas options before enjoying a deluxe two-burrito dinner chipotle sauce-drizzled tacos on homemade corn tortillas or molcajete filled to the brim with crab While I’ve just about exhausted the birria taco conversation at Mexico City Street Food its birria burrito is every bit as delicious twice as filling and a recent favorite for consommé dipping While the enchiladas verdes and ribeye dinners have made their way to my table more times than I can count the eatery offers a plethora of other fajita seafood and vegetarian platters to choose from Tia Cori's Tacos is one of Beach Street’s most beloved restaurants having served Daytona-area locals its modest menu with endless flavor combinations for more than a decade now Whether dropping by for a bite at the eatery’s muralled brick interior or cooling down with a margarita outdoors the fast-casual taqueria prides itself on bringing all of its guests an “authentic taste of Mexico” right here in Central Florida Tia Cori's Tacos makes its own gluten-free corn tortillas fresh daily and offers a classic menu of Mexican or American-style tacos Customers can customize each dish with their protein of choice chicken and chorizo to al pastor (marinated pork) and carne asada —though vegetarian and vegan tacos quesadillas and burritos are also available While the restaurant’s birria tacos — a savory onion and cilantro — are a non-negotiable when visiting the chicken tamales are worth the trip in and of itself The popular dish is traditionally made from corn dough known as masa cheeses and veggies of choice before being wrapped in a corn husk — though not eaten — and steamed until thoroughly cooked Stop by on a Monday to enjoy two-for-one margaritas Monarca’s pastel facade and arched balconies give it a curb appeal that might warrant a visit lined with dozens of approachable and top-shelf tequilas allowing its flavor-forward menu to take center stage Enjoy a sizzling shrimp fajita platter and molcajete dinner or bell pepper- steak- and bean-stuffed burrito mexicanos duo and steaming plate of shredded chicken chiles rellenos — soft egg-battered and deep-fried poblano peppers dressed in a house tomato-based sauce and stuffed with your protein of choice The Monarca sampler provides a taste of several house favorites including shredded chicken flautas and quesadillas El Tequila’s is where you go for the massive margaritas and stay for the homemade tamales and fresh guacamole is thoughtfully designed to emulate the streets of Mexico with its vibrant wall murals exposed brick and ceramic tiled tables paired with each warn-wood booth The eatery prides itself on honoring tradition with every dish reflecting the care and authentic flavors tied to homemade Mexican eats the lengthy menu will take a minute to scour through though I’d start with the pica pica guacamole dressed with slivers of skirt steak and a chimichurri drizzling carnitas-stuffed burritos and bowls decorate the menu the fajitas have earned the rightful title of bestseller at El Tequila’s Steam rises as each sizzling platter hits the table smoky haze that carries the scent of seared meats and charred peppers Finish off your meal with a warm churro or fried ice cream dessert Senorita Mexican Kitchen strikes a good balance between tradition and modern flair with its atmosphere immediately drawing you in and its cuisine routinely turning first-timers into regulars Papel picado banners of every color hang overhead each rustic wood while dozens of premium tequila and mezcal boxes line the walls Neatly arranged bottles and stained glass-style paneling decorate the bar where guests can choose between nearly 20 frozen spiced and skinny hand-crafted margaritas to compliment their meal Start with a helping of generously-portioned nachos supremos or handmade tamales before cutting into your steak of choice chargrilled skirt steak has a crispy outer caramelization and comes dressed with soft cheese enchilada over top grilled chicken breast is a well-marinated favorite with a slight outer char that comes layered in creamy spinach dip and fresh pico de gallo Senoritas’ birria trio hits the nail on the head with its crispy exterior and flavor dipping insides located just south of the Latitude Margaritaville entrance is my favorite spot to enjoy a chimichanga done right or a mix-and-match taco platter The small Florida chain is a self-proclaimed “go-to Mexican restaurant” where often I’ve found the service to be as thoughtful and well-rounded as the menu The brand holds six other locations across the state yet still tradition-rooted array of Mexican eats to be enjoyed at its breezy outdoor patio or inside If not keeping it classic with a spread of asada tacos cabbage- and queso fresco-layered chimichurri taco in one hand and Mexico City taco in the other complete with chicken tinga (shredded chicken in a spiced diners can choose between several seafood platters enjoy a flash-fried chimichanga doused in fresh guacamole or opt for an Angus rib-eye or churrasco steak sour and spiced margaritas and tajin-rimmed cocktails to sip on alongside a plate of pineapple cake Not your typical hole-in-the-wall taqueria is a modern Mexican Kitchen whose vibrant vibe and open layout makes it a local go-to for lively group dinners and large party celebrations The family-owned eatery and sister restaurant to One Daytona’s BurgerTen holds locations in Port Orange and right across the Speedway in Daytona Beach where guests can enjoy a menu that