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Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri takes to heart reality that aside from a death in Holly Hill, his city's lone Bike Week casualty was on the last day, indicating less revelers attended

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Headline Surfer multimedia / Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri provides a favorable summary of Bike Week from a law enforcement perspective amid a backdrop of scenic biker crowd shots from Main Street, the epicenter of the 10-day rally showcased in the audio-visual slideshow. And shown above in an image from her personal Facebook page is Krystal Brown of DeLand.
By Henry Frederick
Headline Surfer

Daytona Beach, Fla. -- Krystal Brown and several friends from St. Louis were looking for the right party atmosphere to enjoy a night out and Bike Week on Main Street in Daytona was as good as it got to party on down, with drink specials, indoor and outdoor liver bands and chrome-filled motorcycles lining the curbs.

But there was something different about this rendition of Bike Week compared to the last time Brown was here several years ago: "There were fewer people," said Brown, 41.

Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette hadn't been to Bike Week in five years, but he visited Main Street on the final weekend and it became apparent to him that it just didn't seem to be as packed.

"I was there for a couple of hours and the crowds seemed lighter than a decade ago" said Burnette, 51, mid-way through his first term as mayor, after eight years as a councilman.

Police Chief Craig Capri took to heart that the city's lone Bike Week fatality occurred on the 10th and final day of the massive motorcycle rally. For this tourism city’s top cop, even a single motorcycle-related death is one too many. 

“I was really hoping we wouldn’t have any,” Capri told Headline Surfer. “To go all of nine days and then have this tragic death, it’s a little rough."

Overall, there were two biker deaths during the 10-day rally: The first occurred earlier in nearby Holly Hill.

Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri / Headline SurferPolice Chief Craig Capri , shown here in this Headline Surfer photo, took to heart that the city's lone Bike Week fatality occurred on the 10th and final day of the massive motorcycle rally. For this tourism city’s top cop, even a single motorcycle-related death is one too many. 

“I was really hoping we wouldn’t have any,” Capri told Headline Surfer. “To go all of nine days and then have this tragic death, it’s a little rough."

Overall, there were two biker deaths during the 10-day rally: The first occurred earlier in nearby Holly Hill.

A motorcyclist from upstate New York was killed on March 12, in Holly Hill. The wreck at Flomich and State avenues took place at 8:10 p.m., according to a report from Florida Highway Patrol. The rider, identified two days later as 54-year-old David Remchuck of Hornell, NY, was thrown from his 2005 Harley-Davidson after he struck a utility pole while westbound on Flomich. 

Remchuck was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced dead at the scene, by responding Florida Highway Patrol troopers, who are investigating what may have caused the New Yorker to lose control of his custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

That fatality occurred the third day of the rally. Another seven days would go by until the second roadway fatal involving a biker – this time within the city limits and the rider was local.

Mark Kitterer of Enterprise went failed to stop for the red light at Clyde Morris Boulevard and Aviation Center Parkway at 9:41 p.m. Sunday and T-boned a car, according to an email media alert Headline Surfer received from Lyda Longa, the spokeswoman for the Daytona Beach Police Department.

Kitterer, 56, was pronounced dead shortly after his transport to Halifax Health Hospital. Daytona Beach cops suspect alcohol may have been a factor in the crash, according to Longa’s email news alert. An investigation is ongoing.

But considering Bike Week has traditionally drawn upwards of 500,000 bikers, according to the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, that figure, mostly from anecdotal counts has become less set in stone as indicated by a steep decline in motorcycle roadway deaths in the past decade-plus.

The the two deaths from Bike Week 2018, were the same as last year. In 2016, there were five fatalities and in 2015, four. There were three each in 2014 and in 2012. Biker deaths in the past decade or so peaked at eight each in 2012 and in 2007.

Cops on the beat and many small business owners have told Headline Surfer repeatedly over the past half decade that Bike Week's crowds have thinned somewhat over the past decade. Then again, that half million influx of motorcycle enthusiasts is not a hard figure supported by any substantive data readily available. 

"It's more like Bike Week-light," said Jason Davis, himself a Harley rider, and county chair, from 2012-2016. "You can't put much stock in these numbers since it's mostly PR.," said Davis, who said it was obvious to him five years ago, the last time he was at Bike Week, that the 500,000 figure is not legit.

