6PM NBC2

6PM NBC2

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DIRECTORS PAGE TEASE ONE---------------------------
NEWS AT 6PM HEADLINES-SOTTOPS TZ1 A) MATANZAS PASS DREDGING-CELL-REM
NEWS AT 6PM OPEN-CLIP TZ1 B) FM ELDERLY COUPLE HELD HOSTAGE-VOTOPS
ASHLEY TOYE APPEAL-2SHOT-(2)SS-TURN-1SHOT TZ1 C) FORECAST TEASE-STC
ASHLEY TOYE APPEAL-PKG-BNR STOCKS BUMP-CGTOPS-BUMP
ASHLEY TOYE APPEAL-BUBBA ROBERT VAN WINKLE FORECAST OPEN-CLIP
RISING GAS PRICES AND GOVT-TRX-CKW-RVL FIRST ALERT FORECAST-WXWALL
RISING GAS PRICES AND GOVT-REM 1 COLD OPEN-TRX-SOTVO
RISING GAS PRICES AND GOVT-PKG-BNR MATANZAS PASS DREDGING-VOTOPS-FLY-LIVE
RISING GAS PRICES AND GOVT-REM 1 MATANZAS PASS DREDGING-REM 7
ARMED MAN AT BELL TOWER-VO MATANZAS PASS DREDGING-CELL-REM
DECISION 2012 OPEN-CLIP MATANZAS PASS DREDGING-PKG-BNR
IMPORTANCE OF FLORIDA IN ELECTION-ON CAM MATANZAS PASS DREDGING-CELL-REM
IMPORTANCE OF FLORIDA IN ELECTION-PKG-BNR OPTICOM SYSTEM-VO
DECISON 2012 COVERAGE PROMISE-SSTOP OC COLLIER RENTAL SCAM-VO-OC
VACANT HOUSE FIRE SETUP-PLASMA-VBX-RVL FM ELDERLY COUPLE HELD HOSTAGE-VO-WIPE
a) nfm house fire-vo FM ELDERLY COUPLE HELD HOSTAGE-SOT-OC
b) east fm house fire-vo SPORTS OPEN-CLIP
c) port charlotte house fire-vo AUGUSTA WOMEN-ONCAM
d) nfm house fire-vo AUGUSTA WOMEN-VO
NAPLES HOUSE FIRE-TRX-VOTOPS LOCAL GOLF REAX-SOT
NAPLES HOUSE FIRE-VO-LIVE IN PLASMA WYNDHAM CHAMP FINISH-VO
NAPLES HOUSE FIRE-REM 26 SERGIO SOUND-SOT
NAPLES HOUSE FIRE-PKG-BNR RYAN TANNEHILL-ONCAM
NAPLES HOUSE FIRE-REM 26 RYAN TANNEHILL-VO
FPL RATE HIKE HEARING-COPY PHILBIN REAX-SOTVO
NAPLES BUDGET PROPOSAL-OC-CG-RVL ROGER CLEMENS-ONCAM
DOWNTOWN CAPE REZONING-VO-WIPE ROGER CLEMENS-VO
DOWNTOWN CAPE REZONING-SOTVO PARTING THOUGHTS-ONCAM
I75 WIDENING PROJECT-TRX-VOTOPS CLOSE-4SHOT
ALL NEW TONIGHT AT SIX OPEN-CLIP  


DIRECTORS PAGE


Return to index of stories...

NEWS AT 6PM HEADLINES-SOTTOPS


CHANGING FATE

A TEENAGER, SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR HER ROLE IN A BRUTAL SOUTHWEST FLORIDA DOUBLE MURDER--

TONIGHT.A NEW DECISION BY THE SUPREME COURT COULD CHANGE HER FATE.

WINNING THE WHITE HOUSE

LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER THE PRIMARY--

CAMPAIGNS ARE BACK IN FULL SWING.

So for both parties Florida is it - that's why we're going to see the candidates non-stop.

TONIGHT, WE ASK FLORIDA'S LEADING POLITICAL EXPERT--

WHAT'S THE KEY TO WINNING THE WHITE HOUSE IN NOVEMBER.

CHANNEL CHALLENGES

AND A BIG PROBLEM FOR ONE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S BUSIEST CHANNELS--

"ever since tropical storm debby it has really filled in nearly half the channel is unnavigable"

IT'S SO BAD, EVEN THE COAST GUARD IS CALLING FOR HELP!

ALL NEW AT SIX, WE UNVEIL NEW IMPROVEMENTS FOR MATANZAS PASS. Return to index of stories...


