Photos for Headline Surfer® / 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Mike Pastore has created a firestorm by getting directly in involved in helping Daytona's homeless by handing out sleeping bags, transporting some to local shower and health facilities.

And in the process, the street preacher, known as "Pastor Mike," who was once homeless, finds himself in a tough spot with politicians, business owners, the cops and even some media outlets because of his advocacy and voice for the voiceless.

Tamara Szabo Spuzzillo, of Port Ornge, a paralegal for a local law firm, has done something very special, not only for her family and close friends, but also for herself. And in the process has become a true inspiration to loved ones and complete strangers alike: Spuzzillo quit smoking cold turkey on June 4 -- two days after she turned 50 years old and hasn't taken a puff since.

Pastor Mike Pastore and Tamara Szabo Spuzzillo are the male and female HeadlineSurfer.com Citizens of the Year.

Pastore and Spuzzillo will each be featured in separate profile stories on New Year's Day in a multimedia format, including a timeline chronology and bio, photos, videos, and social media reaction.

Each clearly has a unique story and both are equally important in the mission delivered to the public by virtue of their selections by the internet newspaper.

And certainly when a media outlet recognizes a person whose cause goes against the grain, there's a backlash.

There will be the critics, namely politicians who will complain that Pastore's activism is being glorified, when in the eyes, it should be condemned.

And with Spuzzillo, a nondescript person, there will be naysayers who will dismiss the recognition as trivial. But tell that to smokers whose tobacco addiction is overwhelming, and in many cases, shortening their lives needlessly.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- OneBlood’s Big Red Bus is seeking blood donations 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 15, at the New Smyrna Beach Regional Library parking lot, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are strongly encouraged. They can be made online at www.oneblood.org.

Photos for Headline Surfer / Paxton Lynch, the Memphis Tigers QB drafted in the first round by the Denver Broncos, has a strong Central Florida connection.

DELTONA, Fla. -- Delton'a Paxton Lynch has gone from relative obscurity to the No. 26 pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft for the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos who were starved for a quarterback.

Denver needed a quarterback of the future with the off-season retirement of Peyton Manning and heir-apparent Brock Osweiler signing with the Houston Texans.

"It was obviously the greatest feeling," Lynch said shortly after the pick in a statement released by the Broncos. "This was a dream come true for me. The Denver Bronco organization is obviously one of the best in the league." 

The 6-foot-7 Lynch, played quarterback for the Deltona Trinity Christian Academy Eagles before enrolling at Memphis and becoming the signal caller.

Denver needed a quarterback of the future with the off-season retirement of Peyton Manning and heir-apparent Brock Osweiler signing with the Houston Texans.

"It was obviously the greatest feeling," Lynch said shortly after the pick in a statement released by the Broncos. "This was a dream come true for me. The Denver Bronco organization is obviously one of the best in the league." 

The 6-foot-7 Lynch, played quarterback for the Deltona Trinity Christian Academy Eagles before enrolling at Memphis and becoming the signal caller.

Lynch will compete with Mark Sanchez, formerly with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles, who was signed after Osleiler bolted to the Texans as a free agent.

Lynch was the third quarterback drafted after Jared Goff and Carson Wentz were selected with the first two picks, by the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles, respectively.

The Broncos traded up with the Seattle Seahawks to take Lynch.

"It was always his dream was always to go to the NFL," said David Lynch, the quarterback's father.

DELAND, Fla. -- There will be a Blood Drive on 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Volusia County Courthouse, 101 N. Alabama Ave. The Big Red Bus will be parked in the short term parking area along New York Avenue (State Road 44).

Donors will receive a free EPIC movie ticket, as well as a "buy one admission, get one free offer" from Crayola Experience.

Other offerings in exchange for a pint of blood: A wellness checkup, including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening.

Even though this blood drive was scheduled prior to the terrorist attack in Orlando early Sunday, it is nonetheless important to help replenish blood banks in Central Florida.

"Court Administration regularly schedules these blood drives, at both our DeLand courthouse and the Justice Center, but this one tomorrow in DeLand is very timely," Ludmilla Lelis, spokeswoman for the 7th Judicial Circuit, said in a press release to Headline Surfer® and other media outlets that regularly cover the courts, readily offering this one had been been scheduled weeks ago.

"Court Administration regularly schedules these blood drives, at both our DeLand courthouse and the Justice Center, but this one tomorrow in DeLand is very timely," Lumilla Lelis, spokeswoman for the 7th Judicial Circuit (and shown here), said in a press release to Headline Surfer® and other media outlets that regularly cover the courts, readily offering this one had been been scheduled weeks ago.

For information, or to make an appointment, please go to www.oneblooddonor.org and use sponsor code No. 10216. Please bring a photo ID.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- When it comes to policing, few are as mentally and physically tough as Mark Severance, a patrol sergeant in the New Smyrna Beach police force and a former Marine.

Severance can relate to the horror and grief felt by the Nebraska dad of the little boy killed by an alligator Tuesday night at a posh Disney resort near the water's edge. After all, today is Father's Day.