reimagines tradition with a fresh elevated flare — like offering certified Angus beef steaks Dahlia boasts a full bar stocked with casual and top-shelf tequilas shaking up nearly a dozen different handcrafted margaritas that range from classic to boldly infused a birria taco duo — though I’d gladly scarf down three — or al pastor lettuce wraps before enjoying the house-marinated carne asada — a tender smoky char — or chile verde burrito — juicy carnitas Dahlia also offers several meatless options including vegetarian burritos and vegan ceviche as well as various happy-hour specials and $1.99 house margaritas on Thursdays Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More — South Daytona residents are working to rebuild their properties after flooding brought by Hurricane Milton last week it’s the second time their homes have flooded from hurricanes in the past two years flooring and personal belongings lined the streets in South Daytona on Thursday It’s the aftermath of flooding — and for many people living in the area it’s the second time they've gone through this in two years.  Resident Jennifer Kelly has lived in her South Daytona home for 26 years and said she never experienced flooding until Hurricane Ian in 2022 which brought 16 inches of water into her home she and her husband spent eight months rebuilding their home “We moved back here in June 2023,” Kelly said Kelly is having to start the recovery process for a second time Hurricane Milton caused her home to flood again Kelly said she kayaked out of their neighborhood to safety "When you look at the fire hydrants and the water is above the fire hydrants." Kelly and her husband are starting the process of rebuilding — and possibly relocating from their home of almost three decades “We did immediately start talking about selling,” Kelly said “We just can’t — you can’t live like this.” Kelly said the silver lining is the help they’ve received from family “You take it for granted until you’re in a crisis," she said there’s just people waiting to help you." SOUTH DAYTONA — A Zaxby's restaurant the saucy chicken chain known for its "Famous Fingerz," wings and "Zalads," is coming soon to this city's gateway The South Daytona City Council recently unanimously approved a master development agreement, a major step towards the granting of a building permit for the freestanding casual dining eatery Construction is expected to begin later this year The planned eatery will be located at 1600 S on the southwest corner of Ridgewood and Beville Road The 2.5-mile-long stretch of Ridgewood/U.S 1 that runs north-south through the city is its main commercial corridor "This location holds special significance to the city, as it serves as the gateway to South Daytona," said Josh McEnany "Bringing in a prominent national (restaurant) brand like Zaxby's not only revitalizes a long-empty property but also enhances the area's appeal and economic growth." How big will the Zaxby's be?The planned farmhouse-style restaurant will be 2,300 square feet in size with indoor seating for up to 30 customers at a time and will also offer a drive-through service lane for take-out orders "The design will closely resemble the newest Zaxby's (in Volusia County) in New Smyrna Beach," said McEnany The Zaxby's at 2659 State Road 44 in New Smyrna Beach opened in 2023 It is located roughly a mile east of Interstate 95 Zaxby's is a fast-casual restaurant chain that was founded in 1990 in Statesboro, Georgia. Its signature dish is its "Famous Fingerz" chicken tenders. Its menu includes bone-in and boneless chicken wings and has more than 900 locations across the country the majority of which are in the Southeast DeLand and New Smyrna Beach are owned by franchisee Courtney Blackburn of St who does business under various limited liability corporations whose names include the phrase "Courtland." Blackburn did not respond to a request for comment for this story The 0.59-acre lot where Blackburn plans to build the South Daytona Zaxby's used to be occupied by a Sunoco gas station/convenience store that closed several years ago making this development even more exciting for the city," said McEnany "This project aligns with our objectives as the City of South Daytona remains committed to enhancing the quality of life for our residents," McEnany added "The city has many projects we are actively working on including bringing in more retail locations and implementing flood mitigation projects all of which support our goal of creating a thriving and resilient community "By attracting reputable businesses and investing in infrastructure improvements we continue to foster economic development create jobs and improve the overall vibrancy of our city." SOUTH DAYTONA — The old bait shop on the corner of Ridgewood Avenue and Big Tree Road was being torn down on Nov. 22 to make way for a drive-through coffee kiosk. in South Daytona was sold in October to a Ponce Inlet couple who plan to construct the first retail location in Volusia County for a popular Midwest chain called Scooter's Coffee which will employ 25 to 30 workers initially It will be owned by local franchisees Joseph and Michaela Young who hope to eventually open several Scooter's Coffee locations in east Volusia County The husband-wife entrepreneurs got the idea to start Scooter's Coffee after experiencing a drive-through coffee hut in California Their idea was to replicate that concept in the Midwest The company's motto is to "provide