NEWS AT 6PM OPEN-CLIP


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ASHLEY TOYE APPEAL-2SHOT-(2)SS-TURN-1SHOT


A LANDMARK DECISION BY THE U-S SUPREME COURT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CHANGE THE OUTCOME OF ONE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA MOST NOTORIOUS DOUBLE MURDER CASES.

ASHLEY TOYE, A MEMBER OF THE SO-CALLED CASH FEENZ GANG, IS SERVING TWO LIFE TERMS

FOR HER PART IN THE BRUTAL KIDNAPPING AND MURDERS OF ALEX AND JEFFREY SOSA BACK IN 2006.

BUT BECAUSE OF HER AGE, SHE WAS A JUVENILE AT THE TIME, THE SUPREME COURT'S DECISION OPENS THE DOOR TO A NEW SENTENCING HEARING AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE.

NBC-2'S ELIZABETH BILLINGSLEY REPORTS. Return to index of stories...


ASHLEY TOYE APPEAL-PKG-BNR


OCTOBER 7, 2006 -

COUSINS ALEX AND JEFFREY SOSA WERE FOUND DEAD AT A CAPE CORAL CONSTRUCTION SITE.

BOTH HAD BEEN SHOT SEVERAL TIMES -- AND WERE KIDNAPPED AND TORTURED BEFORE THEY WERE KILLED.

VICTIMS OF THE CASH FEENZ GANG; PROSECUTORS CHARGED 10 PEOPLE WITH THE CRIME.

INCLUDING ASHLEY TOYE --

"the defendant is guilty of first degree murder"

17 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME -- HER BIRTHDAY WAS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AT THE TIME OF THE CRIME.

"It's quite lucky that she's just two weeks shy of her 18th birthday. That may upset some people but that's the law."

ATTORNEY STU PEPPER EXPLAINS A JUNE RULING OF THE US SUPREME COURT THAT NOW GIVES TOYE A CHANCE AT PAROLE.

THE 5-4 RULING HELD THE 8TH AMENDMENT FORBIDS MANDATORY LIFE SENTENCES WITHOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE FOR MINORS WHO COMMIT MURDER.

WRITING FOR THE COURT, JUSTICE ELENA KAGAN REASONS JUVENILES ARE IMMATURE, IMPETUOUS, AND DON'T APPRECIATE THE RISKS AND CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR ACTIONS.

"It was basically a death sentence for a juvenile with no parole"

PREGNANT AT THE TIME, TOYE WAS SENTENCED TO 2 LIFE SENTENCES -- WITH NO POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE.

SOMETHING PEPPER PLANS TO NOW APPEAL.

at least she'll get a chance to see her child if she gets a new sentence

PEPPER HASN'T YET FILED ANY PAPERWORK TO START THE PROCESS, BUT WILL MEET WITH TOYE TUESDAY.

"Hopefully it won't be too painful for everyone. We don't want to have the victim's families and so on have to go back to court because they've suffered enough."

THE SUPREME COURT DID NOT RULE WHETHER THEIR DECISION SHOULD APPLY RETROACTIVELY TO PEOPLE LIKE TOYE WHO'S ONE OF APPROXIMATELY 2-THOUSAND JUVENILES NATIONWIDE.

IN LEE COUNTY, ELIZABETH BILLINGSLEY, NBC-2 Return to index of stories...


ASHLEY TOYE APPEAL-BUBBA


RINGLEADER RODERICK WASHINGTON WAS 17 AT THE TIME OF THE CRIME AS WELL.

HE WAS ALSO SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON, BUT NO WORD YET WHETHER HE'LL SEEK A NEW SENTENCE.

THE OTHER 8 WERE OVER 18 AT THE TIME OF THE CRIME. Return to index of stories...


RISING GAS PRICES AND GOVT-TRX-CKW-RVL


GAS PRICES CONTINUE TO SPIKE--

RIGHT NOW, THE LOCAL AVERAGE FOR REGULAR UNLEADED IS AT THREE-63 A GALLON--

THAT'S UP MORE THAN 25 CENTS FROM A MONTH AGO--

AND SIX CENTS HIGHER THAN A YEAR AGO.

IT'S NO FUN FOR YOU.AND IT'S PUTS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN A PINCH AS WELL.

NBC-2'S JENNIFER TRAMMELL IS LIVE IN FORT MYERS WITH THE STORY. Return to index of stories...


RISING GAS PRICES AND GOVT-REM 1


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RISING GAS PRICES AND GOVT-PKG-BNR


WITH ALMOST 16-HUNDRED VEHICLES, LEE COUNTY FLEET DIRECTOR MARILYN RAWLINGS BUYS A *LOT OF FUEL.ABOUT 800-THOUSAND GALLONS A YEAR.