In Severance's case, the oldest of his two sons was born on Father's Day. And that same son's life was cut short, too, And though, Severance's persaonal hell occurred 28 years ago, it stays with him to this day.

And so Severance had no hesitation in sharing his thouughts on tragic cicumstances and how one ccomes to grips with them in the moment and longterm.

"When I learned of the incident where the alligator took the boy, my heart sank because I, too, know the pain of such a loss," Severance said. "In 1988, I lost my 22 \-month-old son in a tragic car accident. It's unimaginable the feeling or loss and helplessness this family from Nebraska is experiencing. My heart goes out to them. There are no words to console -- just the love and support of community, family and friends. May God give them His peace and understanding."

"When I learned of the incident where the alligator took the boy, my heart sank because I, too, know the pain of such a loss," Severance said. "In 1988, I lost my 22 \-month-old son in a tragic car accident. It's unimaginable the feeling or loss and helplessness this family from Nebraska is experiencing. My heart goes out to them. There are no words to console -- just the love and support of community, family and friends. May God give them His peace and understanding."

Related Coverage:

Happy Father's Day y'all!

Photos for Headline Surfer® /

PONCE INLET, Fla. -- Joseph Perrone didn't have to look over his shoulder in his re-election bid on the Ponce Inlet Town Council.

That's because neither Perrone nor his colleague, Bill Milano, had any opposition when the noon deadline Friday for qualifying had come and gone, for their respective elective offices, seats 4 and 2.

It wasn't such a breeze for Joe Perrone in the 2013 primary when he won re-election over Joe Villanella by a single vote plurality. A manual recount confirmed the victory three days after that Aug. 14 primary. The 1-vote margin in his favor remained the same, 609 to 608, over the upstart Villanella.

It wasn't such a breeze for Joe Perrone in the 2013 primary when he won re-election over Joe Villanella by a single vote plurality. A manual recount confirmed the victory three days after that Aug. 14 primary. The 1-vote margin in his favor remained the same, 609 to 608, over the upstart Villanella.

Perrone and Milano are joined on the Ponce Inlet Town Council by Mayor Gary Smith and seat 3 Councilwoman Mary Hoss and seat 5 Councilwoman Lois Paritsky.  The latter three are up for re-election next year.

Did You Know?

FAST FACTS: Ponce Inlet, Florida

Editor's Note: The Interview

SANFORD, Fla. -- Dennis Lemma was appointed Sheriff-Elect of Seminole County on June 24, when he stood alone in submitting qualifying papers by noon of that Friday Friday's deadline to run in the 2016 elections.

An earlier opponent dropped out and when all was said and done, Lemma had no opposition. Therefore, he was elected to the Office of Sheriff of Seminole County, effective Jan. 3, 2017. Until then, he is the sheriff-elect.

The 44-year-old Lemma, retiring Sheriff Don Eslinger's chief deputy and hand-picked successor, is a 24-year veteran of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, who in his role as second in command over the past four years, has provided oversight to all operational and administrative functions. These include leadership and strategic direction for the law enforcement agency’s 1,200 full-time employees and managing a $108 million annual operating budget. 

Sheriff-Elect Lemma began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1992, and spent four years as a correctional officer before becoming a deputy sheriff.

He served as a school resource deputy and then as a crimes against children investigator before receiving a promotion to sergeant of the Special Operations Section in 2002.

Four years later, Lemma became a lieutenant, in charge of the Community Services Division where he managed the agency’s crime prevention efforts, served as the public information officer and coordinated programs to assist the elderly and domestic violence victims.

In 2008, Lemma was promoted to captain and tasked with management of the uniformed-patrol division, property crime investigations, traffic safety and code enforcement.

In 2011, Lemma was appointed to major over the Department of Neighborhood Policing. In this role, he oversaw the operation of five divisions, including uniformed patrol, special operations, juvenile enforcement and intervention, public affairs and community services.

Sheriff-Elect Lemma received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia College, a master’s degree in administrative leadership from the University of Oklahoma and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Sheriff-Elect Dennis Lemma received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps. Amonmg Lemma's higher education acchievements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia College in Orlando, 1997-2006;

• Master’s degree in administrative leadership from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla, 2009-2011;

Graduate of the FBI National Academy, 236th Session, Law Enforcement Executive Training, Quantico, Va, 2009.

Lemma lives in Oviedo with his wife, Diana, who also works for the Seminole County Sheriff's Office as a lieutenant. They have two sons.

Previous-Related Coverage:

Online media outlet to interview Seminole County Sheriff-electDennis Lemma for 'Sunday Converstation'

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Monday is the deadline to register to vote or update your party affiliation in Volusia County and elsewhere across the Sunshine State in order to participate in the Aug. 30 primary.

"Voters are encouraged to double check their voter registration information, update their signatures, and be aware of the following deadlines in advance of the 2016 Primary Election on Tuesday, Aug. 30," Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis stressed in a public service announcement emailed to Headline Surfer.

"Voters are encouraged to double check their voter registration information, update their signatures, and be aware of the following deadlines in advance of the 2016 Primary Election on Tuesday, Aug. 30," Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis stressed in a public service announcement emailed to Headline Surfer.