customers with high-quality drinks the chain has more than 750 locations across the country The Youngs are originally from Nebraska where they became fans of Scooter's Coffee They moved to the Daytona Beach area two years ago but I think it's better than Starbucks," said Joseph Young describing Scooter's Coffee in an interview in July Michaela Young in that same interview said "We are aimed at getting amazing drinks from amazing people amazingly fast to you in this community." The couple said the goal for their locations here will be to serve customers within 90 seconds of placing their order Scooter's Coffee serves hot and iced coffee drinks as well as smoothies and dessert drinks called "blenders." It also offers food as well as snack items such as birthday cake bites The coffee drinks have names such as "Caramelicious," "Candy Bar Latte," and "Scooter Shooter." For those who prefer dairy-free drinks the chain also serves lattes that use either almond According to Volusia County property records the Youngs doing business as KYFINN Properties LLC paid $450,000 to buy the property on Oct Where did the bait shop go?Your Rod & Reel which rented the building from First Coast Energy consolidated his business in New Smyrna Beach at 843 N Dixie Freeway where he now runs a bait shop called Kate's Bait & Tackle (named after his daughter) Kevin Giordano is preparing to clear his South Daytona house of flood water once again after Hurricane Milton brought heavy rains to the area starting Wednesday Giordano has lived in the Big Tree Village neighborhood for 30 years “It rose to about 12 inches inside my house and pretty much most of the neighborhood,” Giordano said “Big Tree [Village] got wet and was underwater pretty much close to what Hurricane Ian did So now it's time to just let it all drain out and then rip it apart again and rebuild it.” Giordano renovated three other homes in the neighborhood after Hurricane Ian’s 2022 deluge which produced over 13 inches of rainwater at the Daytona Beach International Airport Giordano had just finished renovating his own home before Milton The back-to-back hurricane-related floods have been the worst floods he can recall in at least 20 years the NWS observed more than 15 inches of water bringing devastating flooding throughout Volusia Four lives were reportedly lost in the county and a total of 17 throughout the state Volusia is providing a long-term shelter at the Volusia County Fairgrounds in DeLand and is working to bring in FEMA assistance to help people the water in Big Tree Village was between thigh and waist-deep on some roads The neighborhood had vehicles stuck in the water Those conditions were no problem for 22-year-old Khalid Itani Itani and his brother were entering the neighborhood Friday afternoon where they had evacuated ahead of the storm They got home and discovered water inside their home -- but not as bad as they expected Last year was like 13 to 16 inches,” Itani said They got what they needed and got out of the house the brothers offered to assist anyone walking through the water by letting them hop into the truck bed “You definitely need a truck with a lift or anything with an aggressive tire I suggest [you] don't drive on these roads,” he said Itani’s family owns three Mike’s Discount Tires stores: two in South Daytona and one in Edgewater but the one on Mason Avenue got flooded and the windows got busted Milton’s flood waters had receded much quicker by Friday afternoon but drainage areas in the community of Florida Shores were still blocked by debris and contained sitting water the Edgewater community of Florida Shores was dealing with problematic flooding from thunderstorms -- shutting off roadways with waist-deep water Residents believe the flooding issues are a result of overdevelopment from nearby communities that are built higher than Florida Shores causing the water to flow into the neighborhood The City of Edgewater informed residents ahead of Milton that preparations had been made and stormwater systems had been cleared who lives in Florida Shores with her husband and 1-year-old son The Adkins family fortified their house with 100 sandbags around the entrances they had two sump pumps to run water into ditches and a utility terrain vehicle Adkins borrowed from her father-in-law in case they needed to escape during the storm and a few neighbors began digging a trench from the backyard to the drainage ditch in the front of the house using shovels and machetes to take care of tree roots a nearby berm from a neighboring community broke and let water into Florida Shores Adkins said water was pushing into the garage and the front porch which had been barricaded with sandbags and a tarp we were just gonna leave and head to higher ground.” Her husband got a shop vac and began pumping water away from the front door Adkins is tired of having to worry about water and wants a better home for her son “We're hoping that we can find some higher ground elsewhere and move on and just say goodbye,” she said “It sucks because I don't want to leave somebody else with the problem The threat of more flooding remains even with Milton long gone Volusia County is warning residents near Lake Harney Johns River that more flooding is expected when those water bodies crest later this month due to all the rain from the storm Fla — Authorities canceled a Missing Child Alert after two small children missing from Volusia County area were found safe The South