"All you have to do is look around and see how few bikes there are," Davis continued. "Ten years ago, you couldn't hear yourself think, with all the loud pipes." 

Then-Volusia County Chair Jason Davis in 2013, at Daytona Bike Week / Headline Surfer"It's more like Bike Week-light," said Jason Davis, himself a Harley rider, and county chair,  from 2012-2016, and shown here on his bike and on the dais in these Headline Surfer photos, in 2013.

"You can't put much stock in these numbers since it's mostly PR.," said Davis, who said it was obvious to him five years ago, the last time he was at Bike Week, that the 500,000 figure is not legit.

"All you have to do is look around and see how few bikes there are," Davis continued. "Ten years ago, you couldn't hear yourself think, with all the loud pipes." 

Daytona's tourism magnet for decades has been the hard sands of the World's Most Famous Beach where limited stretches of beach driving still remain in place, and Daytona International Speedway, home to NASCAR and its signature race, the Daytona 500

DIS hadn't had a sellout for nearly a decade for the Daytona 500 until two years ago when the track was renovated and fewer seats remained, and then again this year.

Janet R. Kersey, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, told Headline Surfer, her organization, the official sponsor of Bike Week, which this year ran through March 18, hasn't yet compiled figures for an overall attendance figure, and while readily conceding it may not have reached that 500,000 thresholds this time around, she predicted it could come close.

"The event has become so spread out now beyond the city of Daytona that we don't really know if participants are going to other venues as opposed to staying home," Kersey said.

Headline Surfer graphic / It shouldn't come as a surprise that the top 3 states with the most motorcycle fatalities are warm weather states led by Florida, California, and Texas according to the latest statistics available.

Funeral services planned for Daytona Beach rookie cop who died Monday

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Headline Surfer video / The life and death of Daytona Beach recruit Michael Coulter is featured in this 4:49 minute-long special multimedia presentation. 
 
By HENRY FREDERICK
Headline Surfer

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- "Have a good day, Officer Coulter. We will love you always."

So says Jazmin Olsen Coulter, wife of six months to Daytona Beach rookie cop Michael Coulter and now a widow with his passing on Monday at Halifax Hospital, three days after he collapsed during the start of what were light training exercises. Coulter was 25 years old.

Arrangements are set with Viewing from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, at Lohman Funeral Home, 1423 Bellevue Ave., Daytona Beach. The funeral is 11 a.m. Friday at the News Journal Center at Daytona State College, 221 N. Beach St. After the service, a police procession will lead mourners to burial at Daytona Memorial Park, 1425 Bellevue Ave.

OBITUARY: Thomas Michael Coulter
At the young age of 25, Tom Coulter passed away Monday morning, May 21st, 2018. He died pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer with the Daytona Beach Police Department.
Tom was born January 29, 1993, the son of Michael and April Coulter. After dual enrollment at Deltona High School and Daytona State College, Tom earned his high school diploma and AA degree in 2011. He then attended the University of Central Florida, where he studied Criminal Justice. Tom graduated from the Daytona State College Police Academy in April of 2017. In May of 2018, he was hired by the Daytona Beach Police Department, to begin his career as a law enforcement officer.
In addition to taking care of his wife, Tom loved Star Wars, superheroes, and online gaming. He cherished quality time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Jazmin and their two dogs, Xena and Boba. Tom is also survived by his parents, his siblings, Mikey, Sandy and her husband Ken, and Bridgette and her husband Allan, along with his nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
“Have a good day, Officer Coulter. We will love you always.” ~ Jazmin
 
Previous Breaking News Coverage:
2018-05-21 09:11:45

 

 

New Smyrna Beach cop whose boy was killed in car crash understands dad's anguish in son's Disney gator death

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New Smyrna Beach cop whose boy was killed in car crash understands dad's anguish in son's Disney gator deathHenry FrederickSun, 06/19/2016 - 19:54
 
Headline Surfer® photo illustration /  NSBPD's Mark Severance with his wife, Denise (right),along with their son, Cody, killed in a 1988 car accident. Severance reflects on Father's Day as it relates to the turmoil on this special day of a total stranger, Matt Graces of Nebraska, whose son, Lane, was killed by a gator at a Disney Resort five nights earlier.
 