A person can drop off a voter registration application at any public library. Also, applications sent by mail and post-marked by Aug.1 will be accepted, she said, adding they have several options to exercise their right to vote: Voting-by-mail (formerly known as absentee), early voting at select locations or voting at the polls on Election Day.

"Individuals not registered to vote in the State of Florida must submit a completed voter registration application by Monday, August 1, in order to participate in Florida’s Primary Election," Lewis stressed.

Voters who are already registered, however, and want to change their political party affiliation must update their voter registration information by Monday's deadline in order to have the change in effect for Florida’s Primary Election.

Voters can check their current voter registration status and polling place by accessing the website at www.volusia.org.

An update to a voter’s signature for provisional and vote-by-mail (formerly absentee) ballot verification purposes for the Primary Election must be submitted no later than the start of the canvassing of absentee ballots, which may start as early as Aug. 15. If already registered, voters may update their name and address on their registration at any time by notifying the Supervisor of Elections office.  

For additional information, please call the Supervisor of Elections office at 386-736-5930 or go online to www.volusiaelections.org.

FAST FACTS: By the Numbers

Photos for Headline Surfer / At far left, Patrick Henry, son of State Rep-elect Patrick Henry, showcases a pic on his Facebook page of a young Snoop Dogg with a gun (as shown above).

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- State Rep-elect Patrick Henry's son was reportedly armed with a handgun when he was pistol whipped in front of his own home, according to police, based on a witness account.

However, no gun has been found with police having searched the front yard after the younger Henry was accosted.

Though several shots were fired by a gunman accompanied by a woman in a car, Patrick Henry was not struck by any bullets. He was treated at Halifax Health Hospital for a slight gash to his face from being pistol-whipped.

One witness told cops the younger Henry pulled a handgun from his backpack and appeared to fire it during the Nov. 30 gun violence, then got rid of the backpack with his skateboard and the gun at 1018 Thunderbird Drive. That's where he lives with his father and others in a home owned by the elder Henry's brother, Mayor Derrick Henry.

And Dannette Henry, the youngest of the three Henrys, elected to the city commission in the Nov. 8 general elections, replacing Patrick Henry, called 9-1-1 the day of the violence, in sheer terror after hearing the gunfire. She lives in the same neighborhood with her children.

Daytona Beach Police Capt. Capt. Jakari Young told the Daytona Beach News-Journal in a story published today that investigators have not found a gun, despite the hype in the newspaper about the younger Henry having one on him and brandishing it, according to chatter among cops on body camera videos at the scene with the elder Henry that day. 

And while Patrick Henry has been cooperative with cops -- even if shown to be agitated on the police videos in front of his residence, the News-Journal has reported the younger Henry has not spoken to detectives about what happened.

Messages sent via social media for father-and-son Patrick Henry went unanswered this evening as have messages left with Commissioner Henry and Mayor Henry. 

The incident was initially reported in the News-Journal two days after it happened that Wednesday, about 3 p.m. when cops started receiving 9-1-1 calls from thew neighborhood, including one from Dannette Henry.

"Oh my God, he's (the suspect) going to shoot him in my yard. Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh My God!" Dannette Henry said, with labored breathing while telling her kids to stay down in the bathroom. "I do not believe this. Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, holy crap."

Dannette Henry apparently didn't recognize the younger Patrick Henry as her nephew, telling the 9-1-1 dispatcher she had never seen either man, describing them as having "dreads."

And she got upset even as she was informed cops were surrounding the neighborhood, she felt they weren't responding fast enough: "They need to come to my damn house," Dannette Henry says. "Oh my God, I got to call the chief because you all take too long."

But the call that has far-reaching implications criminally for the Henry Family is another call placed that day that puts a gun in the younger Patrick Henry's hand and has him firing it.

A neighbor who called 9-1-1 said both the victim, who was wearing a black T-shirt, and the suspect had guns. The unidentified 9-1-1 caller told the dispatcher the victim was on a skateboard and pulled out a gun from his backpack. 

"They started beating the mess out of him in the Henry's front yard," the neighbor told the dispatcher. "The guy who was holding onto the tree pulled out his gun and started shooting at him (the suspect)."

But the call that has far-reaching implications for the Henry Family is another call placed that day. 

A neighbor who called 9-1-1 said both the victim, who was wearing a black T-shirt, and the suspect had guns. The unidentified 9-1-1 caller told the dispatcher the victim was on a skateboard and pulled out a gun from his backpack. 

"They started beating the mess out of him in the Henry's front yard," the neighbor told the dispatcher. "The guy who was holding onto the tree pulled out his gun and started shooting at him (the suspect)."

Interim Police Chief Craig Capri told the News-Journal he could not comment on the investigation. Inquires from Headline Surfer were not returned, though PIO Jimmy Flynt did provide the incident report to Headline Surfer via email.

The incident report did not explain why the younger Henry was being chased southbound by the driver of a Nissan. But Commissioner Henry's under-age son told cops that he heard one gunshot and saw the car going after the man in the black T-shirt. The suspect then got out of the Nissan and punched the victim in the face, the teen said. Commissioner Henry did not respond to a message for comment.