Daytona Police Department had been looking for 4-year-old Zyvel Watson and 1-year-old Zhavion Watson The Florida Department of Law Enforcement first issued the Alert on Wednesday afternoon and canceled it just before midnight and I feel like that's part of where the system failed" Henry Betsey Jr. is facing charges for marrying three Florida women in three different counties at the same time. Now saying the system that handles marriage licenses kept them in the dark Report a typo While practical skills can be taught and honed through repetition artistic talents — both complex and unique — emerge from an innate ability that transcends conventional instruction Knight opened her revered South Daytona bakery in 2013 at 2293 S following more than a decade of local success is preparing to open shop at its brand new 2002 S that I would be able to actually have a career where I made money with art Maybe because I knew that I couldn’t be Picasso or anything like that,” Knight said when I stumbled along the edible art world 'This is what I love to do’: Cozy new Italian café opens in Bunnell 7 best sandwich shops in Daytona Beach, NSB, Ormond Beach, Port Orange and more While working as a server at the longstanding Port Orange eatery who’d pushed her lifelong creative passions to the side to pursue a seemingly more practical degree in marine biology was later awarded employee of the year by age 19 the restaurant presented her with complimentary cake decorating courses at Michael’s arts and crafts store where both she and her course instructors quickly realized how deserving her natural-born artistry was of a platform I just switched and went full culinary,” she said going on to graduate from Daytona State College with high honors and a pastry chef degree in 2011 Knight remains profoundly grateful for her time at Aunt Catfish's a place she thanks for introducing her to the industry teaching her the true meaning of remarkable customer service and "empowering" her to pursue her own business — one rooted in the passion she once thought to be a dead end Named Yelp's best doughnut shop in Florida, Donnie's Donuts closes in Daytona Beach Treats & Sweets Cakery has become an ever-growing cornerstone for meticulously crafted intricately designed and decorated cakes and cupcakes suited for weddings birthday parties and local business events of all sizes and calibers The bakery has even joined forces with the NASCAR Foundation and most recently designed NASCAR's custom Mobil 1 Victory Lane cake while also working with Daytona State College to supply desserts for annual galas and other school events — a full circle moment for the accomplished alum Local family with ties to The Garlic to open new seafood restaurant, market and bar in NSB The local cakery has even supplied sweets for private events in the home of NASCAR legend and 55-time Cup Series winner Rusty Wallace as well as a celebratory cake for former Colts defensive end and 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Dwight Freeney a custom retirement cake for two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip in 2017 Coastal cuisine to deep dish: 9 restaurants open in Daytona Beach, Flagler; 1 closes “I think part of the reason why this business was so successful is it sets us apart from home bakers in the sense that we have a storefront and a lot of them don’t grab a cupcake and be able to taste our flavors,” Knight explained “We have different flavors every week … We have seasonal menus — those are fun — and we get to get creative with the holidays when people are able to come in and sample our product ‘Well I want to buy a cake here,’ you know?” The bakery’s pricing and pickup timeline is determined by the cake size and design complexity has been a common achievement by the cakery’s talented crew says with the influx of business comes the inevitable challenges of growth Fresh seafood, stiff cocktails: Here’s the best restaurant I’ve tried this week in NSB “Its really just learning to kind of roll with the punches growing is just as hard as being stagnant,” she said “… But it made me realize that I have to build a team that is able to handle what is coming our way,” making hiring local culinary students a more recent priority at the bakery they’re extremely talented and the passion is there,” she said “They loved it enough to say 'I’m going to devote my life to this; I’m going to go to school for this.' And I realized that that drive and that passion is what I was looking for who said she is “maxed out” in her current location looks forward to embracing the cakery’s growth and further nurturing her team’s talents at Treats & Sweet’s new roughly a two-minute drive up the road in South Daytona The new location will feature a brand new display case color scheme and logo —  a full rebranding “It’s everything I always dreamed of when I first opened,” Knight said attributing much of her progress and prosperity to the enduring support of her husband and loved ones over the years “… God has put the perfect people in my life at the perfect moments It couldn’t be more perfect or obvious for every single moment and every single season of this business That’s the only reason I’ve made it 11 years Treats & Sweets Cakery’s new location plans to open on Nov visit facebook.com/treatsandsweetscakery or yourcakery.com others boarding up windows in anticipation of the storm’s impact though many restaurants were still assessing damage and faced with power