NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Some New Smyrna Beach business owners and residents voiced their concerns to city commissioners on Tuesday asking them to consider keeping big box stores away from the historical areas of town. Almost 5,000 people signed a petition on change.org to keep parts of the city unique because they fear New Smyrna Beach could become “any town U.S.A.”“It’s time to put boots on the ground. McCarty helped create the petition and wants the big box stores to stay away from Canal Street, Flagler Avenue and the loop that goes through 3rd Avenue. White, who was born and raised in New Smyrna Beach, helped create the petition because he said it’s important to keep the neighborhood shops thriving. “It is about local business.