Neither Patrick Henry nor his son have returned messages for comment.

30.

DELAND, Fla. -- An 87-year-old man injured earlier this month during a home invasion of his home near DeLand by a lone burglar that left him clinging to life with multiple fractures to his face and head died today, a spokesman for Sheriff Ben Johnson said.

"The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the burglary as deputies search for the suspect responsible," Andrew Gant, one of Johnson's two civilian PIOs, said in a press release to Headline Surfer and other media outlets. "Carl Husfeld was injured on the morning of Dec. 8 after he interrupted the burglar entering his home at 12 Oak Circle." 

Husfeld was taken to Florida Hospital DeLand, then Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford with fractures to several bones in his face and head. He was later listed in critical condition. Today, two days before Christmas, the elderly man was taken off life support.

"The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the burglary as deputies search for the suspect responsible," Andrew Gant, one of Johnson's two civilian PIOs shown here, said in a press release to Headline Surfer and other media outlets. "Carl Husfeld was injured on the morning of Dec. 8 after he interrupted the burglar entering his home at 12 Oak Circle." 

Husfeld was taken to Florida Hospital DeLand, then Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford with fractures to several bones in his face and head. He was later listed in critical condition. Today, two days before Christmas, the elderly man was taken off life support.

Here's a brief synopsis of what happened that morning as told by the critically injured Husfeld to deputies, according to Gant: He was in his home around 6:50 a.m. when he heard someone breaking in. When Husfeld went to one of the doors in the house to investigate, he was met by a man he described as short, stocky and wearing dark clothing. Husfeld was hit in the face by the door during a struggle with the burglar, who took off.

Gant said investigators are reviewing evidence in the case, but no additional details are being made publicly available at this time such as what kind of weapon, if any had been shown or used besides the door, what items, if any, were taken from the house and whether the the intruder got into a waiting vehicle, while the investigation is active and ongoing.

However, anyone with any information they believe might be relevant to the case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit at 386-254-1535 or Crime Stoppers toll-free at (888) 277-TIPS. Callers to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $5,000. Tips also can be anonymously submitted to Crime Stoppers by downloading the smartphone app from the Crime Stoppers web site (http://www.westopcrime.com).

PORT ORANGE, Fla. -- Twelve months have passed since Chase Tramont first entered politics, winning a seat on the Port Orange City Council, but it seems just like yesterday to his wife, who reminisced on his achievement.

"I can hardly believe an entire year has come and gone so quickly," Staci Tramont wrote on her Facebook page on Wednesday, adding, "Aug. 30th 2016 and the months leading up to it are times I will never forget and will be forever grateful for."

Twelve months have passed since Chase Tramont first entered politics, winning a seat on the Port Orange City Council, but it seems just like yesterday to his wife, who reminisced on his achievement.

"I can hardly believe an entire year has come and gone so quickly," Staci Tramont wrote on her Facebook page on Wednesday, adding, "Aug. 30th 2016 and the months leading up to it are times I will never forget and will be forever grateful for."

In the race for the district 2 seat on the Port Orange City Council in the Aig. 30 Volusia County primary elections, Tramont won convincingly with nearly 60 percent of the votes case over fellow first-time candidate Sarah Jones, The vote was 6,550 to 4,398 in Tramont's favor.  The seat was previously held by Don Burnette, who would go on to win the mayor's race in the November general elections,

Because there were only two candidates in the council race, it was decided in the primary while the mayor's race featured three candidates, with Lance Green finishing a distant third and out of the running with 2,996 votes or 25.7 percent of the total votes. His father, Allen Green, was the term-limited mayor.

Burnette won the primary with 4,865 or 31.73 percent of the total with Ted Noftall finishing second with 3,796 votes or 32.56 percent. In order to have avoided a runoff, Burnette would have had to garner 50 percent plus one more vote. Regardless, Burnette easily won the mayor's race in the Nov. 8 elections with 16,358 or 58.12 percent to Noftall's 11,780 votes, or 41.88 percent.

For Staci Tramont, working with her husband, a US history teacher at Spruce Creek High School, ​she readily acknowledged in her social media post on the anniversary of his election that it "takes many dedicated people to run a successful campaign." 

"Chase & I could not have done this without you," she said, referring to the voters, adding, "This has been a true grassroots effort. Many Port Orange friends attended his rallies, hosted yard signs, helped delivered literature door to door, forwarded e-mails, held signs, wrote letters and offered endless support and advice. It was wonderful to see so many come out and vote. What an honor to have the citizens of Port Orange put their trust in Chase."

Chase Tramont Profile:

Previous Related Coverage:

DELAND, Fla. -- There will be a Blood Drive on 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Volusia County Courthouse, 101 N. Alabama Ave. The Big Red Bus will be parked in the short term parking area along New York Avenue (State Road 44).

Donors will receive a free EPIC movie ticket, as well as a "buy one admission, get one free offer" from Crayola Experience.

Other offerings in exchange for a pint of blood: A wellness checkup, including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening.

Even though this blood drive was scheduled prior to the terrorist attack in Orlando early Sunday, it is nonetheless important to help replenish blood banks in Central Florida.