7:03:18 i'd love to have a crystal ball so i can know exactly what's going to happen with fuel prices 23

VOLATILE GAS PRICES HAVE CHANGED THE WAY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS BUY.

6:59:20 20 years ago we used to have long term contracts with a vendor. we would lock into a price - back then it was probably 1.05 a gallon - and they would guarantee that price for six months, a year 32

BUT NOW -- SHE'S FORCED TO BUY IT DAY-TO-DAY.

7:00:41 we see when the price goes down and we pick up the phone and we call 44 if we see the price go up we wait a few days and hopefully the market is going to come back down 49

TODAY -- THIS TANKER IS BRINGING IN 5-THOUSAND GALLONS OF UNLEADED AND 3-THOUSAND GALLONS OF DIESEL.

NAT

DIESEL IS THE FLEET'S BIGGEST EXPENSE.

BUT IT'S ALSO A PLACE TO SAVE.

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF DIESEL -- GOLD AND RED DYED.

GOLD IS THE KIND A TRUCK ON THE ROAD USES.

BUT *RED IS MEANT FOR FARM EQUIPMENT AND DOESN'T COME WITH TAXES.

7:02:48 the state has given counties permission to run the lesser expensive diesel fuel on road 53

THAT SAVES THE COUNTY 20-25 CENTS ON EVERY GALLON.

7:03:02 that's a significant savings

BUT, WHEN IT COMES TO FUEL -- YOU CAN'T STOP AT VEHICLES.

MARILYN 7:04:37 every building has a massive generator all of those run on diesel fuel 40

THOSE GENERATORS HAVE TO BE KEPT *FULL -- IN CASE OF A HURRICANE. Return to index of stories...


RISING GAS PRICES AND GOVT-REM 1


Return to index of stories...

ARMED MAN AT BELL TOWER-VO


A MAN WITH A LOADED GUN IS ESCORTED OUT OF THE REGAL CINEMA AT BELL TOWER SHOPS IN FORT MYERS.

51-YEAR OLD KELLY HAIR WAS GIVEN A TRESPASS WARNING YESTERDAY.

HE WAS WEARING A TRENCH COAT, SUNGLASSES AND A HAT--

AND THEATER EMPLOYEES SAY HAIR KEPT REACHING INSIDE HIS COAT AND PULLING HIS HAT OVER HIS FACE.

DEPUTIES FOUND A LOADED HANDGUN UNDER HIS COAT, BUT DID NOT ARREST HIM BECAUSE HE HAD A VALID CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMIT. Return to index of stories...


DECISION 2012 OPEN-CLIP


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IMPORTANCE OF FLORIDA IN ELECTION-ON CAM


THE STATE OF FLORIDA IS *THE* SWING STATE IN THIS YEAR'S ELECTION.

HERE'S PROOF--

CAMPAIGNS AND SUPER PACS HAVE ALREADY SPENT MORE THAN 60-MILLION IN ADVERTISING IN FLORIDA.

WE WANTED TO KNOW WHAT ISSUE WILL WIN THE WHITE HOUSE.

TODAY NBC-2'S CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT CHAD OLIVER SAT DOWN WITH THE STATE'S LEADING EXPERT ON THE TOPIC. Return to index of stories...


IMPORTANCE OF FLORIDA IN ELECTION-PKG-BNR


WHEN THE G-O-P CONVENTION KICKS OFF ONE WEEK FROM NOW, DOCTOR SUSAN MACMANUS MAY GET MORE FACE-TIME THAN ANYONE IN TAMPA.

It's almost non-stop media requests.

SHE TEACHES POLITICAL SCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA. TODAY MACMANUS SPOKE TO THE NON-PARTISAN "TIGER BAY CLUB OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA." YES, MEDICARE MAY HAVE THE HEADLINES NOW. IN NOVEMBER, SHE SEES THE ELECTION COMING DOWN TO ONE ISSUE.

But it is absolutely the case still that people want to hear about the economy and jobs. 44 states just had an increase in the unemployment rate."

SOME SAY IT'S TIME TO TURN OVER THE REINS TO ROMNEY.

:22:52:14

the economy. the economy is a huge issue!

OTHERS THINK THE PRESIDENT DESERVES ANOTHER TERM.

Economy was going downward and now it's going upward even by a little bit. it's a dramatic improvement.

THERE'S NO TELLING HOW FLORIDIANS WILL VOTE.

POLLS SHOW ROMNEY AND OBAMA NECK IN NECK. MAKING THIS THE SWEETEST SWING STATE OF THEM ALL.

woman: "Florida is?" CO: "#1. The most important swing state." woman: "yeah."

