NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- If the race for the Volusia County Council District 3 seat were won on the basis of money alone, then Joie Alexander would be the clear winner with $30,320, Deborah Denys would be second at $16,114.25 and Ellen Darden at close third at $14,775.

But considering Alexander -- the incumbent at-large incumbent term-limiteed out of that race and trying to gain the Southeast Volusia seat held by outgoing Jack Hayman -- loaned her own campaign $10,000, the race would be tighter, if money were the only factor.

NSBNEWS.net photos by Sera Frederick.

Rob Sanders, shown here in 2008 when he was elected president of the Volusia County Bar Association, has been endorsed for Volusia County judge over incumbent Mary Jane Henderson.

NSBNEWS.net will announce its endorsement on Aug. 8, in advance of Early Voting.

The Orlando Sentinel made no bones about its choice for judge in Volusia County, making it crystal clear the incumbent, Mary Jane Henderson, needs to go, in favor of her upstart challenger, veteran trial lawyer Rob Sanders.

NSBNEWS.net Investigative Reporting

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NSB's Elections

I am seeking your vote to serve you on the County Council (Dist. 3, SE Volusia). Having served in various community and public service capacities and boards in SE Volusia,  it is vital we elect a council member who will champion the needs in your part of the county. As Chair of the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia Counties, I bring experience in working with diverse agencies. With this entrenched recession, we must prioritize job and economic development.  I would truly appreciate the opportunity to serve you on the County Council as your champion for SE Volusia. Please feel free to call me: 386-428-5943.

-- Deborah A. Denys

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Deborah Denys, non-partisan for Volusia County Council, District 3

NSBNEWS.net video by Sera Frederick.

Edgewater's Fourth of July fireworks show was one for the ages with 20 minutes of spectacular and breath-taking views of reds, greens, blues, oranges and yellows lighting up the Sunday night night sky over Riverside Drive that drew upwards of 10,000 people from all over Southeast Volusia and others further noth in the Port Orange area after that city's fireworks were cancelled due to rain.

NSBNEWS.net photos by Henry Frederick.

Teresa Valdes, left, who is running for the 28th Florida state representative district that encompasses Port Orange and Southeast Volusia, hands out campaign pamphlets to Steffani and Greg Lariscy of South Daytona, seen here with their 2-year-old daughter, Hailey, prior to Sunday's fireworks show in Edgewater.

EDGEWATER -- The annual fireworks show off Riverside Drive means a lot more than American patriotism to Steffani and Greg Lariscy of South Daytona. The two met here 18 years ago while volunteering with Edgewater Fire Services, which led to marriage three years later.