By Cecil G. Brumley
1. Plane crashes into DeLand Publix
The Publix on East International Speedway Boulevard was shut down after a single-engine experimental plane crashed into it. Five people were injured, including the plane's pilot and passenger, who suffered critical injuries. The Publix was repaired reopened later in the year.
2. Spec Martin Stadium getting renovations for Stetson football
Construction started on a project to revamp Spec Martin Stadium and its surroundings to prepare for Stetson University playing football there.
3. DeLand Crossings attracts new manufacturing businesses
Conelec of Florida, an electronics manufacturer, moved to DeLand Crossings from Sanford, creating 200 jobs in Volusia County. The industrial park is now home to two manufacturers and a high-performance auto parts distributor.
4. Police remove animals from ARK animal rescue.
Police seized more than 100 animals and showed video evidence of poor living conditions at the Animal Rescue Konsortium, 441 S. Woodland Blvd. After they said they received numerous complaints, the police seized 135 dogs and cats. ARK continued its adoption operations, seeking to place animals that were taken to other shelters.
5. Elections create big changes in area governing boards; voters were in a no mood.
In the biggest surprise of the election, relatively unknown Jason Davis won the Volusia County Chair's position. Sheriff Ben Johnson easily won re-election as did Supervisor of Elections Ann McFall and Clerk of Court Diane Matousek. County voters rejected a new school tax, though. In DeLand, former state Rep. Pat Patterson returned to government, winning a seat on the County Council.
6. DeLand leaders OK downtown residential, business project
City Commissioners approved a project by Daytona Beach-based White Challis Redevelopment Co. that would create residences and commercial space at Woodland Boulevard and Church Street in the downtown area.
7. Mainstreet Grill manager killed
The manager of the Mainstreet Grill, Tom Walsh, 43, was shot to death as he worked inside the downtown restaurant. He was found by an employee who was outside emptying garbage.
8. MainStreet DeLand gets new director
Jack Becker resigned as director of MainStreet DeLand Association, one of the most successful downtown revitalization programs in Florida. His replacement was Mary Beth Harris, the organization's assistant director.
9. DeLand's Cress restaurant gets top Zagat rating
In a surprise, the top restaurant in the Orlando Area Zagat Guide, wasn't even in Orange County. Cress Restaurant in downtown DeLand was named the best by Zagat Survey LLC, a national company that scores restaurants based on diner surveys. Cress earned a nearly perfect score of 29 on the company's 30-point rating scale.
10. Chubby Checker visits DeLand, attempts Guinness World Record
Chubby Checker had the downtown twisting as part of a celebration of Florida Hospital DeLand's anniversary and as a fundraiser for the hospital's foundation. Besides an evening concert, Mr. Checker led an effort to break the Guinness World Record for most people twisting in the streets.