By HENRY FREDERICK
Headline Surfer

2 incumbents return to Ponce Inlet Town Council

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2 incumbents return to Ponce Inlet Town CouncilHenry FrederickMon, 06/27/2016 - 04:59
Party Lines Political Notebook / Headline Surfer®
Joe Perrone / Headline Surfer®Bill Milano / Ponce Inlet / Headline Surfer®Photos for Headline Surfer® /
Joseph Perrone and Bill Milano(l to r) have each won another two years in office in Ponce Inlet without opposition.

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.

SUNDAY CONVERSATION BIO: Dennis Lemma, 2016 Seminole County Sheriff-Elect

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SUNDAY CONVERSATION BIO: Dennis Lemma, 2016 Seminole County Sheriff-ElectHenry FrederickSun, 07/03/2016 - 16:47
Seminole County Sheriff-Elect Dennis Lemma / Headline SurferHenry Frederick interviews Seminole County Sheriff-Elect Dennis Lemma / Headline Surfer®Editor's Note: The Interview
The main bar Headline Surfer® multimedia 'Sunday Conversation' on-camera interview with Seminole County Sheriff-Elect Dennis Lemma will be published shortly.
What follows is a sidebar bio summary on Lemma, who is shown in the display image in uniform here.

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.

Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis: Monday is the deadline to register to vote in Aug. 30 primary

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Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis: Monday is the deadline to register to vote in Aug. 30 primaryHenry FrederickSun, 07/31/2016 - 12:53

Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis / Headline SurferDAYTONA 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.

Daytona cops investigating report State Rep-elect Patrick Henry's son seen with a gun too when he was pistol-whipped in front of his home

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Daytona cops investigating report State Rep-elect Patrick Henry's son seen with a gun too when he was pistol-whipped in front of his homeHenry FrederickSat, 12/10/2016 - 16:11

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.

DeLand man, 87, who suffered facial fractures in home invasion earlier this month, has died

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DeLand man, 87, who suffered facial fractures in home invasion earlier this month, has diedHenry FrederickFri, 12/23/2016 - 23:02

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.


Year Later: Port Orange Councilman Chase Tramont's entrance into politics seems like yesterday to reminiscing wife

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Year Later: Port Orange Councilman Chase Tramont's entrance into politics seems like yesterday to reminiscing wifeHenry FrederickThu, 08/31/2017 - 09:25

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.

BREAKING NEWS: Sanford Cops: Woman dead & man clinging to life after shots fired in apparent murder-suicide attempt

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BREAKING NEWS: Sanford Cops: Woman dead & man clinging to life after shots fired in apparent murder-suicide attempt Henry FrederickThu, 01/18/2018 - 06:19
Newspaper Section

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 pronounced dead on arrival at Seminole County Regional Hospital and her boyfriend barely clinging to life after surgery. 

Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri takes to heart reality that aside from a death in Holly Hill, his city's lone Bike Week casualty was on the last day, indicating less revelers attended

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Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri takes to heart reality that aside from a death in Holly Hill, his city's lone Bike Week casualty was on the last day, indicating less revelers attendedHenry FrederickFri, 04/06/2018 - 13:42
Headline Surfer multimedia / Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri provides a favorable summary of Bike Week from a law enforcement perspective amid a backdrop of scenic biker crowd shots from Main Street, the epicenter of the 10-day rally showcased in the audio-visual slideshow. And shown above in an image from her personal Facebook page is Krystal Brown of DeLand.
By Henry Frederick
Headline Surfer

Funeral services planned for Daytona Beach rookie cop who died Monday

New Smyrna Beach volunteers bring relief to hurricane-ravaged Texas even with Irma bearing down on Florida

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New Smyrna Beach volunteers bring relief to hurricane-ravaged Texas even with Irma bearing down on FloridaHenry FrederickWed, 09/06/2017 - 07:14

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- With one semi already in Beaumont, Texas, and thee more heading that way today with relief supplies for the victims of Hurricane Harvey, Ray Catheline is staying the course and getting the task at hand completed. 

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