- May 5, 2024
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A four-month fraud investigation was solved; the CBE gets training funds and a new board member; get your disaster kits ready; and, a public works update.
BY THE OBSERVER STAFF
Central Florida credit card fraudster arrested
A four-month Central Florida fraud investigation by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office ended Thursday, with the arrest of Marwan Kurtu, 23, in DeBary. Kurtu had been using stolen identification to make large purchases, $500 at a time.
The investigation started in May, after a Connecticut woman vacationing in Orlando noticed unauthorized charges totaling $2,500 on her account. Surveillance video, from stores in DeBary and Orange City, led to an anonymous tipster identifying Kurtu, who was charged with one count each of grand theft and fraudulent use of personal identification, both third-degree felonies.
His bond is set at $50,000.
CBE receives training funds, elects board member
The Center for Business Excellence received $132,685 Aug. 27, from the U.S. Department of Labor, through a National Emergency Grant, to expand training for dislocated workers.
To be eligible for training, participants must be a Workplace Investment Act-defined Dislocated Worker. Priority is given to veterans and the long-term unemployed (out of work 27 consecutive weeks or more).
The CBE also recently added Carlos Valderrama, a president of the Volusia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as its newest board member. Valderrama will succeed Gwen Azama-Edwards, who stepped down after 30 consecutive years of service.
Stock your disaster-supply kit for Preparedness Month
Governor Rick Scott proclaimed September, historically the peak hurricane month, as Florida Preparedness Month, reminding residents to take precautions.
“Take the time to review your family and business plan,” said Bryan Koon, Florida Division of Emergency Management director, “(and) ensure your disaster supply kit is complete with the recommended items.”
Supply kits should contain enough to sustain a resident and their families for up to 72 hours. Visit floridadisaster.org for tips.
Update: Public works report
Work to the New Britain Avenue parking lot will finish, and the lot will reopen, Friday, Sept. 13.
An improvement project on John Anderson Drive started Sept. 9, with the first phase going from Riverwood Drive to Plaza Drive, also including work on North Halifax Drive from John Anderson Drive to Banyan Drive. The second phase will include Riverwood Drive south to State Road 40. Call 407-539-4515.
Forestry crews trimmed rights-of-way on Northbrook Drive, State Road 40 and Old Tomoka Road. They also removed a large, damaged tree in Cassen Park.
Stormwater crews installed a French drain on Oak Park Circle.
Emergency Stats
The following numbers, for the week of Sept. 6, were supplied by city staff.
Calls for Service……….1,689
Arrests……….24
Citations Issued……….132
Reports Written……….137
Traffic Stops……….245
Weekly Fire Operations Stats:
Incidents……….122
EMS……….67
Motor Vehicle Accidents……….7
Fires……….1
Fire Alarms……….5
Public Assists………40
Hazardous………2
Correction
Halifax Health Hospice broke ground Sept. 4, at 235 Booth Road.
William Chanfrau Jr. was elected to the Florida Justice Association’s board of directors.
The St. Brendan's Church Women's Club will host its annual Arts & Crafts Show Nov. 9 & 10.