outages or would soon open their doors to community members in search of a warm meal amid the chaos of Milton’s aftermath Here is a running list of restaurants and cafes in the Volusia-Flagler region listed alphabetically and separated by county that residents can plan on visiting for a hot meal today or later this week If you are a local restaurant and have reopened please email your information to hperray@gannett.com Volusia County Restaurants/Cafes31 Supper Club31 W DoorDash and Uber Eats are temporarily unavailable "We will resume normal business hours next week Come see the crew we’ve had a long week and would love to see you!" 3318 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach; 386-423-5060, facebook.com 903 Big Tree Road, South Daytona; 386-310-4470, facebook.com 1112 W. Canal St., New Smyrna Beach; 386-957-4975, facebook.com 1859 State Road 44, New Smyrna Beach; 386-478-8998, facebook.com with a limited menu for dine-in or carry out 2037 Anastasia Drive, South Daytona; 386-275-1115, facebook.com noting all donations will go to local families 307, Flagler Ave., Suite 105, New Smyrna Beach; 386-427-6666, facebook.com Customers are encouraged to pay with cash if possible Don Giovanni Contemporary Italian & Pizzeria1633 Taylor Road First Watch in Daytona Beach opens Saturday while First Watch in Port Orange opens at 7 a.m 2120 S. Ridgewood Ave., Unit 8, Edgewater; facebook.com 330 S. Atlantic Ave., Ormond Beach; facebook.com facebook.com/littleitalysristorantedaytona Opens under regular and late night hours on Saturday facebook.com/MamaMiasPizzeriaPizzaPastaWineBeer 1185 W. Granada Blvd., Unit 5, Ormond Beach; facebook.com 2772 Elkcam Blvd., Deltona; 386-218-0639, facebook.com 3751 Clyde Morris Blvd., Unit 2, Port Orange; facebook.com Call 904-599-6425 to place orders (cash only) 2132 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores; 386-872-4991, facebook.com The restaurant is cash only until its internet is restored 1540 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach; 386-253-5004, facebook.com Open Friday, Oct. 11 with the restaurant's full menu, according to a 4:29 p.m. Facebook post. The restaurant has no internet or phone service and is cash only until service is restored 1626 U.S. Highway 1, Ormond Beach; 386-366-7670, facebook.com  3001 India Palm Drive, Edgewater; 386- 402-8007, facebook.com 2140 S. Riverside Drive, Edgewater; 386-444-3047, facebook.com "Full menu available through dine-in or counter orders only No phone or internet service," according to the restaurant's Facebook page 1755 Palm Harbor Parkway, Palm Coast; 386-302-0044, facebook.com A 37-year-old South Daytona man turned himself in to police Thursday morning after authorities found child sexual abuse material on his phone according to the South Daytona Police Department Milan A. Krekan faces charges related to possession of child pornography Krekan had already been arrested and charged two months ago with similar crimes that led police to continue investigating and conduct a search warrant on Krekan's phone Police: Port Orange man arrested after possible AI-generated child pornography found 26 on multiple charges related to child exploitation These charges include traveling to meet a minor; using a computer to seduce or lure a child; and using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony It was not immediately clear if Krekan was out on bond after his August arrest until the time he turned himself in Thursday morning The News-Journal has reached out to South Daytona police for comment Krekan's first court appearance is scheduled for 1:30 p.m The department is asking anyone who might have further information about this case to contact the department at 386-322-3030 or sdpd@southdaytona.org SOUTH DAYTONA — In the early morning hours of Oct. 10, as Hurricane Milton blew through Volusia County Karen and Thom Moss were asleep in their South Daytona home when their 10-year-old grandson laying on a pallet of blankets beside their bed “And this was all flooded,” Karen Moss said of her bedroom just one part of the house where water rose to about 6 inches entered our closets … and it just started coming up.” Both in their 70s, the couple is now facing a long road to recovery suffered unprecedented damage from Tropical Storm Ian the Mosses had two U-Haul storage units in their front yard full of what they could salvage as well as fans attempting to dry out clothes and other furniture After Milton: Volusia residents displaced by Milton can apply for FEMA funds for hotel stays the South Daytona couple's children and children-in-law helped tear the drywall they had to be rescued by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office Deputies helped them get to Karen Moss’ son’s apartment in Port Orange Karen Moss said she has asthma while her husband suffers from Parkinson’s disease “We had to get out, we have to get our house fixed,” Karen Moss said. “It’s not healthy for us to live here.” Thom Moss said they are mostly thankful that neither themselves nor their family members were injured during the storm “We’re not crying — people have it much worse than us When Tropical Storm Ian hit Volusia County in 2022 it was the first time the Mosses dealt with a major flooding episode in their home Besides irreparable damage to their furniture and appliances they lost photo albums of their grandchildren and even a 19th century Bible “The water was right under the windowsill,” which would