"Court Administration regularly schedules these blood drives, at both our DeLand courthouse and the Justice Center, but this one tomorrow in DeLand is very timely," Ludmilla Lelis, spokeswoman for the 7th Judicial Circuit, said in a press release to Headline Surfer® and other media outlets that regularly cover the courts, readily offering this one had been been scheduled weeks ago.

"Court Administration regularly schedules these blood drives, at both our DeLand courthouse and the Justice Center, but this one tomorrow in DeLand is very timely," Lumilla Lelis, spokeswoman for the 7th Judicial Circuit (and shown here), said in a press release to Headline Surfer® and other media outlets that regularly cover the courts, readily offering this one had been been scheduled weeks ago.

For information, or to make an appointment, please go to www.oneblooddonor.org and use sponsor code No. 10216. Please bring a photo ID.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- When it comes to policing, few are as mentally and physically tough as Mark Severance, a patrol sergeant in the New Smyrna Beach police force and a former Marine.

Severance can relate to the horror and grief felt by the Nebraska dad of the little boy killed by an alligator Tuesday night at a posh Disney resort near the water's edge. After all, today is Father's Day.

In Severance's case, the oldest of his two sons was born on Father's Day. And that same son's life was cut short, too, And though, Severance's persaonal hell occurred 28 years ago, it stays with him to this day.

And so Severance had no hesitation in sharing his thouughts on tragic cicumstances and how one ccomes to grips with them in the moment and longterm.

"When I learned of the incident where the alligator took the boy, my heart sank because I, too, know the pain of such a loss," Severance said. "In 1988, I lost my 22 \-month-old son in a tragic car accident. It's unimaginable the feeling or loss and helplessness this family from Nebraska is experiencing. My heart goes out to them. There are no words to console -- just the love and support of community, family and friends. May God give them His peace and understanding."

"When I learned of the incident where the alligator took the boy, my heart sank because I, too, know the pain of such a loss," Severance said. "In 1988, I lost my 22 \-month-old son in a tragic car accident. It's unimaginable the feeling or loss and helplessness this family from Nebraska is experiencing. My heart goes out to them. There are no words to console -- just the love and support of community, family and friends. May God give them His peace and understanding."

Related Coverage:

Happy Father's Day y'all!

Photos for Headline Surfer® /

PONCE INLET, Fla. -- Joseph Perrone didn't have to look over his shoulder in his re-election bid on the Ponce Inlet Town Council.

That's because neither Perrone nor his colleague, Bill Milano, had any opposition when the noon deadline Friday for qualifying had come and gone, for their respective elective offices, seats 4 and 2.

It wasn't such a breeze for Joe Perrone in the 2013 primary when he won re-election over Joe Villanella by a single vote plurality. A manual recount confirmed the victory three days after that Aug. 14 primary. The 1-vote margin in his favor remained the same, 609 to 608, over the upstart Villanella.

It wasn't such a breeze for Joe Perrone in the 2013 primary when he won re-election over Joe Villanella by a single vote plurality. A manual recount confirmed the victory three days after that Aug. 14 primary. The 1-vote margin in his favor remained the same, 609 to 608, over the upstart Villanella.

Perrone and Milano are joined on the Ponce Inlet Town Council by Mayor Gary Smith and seat 3 Councilwoman Mary Hoss and seat 5 Councilwoman Lois Paritsky.  The latter three are up for re-election next year.

Did You Know?

FAST FACTS: Ponce Inlet, Florida

Editor's Note: The Interview

SANFORD, Fla. -- Dennis Lemma was appointed Sheriff-Elect of Seminole County on June 24, when he stood alone in submitting qualifying papers by noon of that Friday Friday's deadline to run in the 2016 elections.

An earlier opponent dropped out and when all was said and done, Lemma had no opposition. Therefore, he was elected to the Office of Sheriff of Seminole County, effective Jan. 3, 2017. Until then, he is the sheriff-elect.

The 44-year-old Lemma, retiring Sheriff Don Eslinger's chief deputy and hand-picked successor, is a 24-year veteran of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, who in his role as second in command over the past four years, has provided oversight to all operational and administrative functions. These include leadership and strategic direction for the law enforcement agency’s 1,200 full-time employees and managing a $108 million annual operating budget. 

Sheriff-Elect Lemma began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1992, and spent four years as a correctional officer before becoming a deputy sheriff.

He served as a school resource deputy and then as a crimes against children investigator before receiving a promotion to sergeant of the Special Operations Section in 2002.

Four years later, Lemma became a lieutenant, in charge of the Community Services Division where he managed the agency’s crime prevention efforts, served as the public information officer and coordinated programs to assist the elderly and domestic violence victims.

In 2008, Lemma was promoted to captain and tasked with management of the uniformed-patrol division, property crime investigations, traffic safety and code enforcement.

In 2011, Lemma was appointed to major over the Department of Neighborhood Policing. In this role, he oversaw the operation of five divisions, including uniformed patrol, special operations, juvenile enforcement and intervention, public affairs and community services.

