5PM NBC2

5PM NBC2

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DIRECTORS PAGE PINWHEELS FOR PEACE-SOTVO
HLA FGCU STUDENTS CRASH-TRX-VOTOPS NAPLES MOVIE PRODUCTION COMPANY-OC
HLB PHIL BENNETT SENTENCING-TRX-VOTOPS NAPLES MOVIE PRODUCTION COMPANY-PKG
HLC NAPLES MOVIE PRODUCTION COMPANY-TRX-VOTOPS NAPLES MOVIE PRODUCTION COMPANY-OCTAG
5PM OPEN-CLIP ALL NEW AT FIVE-CLIP
FIRST WEATHER-ANIBOXES-OMNI TEASE ONE-2SHOT
FGCU STUDENTS CRASH-2SH-VO-TBOX TZ1 A) NON PARTISAN ON BALLOT-VO-WIPE
FGCU STUDENTS CRASH-REM26-LIVE TZ1 C) WEATHER TEASE-STC
FGCU STUDENTS CRASH-PKG MARKET CLOSE-CGTOPS
FGCU STUDENTS CRASH-REM26-LIVE JIM WX OPEN-CLIP
MEDSTAR RESPONSE TO CRASH-OC-BOXES FIRST ALERT FORECAST-WXWALL
MEDSTAR RESPONSE TO CRASH-CAM 99 DECISION 2012 OPEN-CLIP
MEDSTAR RESPONSE TO CRASH-CG NON PARTISAN ON BALLOT-VOTOPS-OC
MEDSTAR RESPONSE TO CRASH-CAM99 NON PARTISAN ON BALLOT-TFC
PHIL BENNETT SENTENCING-SS NON PARTISAN ON BALLOT-PKG
PHIL BENNETT SENTENCING-REM2-LIVE NON PARTISAN ON BALLOT-TFC
PHIL BENNETT SENTENCING-PKG-BNR POW MIA AWARENESS DAY-VO
PHIL BENNETT SENTENCING-REM2-LIVE TEASE TWO-2SHOT
BOOTH ALERT-FDOT TZ2 A) JET BLUE WEIGHT LIMIT-VO
MITT ROMENY TAXES-TRX-VO TZ2 B) VR LABS MONEY-BNR-VOTOPS
SWFL UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS-SS JET BLUE WEIGHT LIMIT-2SHOT
SHOTS FOR TOTS CLOSING-2FSS-VO JET BLUE WEIGHT LIMIT-PKG
SHOTS FOR TOTS CLOSING-SOTVO JET BLUE WEIGHT LIMIT-OCTAG
GATOR FEEDING VIDEO-VO NEW AT 530-BNR-2SHOT
CAPT WALLY HAND BITTEN OFF-VOTOPS A) IPHONE 5 SALES-VO-WIPE
GREKOS BACK IN BUSINESS-SS B) SEQUETER HEAD START-VOTOPS
PINWHEELS FOR PEACE-VO  


DIRECTORS PAGE


Return to index of stories...

HLA FGCU STUDENTS CRASH-TRX-VOTOPS


RIGHT NOW AT FIVE: A SERIOUS CRASH SENT TWO FGCU STUDENTS TO THE HOSPITAL -- BUT THE NBC2 INVESTIGATORS UNCOVER THERE WAS NO MEDICAL HELICOPTER AVAILABLE TO GET THEM THERE FASTER. Return to index of stories...


HLB PHIL BENNETT SENTENCING-TRX-VOTOPS


A WELL-KNOWN FORT MYESR ACCOUNTANT WHO STOLE MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS FROM CLIENTS AND COMMUNITY GROUDS IS SENTENCED -- AND EVEN HAD *VICTIMS COME TO HIS DEFENSE. Return to index of stories...


HLC NAPLES MOVIE PRODUCTION COMPANY-TRX-VOTOPS


A WOMAN FROM SOUTHWEST FLORIDA IS NOW A HOLLYWOOD PRODUCER --

AND HER MOVIE COULD BE NATIONWIDE HIT.

THE NEWS AT FIVE STARTS NOW. Return to index of stories...


5PM OPEN-CLIP


5PM OPEN Return to index of stories...


FIRST WEATHER-ANIBOXES-OMNI


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.

Here's the PM discussion. Don't forget to update the weather video!

NUMEROUS STORMS FOR SATURDAY

This weekend will be a split decision. Saturday will be cloudy and rainy while Sunday will have more sunshine and less rain.