measure to about a foot inside their home “We didn’t have any problems,” she said of flooding before Ian they were still recovering from that storm’s damage Moss said they were still buying furniture before Milton hit most of which have been second-hand items she found for cheaper prices online “We had closet doors to put on, we went through the grant with the county, the Transform386 (program),” which was still moving through the application review process “There was a lot that we still had to do.” Facing now another path to recovery due to storm flooding, Moss said she and her husband are giving more thought to the possibility of selling their home “It scares us to death,” Karen Moss said of the prospect of facing yet another storm like Ian or Milton in the next year or so “Several of our neighbors are putting their houses up for sale A lot of homes in their neighborhood sold after Ian when the area's quiet 2023 storm season may have faded the memory of 2022's storms “And we don’t know what we’re going to do.” Thom Moss said that he and his wife were already giving some thought to the idea of moving prior to Ian “I think we both want to move somewhere higher,” Thomas Moss said Milton's West Volusia impact: In flooded Glen Eagles, DeLand residents embark on long road to recovery from Milton He was already expressing his concerns about the climate changes and the threat of potential storm impacts Karen Moss said any plans to move from their home would depend on selling it They are also counting on revenue from insurance and retirement funds “We’re going to have to rebuild if we want to sell the house,” Karen Moss said A woman who had drugs and alcohol in her system when the car she was driving struck and killed a skateboarder a decade ago was back in jail accused of violating her probation by testing positive for methamphetamine was released from prison less than a year ago and listed a residence in Astor But on Friday she was back behind bars at the Volusia County Branch Jail where she was being held without bond on the probation violation Killed was 22-year-old Stephen Michael Wilson Wilson was married and had a daughter who was three at the time Arcuri was driving a car north in the 1700 block of South Ridgewood Avenue about 3:30 p.m in South Daytona when police said her vehicle veered and struck Wilson just above the 0.08 level at which a person is considered legally impaired for driving Prosecutors said the blood sample was taken four hours after the crash Arcuri reached a plea agreement and was sentenced in 2015 to 11 years in prison followed by probation She pleaded no contest and was adjudicated guilty of DUI manslaughter and six counts of drug possession Her driver’s license was permanently revoked said at the sentencing hearing that Arcuri had shown no remorse Arcuri said she had "a lot of remorse." She said she was also a wife and mother with a daughter according to the Department of Corrections website She was then to serve four years of drug offender probation a random urine sample test of Arcuri was positive for the presence of methamphetamine according to an affidavit of violation of probation In the years before the fatal crash, Arcuri compiled several traffic citations Arcuri was charged with possession of crack cocaine She pleaded no contest and served 60 days in jail SOUTH DAYTONA — Health-care workers at 11 nursing homes across the state took to the streets Thursday to protest what they said is unfair pay and for better protections and safer staffing levels One such protest took place at South Daytona’s Oaktree Healthcare nursing home Employees there are part of the thousands who belong to 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East — the largest union of health-care workers in Florida with more than 25,000 members affiliated in the state “We’re having this picket today because we want a fair contract,” said Darrell Butler a certified nursing assistant (or CNA) who works at the South Daytona facility because $15 (an hour) is not enough to feed our families.” First Step Shelter: As investigation winds down, local governments must decide whether to fund First Step Shelter said he hopes Aspire Health Group “comes to the table … and meets our demands to support our families and the nursing home.” The company operates the 11 facilities where workers picketed Thursday afternoon A message sent to the Aspire Health Group wasn't immediately returned “contracts between 1199SEIU workers and management expire in almost 50 Florida facilities this year directly impacting more than 4,000 certified nursing assistants (CNAs) housekeeping and other workers and 10,000 patients.” “The nursing home industry in Florida takes in a windfall each year with billions of it funded with our taxpayer dollars,” said Margarette Nerette vice president of long-term care for 1199SEIU Florida “These companies must put care first while they properly pay and protect the caregivers tending to our parents grandparents and other elderly loved ones.” Butler said the workers at the South Daytona facility and others across the state are also demanding “safer staffing levels” at the nursing homes Ron DeSantis moved the ratio for hours that we take care of our residents from 2.5 to 2.0 (per patient) We’re hurting our backs; we’re hurting our legs.” The nurse-to-patient ratio Butler referred to "represents the number of patients a registered nurse cares for during a shift. Most hospitals have guidelines to