Sheriff-Elect Lemma received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia College, a master’s degree in administrative leadership from the University of Oklahoma and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Sheriff-Elect Dennis Lemma received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps. Amonmg Lemma's higher education acchievements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia College in Orlando, 1997-2006;

• Master’s degree in administrative leadership from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla, 2009-2011;

Graduate of the FBI National Academy, 236th Session, Law Enforcement Executive Training, Quantico, Va, 2009.

Lemma lives in Oviedo with his wife, Diana, who also works for the Seminole County Sheriff's Office as a lieutenant. They have two sons.

Previous-Related Coverage:

Online media outlet to interview Seminole County Sheriff-electDennis Lemma for 'Sunday Converstation'

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Monday is the deadline to register to vote or update your party affiliation in Volusia County and elsewhere across the Sunshine State in order to participate in the Aug. 30 primary.

"Voters are encouraged to double check their voter registration information, update their signatures, and be aware of the following deadlines in advance of the 2016 Primary Election on Tuesday, Aug. 30," Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis stressed in a public service announcement emailed to Headline Surfer.

"Voters are encouraged to double check their voter registration information, update their signatures, and be aware of the following deadlines in advance of the 2016 Primary Election on Tuesday, Aug. 30," Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis stressed in a public service announcement emailed to Headline Surfer.

A person can drop off a voter registration application at any public library. Also, applications sent by mail and post-marked by Aug.1 will be accepted, she said, adding they have several options to exercise their right to vote: Voting-by-mail (formerly known as absentee), early voting at select locations or voting at the polls on Election Day.

"Individuals not registered to vote in the State of Florida must submit a completed voter registration application by Monday, August 1, in order to participate in Florida’s Primary Election," Lewis stressed.

Voters who are already registered, however, and want to change their political party affiliation must update their voter registration information by Monday's deadline in order to have the change in effect for Florida’s Primary Election.

Voters can check their current voter registration status and polling place by accessing the website at www.volusia.org.

An update to a voter’s signature for provisional and vote-by-mail (formerly absentee) ballot verification purposes for the Primary Election must be submitted no later than the start of the canvassing of absentee ballots, which may start as early as Aug. 15. If already registered, voters may update their name and address on their registration at any time by notifying the Supervisor of Elections office.  

For additional information, please call the Supervisor of Elections office at 386-736-5930 or go online to www.volusiaelections.org.

FAST FACTS: By the Numbers

Photos for Headline Surfer / At far left, Patrick Henry, son of State Rep-elect Patrick Henry, showcases a pic on his Facebook page of a young Snoop Dogg with a gun (as shown above).

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- State Rep-elect Patrick Henry's son was reportedly armed with a handgun when he was pistol whipped in front of his own home, according to police, based on a witness account.

However, no gun has been found with police having searched the front yard after the younger Henry was accosted.

Though several shots were fired by a gunman accompanied by a woman in a car, Patrick Henry was not struck by any bullets. He was treated at Halifax Health Hospital for a slight gash to his face from being pistol-whipped.

One witness told cops the younger Henry pulled a handgun from his backpack and appeared to fire it during the Nov. 30 gun violence, then got rid of the backpack with his skateboard and the gun at 1018 Thunderbird Drive. That's where he lives with his father and others in a home owned by the elder Henry's brother, Mayor Derrick Henry.

And Dannette Henry, the youngest of the three Henrys, elected to the city commission in the Nov. 8 general elections, replacing Patrick Henry, called 9-1-1 the day of the violence, in sheer terror after hearing the gunfire. She lives in the same neighborhood with her children.

Daytona Beach Police Capt. Capt. Jakari Young told the Daytona Beach News-Journal in a story published today that investigators have not found a gun, despite the hype in the newspaper about the younger Henry having one on him and brandishing it, according to chatter among cops on body camera videos at the scene with the elder Henry that day. 

And while Patrick Henry has been cooperative with cops -- even if shown to be agitated on the police videos in front of his residence, the News-Journal has reported the younger Henry has not spoken to detectives about what happened.

Messages sent via social media for father-and-son Patrick Henry went unanswered this evening as have messages left with Commissioner Henry and Mayor Henry. 

The incident was initially reported in the News-Journal two days after it happened that Wednesday, about 3 p.m. when cops started receiving 9-1-1 calls from thew neighborhood, including one from Dannette Henry.

"Oh my God, he's (the suspect) going to shoot him in my yard. Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh My God!" Dannette Henry said, with labored breathing while telling her kids to stay down in the bathroom. "I do not believe this. Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, holy crap."

Dannette Henry apparently didn't recognize the younger Patrick Henry as her nephew, telling the 9-1-1 dispatcher she had never seen either man, describing them as having "dreads."

And she got upset even as she was informed cops were surrounding the neighborhood, she felt they weren't responding fast enough: "They need to come to my damn house," Dannette Henry says. "Oh my God, I got to call the chief because you all take too long."

But the call that has far-reaching implications criminally for the Henry Family is another call placed that day that puts a gun in the younger Patrick Henry's hand and has him firing it.

A neighbor who called 9-1-1 said both the victim, who was wearing a black T-shirt, and the suspect had guns. The unidentified 9-1-1 caller told the dispatcher the victim was on a skateboard and pulled out a gun from his backpack. 