What I'm saying - Sunday is the day you'll want to go outside!

There's three features at play in our weather for the next two days. First is a tropical wave sitting to our southeast, next an old frontal boundary, and lastly a big low pressure center in the upper atmosphere. They're all working together to give us the not so great weather.

The good news - we will see breaks in the clouds from time to time, and Sunday will be very sunny.

Tropical type downpours will be numerous and widespread tomorrow. Coastal showers early? Yes, but they'll be very isolated. The widespread and robust downpours will occur between 2 to 7 PM.

Sunday through Tuesday looks to be normal. By "normal" I mean partly sunny skies and isolated thunderstorms each evening.

Highs will be in the upper 80s to lower 90s.

Also, nothing of interest in the tropics for southwest Florida right! Return to index of stories...


FGCU STUDENTS CRASH-2SH-VO-TBOX


A CRASH IN LEE COUNTY EXPOSES CONCERNS OVER PUBLIC SAFETY FOLLOWING THE SUDDEN SHUTDOWN OF MEDSTAR --

GOOD EVENING I'M KELLIE BURNS.

AND I'M PETER BUSCH.

A TRUCK WITH TWO COLLEGE STUDENTS CRASHED NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF U-S 41 AND CORKSCREW EARLY THIS MORNING.

THE F-G-C-U STUDENTS ARE IN THE HOSPITAL.

AND THEY GOT THERE BY AMBULANCE BECAUSE *THREE MEDICAL CHOPPERS; COULDN'T MAKE IT THERE.

WE HAVE TEAM COVERAGE TONIGHT --

INVESTIGATOR KARLA RAY QUESTIONS THE LACK OF AIR SUPPORT.

BUT WE BEGIN WITH MEAGHAN SMITH WHO IS LIVE AT F-G-C-U.

MEAGHAN. Return to index of stories...


FGCU STUDENTS CRASH-REM26-LIVE


*take live*

florida highway patrol suspects alcohol in this crash involving 2 19 year-olds. today, news of what happened is making it's way through campus. one of the teens is listed in fair condition while the other is critical. Return to index of stories...


FGCU STUDENTS CRASH-PKG


jay anderson, stay alive, just drive

brian sullivan, senior

*take pkg*

alcohol is suspected in the crash involving 2 fgcu students.

the mangled truck-

slammed into a telephone pole on corkscrew road,

snapping it in half.

7:18 brian "nobody that is drinking should get behind the wheel- it's very dangerous."

fellow fgcu students are learning of the crash involving 2 of their classmates-

the driver, 19 year-old connor ceilley is in fair condition,

while his passenger-

19 year-old brent raczkowski is listed as critical at lee memorial.

both teens had to be cut out of the truck.

3:42 jay "drunk driving is a national problem."

coincentidentally,

jay anderson-

with stay alive just drive-

spent yesterday reaching out to students at fgcu- to inform them of the dangers of drinking and driving.

he tells us peers have a responsibility to step in.

5:08 jay "that can number 1- act as a designated driver, can take the responspibility of calling a taxi cab to provide another ride, or if they're not driving- act as that designated driver."

as both teens recover in the hospital-

fhp is continuing it's investigation into the suspected alcohol involved crash.

8:07 katie "i really hope they learn from their lesson and they ultimately don't do it again." Return to index of stories...


FGCU STUDENTS CRASH-REM26-LIVE


*live tag*

a blood sample from the driver was submited to fdle- troppers say if there is alcohol in the driver's blood over.08, he will be charged in this crash. investigators will also look into underage drinking charges.

live on fgcu, meaghan smith, nbc-2. Return to index of stories...


MEDSTAR RESPONSE TO CRASH-OC-BOXES


THIS CRASH MAY HAVE EXPOSED A LARGER OVERALL PROBLEM FOLLOWING THE SHUTDOWN OF MEDSTAR.

N-B-C TWO INVESTIGATOR KARLA RAY FOUND OUT CREWS ON SCENE ASKED FOR AIR SUPPORT --

AND NEVER GOT IT. Return to index of stories...


MEDSTAR RESPONSE TO CRASH-CAM 99


MEDSTAR'S REPLACEMENT- AEROMED- WAS CALLED ALMOST *IMMEDIATELY WHEN EMERGENCY CREWS GOT ON SCENE.

AND IT ATTEMPTED TO LAUNCH *TWICE.

