Daytona Beach, Fla. - Cathy Barnes of Port Orange knows what she loves about Volusia County - so she was thrilled to be named the winner of the Nov. 12 Thanks 2 You, Volusia! Lovin' Our Locals Tourism Trade Show grand prize, a Kindle Fire. The random drawing and the Tourism Trade Show were part of the
annual Nov. 1 through Jan. 31 Thanks 2 You, Volusia! resident appreciation program which thanks Volusia County residents for their support of local tourism.

An active Volusia County resident since 1982, Barnes has raised two daughters in the area. These days, she and her husband enjoy plenty of local experiences, including driving on the beach and grabbing a bite at the Walk A Dog beach concession, located behind Perry's Ocean Edge Resort. Other local favorites include Daytona Beach Cubs baseball games; Go Kart City; performances at the Peabody Auditorium, News-Journal Center and Daytona State College; the Museum of Arts & Sciences; the Casements; and the many area parks.

She enjoys the shopping on Beach Street in Daytona Beach and Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach - and her favorite eateries include The Dish, Giuseppe's, Booth's Bowery, and Omelet House.

"I let visitors choose their own hotels," Barnes says, "but if they ask I tell them the Bahama House, Perry's Ocean Edge Resort, the Acapulco Inn or Homewood Suites."

"I am so excited to have won the Kindle Fire," she adds. "The Tourism Trade Show was great, and everyone was so friendly in their booths, showing their appreciation.  I really appreciate all the hard work that went into putting this on."

Through the CVB's www.daytonabeachcvb.org site, the Thanks 2 You, Volusia! program provides residents with special offers on accommodations, dining, attractions and shops. The program is sponsored by the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Halifax Area Advertising Authority, the
Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority, the West Volusia Advertising Authority, the Hotel and Lodging Association of Volusia County, Daytona Beach International Airport and local media partners.  For more information, contact the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 386.255.0415 or visit www.daytonabeachcvb.org.