Chef's inside DELAND/LAKE HELEN DELEON SPRINGS PIERSON Corner His test subjects provide a clue to healthier eating Page B3 @HometownNewsVolusia @Hometownnewsvolusia @HVolusi Vol. 7, No. 9 Your Local News and Information Source • www.HometownNewsVolusia.com Friday, April 13, 2018 Community Commissioners: Loiterers Notes County schedules don’t belong in jail hurricane meeting By Gina McKee me that you don’t have the decriminalized pro- Call us about Advertising in the visions to deal with them.” Volusia County’s Commu- [email protected] Police Chief Jason Umberger agreed, add- Hurricane Guide nity Assistance Division will While most cities are cracking down on loitering, ing it’s not reasonable to arrest someone for host a public meeting with DeLand City Commissioners and city police officers Publishing May 25th ringing a doorbell and running off unless municipalities and the public are working to find middle ground to ensure the SPECIAL EDITIONFor more Information Call 386-322-5900 they refuse to move on and desist. at 10 a.m. Monday, April 16, to punishment fits the crime. “The reason we wanted to amend our par- discuss Community Develop- In a unanimous vote April 2, commissioners voted ticular ordinances to decriminalize the event where pen- ment Block Grant Disaster to decriminalize certain types of loitering, reducing Recovery funds for those folks were coming up and ringing doorbells at dif- alties under misde- the act to a misdemeanor punishable by a citation. affected by Hurricane Mat- ferent times of the evening, so we did amend that to meanor classifications, can be utilized as Rather than hauling a teenager who got a bit out thew. read 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. to mirror our noise ordi- well. of line to jail, some other options needed to be avail- The meeting will be in the nance,” Chief Umberger said. “We do have a state statute called loitering or able, Mayor Robert Apgar said. county council chambers at In those cases, a decriminalized version of the city prowling. It says its unlawful for any person to loiter “Let’s just use some kids hanging out at one of the the Thomas C. Kelly Adminis- statute on the books can serve a dual purpose of or prowl in a place, time or manner not usual for fast-food restaurants as an example, and they’re just tration Center, 123 W. Indiana providing punishment without a criminal charge law-abiding individuals under circumstances that being kids, maybe a little rowdy and all that, but it’s Ave., DeLand. and arrest. justify a normal and reasonable alarm or immediate now 8:30 at night,” Mayor Apgar said. “It seems to County employees will In addition, two state statutes, which carry civil See JAIL, page A2 review the funding require- ments, the unmet housing needs assessment, and pro- posed strategies for a regional application. For more information, call Watching Sunny sculpture Corry Brown at (386) 736- 5955, ext. 12970. butterflies Hospital museum reopens under the trees The DeLand Memorial Hos- By Gina McKee trees.” pital & Veterans Museum [email protected] Now that the designation reopened to the public April 9. of Monarch City USA has The former DeLand Memo- Close on the heels of being been bestowed, city officials rial Hospital, at Bill Dreggors the first city in Florida are encouraging local resi- Park, has served as the main named a Monarch City USA, offices for the city’s Parks and dents to get involved to help DeLand received word of its protect, support and grow Recreation Department after 30th consecutive year as a the facility was repurposed in the monarch butterfly popu- 1993. The building’s second Tree City USA. lation. and third floors have been The honors are a direct According to the Center used as a multi-floor museum result of the city’s focus on, for Biological Diversity, the operated by both the West and commitment to, conser- Monarch butterfly popula- Volusia Historical Society and vation, Mayor Robert Apgar tion was an estimated 682 DeLand Historic Trust Inc. said. million in 1997 compared to The museum was temporar- “The City of DeLand has a 150 million counted in 2016, ily closed last year to refresh long history of supporting and create new exhibits. a nearly 80 percent decline conservation efforts by pre- over a 19-year period. For a tour time, call (386) serving our beautiful oak 626-7280. Because monarchs rely on trees as evidenced by our vanishing milkweed plants Bruce D. Henderson/staff photographer 30-year designation as a and decreasingly available Pam Rocca, left, and Lynn Glynn, right, both of New Smyrna Beach, talk to Friends of library Tree City,” Mayor Apgard nectar-producing plants for said in a news release. “My DeLand artist Karen Tweedie about the sunflower bench by artist Jim Gal- book sale their homes and their food, lucci of Greensboro, N.C., on Friday, April 6, along West Indiana