BUT IT WAS TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE BECAUSE OF MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. Return to index of stories...


MEDSTAR RESPONSE TO CRASH-CG


BY THAT TIME- BAYFLIGHT OUT OF ST. PETERSBURG WOULD HAVE TAKEN TOO LONG TO GET THERE-

AND COLLIER COUNTY'S MEDFLIGHT WAS *REQUESTED- BUT DIDNT' HAVE A CHANCE TO GIVE AN E-T-A.

SO CREWS ON SCENE DECIDED TO TAKE THE PATIENTS TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE.

IN TOTAL- THEY SPENT ABOUT A HALF HOUR ON SCENE -

AND IT TOOK 16 MINUTES TO DRIVE THE PATIENTS TO THE HOSPITAL. Return to index of stories...


MEDSTAR RESPONSE TO CRASH-CAM99


WITHIN THE PAST HALF HOUR- LEE COUNTY E-M-S CHIEF KIM DICKERSON SENT OUT A PRESS RELEASE SAYING THE LACK OF A HELICOPTER DID *NOT NEGATIVELY AFFECT PATIENT CARE.

AND IT'S ACTUALLY THE *POLICY TO DRIVE A PATIENT WHEN THEY'RE LESS THAN A HALF HOUR FROM THE HOSPITAL.

DESPITE THE MULTIPLE REQUESTS MADE BY CREWS ON SCENE.

COMING UP AT 6- WHY A FORMER MEDSTAR EMPLOYEE SAYS THIS *NEVER WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THE COUNTY SERVICE WAS UP AND RUNNING.

KR, NBC2. Return to index of stories...


PHIL BENNETT SENTENCING-SS


THE FORT MYERS ACCOUNTANT ACCUSED OF EMBEZZELING MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS FROM PEOPLE ALL OVER SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WILL SPEND FOUR YEARS IN PRISON.

PHIL BENNETT'S EX WIFE, AND DOZENS OF HIS VICTIMS CAME TO HIS DEFENSE TODAY --

PLEADING WITH THE JUDGE TO GO EASY ON HIM.

N-B-C TWO'S STEVE CAMPION WAS IN COURT TODAY FOR THE EMOTIONAL HEARING. Return to index of stories...


PHIL BENNETT SENTENCING-REM2-LIVE


TAKE LIVE

Many in the courtroom were brought to tears -- as six people took the stand including Phil bennett himself.

The standout testimony didn't come from him but his ex-wife Susan Bennett.

Eyes were fixated on her as she backed Bennett -- describing a caring man who made a horrible mistake in a state of desperation. Return to index of stories...


PHIL BENNETT SENTENCING-PKG-BNR


TAKE PKG

211 "July 1st, 2008 at 630 pm "it was a day like 9/11 that will live in my mind forever.""

Susan Bennett remembers the moment -- when she found out her ex husband Phil Bennett embellezed more than a million dollars from the rotary club, the city of moorehaven, and frank Mann's election campaign.

Susan Bennett 2254 "I was hit by a hand grenade and I'm carrying sharpnel in my heart."

She like many others who took the stand -- said the 61 year old's suffered enough.

Kevin lewis, bennett's friend

0844 "he's lost everything that somebody can lose."

Those testifying -- included the people overseeing the rotary club -- who bennett stole monies from.

Gary Bryant, rotary club member

5445 "he was humiliated and embarrassed. He didn't have an ego."

State investigators claim the accountant wrote checks to himself -- taking money from needy projects to help save his business and finance a lavish lifestyle.

Phil Bennett, 4530 "lawyer: is there an excuse for your behavior? No."

Bennett admits to writing the checks -- calling them "loans" he planned to repay.

Bennett 4130 "my pride, my ego wouldn't let me accept that my business was failing."

While bennett's repaid most of the money taken -- he still owes Moore haven around 80 grand.

The state wanted at least 10 years in prison as punishment for betraying the community's trust.

His ex-wife argued no time behind bars can be worse than what he's already done to his once glowing reputation.

Susan Bennett

3457 "he's brought it on himself. He paid a huge price."

3810 "he's a good person who made a bad decision." Return to index of stories...


PHIL BENNETT SENTENCING-REM2-LIVE


STEVE CAMPION REPORTING.

SUSAN BENNETT TESTIFIED SHE IS STILL WITH THE ACCOUNTANT -- SHE ONLY DIVORCED HIM TO SAFEGUARD HER FINANCES.