ensure safe staffing ratios," according to the Nurse Journal He explained that some residents at the facility are “total care” patients meaning they require CNAs’ assistance to feed “and that takes time.” Oaktree Healthcare is 65-bed facility not all of them work at the facility at the same time A given day’s three-shift schedule only has three CNAs working per shift to care for the typical 10-15 daily residents Gary Alberstadt also works as a CNA at the facility He echoed Butler’s and the union’s concern saying the issue is “a lot deeper” than just what they consider inadequate pay “It’s sad because we get left working short which in turn affects the patients,” Alberstadt said at the picket on Thursday “How do you give proper care to 20 patients over an eight-hour period when you still have to take you 15-minute breaks training … it takes away from the personal care.” Alberstadt has been working at the South Daytona nursing home for three years but has also worked in other locations in Volusia County over his eight-year career as a CNA “There’s a lot of good workers that are here because they love the job “It’s a fulfilling and rewarding job at the end of the day — it really is.” Butler said the situation has been dire for just as long “It has gotten a little worse now because a lot of the facilities are only accepting homeless people people with severe illnesses that we cannot take care of — mental illnesses,” he said and there is no protection for the workers so when we hurt our back and they punch us in our face and we get a black eye there’s nothing we can do about it,” he added Butler said he is hopeful that the union and the company’s management will be able to work out a deal “If we have the manpower and we have the community backing us up and let management know that we are overworked and underpaid Early mornings just got better for South Daytona residents, following the opening of a brand-new Colombian coffee shop. Aguadulce Colombian Café started serving guests at 569 Beville Road several weeks ago after first teasing the opening on social media in April a Colombian native who runs the coffee shop with her husband hopes to diversify the city’s culinary scene with an authentic array of sweet and savory creations that she grew up enjoying “We really wanted to bring a little bit of our culture to the area because Colombian culture has always been very stigmatized … and we want people to know Colombia for its greatness,” Angel said “Our coffee is considered the best in the world so we can change the concept people have about our country.” Restaurant news: Family-owned soul food restaurant to open in Edgewater Looking for the best beach bars in Volusia-Flagler? Here are several of our favorites The family-owned shop boasts a lengthy hot and iced beverage menu with options ranging from the café con leche it’s very common in the countryside,” Angel said is then boiled down and used as a base for various drinks “Both of my grandmothers grew up in the countryside and that was always something we had at home — agua panela which is sweet water … you can use it as a base for coffee,” she explained the café offers “sweet and savory treats” including cuatro leches like the Cuban and Hawaiian grilled cheese ‘Farm to cup’: New café brings specialty coffee, Italian pastries to Daytona area Though the shop sources many items from Sabores there are a handful of homemade goods Angel said have been instant hits including the empanadas — beef or chicken during my recent visit; the pandebono; and Maracuya Carlota “It’s cute because my grandma’s name is — was — Carlota and that’s the name given to the passionfruit dessert (Maracuya Carlota),” Angel said because it has layers of Colombian crackers and homemade cream it’s creamy and a little sour — not too sweet.” The café's coffee is sourced from a small farm out of Colombia though “not massively produced,” is packaged for purchase at the shop After moving to the area from Colombia in 2004 Angel began working at a local Mexican restaurant where she remained an employee for seven years Though she went on to pursue other career paths studying interior design and later cosmetology her love for the restaurant space never faltered When Angel quickly noticed the lack of Latin representation in the area often traveling to Orlando for an authentic Colombian meal she planned to ultimately take matters into her own hands Angel welcomes guests to her very own Volusia County café — a place she says brings with it a good deal of pressure “Everybody has been loving it … but It’s nerve-racking in the beginning Even though I’ve been working in the field for so many years It’s my name and it’s my concept,” she said but not a lot of ethnic restaurants in this area Aguadulce Colombian Café is located at 569 Beville Road in South Daytona and is currently open 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday, though hours may change in the coming months. For information, visit facebook.com A man traveled to South Daytona to have sex with a 15-year-old girl but instead came face to face with an undercover police officer The expected sexual encounter for Carmelo DeJesus turned into a trip to the Volusia County Branch Jail on felony charges that included using a computer to seduce a child and traveling to meet a minor for sex DeJesus contacted an undercover police officer posing as a 15-year-old girl on a social app on the internet on Sept In text messages DeJesus told