Avenue hope is that decades from Monarach Cities are asked The Friends of the DeLand now, the Monarch butterfly during the Sculpture Walk presented by the Museum of Art-DeLand and the Library’s monthly Book Sale will thrive alongside our See WATCHING, page A2 city. will be from 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 13 and 9:30 to 1 p.m. Sat- urday, April 14 in the Library auditorium at 130 E. Howry Ave., DeLand. Renewals and non-mem- Lots of County bers may purchase member- See NOTES, page A2 fun moves Personal Finance A8 Among $300K PLAN STRONGER the to block Consider health grants insurance Trees with early By Gina McKee retirement By Gina McKee [email protected] [email protected] A weekend of art, music, During a meeting for legis- crafts and more is on tap Sat- lative updates, plans for future Entertainment B1 urday, April 14, for the DeLe- Hometown News file photo programs and county busi- on Springs Community Asso- Children look at artwork created by McInnis Elementary School students ness, the Volusia County DELANDAPALOOZA ciation’s sixth annual Art Council also did some budget Among the Trees festival. at last year’s Art Among the Trees festival presented by the DeLeon Springs spring cleaning. The event, which runs from Community Association. In an effort to close out 9 a.m. until 3 p.m at 5030 N. grant funding through the U.S. 17, DeLeon Springs, will A car show; and a free Kid- $300 each for Best of Show, For those who have string Neighborhood Stabilization have something for everyone zone will include art projects Best Fine Art and Best Fine instruments in disrepair, Program, the County Coun- to enjoy, said Amy Munizzi, and lots of fun activities for Craft with second-place and bring those along, too, she cil approved transferring DSCA president. the kids,” Ms. Munizzi said. third-place ribbons in all cat- added. $300,000 from the NSP1 “In addition to fine art and The activities aren’t the egories.” “We also have a Luthier accounts into the Community crafts on show and for sale, only big draw the day of the Budding musicians also (stringed instrument repair- Development Block Grant Annual music festival there will be live bluegrass, festival, because the art show can bring their instruments man) on site, so people can will take over downtown fund. old-time and rock music on also is a juried event, meaning for free workshops and jam bring in a damaged or an old “The county has expended stage through the day; a deli- sessions with seasoned play- there will be judging and cash instrument and let him bring all of its NSP1 grant funds and cious food court grill and prizes, she added. ers. Index it back to life,” Ms. Munizzi is undertaking administrative goody vendors, McInnis Ele- “ It is a fine arts and music “Musicians will host a free said. “Several people have steps to close out its NSP1 Business A7 Out & About B1 mentary School student art- focused event,” Ms. Munizzi music workshop for anyone been amazed at what he has Classified B6 Police Report A5 work on display; the Crankin said. “As a juried event, there to bring an instrument and been able to do.” grant with the U.S. Depart- Crossword B5 Sports B5 Horoscopes B1 Viewpoint A6 A’s beautifully restored Model are awards in three categories: jam with the pros,” she said. See TREES, page A2 See GRANTS, page A2 3 days 2 night to Savannah, Jekyll Island and Charleston, SC The Cloisters has teamed up with a unique tour group “Diamond Tours” AWESOME The cost is $315.00 per person and includes: Motor coach transportation, 2 nights lodging, OPEN TO OPPORTUNITY! THE PUBLIC! 4 meals (2 breakfast and 2 dinners) Guided Trolley Tour of Savannah, followed by Hop-on/hop-off Privileges, www.thecloistersretirement.org Visit to Historic Charleston SC and a guided tram tour of Jekyll Island. (800)738-1222 | 400 East Howry Ave., DeLand A Retirement Housing Foundation Campus Contact Cheryl Starling 386-822-6900 x208 for Registration details A not-for-profit community - ALF#8340 (The motorcoach leaves from The Cloisters Tuesday October 2nd at 8:00 am and returns Late afternoon Thursday October 4th.) A-2 • DeLand/Lake Helen/DeLeon Springs/Pierson Hometown News Friday, April 13, 2018 persons who may witness violence.” Jail them; or engage in brawling Decriminalizing the city’s Chainsaw artist From page A1 or fighting; or engage in such statute allows for more rea- conduct as to constitute a sonable handling and pro- concern for safety of persons breach of the peace or disor- vides additional options, or property in that vicinity, so derly conduct.” allowing loitering itself to be we could use that (in cases In other cases, however, if a misdemeanor while refus- where criminal charges are the perpetrator refuses to ing to cooperate or resisting not warranted).” the police move on, there are other without violence still carry chief said.