"They started beating the mess out of him in the Henry's front yard," the neighbor told the dispatcher. "The guy who was holding onto the tree pulled out his gun and started shooting at him (the suspect)."

But the call that has far-reaching implications for the Henry Family is another call placed that day. 

A neighbor who called 9-1-1 said both the victim, who was wearing a black T-shirt, and the suspect had guns. The unidentified 9-1-1 caller told the dispatcher the victim was on a skateboard and pulled out a gun from his backpack. 

"They started beating the mess out of him in the Henry's front yard," the neighbor told the dispatcher. "The guy who was holding onto the tree pulled out his gun and started shooting at him (the suspect)."

Interim Police Chief Craig Capri told the News-Journal he could not comment on the investigation. Inquires from Headline Surfer were not returned, though PIO Jimmy Flynt did provide the incident report to Headline Surfer via email.

The incident report did not explain why the younger Henry was being chased southbound by the driver of a Nissan. But Commissioner Henry's under-age son told cops that he heard one gunshot and saw the car going after the man in the black T-shirt. The suspect then got out of the Nissan and punched the victim in the face, the teen said. Commissioner Henry did not respond to a message for comment.

Neither Patrick Henry nor his son have returned messages for comment.

30.

DELAND, Fla. -- An 87-year-old man injured earlier this month during a home invasion of his home near DeLand by a lone burglar that left him clinging to life with multiple fractures to his face and head died today, a spokesman for Sheriff Ben Johnson said.

"The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the burglary as deputies search for the suspect responsible," Andrew Gant, one of Johnson's two civilian PIOs, said in a press release to Headline Surfer and other media outlets. "Carl Husfeld was injured on the morning of Dec. 8 after he interrupted the burglar entering his home at 12 Oak Circle." 

Husfeld was taken to Florida Hospital DeLand, then Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford with fractures to several bones in his face and head. He was later listed in critical condition. Today, two days before Christmas, the elderly man was taken off life support.

"The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the burglary as deputies search for the suspect responsible," Andrew Gant, one of Johnson's two civilian PIOs shown here, said in a press release to Headline Surfer and other media outlets. "Carl Husfeld was injured on the morning of Dec. 8 after he interrupted the burglar entering his home at 12 Oak Circle." 

Husfeld was taken to Florida Hospital DeLand, then Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford with fractures to several bones in his face and head. He was later listed in critical condition. Today, two days before Christmas, the elderly man was taken off life support.

Here's a brief synopsis of what happened that morning as told by the critically injured Husfeld to deputies, according to Gant: He was in his home around 6:50 a.m. when he heard someone breaking in. When Husfeld went to one of the doors in the house to investigate, he was met by a man he described as short, stocky and wearing dark clothing. Husfeld was hit in the face by the door during a struggle with the burglar, who took off.

Gant said investigators are reviewing evidence in the case, but no additional details are being made publicly available at this time such as what kind of weapon, if any had been shown or used besides the door, what items, if any, were taken from the house and whether the the intruder got into a waiting vehicle, while the investigation is active and ongoing.

However, anyone with any information they believe might be relevant to the case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit at 386-254-1535 or Crime Stoppers toll-free at (888) 277-TIPS. Callers to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $5,000. Tips also can be anonymously submitted to Crime Stoppers by downloading the smartphone app from the Crime Stoppers web site (http://www.westopcrime.com).

PORT ORANGE, Fla. -- Twelve months have passed since Chase Tramont first entered politics, winning a seat on the Port Orange City Council, but it seems just like yesterday to his wife, who reminisced on his achievement.

"I can hardly believe an entire year has come and gone so quickly," Staci Tramont wrote on her Facebook page on Wednesday, adding, "Aug. 30th 2016 and the months leading up to it are times I will never forget and will be forever grateful for."

Twelve months have passed since Chase Tramont first entered politics, winning a seat on the Port Orange City Council, but it seems just like yesterday to his wife, who reminisced on his achievement.

"I can hardly believe an entire year has come and gone so quickly," Staci Tramont wrote on her Facebook page on Wednesday, adding, "Aug. 30th 2016 and the months leading up to it are times I will never forget and will be forever grateful for."

In the race for the district 2 seat on the Port Orange City Council in the Aig. 30 Volusia County primary elections, Tramont won convincingly with nearly 60 percent of the votes case over fellow first-time candidate Sarah Jones, The vote was 6,550 to 4,398 in Tramont's favor.  The seat was previously held by Don Burnette, who would go on to win the mayor's race in the November general elections,

Because there were only two candidates in the council race, it was decided in the primary while the mayor's race featured three candidates, with Lance Green finishing a distant third and out of the running with 2,996 votes or 25.7 percent of the total votes. His father, Allen Green, was the term-limited mayor.

Burnette won the primary with 4,865 or 31.73 percent of the total with Ted Noftall finishing second with 3,796 votes or 32.56 percent. In order to have avoided a runoff, Burnette would have had to garner 50 percent plus one more vote. Regardless, Burnette easily won the mayor's race in the Nov. 8 elections with 16,358 or 58.12 percent to Noftall's 11,780 votes, or 41.88 percent.