DESPITE THE MINIMUM STATE SUGGESTION OF 16 YEARS IN PRISON TO A MAX OF ABOUT 200-- HE ORDERED HIM TO SERVE 4 FOLLOWED BY 20 YEARS OF PROBATION. Return to index of stories...


BOOTH ALERT-FDOT


Speed limit in The construction on I-75 from Luckett Road to Palm Beach Boulevard now officially reduced to 60 mph in the two mile work zone. Motorists should remember speeding fines are doubled when workers are present. Drivers are reminded to stay alert, pay attention, and use caution. Estimated completion is fall 2013. Return to index of stories...


MITT ROMENY TAXES-TRX-VO


BREAKING NEWS AT FIVE.

MITT ROMNEY IS FINALLY LETTING THE PUBLIC SEE HIS 2011 TAXES.

ROMNEY EARNED NEARLY 14 MILLION DOLLARS LAST YEAR AND PAID NEARLY TWO MILLION IN TAXES.

THAT IS A RATE OF ABOUT 14 PERCENT.

IN 2010 HE PAID A SIMILAR RATE.

THAT TAX RATE IS MUCH LOWER THAN MOST AMERICANS.BECAUSE ALL OF ROMNEY'S INCOME THE PAST COUPLE YEARS HAS BEEN FROM INVESTMENT RETURNS. Return to index of stories...


SWFL UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS-SS


NEW UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS ARE OUT FOR SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

HENDRY COUNTY HAS THE HIGHEST JOBLESS RATE IN THE STATE AT 15 POINT THREE PERCENT.

THAT'S A ONE PERCENT DROP FROM THE PREVIOUS MONTH.

THE AUGUST REPORT SHOWED MOST OF OUR COUNTIES WERE DOING SLIGHTLY BETTER THAN JULY OF THIS YEAR. Return to index of stories...


SHOTS FOR TOTS CLOSING-2FSS-VO


AN IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PARENTS IN LEE COUNTY--

THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS CUTTING BACK ITS SHOTS FOR TOTS CLINICS.

THE LEHIGH ACRES LOCATION ON 8TH STREET WEST IS CLOSING NEXT MONTH.

AS IS THE OFFICE ON PONDELLA ROAD IN NORTH FORT MYERS.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS BLAME STAFFING SHORTAGES

THE CLINICS OPENED YEARS AGO -- TO MAKE IT MORE CONVENIENT FOR PARENTS TO HAVE ACCESS TO FREE VACCINATIONS.

The Lee County Health Department will close its monthly Shots for Tots evening clinics in North Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres beginning October 2012 for the remainder of the calendar year due to staffing shortages.

Both were long-standing clinics opened to create convenience for the residents of those areas. A reorganization of priorities until vacant positions can be filled forced Program Manager Kim White to make the "very difficult decision."

"I realize that this change will bring challenges to some of our clients," said White. "Our first priority must be to maintain adequate staffing at our permanent location on Michigan Avenue."

The 17-year-old Shots for Tots clinic location in Bonita Springs at the First Presbyterian Church, 9751 Bonita Beach Road from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month, will continue to be staffed. The North Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres clinic closures will be evaluated for re-opening again in 2013. Return to index of stories...


SHOTS FOR TOTS CLOSING-SOTVO


you want to make plans ahead of time, make time to make sure that somebody can get the child in to get their shots during that month

FOUR VACANT POSITIONS NEED TO BE FILLED BEFORE THE CLINICS ARE REOPENED.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS HOPE TO DO THAT BY THE NEW YEAR. Return to index of stories...


GATOR FEEDING VIDEO-VO


NEW VIDEO TONIGHT OF AN AIRBOAT CAPTAIN ACCUSED OF FEEDING DOG TREATS TO ALLIGATORS IN THE EVERGLADES.

F-W-C OFFICERS POSING AS TOURISTS CAPTURED THIS VIDEO.

ROBERT GOSS IS ACCUSED OF ILLEGALLY FEEDING THE GATORS WITH DOG BISCUITS HE KEPT IN HIS POCKET.

HE FACES A MAXIMUM FINE OF 500 DOLLARS AND UP TO 60 DAYS IN JAIL. Return to index of stories...


CAPT WALLY HAND BITTEN OFF-VOTOPS


THIS COMES AFTER AN ALLIGATOR RIPPED OFF CAPTAIN WALLY WEATHERHOLT'S HAND BACK IN JUNE.

WITNESSES SAY HE WAS FEEDING THE GATOR AS WELL.

A VIEWER FROM A DIFFERENT TRIP ON WEATHERHOLT'S BOAT SENT US THIS VIDEO. Return to index of stories...


GREKOS BACK IN BUSINESS-SS


A DOCTOR IN BONITA SPRINGS WHO'S LICENCE WAS SUSPENDED IS BACK IN BUSINESS.

THE STATE SUSPENDED DOCTOR ZANNOS GREKOS MEDICAL LICENCE BACK IN MARCH AFTER TWO OF HIS PATIENTS DIED.

WE FOUND OUT, HE IS NOW LISTED AS CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER OF INTERCELLULAR SCIENCES IN BONITA SPRINGS

LIKE HIS OLD COMPANY, THIS ONE DOES STEM CELL TREATMENT.

THE C-E-O OF THE COMPANY TELLS US ITS AN UNPAID POSITION AND DOCTOR GREKOS DOESN'T TREAT PATIENTS. Return to index of stories...


PINWHEELS FOR PEACE-VO


STUDENTS AT PORT CHARLOTTE HIGH SCHOOL ARE CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE.

MORE THAN 12-HUNDRED PINWHEELS ARE SPINNING IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL AS PART OF A GLOBAL MOVEMENT, "PINWHEELS FOR PEACE."

THE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS MADE THE PINWHEELS, PERSONALIZING EACH ONE WITH A MESSAGE.

ORGANIZERS HOPE THEIR ACTIONS WILL ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY. Return to index of stories...


PINWHEELS FOR PEACE-SOTVO


"each person can make one thing and then together, it has a huge effect. It seems like one person can't make a difference, but you really can."

STUDENTS WILL REMOVE THE PINWHEELS AND SEND THEM TO OTHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN THE AREA TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE.

ORGANIZERS SAY MORE THAN FOUR MILLION PINWHEELS ARE SPINNING ACROSS THE WORLD TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE. Return to index of stories...


NAPLES MOVIE PRODUCTION COMPANY-OC


A WOMAN BORN AND RAISED IN NAPLES IS NOW A BIG TIME MOVIE PRODUCER!

HER MOVIE, 'UNCONDITIONAL,' HITS THEATERS TODAY.

NBC2S GABY FLEISCHMAN SAT DOWN WITH THE NAPLES HIGH GRADUATE TO TALK ABOUT THE MAN THAT INSPIRED THE MOVIE-- AND THE MESSAGE SHE HOPES TO SEND. Return to index of stories...


NAPLES MOVIE PRODUCTION COMPANY-PKG


WHEN SHANNON ATKINS GRADUATED FROM NAPLES HIGH, SHE NEVER IMAGINED SHE WOULD END UP IN THE MOVIE BUSINESS.

SHANNON AND HER HUSBAND JASON, WHO NOW LIVE IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSE, KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THE INDUSTRY.

THE COUPLE MANAGED A SUCCESSFUL HEDGE FUND AND A CHARITY FOUNDATION--

BUT EVENTUALLY THAT WORK LED THEM TO A MAN WITH AN UNBELIEVEABLE STORY.

"We fell in love with joe, he's just this angel of a man."

INSPIRED BY "PAPA JOES" WORK WITH AT RISK KIDS AND FAMILIES IN NEED--

THEY DECIDED TO MAKE A MOVIE DESPITE MIXED REVIEWS FROM CLOSE FRIENDS.

"They said are you crazy why would you do that?"

MUSIC FROM MOVIE TRAILER

'UNCONTIDIONAL' TELLS THE STORY OF A YOUNG WOMAN WHOS HUSBAND IS KILLED IN A SENSLESS ACT OF VIOLENCE.

DEPRESSED-- SHE CONTEMPLATES TAKING HER OWN LIFE UNTIL SHE CROSSES PATHS WITH A CHILDHOOD FRIEND-- JOE BRADFORD-- PLAYED BY HOLLYWOOD ACTOR MICHAEL EALY.

JOE?

HE ENDS UP CHANGING HER LIFE.

"This project has become my baby and when you finally put your child up for everyone to take a look at you kind of hold your breath."

WITHER JITTERS ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE WILL THINK OF HER FIRST FEATURE FILM--

SHANNON HOPES THE MOVIE WONT ONLY ENTERTAIN, BUT INSPIRE.

"We all can give to others, we can inspire them, we can touch them, we can help them see that they have value even when they think they don't."

THE MOVIE IS PLAYING AT 315 THEATERS NATIONWIDE INCLUDING THE REGAL HOLLYWOOD THEATRE IN NAPLES --

AND REGAL BELL TOWER IN FORT MYERS. Return to index of stories...


NAPLES MOVIE PRODUCTION COMPANY-OCTAG


THE MOVIE IS PLAYING AT 315 THEATERS NATIONWIDE INCLUDING THE REGAL HOLLYWOOD THEATRE IN NAPLES --

AND REGAL BELL TOWER IN FORT MYERS. Return to index of stories...


ALL NEW AT FIVE-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

TEASE ONE-2SHOT


FROM THE BIG SCREEN TO THE SMALL SCREEN NOW --

ACTORS FROM ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR SHOWS EVER ON NBC REUNITE --

BUT NOT FOR A NEW SHOW.

WHY THE CAST OF THE WEST WING WANTS YOU TO VOTE -- AND LOOK WAY PAST THE TOP OF THE BALLOT. Return to index of stories...


TZ1 A) NON PARTISAN ON BALLOT-VO-WIPE


Return to index of stories...

TZ1 C) WEATHER TEASE-STC


Return to index of stories...

MARKET CLOSE-CGTOPS


Return to index of stories...

JIM WX OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

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.

Here's the PM discussion. Don't forget to update the weather video!

NUMEROUS STORMS FOR SATURDAY

This weekend will be a split decision. Saturday will be cloudy and rainy while Sunday will have more sunshine and less rain.

What I'm saying - Sunday is the day you'll want to go outside!

There's three features at play in our weather for the next two days. First is a tropical wave sitting to our southeast, next an old frontal boundary, and lastly a big low pressure center in the upper atmosphere. They're all working together to give us the not so great weather.

The good news - we will see breaks in the clouds from time to time, and Sunday will be very sunny.

Tropical type downpours will be numerous and widespread tomorrow. Coastal showers early? Yes, but they'll be very isolated. The widespread and robust downpours will occur between 2 to 7 PM.

Sunday through Tuesday looks to be normal. By "normal" I mean partly sunny skies and isolated thunderstorms each evening.

Highs will be in the upper 80s to lower 90s.

Also, nothing of interest in the tropics for southwest Florida right! Return to index of stories...


DECISION 2012 OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

NON PARTISAN ON BALLOT-VOTOPS-OC


JUST IN TIME FOR THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS - THE CAST OF THE "WEST WING" IS BACK!

THEY HOPE THEIR FAMILIAR STYLE AND SHARP WIT DRAWS VOTERS' ATTENTION TO PART OF THE BALLOT THAT OFTEN GOES UNTOUCHED.

THE NON-PARTISAN RACES ARE OFTEN LEFT BLANK; INCLUDING WHETHER JUSTICES ON THE STATE'S HIGHEST COURT STAY.

N-B-C-2 CHIEF POLITICAL REPORTER CHAD OLIVER TAKES A CLOSER LOOK Return to index of stories...


NON PARTISAN ON BALLOT-TFC


A LOT OF PEOPLE VOTE THE PARTY LINE - ONLY FILLING IN THE BUBBLES FOR THEIR DEMOCRATIC OR REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES.

BUT THERE ARE OTHERS - SPECIFICALLY NON-PARTISAN JUDICIAL RACES - THAT AN ESTIMATED TWO MILLION FLORIDIANS WILL SIMPLY LEAVE BLANK. Return to index of stories...


NON PARTISAN ON BALLOT-PKG


BARBARA PERIENTE IS ONE OF THREE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT JUSTICES WHOSE JOB COMES DOWN TO A YES OR NO VOTE IN NOVEMBER.

SHE'S MAKING THE ROUNDS TO GROUPS LIKE THE LEE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION STRESSING VOTER EDUCATION.

JUSTICES GET AN UP OR DOWN VOTE EVERY SIX YEARS.

THIS PAST YEAR THEY'VE DEALT WITH MAJOR ISSUES LIKE PENSION FOR STATE WORKERS, REDISTRICTING, AND THE DEATH PENALTY.

IN 2008, ONLY ONE OF HER COLLEAGUES FACED A RETENTION VOTE.

JUSTICE CHARLES WELLS.

IN LEE COUNTY, THERE WERE MORE THAN 144-THOUSAND BALLOTS CAST.

BUT FOR THIS NON-PARTISAN RACE. ONE IN FOUR VOTERS SKIPPED THAT PART OF THE BALLOT.

THERE'S NEVER BEEN A FLORIDA JUSTICE WHO FAILED TO REMAIN ON THE BENCH AFTER COMING UP FOR A VOTE. Return to index of stories...


NON PARTISAN ON BALLOT-TFC


THE INFLUENCE OF SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS HAS CHANGED THE GAME.

JUSTICE PERIENTE HAS BEEN RETAINED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT SHE TELLS ME THIS IS THE FIRST TIME SHE'S BEEN CONCERNED.

IF A GROUP DOESN'T AGREE WITH A DECISION THEY CAN TEAM WITH A SUPERPAC TO GET THE MESSAGE OUT *AGAINST A CERTAIN JUSTICE.

SO NOW YOU HAVE JUSTICES OUT THERE CAMPAIGNING IN A SENSE TO STAY IN THEIR POST.

IT'S A BRANCH THAT TRIES TO KEEP POLITICS OUT BUT THAT LINE IS BEING BLURRED.

YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THE JUDICAL OPTIONS YOU'LL SEE ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT.

JUST HEAD TO NBC DASH-2 DOT COM.

CLICK ON 'NEWSLINKS.' Return to index of stories...


POW MIA AWARENESS DAY-VO


PRESIDENT OBAMA PROCLAIMED TODAY AS NATIONAL P-O-W. M-I-A RECOGNITION DAY.

THE BLACK AND WHITE BANNER SYMBOLIZING THOSE SOLDIERS WHO DIDN'T RETURN FROM BATTLE FLEW OVER MANY BUILDINGS TODAY.

WE FOUND A MEMORIAL DECORATED TODAY AT THE CORNER OF COLONIAL BOULEVARD AND MCGREGOR UNDER THE MIDPOINT BRIDGE IN LEE COUNTY.

THE PRESIDENT SAYS AS LONG AS MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES REMAIN UNACCOUNTED FOR --

AMERICA WILL WORK TO BRING THEM HOME.

A PROCLAMATION

For more than two centuries, Americans have bravely served our Nation as members of our Armed Forces. Many have made profound sacrifices to uphold the ideals we cherish, carrying wounds that may never fully heal and dark memories that will never fade. Today, we pay solemn tribute to service members who bore war's tragic costs as prisoners of war and those missing in action. We stand with the families who have known the lingering ache of a loved one's uncertain fate. And as a Nation, we reaffirm a most sacred obligation: that we must never forget the men and women who did not come home, and that we must never stop trying to return them to their families and the country they fought to protect.

As long as members of our Armed Forces remain unaccounted for, America will bring our fullest resources to bear in finding them and bringing them home. It is a promise we make not only to the families of our captured and our missing, but to all who have worn the uniform. Our Nation continues to recover the remains of fallen heroes we lost in the Vietnam War, the Korean War, World War II, and other conflicts. And as these patriots are finally laid to rest, we pray their return brings closure and a measure of peace to those who knew and loved them. During this day of recognition, let us honor their sacrifice once more by expressing our deepest gratitude to our service members, our veterans, our military families, and all those who have given so much to keep our country safe.

On September 21, 2012, the stark black and white banner symbolizing America's Missing in Action and Prisoners of War will be flown over the White House; the United States Capitol; the Departments of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs; the Selective Service System Headquarters; the World War II Memorial; the Korean War Veterans Memorial; the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; United States post offices; national cemeteries; and other locations across our country. We raise this flag as a solemn reminder of our obligation to always remember the sacrifices made to defend our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 21, 2012, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. I urge all Americans to observe this day of honor and remembrance with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA Return to index of stories...


TEASE TWO-2SHOT


THE NAPLES AIRPORT IS LOOKING TO PACK ON SOME POUNDS.

AFTER YEARS OF WEIGHT LIMIT RESTRICTIONS --

LEADERS ARE TRYING TO CLEAR THE WAY FOR COMMERCIAL AIRLINES.

BUT IT COULD COME AT SOME BIG COSTS.

LEE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SHELL OUT MILLIONS IN TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO A COMPANY TASKED WITH BRINGING HUNDREDS OF JOBS--

MORE THAN A YEAR LATER, THE MONEY IS NEARLY GONE AND HIRING IS STALLED.

ALL NEW AT SIX, NBC-2 LOOKS AT WHAT HAPPENED TO VR LABS. Return to index of stories...


TZ2 A) JET BLUE WEIGHT LIMIT-VO


Return to index of stories...

TZ2 B) VR LABS MONEY-BNR-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

JET BLUE WEIGHT LIMIT-2SHOT


NAPLES MUNICIPAL AIRPORT HASN'T HAD A COMMERCIAL FLIGHT LAND THERE SINCE 2008.

THAT COULD SOON CHANGE.

AIRPORT LEADERS ARE IN TALKS WITH JETBLUE. TO BRING SERVICE TO NAPLES, BUT FIRST THEY NEED TO CHANGE THE WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANES ON THE RUNWAY.

N-B-C TWO'S RICK RITTER FINDS OUT WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN. Return to index of stories...


JET BLUE WEIGHT LIMIT-PKG


ROGER LOCKWOOD HAS BEEN TRAVELING THE UNITED STATES AND TAKING PICTURES OF AIRCRAFT FOR YEARS.

"I have two hobbies, one is golf, the other is aviation photography".

WHEN THE NATIVE OF ENGLAND MADE A STOP AT THE NAPLES MUNICIPAL AIRPORT ON FRIDAY, HE WAS HOPING TO SPOT SOME BIGGER PLANES.

ROGER LOCKWOOD

ENGLAND

"Preferably, because all they have here are the small airlines."

LOCKWOOD MAY GET HIS WISH-ALONG WITH NAPLES AIRPORT COMMISSIONERS WHO ARE HOPING JETBLUE WILL HELP THE AIRPORT SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS.

TED SOLIDAY/CITY OF NAPLES AIRPORT AUTHORITY

7:15:39 "I think the biggest thing is that it is Jetblue, Jetblue is one of the more successful airlines in the country and maybe the world."

THE CITY IS IN TALKS WITH THE BUDGET AIRLINE TO OFFER SERVICE TO NAPLES.

BUT THE AIRPORT CURRENTLY HOLDS A 75,000 POUND WEIGHT RESTRICTION FOR ITS RUNWAYS, AND WOULD NEED A WAIVER TO ALLOW PLANES THAT WEIGHT UP TO 115,00 POUNDS ON ITS RUNWAY.

7:13:33 "Unfortunately, the aircraft is just a little bit heavier then we have designed the airport for."

WHILE OFFICIALS ARE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE PLANS, PEOPLE WHO LIVE NEAR THE AIRPORT ARE LESS THAN THRILLED ABOUT COMMERCIAL PLANES FLYING OVER THEIR HOMES.

TY TIBSTRA/NAPLES

7:25:29 "Its really just the noise and the respect for the environment around here, that is my concern".

BUT AIRPORT OFFICIALS SAY THE JETBLUE FLIGHTS WILL BRING A BOOST OF BUSINESS FOR THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.

7:16:24 "It's economics, it brings more people to our community, brings more people in that we have lost and it puts people in our hotels and on our beaches."

AIRPORT OFFICIALS WILL MEET WITH CITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS THE IDEA BUT THE BOARD DOES HAVE AUTHORIZATION TO APPROVE IT ON THEIR OWN. IN COLLIER COUNTY, RICK RITTER, NBC2. Return to index of stories...


JET BLUE WEIGHT LIMIT-OCTAG


JETBLUE OFFICIALS WILL VISIT THE NAPLES AIRPORT ON OCTOBER 18TH, GIVING THE PUBLIC A CHANCE TO ASK QUESTIONS.

IF APPROVED, OFFICIALS SAY JETBLUE COULD BE UP AND RUNNING IN NAPLES BY NOVEMBER OF 2013. Return to index of stories...


NEW AT 530-BNR-2SHOT


JUST ABOUT EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT THE FRENZY FOR THE NEW IPHONE 5--

BUT FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE MAJOR FEUD BREWING BEHIND THE SCENES!

WE'LL TELL YOU ABOUT APPLE'S WAR WITH GOOGLE AND HOW IT COULD IMPACT OWNERS FOR YEARS TO COME.

AND HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA--

COULD BE KICKED *OUT* OF HEAD START AND OTHER PRE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS!

NBC2 INVESTIGATORS ARE TRACKING YOUR TAX DOLLARS--

NEXT ON NBC2 NEWS AT 5:30. Return to index of stories...


A) IPHONE 5 SALES-VO-WIPE


Return to index of stories...

B) SEQUETER HEAD START-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...