5PM NBC2 |
RIGHT NOW AT FIVE.
MILLIONS OF TAX DOLLARS GOING TOWARDS THE MEDSTAR PROGRAM.EVEN THOUGH IT'S BEEN GROUNDED FOR A MONTH.
THE N-B-C TWO INVESTIGATORS FIND OUT WHY.
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BOTH PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS IN FLORIDA TODAY --
MITT ROMNEY DEFENDING HIS SECRETLY TAPED COMMENTS AT AN EAST COAST FUNDRAISER.
THIS AS A MAJOR PLAYER IN HIS CAMP, QUITS.
NBC 2'S CHAD OLIVER IS LIVE WITH THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN IN SARASOTA.
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AND THANKS TO BIG GIFT.
NOW EVERYONE KNOWS CAPE CORAL IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS.
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5PM OPEN
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TRACKING YOUR TAX DOLLARS TONIGHT--
LEE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAVE DIPPED INTO COUNTY RESERVES TO COVER NEXT YEARS BUDGET.
THAT INCLUDES MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR MEDSTAR - THE EMERGENCY CHOPPER PROGRAM SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN A MONTH AGO.
SO WHY DOES A GROUNDED CHOPPER PROGRAM NEED THE MONEY?
NBC-2 INVESTIGATOR KARLA RAY IS HERE TO BREAK IT ALL DOWN.
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PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR JOHN WILSON SAYS $3-MILLION WOULD FUND THE PROGRAM AND PERSONNEL IT NEEDS TO *RUN.
IT'S ABOUT THE SAME AS ALLOCATED LAST YEAR--
BUT WITH AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR THE PROGRAM-- THE BUDGET WAS MET WITH RESISTANCE.
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IT'S BEEN NEARLY A *MONTH SINCE THESE BLADES HAVE SPUN-
AND STILL- PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR JOHN WILSON ASKS THAT THE MEDSTAR HELICOPTER PROGRAM CONTINUE TO BE FUNDED--
COSTING TAXPAYERS $3-MILLION DOLLARS NEXT YEAR.
JOHN WILSON- PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR 50:57 not only the administration within medstar it also includes the pilots and it also includes the medics that would be assigned to that program. :10
BUT IT'S UNCLEAR IF THE COUNTY'S HELICOPTERS WILL *EVER FLY AGAIN.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION ORIGINALLY SHUT THE PROGRAM DOWN STATING THEY WANTED TO APPLY FOR NATIONAL ACCREDITATION--
SINCE THEN, NBC-2 UNCOVERED A $3-MILLION DOLLAR BILLING MISTAKE. AND COUNTY MANAGERS HAVE BEGUN EXPLORING *PRIVATIZATION.
BRIAN BIGELOW 50:34 why is this here before us today? what is why do you need to fund something the fate or future of which we have not determined? I don't get it. :49
COMMISSIONER BRIAN BIGELOW CALLED THE $3-MILLION DOLLARS GHOST FUNDING FOR A GHOST PROGRAM.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE COUNTY COULD SPEND UP TO $30-THOUSAND DOLLARS ON AN AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT-
AND UP TO $15-THOUSAND ON A PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM TO DEAL WITH THE FALLOUT.
JUST THE LATEST IN A *STRING OF INVESTMENTS INTO MEDSTAR.
THE COUNTY *JUST PURCHASED ITS NEWEST HELICOPTER--
AND WILSON SAYS THE BACKUP CHOPPER HAS SEEN ITS SHARE OF UPGRADES.
John Wilson 44:38 we've put quite a bit of money into operating the older ship to make sure it operates smoothly. :44
IF ELIMINATED-- THE MONEY SET ASIDE TO FUND MEDSTAR WOULD GO BACK INTO THE GENERAL FUND--
WHERE THE COUNTY NEEDS IT--
THE BUDGET APPROVED BY COMMISSIONERS CALLS FOR $30-MILLION TO BE TAKEN FROM RESERVES.
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IT'S UNCLEAR IF THE AMOUNT APPROPRIATED FOR MEDSTAR IN THE BUDGET WOULD INCLUDE MONEY TO TRAIN NEW PILOTS--
IN A RECORDS REQUEST WE FOUND THE COUNTY HAS SPENT NEARLY A QUARTER OF A MILLION IN TRAINING ALONE OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS.
YOU PROBABLY NOTICED THIS IS ONE OF THE ONLY TIMES JOHN WILSON HAS SPOKEN PUBLICLY ABOUT MEDSTAR SINCE HIS STAFF PULLED THE PLUG ON the PROGRAM LAST MONTH--
AND COMMISSIONER BIGELOW DID NOT GO EASY ON HIM.
WE HAVE MORE ON *THAT AT 6.
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BOTH PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES ARE STUMPING FOR SUPPORT TODAY IN FLORIDA.
MITT ROMNEY WAS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.
AS THE NEWS BROKE. THE NATIONAL CO CHAIRMAN OF HIS CAMPAIGN,
TIM PAWLENTY IS RESIGNING.
THE FORMER GOVERNOR OF MINNESOTA IS LEAVING TO WORK FOR A WASHINGTON BASED LOBBYING GROUP.
IN A STATEMENT, ROMNEY CONGRATULATED PAWLENTY AND WISHED HIM SUCCESS IN CARRYING OUT HIS NEW MISSION.
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THIS COMING AS THE ROMNEY CAMP WORKS TO CLEAN UP THE MESS FROM A LEAKED VIDEO FROM A PRIVATE FUNDRAISER BACK IN MAY.
THAT'S THE VIDEO WHERE ROMNEY REFERS TO 47 PERCENT OF AMERICANS AS GOVERNMENT FREELOADERS.
"My job is not to worry about those people, I'll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives."
ROMNEY IS STANDING BY HIS COMMENTS.
BUT HE'S ALSO TRYING TO GET BACK ON HIS INITIAL MESSAGE THAT THE ECONOMY IS SPUTTERING NEARLY 4 YEARS AFTER PRESIDENT OBAMA TOOK OFFICE.
AND WHAT BETTER PLACE TO TURN THE TIDE THAN IN FLORIDA?
N-B-C TWO'S CHAD OLIVER IS LIVE IN SARASOTA WHERE ROMNEY IS TRYING TO RE-CONNECT WITH CRUCIAL SWING STATE VOTERS.
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those who didn't share his views
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i saw some protesters with signs that say four more years. Do they really want four more years of college graduates not being able to get jobs. Do they really want four more years of 23 million out of work or unemployment?
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PRESIDENT OBAMA'S CAMPAIGN SCHEDULE NEARLY OVERLAPPED WITH ROMNEY IN FLORIDA TODAY.
THE PRESIDENT LANDED IN MIAMI JUST AFTER HIS OPPONENT WAS TAKING OFF FOR SARASOTA.
HE HELD A CAMPAIGN EVENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI -
AND WILL HEAD TO TAMPA AT ANY MOMENT FOR A PRIVATE FUNDRAISER.
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A judge DENIED A REQUEST TODAY TO REMOVE AN ANTI MUSLIM VIDEO FROM YOU TUBE.
THE FILM HAS BEEN BLAMED FOR SPARKING DEADLY VIOLENCE IN THE MUSLIM WORLD.
AN ACTRESS WHO APPEARS IN THE FILM MADE THE REQUEST.
THE JUDGE RULED THE MAN BEHIND THE FILM WAS NOT SERVED A COPY OF THE LAWSUIT SO THE REQUEST WAS DENIED.
SHE SAYS HER FAMILY HAS BEEN THREATENED AND HER CAREER DAMAGED SINCE THE 14 MINUTE TRAILER SURFACED.
THE FILMS MAKER HAS GONE INTO HIDING.
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A FLORIDA MOTHER IS ACCUSED OF STARTING A FIGHT.ON A SCHOOL BUS.
NOW SHE FACES CHILD ABUSE CHARGES.
N-B-C TWO ANCHOR HEATHER TURCO IS LIVE IN THE NEWSROOM WITH THE LATEST ON THE BIZARRE STORY.
AUTHORITIES WITH THE FLAGLER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAY THEY ARRESTED A PARENT ACCUSED OF STARTING A FIGHT WITH A 17-YEAR OLD STUDENT ON A SCHOOL BUS.
THE INCIDENT WAS CAUGHT BY A SECURITY CAMERA ON BOARD.
INVESTIGATORS SAY 35-YEAR OLD FELICIA PHILLIPS WAS CHARGED WITH CHILD ABUSE AND TRESPASSING ON SCHOOL PROPERTY AFTER SHE CONFRONTED A 17-YEAR OLD STUDENT ABOUT A FIGHT WITH HER SON FROM THE PREVIOUS DAY.
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS SAY PHILLIPS CHASED THE TEENAGER ON TO THE BUS WHERE SHE STARTED PULLING THE YOUNG MAN'S HAIR.
THE DRIVER OF THE BUS SHOUTED TO PHILLIPS THAT SHE WAS TRESPASSING AND NEEDED TO EXIT BUS.
SHE WAS LATER ARRESTED.
HER BOND WAS SET AT $2,500 DOLLARS. HTMLMETA HTTP-EQUIV="content-type" CONTENT="text/html;charset=utf-8"Flagler County Sheriff's deputies arrested a Bunnell woman Wednesday morning
after deputies said she started a fight with a Flagler Palm Coast High
School
student at a bus stop in Bunnell, Florida.
Felecia Phillips, 35, was arrested on a charge of child abuse and
trespassing
on school property.
Deputies said Phillips went to the bus stop about 7 a.m. where she
confronted
the 17-year-old in regards to a fight from the previous day between her son
and a friend of the teen. Witnesses said Phillips started to argue with the
student and subsequently pushed him in the face. The teenager then slammed
Phillips to the ground as the bus arrived.
Deputies said Phillips then chased the teen onto the bus where she started
another fight and grabbed his hair. Other students were trying to pull the
teenager onto the bus when the bus driver shouted to Phillips that she was
trespassing and needed to get off the bus.
Phillips exited the bus at that time and the incident was reported to the
Flagler County School District bus garage.
Phillips was arrested around 10 a.m. Bond is set at $2,500.
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INVESTIGATORS SAY THE 35 YEAR OLD CONFRONTED A 17 YEAR OLD STUDENT ABOUT A FIGHT THE DAY BEFORE.
AFTER REVIEWING THE TAPE --
DEPUTIES ACTED SWIFTLY --
AND PUT HER IN CUFFS.
INVESTIGATORS SAY 35-YEAR OLD FELICIA PHILLIPS WAS CHARGED WITH CHILD ABUSE AND TRESPASSING ON SCHOOL PROPERTY AFTER SHE CONFRONTED A 17-YEAR OLD STUDENT ABOUT A FIGHT WITH HER SON FROM THE PREVIOUS DAY.
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS SAY PHILLIPS CHASED THE TEENAGER ON TO THE BUS WHERE SHE STARTED PULLING THE YOUNG MAN'S HAIR.
THE DRIVER OF THE BUS SHOUTED TO PHILLIPS THAT SHE WAS TRESPASSING AND NEEDED TO EXIT BUS.
SHE WAS LATER ARRESTED.
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SOT--Felecia Phillips
21:20 I really honestly can't say I won't do it again.
FELECIA PHILLIPS WALKED ON A FLAGLER COUNTY SCHOOL BUS AND UNLEASHED HER ANGER ON SOMEONE SHE CALLS A BULLY.
SOT--Felecia Phillips
21:35 I just want him to leave my son alone, you know what's the problem
HER SON IS TEREC SMITH A 15 YEAR OLD WHO SAYS HE IS CONSTANTLY PICKED ON AT THE BUS STOP.
SOT--Terec Smith
26:29 I'm aggravated. i don't say nothing to him but people gonna start stuff with you because people have problems.
SOT--Justin Mickens
35:09 i don't even talk to her son. I don't even hang around her son.
Justin Mickens is the teen Feleica went after. He says he's no bully.
35:09 Me: so that is not true?
Him: no that aint correct
BUT WHEN FELECIA'S SON TOLD HER THERE WAS MORE TROUBLE THIS WEEK. SHE DECIDED TO WALK HERE TO THE BUS STOP WITH HER SON
AND SHE SAYS MICKENS STARTED THE BULLYING ONCE AGAIN.
SO SHE WENT AFTER HIM.
SOT--Justin Mickens
35:00 she chased me on the bus and grabbed me by the back of my head.
THE BUS SURVEILLANCE CAMERA CAUGHT IT ALL.
JUSTIN IS THE FIRST ONE ON THE BUS.
FELECIA FOLLOWS BEHIND--AND THE CHAOS BEGINS IMMEDIATELY.
FELECIA WAS ARRESTED FOR CHILD ABUSE AND TRESPASSING--
AND EVERYONE INVOLVED HOPES THIS IS THE END TO FIGHTING.
SOT--Justin Mickens
36:25 as long as they don't say nothing to me. I won't say nothing to them.
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THAT MOM NOW FACING CHILD ABUSE AND TRESPASSING CHARGES.
SHE SAYS HER SON IS AN "A" STUDENT AND DOESN'T REGRET STANDING UP FOR HER CHILD.
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THE 79 YEAR OLD LEHIGH ACRES MAN ACCUSED OF MORE THAN 70 COUNTS OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY REMAINS IN JAIIL TONIGHT.
DONALD MICHIE IS BEING HELD ON 140 THOUSAND DOLLAR BOND.
AUTHORITIES RAIDED HIS APARTMENT AND FOUND IMAGES OF YOUNG CHILDREN ENGAGED IN SEX ACTS --
ONE OF THEM IN A PICTURE FRAME.
HE IS EXPECTED BACK IN COURT NEXT MONTH.
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INVESTIGATORS IN NORTH PORT SAY A MOTHER WHO DIED IN A FIRE WITH HER 8-YEAR-OLD SON -- STARTED THAT FIRE HERSELF.
CAROL WISDOM AND HER EIGHT YEAR OLD SON MICHAEL WERE FOUND DEAD IN A HOME ON DUAR TERRACE BACK IN APRIL.
POLICE DETERMINED CAROL STARTED THE BLAZE INTENTIONALLY.
NO WORD ON WHY.
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A NEW AIRLINE WILL OFFER SEASONAL SERVICE AT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
THE LEE COUNTY VISITOR CONVENTION BUREAU TELLS N-B-C TWO -
MET-JET WILL BEGIN WEEKLY FLIGHTS BETWEEN R-S-W AND GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN ON OCTOBER 10TH.
AND HOW ABOUT THIS.THE AIRLINE OFFERS TWO FREE CHECKED BAGS AND FREE FOOD ON BOARD.
WEST JET -
SPIRIT AND DELTA ARE ALSO ADDING SEASONAL FLIGHTS.
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SOME HOMEOWNERS IN PUNTA GORDA CAN EXPECT TO PAY MORE ON THEIR PROPERTY TAXES THIS YEAR.
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED INCREASING THE MILLAGE RATE TO 18 PERCENT.
THE RATE HIKE SHOULD GENERATE NEARLY 900-THOUSAND DOLLARS TO HELP BALANCE THE BUDGET.
COUNCIL MEMBERS SAY THIS IS THE FIRST PROPERTY TAX INCREASE IN FIVE YEARS.
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IN CAPE CORAL --
HOMEOWNERS ARE GETTING A LAST CHANCE TO WEIGH ON PROPOSED MILLAGE RATES THERE.
THE RATE IS TENTATIVELY SET AT THE SAMEE AS LAST YEAR.
BUT MOST PEOPLE WILL PAY MORE. BECAUSE HOME VALUES HAVE INCREASED BY NEARLY THREE PERCENT.
TODAY IS THE LAST CHANCE FOR CAPE CORAL RESIDENTS TO VOICE THEIR OPINIONS ON THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE.
COUNCIL HAS TENTATIVELY SET THE MILLAGE RATE AT 7.9570 -
THAT'S THE SAME AS LAST YEAR.
BUT DESPITE KEEPING THE RATE THE SAME, CAPE CORAL RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT TO PAY MORE IN TAXES.
THAT'S BECAUSE PROPERTY VALUES IN THE CAPE HAVE *INCREASED BY NEARLY 3-PERCENT.
THE PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD AT 5-05 THIS AFTERNOON IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
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A NEW WARNING ABOUT THE SECURITY OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN THIS COUNTRY.
A GROUP IS CITING CREDIBLE INTELLIGENCE ABOUT A POSSIBLE CYBER ATTACK ON BANKS WHERE YOU KEEP YOUR MONEY.
IT COULD MAKE THE BANK WEBSITES UNUSABLE FOR CUSTOMERS.
J-P MORGAN CHASE AND BANK OF AMERICA SAY THERE HAVE BEEN PROBLEMS BUT WILL NOT GO INTO DETAIL.
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A COMMITTEE NARROWS DOWN ITS CHOICES ON HOW TO RESTORE THE HISTORIC FORT MYERS BUILDING --
"HALL OF 50 STATES."
OUT OF FOUR PROPOSALS THE CITY CHOSE TO SEE THREE IN A PRESENTATION NEXT MONTH.
THE BUILDING LOCATED ON EDWARDS DRIVE AND LAND SURROUNDING IT IS APPRAISED AT 270 THOUSAND DOLLARS.
IT'S BEEN VACANT FOR ABOUT A DECADE.
AND NEEDS MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS.
A DECISION ON THE CITY'S SELECTION IS EXPECTED SOME TIME NEXT MONTH.
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ONE SCHOOL IN COLLIER COUNTY IS LOOKING TO TAKE LEARNING TO A NEW LEVEL THROUGH THE HELP OF A NATIONWIDE PROGRAM.
SABAL PALM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL INTRODUCED A CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM TO ITS KIDS ON THURSDAY CALLED, "CLOUD NINE WORLD."
THE PROGRAM WILL HELP KIDS IMPROVE WITH A TAKE HOME BOOK THAT WILL FEATURE A DIFFERENT ANIMAL EVERY MONTH.
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"The best part about the program is that the book goes home, they can read with mom, dad, brother or sister and really extend the lessons into their home and the community environment."
FRIDAY WILL BE THE FIRST DAY THAT TEACHERS IMPLEMENT THE "CLOUD NINE WORLD" EDUCATION PROGRAM TO OVER 560 KIDS AT SABAL PALM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S LARGEST CITY JUST GOT SOMETHING FOR NOTHING.
AND WHO DOESN'T LIKE THAT?
CAPE CORAL IS LOOKING TO STRETCH ITS DOLLARS -- IN A NEW AD CAMPAIGN.
AND CHANCES ARE.YOU'LL NOTICE IT SOON.
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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.
SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS EACH AFTERNOON
What's on the docket for the next several days? Easy, lots of clouds and a few thunderstorms each day.
We've already seen a large amount of clouds the past several daysb - will we see blue skies and sunshine? Sure, but overall the clouds will win, and they will be slow to erode. There's a weak front just to our north. It's slowly drifting south, and it's causing our winds to be from the southwest.
This time of the year that means the sky is peppered with numerous clouds.
That front will wash out later tonight. That's good news for us because it means our weather will begin to improve - it'll just take a few days.
Tomorrow will be partly cloudy with storms popping up just after the noon hour and pushing inland.
This weekend will be slightly wet because the sea breeze will be pinned along the coastline and urban corridor. Plan your weekend around the afternoon and early evening storms!
There's nothing of interest in the tropics right now.
Oh, and by the way - fall begins at 10:49 AM on Saturday!
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YOU CAN NOW GET WEATHER UPDATES SENT STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE --
NO MATTER WHAT KIND OF DEVICE YOU HAVE.
THE N-B-C TWO WEATHER APP IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR BOTH EYE PHONES AND ANDROIDS.
TO GET IT JUST HEAD OVER TO OUR WEBSITE N-B-C DASH TWO DOT COM AND CLICK ON NEWSLINKS.
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CAPE CORAL IS LOOKING TO CASH IN ON SOME FREE ADVERTISING.
N-B-C TWO'S ALEX BOYER IS LIVE WITH A LOOK AT A PARTNERSHIP LEADERS HOPE WILL HELP THE STRUGGLING CITY.
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Those three magic words are open for business. Today the city unveiled 17 signs like this one scattered throughout lee county. And it won't cost cape coral taxpayers a dime.
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-dana brunett/economic development director
-ed bolter/VP, Lamar
-lee mahatzke/owner, Bahama Mamma's
-"three, two, one.clap, clap, clap."
Its a "sign" of the times.
-dana brunett/economic development director-"were all on tight budget so were trying to stretch our dollar as much as possible."
Which is why the city's economic development director jumped at the chance for some free advertising.
Today, the city unveiled 17 new commercial billboards - like this one - scattered throughout lee county. An estimated 369,000 people are expected to drive past those signs everyday.
Lamar advertising is picking up the tab.
-ed bolter/VP, Lamar-"we felt it would be easiest if we kick started it and challenge everyone to join in."
With businesses making up a meager 7-percent of cape coral's tax base. - there's plenty of room for new commercial development.
-lee mahatzke/owner, Bahama Mamma's-"I always wanted a bar in the cape."
Lee mahatzke opened up Bahama Mamma's in the south cape in 2010.
Less than three years later he's closing up shop.
-mahatzke-"what was the challenge? People, just getting enough people in."
But the city is working to change its image.
-brunett-"fast, fair and predictable. That's what we want to become."
Dana brunett says the city is working to streamline its permitting process, making it easier for businesses to build.
But not all business owners are buying in.
-Mahatzke-"you can advertise were open all you want if you don't have the people what good will it do."
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These "open for business" billboards are expected to stay up for at least the next two months. Let's see if they make a difference. Live in north fort myers, ab nbc2.
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THE BEST OF THE BEST WERE AWARDED IN COLLIER COUNTY TODAY.
A LUNCHEON HONORED BUSINESS LEADERS WHO GREW DESPITE THE SLUGGISH ECONOMY.
BUSINESSES AWARDED WERE CHOSEN THROUGH THE CHAMBER OF EXCELLENCE'S CATEGORIES LIKE 'BUSINESS EXPANSION', 'NEWCOMER'AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY.
THE CHAMBER'S CHAIR SAYS IT'S IMPORTANT FOR THE CHAMBER TO COME TOGETHER TO AWARD BUSINESSES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY.
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Michael Wynn
Chair, Naples Chamber
:10
"we've recognized now that we're stronger the more we work together so this is just one opportunity for us to come together and celebrate successful organizations that we're recognized today."
N-B-C TWO TODAY ANCHOR KRISTA FOGELSONG EM-CEED THE LUNCHEON AND HELPED AWARD WINNERS THE INN ON FIFTH, KID TECH LEARNING, POSITIONS LOGIC AND VALUE CENTRIC.
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GREAT ATHELTES.WITH GREAT STORIES.
WE SAW IT WITH THE OLYMPICS.AND NOW WITH THE PARALYMPICS AS WELL.
WE TALKED TO A SOUTHWEST FLORIDA MAN WHO JUST GOT BACK FROM LONDON.
AND JUST LIKE HE DID AFTER THE ACCIDENT THAT PARALYZED HIM.HE'S USING HIS RECENT DISAPPOINTMENT AS MOTIVATION.
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WE ALL CAME AWAY FROM THE LONDON OLYMPICS AWED AND INSPIRED --
BUT PERHAPS EVEN MORE AMAZING THAN THE
ATHLETES THERE -- THOSE WHO COMPETED RIGHT AFTER AT THE PARALYMPICS.
A MAN FROM CAPE CORAL WHO OVERCAME A TRAGIC ACCIDENT -- JUST RETURNED HOME FROM COMPETING AS A SAILOR IN THE PARALYMPICS.
N-B-C TWO'S STEVE CAMPION HAS HIS INSPIRING STORY.
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WHEN A SINGLE MOMENT IN LIFE TRIES TO STEAL YOUR JOY --
4457 "when I was a junior in college, I slipped on the floor and broke my neck. My life changed in an instant."
SAILOR PAUL CALLAHAN SAYS LET THE HUMAN SPIRIT SOAR.
4543 "the one thing I never did was dwell on it. I kept looking forward."
FAST FORWARD ALMOST 35 YEARS --THE HARVARD EDUCATED BUSINESSMAN TELL US A SINGLE QUESTION STUCK WITH HIM THROUGH THE YEARS.
4607 "how deep inside myself could I reach?"
DESPITE LIMITED MOBILITY IN HIS ARMS AND LEGS -- THE QUADRIPLEGIC USES HIS POWER WHEELCHAIR TO CRISS CROSS THE WORLD.
CALLAHAN'S DETERMINATION PROPELLED HIM TO THIS YEARS PARALYMPICS IN LONDON.
HE DROVE TEAM USA'S SAILING BOAT --- WITH THE HELP OF UPSIDE DOWN PEDALS AND A ROTATING SEAT.
5517 "it's a little garage ingenuity. A lot of people helped me put it together."
OUTSIDE OF INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION -- CALLAHAN HOPES TO STEER YOUNGER ONES TO THE SAME HEIGHTS.
HE RUNS "SAIL TO PREVAIL" -- A NON-PROFIT PROGRAM WHERE YOUNGER PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES LEARN TO SAIL IN NEW ENGLAND WATERS..
5148 "we only tape 10 to 15 percent of the human spirit. All of us, able or disabled can achieve more than we think we can."
AT THIS YEAR'S PARALYMPICS -- CALLAHAN'S TEAM PLACED SEVENTH AFTER A LAST MINUTE ERROR STOPPED THEM FROM MEDALING.
HE'S DISAPPOINTED BUT LIKE HIS HISTORY REVEALS -- A SETBACK ONLY PUSHES HIM TO BE STRONGER.
5633 "we'll make up those points in Rio in 2016. Reporter: And go for the gold? Going right back for the gold."
IN CAPE CORAL, STEVE CAMPION, NBC2.
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TROUBLES FOR AMERICAN AIRLINES ARE FILTERING DOWN TO SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.
FLIGHTS ARE NOW CANCELLED!
WE'RE LIVE WITH THE LATEST.
A MAN ARMED WITH A KNIFE STORMED INTO A CONVENIENCE STORE LOOKING FOR CASH.
PROBLEM IS--
HE RAN INTO A CLERK WHO HAD A WEAPON STASHED IN THE COOLER!
PLUS.IT'S ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING BUSINESSES--
BREAST MILK BANKS!
BUT ARE WOMEN READY TO FEED THEIR BABIES WITH ANOTHER MOM'S MILK?
AND MEN ARE DEFINITELY *NOT* KNOWN FOR OPENING UP.
NOW ONE DOCTOR SAYS SHE KNOWS WHY!
NBC2 NEWS AT 5:30 IS NEXT.
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