For Staci Tramont, working with her husband, a US history teacher at Spruce Creek High School, ​she readily acknowledged in her social media post on the anniversary of his election that it "takes many dedicated people to run a successful campaign." 

"Chase & I could not have done this without you," she said, referring to the voters, adding, "This has been a true grassroots effort. Many Port Orange friends attended his rallies, hosted yard signs, helped delivered literature door to door, forwarded e-mails, held signs, wrote letters and offered endless support and advice. It was wonderful to see so many come out and vote. What an honor to have the citizens of Port Orange put their trust in Chase."

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SANFORD, Fla. -- A mini-caravan of cop cars and other law enforcement vehicles descended on a quiet neighborhood Wednesday in this waterfront city in response to what appeared to be a domestic-related attempted murder suicide involving gunfire with a young woman pronounced dead dead on arrival at Seminole County Regional Hospital and her boyfriend barely clinging to life after surgery. 

Details as to which ws the shooter or what prompted the gunfire remains under investigation.

Here is a synopsis of what occurred as described by Sanford PD spokeswoman Bianca Gillet in the wake of the 8:40 a.m. in the deadly encounter: "The Sanford Police Department received a 9-1-1 call from a male stating he had been shot inside his residence located at 2517 Orange Avenue.

 "When Sanford officers arrived at the home, the 9-1-1 caller was unable to come to the door," Gillet told Headline Surfer and other news outlets in a Sanford Police email media alert. "Officers forced entry into the home and discovered two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds to the head in one of the bedrooms." 

The shooting victims, Elisha Gilmore, 27-year-old man, and Juhi Paramar, a 25-year-old woman, were both transported to Central Florida Regional Hospital. Paramar died at the Sanford hospital shortly upon arrival while Gilmore was being treated for life-threatening gunshot wounds.

Here is a synopsis of what occurred in the deadly encounter as described by Sanford PD spokeswoman Bianca Gillet in the wake of the 8:40 a.m. incident: "The Sanford Police Department received a 9-1-1 call from a male stating he had been shot inside his residence located at 2517 Orange Avenue. 

"When Sanford officers arrived at the home, the 9-1-1 caller was unable to come to the door," Gillet told Headline Surfer and other news outlets in a Sanford Police email media alert. "Officers forced entry into the home and discovered two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds to the head in one of the bedrooms." 

The shooting victims, Elisha Gilmore, 27-year-old man, and Juhi Paramar, a 25-year-old woman, were both transported to Central Florida Regional Hospital. Paramar died at the Sanford hospital shortly upon arrival while Gilmore was being treated for life-threatening gunshot wounds.

Based on the preliminary investigation, Sanford cops learned Gilmore and Paramar were involved in a relationship.  The nature of the events leading up to the shooting are still under investigation.

And while Sanford cops say this was an isolated crime involving only the two shooting victims inside the home, definitively confirmed that Gilmore was the shooter in the attempted suicide murder that resulted in the death of his girlfriend, who had her own residence, but was a frequent overnight guest of Gilmore's.

Diane Hanlon, a neighbor told a Channel 9 WFTV Eyewitness News Camera Crew on scene that she was startled by the massive law enforcement response, during which she saw police in possession of a semiautomatic handgun and a shotgun being carried out from the house.

"All of a sudden, the street was being swamped," Hanlon said in describing what saw unfolding in the quiet neighborhood. "(Police) were getting out of the cars and kicking down the door ... they withdrew their guns (and) they took the door down."

The realization that something bad had occurred from Hanlon's point of view was when Hanlon saw that "there were two ambulances that came and they took two people out."

That Sanford had nine homicides last year, most of them drug-related, Wednesday's email media news alert from the Sanford PD, included a statement from Police Chief Cecil Smith on the city's first killing of 2018. 

"After hearing the news of a tragic incident such as this, there is an immediate question as to ‘why’ this occurred," Smith said, adding, "We want to find the answers for the victims, their families, and our community. Our investigators have been working non-stop writing search warrants, interviewing many people connected to both individuals and processing physical evidence.  We ask for everyone’s patience as we work to get those answers accurately so that justice may be served.”

That Sanford had nine homicides last year, most of them drug-related, Wednesday's email media news alert from the Sanford PD, included a statement from Police Chief Cecil Smith. shown here in this Headline Surfer file photo, on the first killing of 2018:

 "After hearing the news of a tragic incident such as this, there is an immediate question as to ‘why’ this occurred, Smith said," adding,  "We want to find the answers for the victims, their families, and our community. Our investigators have been working non-stop writing search warrants, interviewing many people connected to both individuals and processing physical evidence.  We ask for everyone’s patience as we work to get those answers accurately so that justice may be served.”

Police did not release specific details as to whether one or both of the recovered firearms were used in either of the wounds suffered by the man and woman, and if, based on the 9-1-1 call made by Gilmore that he, indeed was the shooter.

Police have not yet indicated where the weapons were in relation to the location of the firearms nor where the two wounded victims were found when cops found them in one of the bedroom.