530PM NBC2 |
530PM NBC2 |
A DIRE WARNING TONIGHT FROM SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S BIGGEST HEALTH CARE PROVIDE.
LESS ACCESS TO CARE. AND LONGER WAITS TO SEE A DOCTOR.
LEE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IS WARNING THAT'S WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF *BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN FEDERAL BUDGET CUTS AUTOMATICALLY KICK IN.
NBC2 INVESTIGATOR DAVE ELIAS IS TRACKING YOUR TAX DOLLARS.
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IT'S CALLED BUDGET SEQUESTRATION.
SIMPLY PUT IT'S A PLAN THAT CALLS FOR $1.2-TRILLION DOLLARS IN CUTS OVER THE NEXT 10-YEARS.
IT'S SET TO KICK IN JANUARY 2ND.
AND LEE MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEMS - LEE COUNTY'S LARGEST EMPLOYER - IS PREPARING FOR IT.
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JIM NATHAN/LMHS President // 21:21:06 We've found $35-million for the upcoming fiscal year of the budget that the board just approved so that is a start on the journey of $125-million. 21:21: 10
THAT'S HOW MUCH LEE MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEMS MUST CUT OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
PART OF THE REASON. THE BUDGET SEQUESTER WHICH CALLS FOR ACROSS THE BOARD CUTS IN EVERYTHING FROM CANCER RESEARCH TO MILITARY SPENDING.
LAURA WEIR/POLITICAL PROFESSOR// 03:11 We've always been able to bail ourselves out by raising our deficit ceiling or raising our credit limit.this time we can't do that. 03:18
POLITICIAL PROFESSOR LARA WEIR EXPLAINS TO HER GOVERNMENT CLASS - WE'RE SIMPLY OUT OF MONEY.
21:03:50 we're paying into a failing system right now. 21:03:53
LAST SUMMER'S DEBT CEILING DEAL CUT 1-TRILLION DOLLARS IN GOVERNMENT SPENDING OUTRIGHT OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS.
AND IT PUT FINDING ANOTHER 1.2 TRILLION ON THE BACK OF CONGRESS.
BECAUSE REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS COULDN'T AGREE - AUTOMATIC SPENDING DECREASES - TO THE TUNE OF 109 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR - WILL START KICKING IN.
Steve Marsh/Student // 21:05:57 Stop playing games, you were elected to represent the people.it's about time you start doing that. 21:06:05
Lara Weir// 04:25 We're literally running out of time with congress. 04:27
standup: BUT FOR LEE MEMORIAL HEALTH SERVICES THE CUTS ARE A GREATER PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY'RE SO GOVERNMENT DEPENDENT. 80% OF THEIR BUSINESS COMES FROM MEDICARE, MEDICAID AND THE UN-INSURED
AND THAT'S WHAT WORRIES MEDICARE PATIENT CAROLINE CARCIA. THE SEQUESTER MEANS SHE'LL PAY MORE FOR HER MEDICAL NEEDS.
Caroline Carcia/medicare PATIENT // 21:38:24 Hopefully it will be resolved. If not, it's going to affect us all and the impact will be devastating to a lot of people, I think because they're not expecting it. 21:38:34
Lara Weir/ 05:54 We're going to see a rise in unemployment. We are absolutely going to see a reduction in services. 06:00
Jim Nathan/ 21:25:47 I think people will see delays and access in care and getting appointments with physicians. 21:25:52
IT SOUNDS HARSH, BUT IT WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY.
JIM NATHAN/21:23:26 I call it the Katrina effect. People knew for years that the levies and dams couldn't withstand a major storm, but it's always someone elses problem. Low and behold a big storm came and it caused massive damage.
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SO HOW CAN THE MASSIVE DAMAGE BE AVOIDED? DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE HAVE TO AGREE ON A BALANCED BUDGET.
BUT NO ONE EXPECTS THAT TO HAPPEN UNTIL AFTER THE NOVEMBER ELECTION.
IN PART II OF THIS INVESTIGATION WE'RE LEARNING NOT JUST HOSPITALS ARE
AFFECTED.SO IS THE MILITARY AND YOUR CHILD'S HEADSTART.
LIVE IN THE STUDIO, I'M DAVE ELIAS.
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TOP U-S OFFICIALS ARE NOW CALLING THE KILLINGS AT THE U-S CONSULATE IN LIBYA LAST WEEK--
A "TERRORIST ATTACK".
BUT THEY STILL DON'T KNOW IF THAT ATTACK WAS PLANNED OR SPONTANEOUS.
THE PENTAGON UNVEILED THE NEW INFORMATION THIS AFTERNOON--
DURING HEARINGS ON CAPITOL HILL.
HOMELAND SECURITY SAYS THAT ATTACK PROVES--
THE U-S REMAINS "VULNERABLE" TO TERRORISTS.
BUT HOMELAND SECURITY SAYS MOST OF THOSE THREATS REMAIN "OVERSEAS".
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THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT IS DISCIPLINING *14* STAFF MEMBERS--
FOR THEIR HANDLING OF THE "FAST AND FURIOUS" OPERATION.
A NEW INTERNAL AUDIT SAYS THEY BUNGLED THE GUN TRAFFICKING INVESTIGATION IN ARIZONA--
THAT RESULTED IN HUNDREDS OF WEAPONS TURNING UP AT CRIME SCENES IN THE U-S AND MEXICO.
THE REPORT DID NOT CRITICIZE ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER.FINDING HE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE OPERATION UNTIL AFTER THE PROBLEMS STARTED.
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A NEW WARNING TODAY ABOUT A STAPLE IN THE DIETS OF MILLIONS OF AMERICANS.
CONSUMER REPORTS SAYS RICE AND RICE PRODUCTS--
CONTAIN WORRISOME LEVELS OF A CHEMICAL KNOWN TO CAUSE CANCER--
*ARSENIC*!!
HERE'S PAUL BEBAN.
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IT'S EITHER RIGHT THERE ON OUR PLATES OR IN THE STUFF WE EAT PRACTICALLY
EVERY DAY. FROM CRACKERS TO CEREAL, FROM POWER BARS TO BABY FOOD. BUT NOW
A NEW STUDY FINDS THAT RICE AND RICE PRODUCTS CONTAIN TROUBLING AMOUNTS OF
ARSENIC -KNOWN TO CAUSE CANCER.
SOT, URVASHI RANGAN, PH. D, DIRECTOR OF CONSUMER SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY
AT CONSUMER REPORTS
"CONSUMERS OUGHT TO TAKE STEPS TO MODERATE THEIR CONSUMPTION."
CONSUMER REPORTS TESTED MORE THAN 60 RICE PRODUCTS AND FOUND THAT MANY
CONTAIN WHAT IT CALLED "WORRISOME" LEVELS OF THE CHEMICAL.
ARSENIC IS LINKED TO SEVERAL KINDS OF CANCER. INCLUDING LUNG, SKIN, AND
BLADDER CANCER. BUT NOBODY IS SAYING "DON'T EAT RICE". AT LEAST NOT YET.
SOT, Dr James R. Coughlin, Consultant for USA Rice Federation, Pres &
Founder of Coughlin & Associates
"RICE IS A SAFE AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD / THESE ARE VERY VERY LOW LEVELS."
BUT RESEARCHERS SAY THAT BECAUSE CHILDREN. ESPECIALLY BABIES. ARE MORE
VULNERABLE TO THE LONG-TERM TOXIC EFFECTS OF ARSENIC, PARENTS SHOULD CUT
THEIR INTAKE.
SOT, URVASHI RANGAN, PH. D, DIRECTOR OF CONSUMER SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY
AT CONSUMER REPORTS
"We are saying for infant rice cereal, that you really shouldn't exceed more
than one serving a day."
SURPRISINGLY, WHEN IT COMES TO ARSENIC, THE LESS HEALTHY WHITE RICE IS
ACTUALLY BETTER THAN BROWN. THAT'S BECAUSE THE OUTER LAYERS OF WHITE RICE -
WHICH CONTAIN MOST OF THE ARSENIC --ARE PARTIALLY REMOVED.
ARSENIC OCCURS NATURALLY IN SOIL. BECAUSE IT'S GROWN IN STANDING WATER, IT'S
EASIER FOR RICE TO ABSORB THE CHEMICAL.
THE FDA IS INVESTIGATING WHETHER THE AMOUNTS OF ARSENIC IN RICE ARE
DANGEROUS, BUT THE RESULTS WON'T BE DONE UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR. CONSUMER
REPORTS IS CALLING FOR NEW GOVERNMENT STANDARDS TO BE SET FOR ARSENIC IN
RICE AND OTHER FOODS, SUCH AS APPLE JUICE.
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PAUL BEBAN REPORTING.
EXPERTS SAY YOU CAN GET RID OF SOME OF THE ARSENIC IN RICE--
BY RINSING IT UNTIL THE WATER RUNS CLEAR.
YOU CAN ALSO COOK RICE IN LOTS OF WATER--
SIX CUPS OF WATER TO ONE CUP OF RICE.
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IT'S FINALLY BACK TO SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN IN CHICAGO.
TEACHERS WENT ON STRIKE SEPTEMBER 10th.
THAT KEPT KIDS AT HOME--
AND FORCED SOME PARENTS TO FIND WAYS TO KEEP THEIR CHILDREN OCCUPIED.
THE TEACHERS UNION VOTED TO SUSPEND THE STRIKE--
AND WILL VOTE ON A CONTRACT PROPOSAL IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
KEY ISSUES INCLUDED TEACHER EVALUATIONS AND JOB SECURITY.
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THE SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR IS HALFWAY HOME TO ITS FINAL RESTING PLACE.
HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE--
INCLUDING ASTRONAUTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
WERE IN CAPE CANAVERAL TO WATCH ENDEAVOUR FLY AWAY.
THE SHUTTLE IS IN HOUSTON NOW--
AND HEADS TO CALIFORNIA TOMORROW.
BUT AFTER THAT--
THE TRIP TURNS *VERY* TRICKY!
HERE'S BRANDI HITT.
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IT'S A MAGNIFICENT SIGHT.
THOUSANDS GATHERED TO WATCH THE SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR. ATOP A MODIFIED
7-4-7. AS IT TOOK OFF FROM KENNEDY SPACE CENTER. AND FLEW OVER
MISSISSIPPI. LOUISIANA. AND TEXAS.
SOT -- Amanda Wheeler, Pasadena, TX
"I love this kind of stuff!"
SOT -- Clayton Anderson, NASA Astronaut
"Houston, NASA, the Johnson Space Center. we have thousands of people who'
ve put their heart and soul into a program like this."
THIS IS THE FIRST LEG OF ENDEAVOUR'S THREE-DAY JOURNEY TO LOS ANGELES.
WHERE IT WILL EVENTUALLY CALL THE CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER -- HOME.
AND IT'S NO EASY MISSION.
IN SOUTH L-A, CREWS ARE ALREADY PREPARING TO ROLL ENDEAVOUR THROUGH THE
STREETS.
THEY'RE RAISING POWER AND CABLE LINES -- FROM 30 FEET TO 60 FEET ABOVE
GROUND. TO HAVE ENOUGH CLEARANCE FOR THE SHUTTLE'S TAIL.
SOT - Ben Monasseri, Time Warner
"We had to bring in specialized equipment. because we normally don't work
about 30 to 32 feet."
NATS - for:01 / "Tree Cutting"
260 TREES ARE ALSO BEING CUT TO MAKE ROOM. AND THAT'S ANGERED SOME
RESIDENTS.
SOT - Yvonne Lewis, South Los Angeles
"Something different. besides cutting them down."
THE SCIENCE CENTER IS PROMISING TO PLANT AND MAINTAIN FOUR TREES FOR EVERY
ONE THAT'S REMOVED.
NATS / "Landing"
AS THE SHUTTLE ENDED ITS FIRST DAY OF TRAVEL IN HOUSTON. ASTRONAUT MARK
KELLY -- THE LAST TO FLY ENDEAVOUR - MADE THIS REQUEST FOR HIS WIFE.
FORMER CONGRESSWOMAN GABBY GIFFORDS.
SOT - Voice of: Captain Mark Kelly, Last to Fly Endeavour
"Tell the pilots. when they land. it would be great if they could fly
over Tucson so Gabby can see Endeavour."
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THAT WOULD BE COOL.
IT'S NOT KNOWN *IF* THAT WILL HAPPEN.
TOMORROW ENDEAVOUR IS SCHEDULED TO FLY OVER NEW MEXICO--
BEFORE LANDING AT EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.
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POLICE IN NEW YORK ARRESTED LINDSAY LOHAN. AGAIN.
INVESTIGATORS SAY SHE CLIPPED A PEDESTRIAN WITH HER CAR AND DID NOT STOP.
OFFICERS ARRESTED HER AS SHE LEFT A NIGHTCLUB IN LOWER MANHATTAN.
POLICE SAY ALCOHOL WAS *NOT* INVOLVED.
THE VICTIM WAS TREATED AT A HOSPITAL FOR A KNEE INJURY.
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TALK ABOUT A GIFT FROM THE HEAVENS.
A HUGE CRATER LEFT BY A METEORITE IN SIBERIA--
CONTAINS A LARGE DEPOSIT OF INDUSTRIAL DIAMONDS.
WE'RE TALKING *TRILLIONS* OF CARATS!
THEY'RE CALLED "IMPACT DIAMONDS".
THE DIAMONDS ARE TWICE AS HARD AS CONVENTIONAL DIAMONDS--
AND HAVE SUPERIOR INDUSTRIAL QUALITIES.
THEIR STRENGTH IS BELIEVED TO COME FROM ENORMOUS PRESSURE AND HIGH TEMPERATURES AT THE MOMENT OF IMPACT.
THE METEORITE LEFT A 60-MILE CRATER WHEN IT HIT YEARS AGO.
SCIENTISTS DISCOVERED THE DEPOSIT IN THE 1970's--
BUT IT WAS LEFT UNEXPLORED UNTIL NOW.
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SOME FRANTIC MOMENTS IN CAPE CORAL.
-witness-"I heard screaming and yelling that's when I realized there was a baby involved."
THE BABY WAS STRAPPED INTO A CAR SEAT--
AND POLICE SAY HER MOTHER WAS DRUNK BEHIND THE WHEEL!
TONIGHT NBC2 TALKS TO PEOPLE WHO SAW THE CRASH.
AND THE COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS IS ON!
TOYS-R-US IS OUT WITH ITS ANNUAL LIST OF TOP TOYS FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
GRAB A PEN!
WE'VE GOT A PREVIEW.
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IF YOU'RE A PARENT OR GRANDPARENT OF YOUNG KIDS--
LISTEN UP!
TOYS-R-US JUST RELEASED ITS "TOP TOYS" LIST OF 2012!
THE TOP *15* TOYS KIDS WILL WANT THIS CHRISTMAS.
NBC2 ANCHOR HEATHER TURCO IS IN THE STUDIO WITH THE COUNTDOWN.
HEATHER.
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THE LIST INCLUDES TOYS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES--
EVEN ADULTS!
THE TOP FIVE IS GEARED FOR THOSE AGE TEN AND UNDER.
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HERE ARE THE TOP FIVE.
AT NUMBER ONE - THE DOC MCSTUFFINS "TIME FOR YOUR CHECK-UP" DOLL.
IT'S FROM THE DISNEY SHOW.
THE DOLL TALKS LIKE A DOCTOR, AND IT SINGS!
AT NUMBER TWO IS THE FISHER-PRICE "JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND" PIRATES - MUSICAL PIRATE SHIP "BUCKY".
IT'S FROM THE ANIMATED T-V SERIES, GEARED TOWARD KIDS UNDER THREE.
IN THIRD PLACE IS THE LALALOOPSY SILLY HAIR STAR DOLL.
IT TALKS, SINGS, AND HAS *DANCING* HAIR!
CHANGE THE HAIR, SING A NEW SONG!
IN FOURTH IS *FURBY*!
THE EVER POPULAR, INTERACTIVE TOY THAT HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN.
THAT MEANS A LOT OF FUN--
BUT IT CAN BE "UNPREDICTABLE".
AND ROUNDING OUT THE TOP FIVE IS THE GELARTI DESIGNER STUDIO.
IT'S A STICKER STUDIO THAT'S RE-USEABLE.
A GREAT TOY FOR A CHILD WITH A LOT OF IMAGINATION.
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SOME OTHER TOYS IN THE TOP 15 INCLUDE MICROCHARGERS - A MINIATURE CAR RACE TRACK - WHERE CARS CHARGE IN JUST 8-SECONDS.
THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES PLAYSET.
IT'S NEARLY 4-FEET TALL AND RE-CREATES THEIR *SEWER* HOME.
AND OF COURSE THE WII "U".
THAT'S THE GAMING CONSOLE WITH A NEW MOTION CONTROL UNIT.
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A GROUP OF VETERINARIANS WHO STARTED THE STATES FIRST --
PET AMBULANCE IS EXPANDING AGAIN. WITH MORE UNIQUE SERVICES.
AND SOME PEOPLE IN PUNTA GORDA SAY THEIR WATER IS AWFUL.
BUT THERE IS SOMETHING BIG STOPPING THE CITY FROM CHANGING THAT.
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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.
Clouds have been in abundance this afternoon with a few peaks of sunshine here and there, however the rain has been few and far between with most of Southwest Florida staying mostly dry.
A cold front has draped itself across the central part of the state and will continue to washout through Thursday. This will keep our weather in a moist west to southwesterly flow off the Gulf of Mexico with the possibility of a few showers and storms developing throughout the evening hours. With this set up, any rain that does develop should favor the Lake Okeechobee and inland spots before winding up along the east coast this evening.
Tonight, our skies will see some partial clearing with an isolated shower or two. Otherwise overnight lows will settle into the middle 70s along the urban corridor with upper 70s along our beach locations.
With a tropical airmass in place and steering winds remaining out of the southwest, it will be a mild and muggy start to the day with the vast majority of Southwest Florida staying dry. A few showers could get going by the mid day hours before rain gets pushed deeper inland with the seabreeze by the afternoon. With a bit more sunshine for our Thursday, temperatures should climb to near normal values in the lower 90s but with extra humidity, it will feel a bit hotter than what the thermometer is actually reading.
Friday and into the weekend our weather conditions will be improving as light easterly winds take over. This will bring our dry and sunny mornings back with mainly afternoon showers and storms.
In the tropics, Tropical Storm Nadine has moved very little as it remains stationary. Through Friday it is expected to take an easterly track keeping it just to the south of the Azores. Otherwise, the tropics look to stay fairly quiet over the next 7 days.
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FIRST THE STATES ONLY PET AMBULANCE, TONIGHT NOW
A SOUTHWEST FLORIDA VETERINARY CLINIC IS EXPANDING.
ADDING MORE UNIQUE SERVICES.
NBC2's JOELLE PARKS JOINS US LIVE FROM THE NEWSROOM--
JOELLE.
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA VETERINARY SPECIALISTS IS ADDING MORE SPACE AND MORE ANIMAL DOCTORS.
BUT THESE ARENT JUST GENERAL VETERINARIANS- THEYRE SPECIALISTS IN THINGS LIKE INTERNAL MEDICINE, CARDIOLOGY AND EXOTIC PET CARE.
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Meet marley and Maggie-
Sot John Snyder, Bonita resident
They're really special, they become part of the family."
And while they may be carefree-
Their dad John- is worried about their health.
Especially marley- who has a heart murmur.
Sot John
It's tough to see our dogs go downhill."
The pups- are patients of dr. Wendy arsenault.
She founded southwest floirda vetinary specialists in 2007.
Sot dr. Wendy arsenault
"it started as me, but even up until a year and half or so ago we had 6 maybe 7 employees, now we've grown to about 30,"
That includes the areas only exotic pet vet.
Sot dr Wendy
"Everybody tries to do what they can, but it's nice to have somebody who specializes in that area who's received extra training to offer that care."
That care- will happen here.
All day. Every day.
Sot dr Wendy
"now with the expansion, there's definitely not enough space, so we've added 2 additional units which will take us to just under 7500 square feet."
An expansion that's not just good for pet parents.
Sot Ben nelson, Bonita springs mayor
"I think it's a great place to do business."
Bonita springs mayor Ben Nelson is a small business owner,
And is constantly pushing for new and existing companies to work with the city.
Sot Ben nelson, Bonita springs mayor
"they should expand here because we are business friendly"
He also says this company is just one example of what Bonita wants and needs.
By offering unique services like the pet ambulance they bring more people and jobs to the area.
Sot Wendy
" were always, constantly thinking of new things that we can do."
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THE EXPANSION DOESN'T STOP IN BONITA.
THESE VETERINARIANS ARE ALSO PARTNERING WITH OFFICES IN PORT CHARLOTTE AND SARASOTA TO OFFER ADVANCED PET CARE.
REPORTING LIVE JP.
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*HARD* WATER IS A PAIN.
IT'S TOUGH ON YOUR CLOTHES--
DISHES DON'T CLEAN WELL--
AND THE HOT WATER HEATER AND FAUCETS CLOG UP.
WELL, SOME PEOPLE IN PUNTA GORDA SAY THEY'RE TIRED OF IT.
NBC-2'S CHARLIE KEEGAN EXPLAINS WHAT THE CITY COUNCIL PLANS TO DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
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BEFORE SAILING OFF INTO THE GULF, BOB WHITAKER FILLS UP TWO WATER TANKS ON HIS BOAT.
"the two tanks will last 6 to 7 days." Bob Whitaker, Punta Gorda Resident
HE'D RATHER NOT FILL THE 40 GALLON DRUMS WITH WATER FROM PUNTA GORDA.
"we didn't top them off, we're going to get water over at the resort because it's a different water system, it's in Lee County." Bob Whitaker, Punta Gorda Resident
HE SAYS THE DRINKING WATER AT HIS HOME ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH.
IT'S HARD, IT CLOGS PIPES AND RUINS APPLIANCES.
nats "right here, it'll connect there." Bob Whitaker, Punta Gorda Resident
IT'S SO BAD, WHITAKER'S GOING TO INSTALL A REVERSE OSMOSIS PURIFICATION SYSTEM AT HIS HOUSE AND WANTS THE CITY TO DO THE SAME.
"I hope the city council considers it and they don't come in with these notions we don't need it so let's not do it." Bob Whitaker, Punta Gorda Resident
THE CITY'S BEEN FLOATING THE IDEA AROUND FOR YEARS.
AT TODAY'S MEETING IT DECIDED NOT TO APPLY FOR A GRANT TO HELP FUND THE PROJECT.
"It's not that we're not doing it, not proceeding. I just don't think we have enough citizen input to spend 28 million dollars." Bill Albers, Punta Gorda Mayor
SO, THIS WINTER, THE CITY WILL SEND RESIDENTS SURVEYS ASKING IF THEY'D PAY AN EXTRA 8 TO 15 DOLLARS A MONTH TO HAVE BETTER QUALITY WATER.
"Is there enough bang for the buck?" Bill Albers, Punta Gorda Mayor
WHITAKER SAYS THE RESIDENTS ARE ALREADY PAYING FOR IT WITH THE FILTERS AND WATER SOFTENERS THEY BUY FOR THEIR HOMES.
"so you're paying for it whether you pay the city or you pay the Home Depot or Culligan." Bob Whitaker, Punta Gorda Resident
THE CITY CAN ALWAYS APPLY FOR A GRANT IN THE FUTURE AND WHITAKER HOPES IT DOES, HE'S TIRED OF FILLING HIS TANKS WITH BAD WATER.
IN PUNTA GORDA, CHARLIE KEEGAN NBC-2.
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A CAPE CORAL WOMAN IS UNDER ARREST TONIGHT.
SHE'S ACCUSED OF DRIVING DRUNK--
AND CRASHING HER S-U-V WITH HER DAUGHTER *INSIDE*
TONIGHT--
WE TALKED TO PEOPLE WHO WITNESSED THE FRIGHTENING CRASH.
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GOOD NEWS TODAY FOR THE HOUSING INDUSTRY.
HOME SALES NATIONWIDE JUMPED IN AUGUST TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL IN MORE THAN TWO YEARS!
THE SAME IS TRUE FOR FLORIDA.
SALES ROSE NEARLY 8-PERCENT.
THAT'S AN ANNUAL RATE OF NEARLY 5-MILLION HOMES.
THE MOST SINCE MAY 2010--
WHEN THE HOME BUYING TAX CREDIT FUELED SALES.
WE STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO THOUGH.
SALES OF *SIX* MILLION HOMES A YEAR IS CONSIDERED "HEALTHY".
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A CAPE CORAL MOM IS ACCUSED OF DRIVING DRUNK.WITH HER YOUNG DAUGHTER ALONG FOR THE RIDE.
-"It was really heartbreaking to see a mother so out of it at 3:30 in the morning with her baby."
INVESTIGATORS SAY THE TERRIFYING TRIP CAME TO A CRASHING HALT, WHEN THE WOMAN SLAMMED HER S-U-V INTO A UTILITY POLE.
NBC2'S ALEX BOYER TALKED TO THE PEOPLE WHO WITNESSED IT ALL.
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NADIA HOOTS AWOKE TO A BANG.
-Nadia Hoots/Witness-"A car had actually hit that utility pole."
THAT CAR WAS DRIVEN BY THIS WOMAN -- SHANNA COBURN.
THE 26-YEAR OLD MOTHER WAS ALLEGEDLY DRIVING DRUNK THROUGH THIS NORTHEAST CAPE CORAL NEIGHBORHOOD.WITH HER YOUNG DAUGHTER ALONG FOR THE RIDE.
-Hoots-"She was racing around the neighborhood, knocked down a few mailboxes."
ONE OF THOSE MAILBOXES BELONGS TO BRYAN KIRBY.
-Bryan Kirby/neighbor-"my mailbox was on his size, his mailbox was on my side."
THE TERRIFYING TRIP CAME TO AN END JUST A BLOCK FROM BRYAN'S DOOR.
-Alex Boyer-"you can still see the tracks from where Coburn lost control of her SUV before driving on to the lawn of this home and slamming into this light pole."
-Hoots-"I heard her screaming and yelling and that's when I realized there was a baby involved."
ACCORDING TO AN ARREST REPORT, COPS COULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF ALCOHOL COMING FROM COBURN, SHE ALSO HAD WATERY AND GLASSY EYES AND MUMBLED AND SLURRED AT TIMES.
COPS ARRESTED COBURN AND TURNED THE CHILD OVER TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. SHE WAS UNINJURED.
-Hoots-"They put her in the car seat, they gave her a blanket and teddy bear."
COBURN FACES SEVERAL FELONY CHARGES, INCLUDING DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, CRUELTY TOWARDS A CHILD AND RESISTING AN OFFICER WITH VIOLENCE. IN CAPE CORAL, ALEX BOYER NBC2.
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INCREDIBLE VIDEO NEXT AT SIX OF BRAZEN CROOKS CLEANING OUT A LOCAL BUSINESS USING A U-HAUL!
AND NBC2 JUST INTERVIEWED THE BUS DRIVER SAVED BY A QUICK THINKING 6TH GRADER -- THE NEWS AT SIX IS NEXT.
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