"Winning the White House is all about electoral votes. This year the state of Florida has more electoral power than ever before. 29 electoral votes. The same as New York. Only California and Texas have more."

So for both parties Florida is it - that's why we're going to see the candidates non-stop.

MACMANUS SAYS FLORIDA'S RACIAL DIVERSITY MAKES IT A BELLWETHER FOR THE REST OF THE COUNTRY. SHE KNOWS TRENDS. SHE KNOWS VOTERS. BUT NOT EVERYTHING.

:22:45:33

I am not in the prediction business because you simply do not know. 36

IN FORT MYERS, CHAD OLIVER, NBC-2 NEWS. Return to index of stories...


DECISON 2012 COVERAGE PROMISE-SSTOP OC


NBC-2 IS YOUR DECISION 2012 HEADQUARTERS--

CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT CHAD OLIVER AND I WILL COVER THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION LIVE FROM TAMPA.

NBC-2 WILL ALSO BE IN CHARLOTTE NORTH CAROLINA NEXT MONTH FOR THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION.

COUNT ON US FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE ON-AIR AND ONLINE AT NBC DASH TWO DOT COM. Return to index of stories...


VACANT HOUSE FIRE SETUP-PLASMA-VBX-RVL


FIVE VACANT OR FORECLOSED HOMES GO UP IN FLAMES IN JUST FOUR MONTHS.

IN APRIL, A VACANT NORTH FORT MYERS HOUSE WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE.

THEN IN JUNE, THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL WAS CALLED IN TO INVESTIGATE A VACANT HOME IN EAST FORT MYERS THAT WENT UP IN FLAMES.

FIRE QUICKLY RIPPED THROUGH THIS VACANT PORT CHARLOTTE HOME BACK IN JULY.

AND INVESTIGATORS ARE STILL TRYING TO TRACK DOWN THE PERSON THAT TORCHED THIS NORTH FORT MYERS HOME A FEW WEEKS AGO. Return to index of stories...


a) nfm house fire-vo


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b) east fm house fire-vo


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c) port charlotte house fire-vo


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d) nfm house fire-vo


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NAPLES HOUSE FIRE-TRX-VOTOPS


TONIGHT, INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO ANOTHER FIRE THAT DESTROYED A VACANT HOME IN THE NAPLES AREA.

THIS ONE, ON 96TH AVENUE NORTH. Return to index of stories...


NAPLES HOUSE FIRE-VO-LIVE IN PLASMA


THE BLAZE RIPPED THROUGH THIS FORECLOSURE THIS MORNING--

FLAMES SHOOTING NEARLY 30 FEET INTO THE AIR.

NBC-2'S STEVE CAMPION IS LIVE OUTSIDE THE HOME IN NAPLES PARK--

WITH THE CHALLENGES THESE FORECLOSURES AND VACANT HOMES ARE CREATING FOR FIREFIGHTERS. Return to index of stories...


NAPLES HOUSE FIRE-REM 26


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NAPLES HOUSE FIRE-PKG-BNR


Joanne Camarro, neighbor

5142 "they were good neighbors."

Fleeing first because of foreclosure -- neighbor joanne Camarro explains this morning's flames didn't force out one family.

Camarro

5217 "when I came back they had trucks here and some in my driveway. With the furniture loaded, they were going. They said goodbye to me and we're going to a motel."

Their story of foreclosure followed by flames -- mirrors recent fires we've covered in southwest Florida.

Since April, atleast 5 fires torched vacant or foreclosured properties like this one in charlotte county.

Firefighters explain once they pull up to a blaze -- forgotten properties can prove challenging.

Sal D'Angelo, deputy chief north Naples fire and rescue

0110 "some of the issues you have is what's being stored or not stored inside the house, do you have squatters in the house. You're really confronted with several issues."

Sal D'Angelo with north Naples fire tells us firefighters can't dictate single family home fire safety.

They can only educate people to safeguard their properties -- from disasters like this morning's fire where flames reached 30 feet into the air.

Often when people have nothing left to lose, firefighters claim they arrive at unkept structures when it's already too late.

D'Angelo

0206 "every situation is different. We've been at some where the homes are meticulously kept. Then you have others that haven't been kept at all."

D'Angelo advises anyone living close to vacant properties like this one to use caution and practice their own preventive measures.

This now eyesore serves as a reminder tonight of -- it's not just flames which can destroy homes.

Camarro

5320 "when your income drops, it's hard to pay a mortgage. It's a sad story." Return to index of stories...


NAPLES HOUSE FIRE-REM 26


Now the fire Marshall told us this morning, the fire started in the attic.

They're still working to determine what sparked it.

Live in Naples park, Steve campion, nbc2 Return to index of stories...


FPL RATE HIKE HEARING-COPY


FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT IS ASKING THE STATE FOR PERMISSION TO RAISE YOUR ELECTRIC BILL.

F-P-L FIRST ASKED FOR HIKE EQUAL TO 700-MILLION DOLLARS.

THEN THEY PITCHED A SETTLEMENT THAT WOULD LOWER THAT NUMBER TO ALMOST 550-MILLION.

COUNT ON US TO LET YOU KNOW WHAT IS DECIDED. Return to index of stories...


NAPLES BUDGET PROPOSAL-OC-CG-RVL


NAPLES CITY LEADERS ARE WORKING ON THE FINAL TOUCHES TO THE PROPOSED BUDGET.

THE 2012-2013 PROPOSED BUDGET IS 98-POINT-SEVEN MILION DOLLARS.

FOR THE FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW, THE MILLAGE RATE WILL STAY THE SAME.

FOUR FIREFIGHTER POSITIONS HAVE BEEN ADDED.

TWO PUBLIC MEETINGS WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH BEFORE CITY COUNCIL SIGNS OFF. Return to index of stories...


DOWNTOWN CAPE REZONING-VO-WIPE


THE CITY OF CAPE CORAL IS REVISING ITS LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY IN AN EFFORT TO BRING MORE BUSINESSES DOWNTOWN.

TONIGHT, COUNCIL WILL HOLD ONE OF TWO PUBLIC MEETINGS TO DISCUSS THE ZONING CHANGES.

IF APPROVED, ZONING IN THE SOUTH CAPE WOULD BE CHANGED FROM MIX-USE TO SINGLE-ZONING DISTRICTS. Return to index of stories...


DOWNTOWN CAPE REZONING-SOTVO


John jacobsen/CRA: "so that's the companion piece to this ordinance. Here's the new regulations now were going to apply it to the 3 downtown zoning districts."

CITY LEADERS SAY THE GOAL IS TO MAKE DOWNTOWN MORE BUSINESS-FRIENDLY FOR DEVELOPERS. Return to index of stories...


I75 WIDENING PROJECT-TRX-VOTOPS


WORK IS UNDERWAY ON THE I-75 WIDENING PROJECT IN NORTHERN LEE COUNTY--

TODAY, CREWS WERE OUT SURVEYING THE ROAD.

THE PROJECT WILL WIDEN THE INTERSTATE FROM FOUR TO SIX LANES FROM BAYSHORE ROAD TO THE LEE--CHARLOTTE COUNTY LINE.

CONSTRUCTION CREWS WILL BE OUT DURING THE DAY AND OVERNIGHT--

BUT LANE CLOSURES WILL ONLY HAPPEN AT NIGHT.

WORK WILL TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS. Return to index of stories...


ALL NEW TONIGHT AT SIX OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

TEASE ONE---------------------------


"WATER SO SHALLOW-- FEDERAL OFFICIALS CALL FOR EMERGENCY DREDGING -- IM NBC2'S LAUREN DISPIRITO LIVE FROM SAILBOAT IN MATANZAS PASS TO SHOW YOU WHAT YOU NEED TO WATCH OUT FOR."

AND A LEE COUNTY COUPLE WAKES UP TO FIND A ROBBER IN THEIR BEDROOM.

HELD HOSTAGE AT KNIFE-POINT--

NEXT AT SIX, THEY TALK TO NBC-2 ABOUT THE FRIGHTENING MOMENTS.

AD LIB WEATHER TEASE Return to index of stories...


TZ1 A) MATANZAS PASS DREDGING-CELL-REM


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TZ1 B) FM ELDERLY COUPLE HELD HOSTAGE-VOTOPS


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TZ1 C) FORECAST TEASE-STC


Return to index of stories...

STOCKS BUMP-CGTOPS-BUMP


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ROBERT VAN WINKLE FORECAST OPEN-CLIP


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FIRST ALERT FORECAST-WXWALL


THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

IT IS NOT A VERBATIM OF WHAT IS BEING SAID, BUT IS THE FORECAST FOR OUR AREA.

STORMS FOR TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY

We've started the week on a great note. Blue skies, sunshine, and most of us didn't see a drop of rain.

Tuesday and Wednesday - we won't be as lucky. A feed of tropical moisture is set to push over, and that means slightly more cloud cover and definitely better rain chances.

They'll be very isolated during the day, but become scattered around the late afternoon to early evening. Heavy rains, gusty winds, and frequent lightning will be possible with any storm cell that blossoms.

Thursday through Saturday we'll see benign conditions. Winds will be from the east, and that will help pin the sea breeze along I-75. Do plan on isolated storms during the afternoon. Highs will be in the lower to mid 90s.

Very typical for August.

Our big concern for this week lies in the tropics. There's a tropical wave 1000 miles east of the Lesser Antilles, and the National Hurricane Center has given it an 80% chance of strengthening into a tropical cyclone over the next day or so.

All models have it pushing west and encountering a ripe atmosphere. It's going to strengthen for sure, but the intensity forecast has yet to be deteremined. We need it to form first.

Models diverge around Saturday to Monday with the track of the wave. Some take it into the Caribbean and others take it into south Florida.

This is a long way out and things can change. Don't get worked up about it, but please, do be aware of the POSSIBLE scenario coming our way by Monday.

Again, things can and will change by then. We'll keep you up to date with the latest. Return to index of stories...


COLD OPEN-TRX-SOTVO


"you will run aground if you draw any more than three feet of water it's that shallow, it is definitely a danger for someone without local knowledge"

ONE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S BUSIEST CHANNEL IS FILLING IN--

SO MUCH SO, THAT'S IT HAS BECOME DANGEROUS FOR BOATERS. Return to index of stories...


MATANZAS PASS DREDGING-VOTOPS-FLY-LIVE


WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE WATER JUST OFF BOWDITCH POINT AT MATANZAS PASS.

EVEN THE COAST GUARD IS HAVING TROUBLE GETTING ITS SEARCH AND RESCUE BOAT THROUGH THE PASS.

NBC-2'S LAUREN DISPIRITO JOINS US LIVE ON THE WATER WITH THE PLAN TO IMPROVE THE PASS FOR BOATERS.

LAUREN-- Return to index of stories...


MATANZAS PASS DREDGING-REM 7


WE ARE COMING AROUND THE NORTHERN POINT OF FORT MYERS BEACH BY SAILBOAT NOW - TOWARD BOWDITCH POINT. Return to index of stories...


MATANZAS PASS DREDGING-CELL-REM


TAKE A LOOK AT WHERE SAND IF FILLING IN BETWEEN MARKERS 4 AND 5.

THAT IS THE ONLY CHANNEL FOR BOATERS IN AND OUT OF MATANZAS HARBOR - SOMETIMES SO SHALLOW THERE'S LESS THAN A FOOT OF WATER HERE.

THE ARMY CORP TELLS ME THEY DECLARED THIS AN EMERGENCY, AFTER THE COAST GUARD TOLD THEM THEY COULD NOT GET THEIR SEARCH AND RESCUE CUTTER THROUGH THIS CHANNEL--

MEANING DREDGING HAS BECOME MORE THAN A BENEFIT TO COMMERICAL AND RECREATIONAL BOATERS-- BUT A MATTER OF SAFETY. Return to index of stories...


MATANZAS PASS DREDGING-PKG-BNR


take nats - boat

THERE ARE A LOT OF PLACES TO SAIL SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

nats throttle

BUT JUST ONE CAPTAIN DAN MENDAT CALLS HOME--

take sot

super= Captain Dan Mendat, Magic Wind Adventure Sailing runs=

39:58 the fact of the matter is the thing that makes fort myers beach so special these are the down to earth laid back kind of people, great place to be a boater 40:06

HIS COMPANY MAGIC WIND ADVENTURES CHARTERED ITS FIRST TOUR OUT OF MATANZAS HARBOUR THREE YEARS AGO--

nats water

WHEN THE ONLY CHANNEL OUT TO THE GULF OF MEXICO LOOKED MUCH DIFFERENT THAN IT DOES TODAY

43:22 our channel is so narrow now that when a large vessel is approaching you can't pass by 43:30

AT BOWDITCH POINT, THE NORTHERN TIP OF ESTERO ISLAND, WATER IS SO SHALLOW, IT SOMETIMES DROPS BELOW A FOOT DEEP.

4058 ever since tropical storm debby it has really filled in nearly half the channel is unnavigable

FELLOW CAPTAIN ALEX FRANKIAN SAYS ITS TOUGH ENOUGH FOR LOCAL BOATERS TO GET THROUGH, LET ALONE OUT OF TOWNERS--

44:47 you will run aground if you draw any more than three feet of water it's that shallow, it is definitely a danger for someone without local knowledge 44:57

SO DANGEROUS-- IN FACT--FEDERAL OFFICIALS ARE FORCED TO STEP IN.

take sot

33:17 it is really important for us to make sure that this channel is maintained in good shape for the vessels to come in safely 33:27

STEVE BOUTELLE HEADS UP MOST OF LEE COUNTY'S SAND DREDGING PROJECTS-- BUT SAYS THE ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS WILL TAKE OVER THIS ONE-- SPENDING ABOUT 90 DAYSAND NEARLY 1MILLION DOLLARS

take map

TO TO SUCK THOUSANDS OF YARDS OF SAND UP FROM THE PASS -- AND DUMP IT ALONG THE COAST OF FORT MYERS BEACH.

take sot

capt dan

43:08 its safer for all the boaters is what it is, we get a lot of traffic here especially in the winter months we have the shrimping 43:18

CAPTAIN DAN WANTS THE WORK DONE FAST--

nats 52:50 you don't want to run aground thats a big thing

BEFORE TOURISTS RETURN TO FLORIDA COAST. WHEN MORE BOATS PASS THOUGH THE COUNTY'S BUSIEST CHANNEL. Return to index of stories...


MATANZAS PASS DREDGING-CELL-REM


DREDGING WILL START HERE IN JUST A FEW WEEKS TIME, ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH.

DREDGING SHIP IS 165 FEET LONG, LARGE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THAT WILL SUCK UP THE SAND RIGHT UNDERNEATH WHERE WE ARE NOW.

ABOUT AS MUCH SAND AS WATER FLOWS OVER NIAGRA FALLS EVERYDAY.

LIVE FROM THE WATER AT BOWDITCH POINT, LAUREN DISPIRITO NBC2 Return to index of stories...


OPTICOM SYSTEM-VO


CAPE CORAL CITY COUNCIL IS MEETING TONIGHT AND ALREADY ON THE APPROVED LIST -- THE ADDITION OF A NEW SYSTEM THAT COULD HELP FIRST RESPONDERS GET TO THEIR SCENES FASTER AND SAFER.

WE FIRST TOLD YOU ABOUT THE OPTICOM SYSTEM LAST WEEK -- IT ALLOWS EMERGENCY OFFICIALS TO CHANGE TRAFFIC LIGHTS TO GREEN SO THEY CAN GET THROUGH BUSY INTERSECTIONS WITH FEWER PROBLEMS.

THE START-UP COST FOR THE SYSTEM IS JUST UNDER $533,000 -- THE CITY WILL PAY 107-THOUSAND DOLLARS AND A FEDERAL GRAND WILL MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE. Return to index of stories...


COLLIER RENTAL SCAM-VO-OC


TONIGHT THE COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE NEEDS YOUR HELP FINDING A COUPLE WANTED FOR QUESTIONING IN CONNECTION WITH A RENTAL SCAM IN GOLDEN GATE ESTATES.

DETECTIVES SAY THE COUPLE USED THE NAMES JANET AND CHRIS.

THE VICTIM MET THEM AT A BUSINESS ON COLLIER BOULEVARD IN RESPONSE TO AN AD ON CRAIGSLIST.

THE VICTIM GAVE THEM A 500-DOLLAR CASH DEPOSIT AND SIGNED A LEASE--

IN EXCHANGE FOR A SET OF HOUSE KEYS.

WHEN THE VICTIM ARRIVED AT THE HOME, THEY FOUND IT UNLOCKED AND SAW THAT IT HAD BEEN BROKEN INTO.

THE VICTIM LEARNED THE LEASE WAS BOGUS AFTER CONTACTING THE LEGITIMATE OWNER. Return to index of stories...


FM ELDERLY COUPLE HELD HOSTAGE-VO-WIPE


AN ELDERLY LEHIGH ACRES COUPLE WOKE UP TO A REAL-LIFE NIGHTMARE.

EARLY SUNDAY MORNING.JOAN AND JOHN PANKAVICH.BOTH 83 YEARS OLD.SAY THE CROOK HELD THEM AT KNIFE-POINT FOR FOUR HOURS WHILE HE SEARCHED THEIR HOME FOR JEWELRY, CASH AND ELECTRONICS.

THEN, STILL ARMED WITH THE KNIFE, DEPUTIES SAY THE ROBBER FORCED THE COUPLE TO DRIVE HIM TO A NORTH MYERS HOTEL AND DROP HIM OFF. Return to index of stories...


FM ELDERLY COUPLE HELD HOSTAGE-SOT-OC


41:01 he was ready to go and said- well, i'm going to have to tie up your wife and i said no- no way."

AS SOON AS THE ROBBER GOT OUT OF THE CAR, THE COUPLE CALLED THE COPS.

DEPUTIES LATER CAUGHT AND ARRESTED BRETT WENTELA FOR THE CRIME. Return to index of stories...


SPORTS OPEN-CLIP


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AUGUSTA WOMEN-ONCAM


MEMBERS ONLY. GOOD EVENING.

SOMETIMES IT'S NOT ABOUT BREAKING DOWN A WALL. BUT SIMPLY GETTING YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN IT'S 80 YEAR HISTORY. AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB HAS OPENED IT'S DOORS FOR WOMEN TO BECOME MEMBERS.

THE HOME OF THE MASTERS HAS BEEN UNDER SCRUTINY FOR OVER A DECADE ABOUT THEIR POLICY TO NOT ALLOW FEMALE MEMBERSHIIP. Return to index of stories...


AUGUSTA WOMEN-VO


FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE CONDOLEEZA RICE AND SOUTH CAROLINA FINANCIER DARLA MOORE WERE INVITED TO JOIN. AND BOTH ACCEPTED.

AUGUSTA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN BILLY PAYNE CALLED IT A QUOTE JOYOUS OCCASION. THE LADIES WILL PUT ON THEIR GREEN JACKETS SOMETIME THIS FALL. I ASKED LOCAL HEAD GOLF PRO KARI PHENIX ABOUT THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT. Return to index of stories...


LOCAL GOLF REAX-SOT


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WYNDHAM CHAMP FINISH-VO


SPEAKING OF A BREAKTHROUGH. HOW ABOUT SERGIO GARCIA.

HAD TO WAIT AN EXTRA DAY BECAUSE OF RAIN. BUT THE SPANIARD ROLLS TO VICTORY AT THE WYNDHAM CHAMPIONSHIP. HOLDING OFF TIM CLARK FOR A 2 STROKE VICTORY. HIS FIRST SINCE 2008 Return to index of stories...


SERGIO SOUND-SOT


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RYAN TANNEHILL-ONCAM


WHEN THE DOLPHINS DRAFTED RYAN TANNEHILL 8TH OVERALL IN THIS YEAR'S NFL DRAFT. EVERYONE ASSUMED HE WOULD BE THE QUARTERBACK OF THE FUTURE IN MIAMI. APPARENTLY THE FUTURE IS NOW. Return to index of stories...


RYAN TANNEHILL-VO


THE FINS ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT TANNEHILL HAS WON THE STARTING Q-B JOB OVER VETERAN MATT MOORE.

THE ROOKIE OUT OF TEXAS A&M HAS LOOKED SOLID IN THE FIRST COUPLE PRESEASON GAMES. SO HE'LL GET THE KEYS TO THE FRANCHISE FOR THE SEASON OPENER AGAINST HOUSTON.

AS FOR THE NEXT GAME. THAT'S THIS FRIDAY AGAINST THE FALCONS. AND YOU CAN WATCH IT RIGHT HERE ON NBC-2 IN BEAUTIFUL H-D. Return to index of stories...


PHILBIN REAX-SOTVO


THIS FRIDAY IS THE DRESS REHEARSAL FOR THE REGULAR SEASON. MIAMI HOSTS THE FALCONS. A GAME YOU WATCH RIGHT HERE ON NBC-2. Return to index of stories...


ROGER CLEMENS-ONCAM


THE LAST TIME WE SAW ROGER CLEMENS. HE WAS WALKING OUT OF A COURTHOUSE IN JUNE. ACQUITTED OF CHARGES HE LIED TO CONGRESS ABOUT PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS. SINCE THEN. THE FORMER CY YOUNG WINNER HAS BEEN FOLLOWING HIS SON KOBY AROUND THE MINOR LEAGUES. INCLUDING A STOP HERE IN FT. MYERS. Return to index of stories...


ROGER CLEMENS-VO


NOW FATHER AND SON ARE OFFICIALLY BASEBALL PLAYERS. THE ROCKET HAS SIGNED A MINOR LEAGUE DEAL TO PITCH WITH THE SUGAR LAND SKEETERS IN THE INDEPENDENT ATHLETIC LEAGUE.

THE 50 YEAR OLD HASN'T PITCHED IN A GAME SINCE 2007 WITH THE YANKEES. HIS SON KOBY IS A CATCHER IN THE FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE WITH DUNEDIN.

IF YOU'RE WONDERING. CLEMENS FASTBALL HAS BEEN CLOCKED AT 87 MILES AN HOUR. Return to index of stories...


PARTING THOUGHTS-ONCAM


MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL BETWEEN THE PATRIOTS AND EAGLES. A CHANCE TO WATCH CAPE CORAL NATIVE NATE ALLEN PLAYING SAFETY FOR PHILLY. KICKOFF AT 8PM OVER ON ESPN.

AND THE RED SOX JUST MADE IT OFFICIAL. OUTFIELDER CARL CRAWFORD WILL HAVE TOMMY JOHN SURGERY ON HIS ELBOW AND MISS THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON. Return to index of stories...


CLOSE-4SHOT


GOODBYE Return to index of stories...