the undercover officer that "he wanted to hook up and have sex with the minor," police said DeJesus with a last known address in Daytona Beach took an Uber and traveled to a location on Palmetto Avenue for a sexual encounter with the minor DeJesus found police waiting for him with handcuffs DeJesus admitted to having sexually explicit conversations on the online app but said that he traveled to the arranged meeting to see if the girl was real PORT ORANGE — For Volusia County Council member Matt Reinhart the most heart-breaking part of his former 30-year career as a corrections officer for Volusia County was "Seeing the same faces come back to jail." One of the reasons some former inmates wind up returning to a life of crime is their inability to find a job upon their release from prison who retired in 2017 as a warden for the Volusia County Branch Jail and Volusia County Corrections Center The Port Orange South Daytona Chamber of Commerce hopes to change that the chamber in partnership with the Volusia County Division of Corrections will hold its first-ever Second Chance Job Fair at the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach will provide soon-be-released inmates an opportunity to interview for potential jobs with local employers "Everyone deserves a second chance," said Barbara Ann Heegan stable transportation and stable employment that people can rebuild their lives and contribute very positively to our community." According to the website for a California-based group called Prison to Employment Connection the recidivism rate — relapsing into criminal behavior — for former incarcerated individuals who maintain a job in their first year after their release is just 16% compared to 52% for those who remain unemployed The Volusia County Division of Corrections booked 17,976 inmates in 2023 but 56% only spent 1 to 3 days in incarceration according to the division's most recent annual report The current average daily population is 1,380 "Frequent Fliers" — people incarcerated multiple times — remain a big problem The division counted 37 who were jailed eight or more times last year "Employment definitely improves outcomes" for former inmates director of corrections for the Volusia County Division of Corrections "If this Second Chance Job Fair can help even one person it's worth it." The chamber earlier this year launched its Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative to help those recovering from addictions Its Second Chance Initiative is an extension of that program whose brother died from a drug overdose last year was one of the speakers at the chamber event where the Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative was launched in April Reinhart said he was talking to Heegan about how helping former inmates find jobs greatly reduces the chances of their falling back into their old "bad routines." "Think about all those who return to prison because the doors to employment keep shutting on them," he said Reinhart said he has already spoken to some employers who are eager to participate in the Second Chance Job Fair “I’m thrilled about this partnership with the chamber of commerce," he said "This job fair aligns perfectly with my vision for the re-entry of our inmate population into society The Second Chance Initiative has the potential to lower recidivism rates and help reintegrate those who have made mistakes back into our community as productive members.” The Volusia County Branch Jail is at 1300 Red John Drive in Daytona Beach Monday for employers to sign up to take part in the Second Chance Job Fair "By attending they will have the opportunity to engage directly with job seekers fostering a more effective and personal job search experience," said Heegan email Heegan at bheegan@pschamber.com or call 386-761-1601 Volusia County officials announced Thursday that four people died in the county as a result of Hurricane Milton RELATED: Volusia reels from flooding after Hurricane Milton we can confirm four fatalities," Emergency Management Director Clint Mecham said at an afternoon press conference "Two of those were due to trees falling on their residences One was a cardiac issue that EMS just could not get to in time that occurred while they were boarding up their home." The Sheriff's Office had more information on the deaths resulting from falling trees: a 79-year-old woman was killed in Ormond Beach and a 54-year-old woman in Port Orange The Sheriff's Office said the medical examiner reported the four deaths are storm related officials have attributed at least 11 deaths to Milton The Orange County Sheriff's Office says a man in his 60s was clearing debris in his yard Thursday afternoon when he appeared to have stepped on a downed power line Sheriff Mike Chitwood noted the curfew Volusia has in place Thursday night from 9 p.m "for cars that are in flooded ditches where people say they saw the car drive in with occupants And resources have to go out there and look." Mecham said Volusia experienced as much as 15.6 inches of rain and gusts up to 87 miles per hour during the storm And 400 people remain in Volusia County shelters Areas with the most damage include Midtown in Daytona Beach some areas in Port Orange and South Daytona Many of the areas also impacted by Hurricane Ian "anyone in those low-lying areas or that have been susceptible to damage in the past unfortunately it was a repeat in many cases." Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker