6PM NBC2

6PM NBC2

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DIRECTORS PAGE TEASE ONE-2SHOT
NEWS AT 6PM HEADLINES-SOTTOPS TZ1 A) VR LABS MONEY-VO-WIPE
NEWS AT 6PM OPEN-CLIP TZ1 B)
FIRST WEATHER-OMNI-ANI-BOXES TZ1 C) FORECAST TEASE-STC
FIRST WEATHER-WX CTR STOCKS BUMP-CGTOPS
MEDSTAR REPLACEMENT ISSUES-TRX-SOT-2SHOT-PUSH-VO-O JIM REIF FORECAST OPEN-CLIP
INVESTIGATORS OPEN-CLIP FIRST ALERT FORECAST-WXWALL
MEDSTAR REPLACEMENT ISSUES-PLASMA VR LABS MONEY-2SHOT
MEDSTAR REPLACEMENT ISSUES-PKG-BNR VR LABS MONEY-PKG-BNR
MEDSTAR REPLACEMENT ISSUES-PLASMA-(2)CG-PLASMA RARE SNAKE FOUND ON CAPITVA-VO
MEDSTAR INVESTIGATION UPDATE-OC-VBX-RVL GUY CAUGHT FEEDING GATORS-VO-WIPE
FGCU STUDENTS CRASH-VO-WIPE JET BLUE WEIGHT LIMIT-VO-WIPE
FGCU STUDENTS CRASH-SOTVO JET BLUE WEIGHT LIMIT-SOTVO
PHIL BENNETT SENTENCED-TRX-SSTOPS-DBX SPORTS OPEN-CLIP
PHIL BENNETT SENTENCED-CAM-99 HS FOOTBALL-ON CAM
PHIL BENNETT SENTENCED-PKG-BNR WEEK 5 SCHEDULE-CGTOPS
PHIL BENNETT SENTENCED-CAM-99 RIVERDALE RAIDERS-VOTOPS
COLLIER BUDGET APPROVED-HLF SCRN RVL RIVERDALE RAIDERS-SOT
CHAR FIRE UNION CONTRACT IMPASSE-ON CAM GRIDIRON 2DAY-SSTOPS
CHAR FIRE UNION CONTRACT IMPASSE-PKG-BNR CHAD JOHNSON-VOTOPS
SWFL UNEMPLOYMENT-OC-(2)SS NFL OFFICIALS-ON CAM
SHOTS FOR TOTS CUTBACKS-(2)SS-VO-WIPE TOUR CHAMPS-VOTOPS
SHOTS FOR TOTS CUTBACKS-SOTVO TOUR CHAMPS-CGTOPS
DECISION 2012 OPEN-CLIP TOUR CHAMPS-SOTTOPS
UNDERVOTING-NATSVO-WIPE TOUR ON NBC2 -CGTOPS
UNDERVOTING-SOTVO SPORTS TOSS-ON CAM
CHINESE DRYWALL LEGISLATION-COPY BREAK TWO
DR GREKOS NEW JOB-OC-SS NAPLES MOVIE PRODUCTION COMPANY-VO-WIPE
GUY CAUGHT FEEDING GATORS-SOTVO NAPLES MOVIE PRODUCTION COMPANY-SOTVO
MATLACHA BRIDGE FUNDRAISER-VO-BNR CLOSE-4SHOT


DIRECTORS PAGE


Return to index of stories...

NEWS AT 6PM HEADLINES-SOTTOPS


PUBLIC SAFETY GAP

TWO LOCAL COLLEGE STUDENTS SMASH THEIR PICKUP TRUCK INTO A POWER POLE--

EMERGENCY CREWS CALL FOR A HELP FROM A MEDICAL HELICOPTER, BUT THEY NEVER GOT ONE.

ALL NEW AT SIX, THE NBC-2 INVESTIGATORS LOOK AT THE POTENTIAL PUBLIC SAFETY GAP LEFT BY THE MEDSTAR SHUTDOWN.

LEARNING HIS FATE

A WELL-KNOWN ACCOUNTANT LEARNS HIS FATE AFTER ADMITTING HE STOLE MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS FROM LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS--

Susan Bennett, ex wife

2744 "this is a horrible thing but he wasn't trying to steal it. He's tried to take responsibly for it."

TONIGHT AT SIX, WHY THOSE SAME GROUPS AND EVEN HIS EX-WIFE ARE STICKING UP FOR HIM.

"You get to the period where we're insulated, we can't negotiate"

FAILED NEGOTIATIONS

CHARLOTTE COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS IN A DEADLOCK WITH COUNTY LEADERS OVER THEIR CONTRACT--

AFTER NEARLY A YEAR OF FAILED NEGOTIATIONS, COULD BOTH SIDES BE CLOSE TO AN AGREEMENT? Return to index of stories...


NEWS AT 6PM OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

FIRST WEATHER-OMNI-ANI-BOXES


RAIN ON THE RADAR AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND--

NBC-2 METEOROLOGIST JIM REIF IS TRACKING THE WET WEATHER AND HOW LONG THE RAIN WILL STICK AROUND. Return to index of stories...


FIRST WEATHER-WX CTR


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.

"More afternoon storms"

The fall season officially starts on Saturday morning, however the summer rains will continue across Southwest Florida as we round out the week and head into the weekend.

Early this morning we'll wake to more clouds across the area and temperatures in the middle 70s for most. With some breaks in the cloud cover through the day, temperatures will easily warm into the upper 80s along the coast with 90° readings east of I-75.

A cold front to our north continues to decay and wash out over the state, therefore keeping clouds mixing in with our sunshine today and scattered downpours and storms during the afternoon. Steering winds look to become more from the south, which will allow the rain to favor areas closer to the urban corridor and coastal communities through the evening before pushing offshore.

Once the sunsets, the rain should fade and skies will partially clear with lows in the middle 70s by morning.

Heading into the weekend, some tropical moisture being pulled northward from the Caribbean across the Peninsula will bring a few more clouds into the forecast for Saturday along with higher than normal rain prospects.

Sunday looks to be the drier of the weekend days with morning sunshine and hit or miss afternoon storms.

As far as the tropics are concerned, all is quiet with the exception of Tropical Storm Nadine in the eastern Atlantic. Return to index of stories...


MEDSTAR REPLACEMENT ISSUES-TRX-SOT-2SHOT-PUSH-VO-O


KIM DICKERSON- AUGUST 21 2012 9:39:13 we've got our county very well covered we feel that we're operating safely and the public has nothing to worry about 19

A PROMISE FROM LEE COUNTY'S E-M-S CHIEF-- MADE A MONTH AGO TODAY-

THE DAY HER DEPARTMENT *SHUT DOWN ITS MEDSTAR HELICOPTER PROGRAM.

TONIGHT TWO TEENS ARE AT LEE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL-

AFTER CREWS FRANTICALLY ASKED FOR AIR SUPPORT AND NEVER GOT IT.

NBC-2 INVESTIGATOR KARLA RAY IS BREAKING THIS PART OF THE STORY TONIGHT. Return to index of stories...


INVESTIGATORS OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

MEDSTAR REPLACEMENT ISSUES-PLASMA


MEDSTAR'S REPLACEMENT- AEROMED- WAS DOWN FOR *MAINTENANCE.

AND THEY HAD NO LOCAL BACKUP.

SOMETHING A FORMER MEDSTAR PILOT SAYS WOULDN'T HAPPEN IF MEDSTAR WAS UP AND RUNNING. Return to index of stories...


MEDSTAR REPLACEMENT ISSUES-PKG-BNR


IT'S TAKEN A MONTH-

BUT TODAY FIRED MEDSTAR PILOT ARNOLD MCALLISTER'S WORRIES ABOUT MEDSTAR'S *SUSPENSION - CAME FULL CIRCLE.

ARNOLD MCALLISTER 32:41 it's something we all talked about the day it happened, we actually talked about the availability of Aeromed. :46

FGCU STUDENTS CONNOR CEILLEY AND BRENT RACZKOWSKI- WRAPPED THIS PICKUP TRUCK AROUND A POWER POLE JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT.

MEDSTAR'S REPLACEMENT- AEROMED WAS IMMEDIATELY PUT ON STANDBY AT PAGE FIELD.

standup 52:09 Officials tell us Aeromed was called right away and they attempted to launch twice but they were taken out of service because of mechanical issues. Bayflight out of St. Pete was too far away and Collier County was called to respond, but they couldn't give an ETA. :23

COLLIER OFFICIALS TELL US THE REQUEST FOR MEDFLIGHT WAS *CANCELLED BEFORE THEY COULD CALCULATE AN E-T-A.

THROUGH A RECORDS REQUEST, NBC-2 DETERMINED IT WOULD TAKE AT *LEAST 14 MINUTES FOR COLLIER TO RESPOND TO THE SCENE--

WITH AN ADDITIONAL *6 MINUTES TO FLY TO THE HOSPITAL.

ARNOLD MCALLISTER 35:40 if they knew that they weren't going to get any support it's possible the people on the scene would've simply packaged the patient and started moving toward the hospital sooner. :49

BY THEN- OFFICIALS TELL US 30 MINUTES HAD PASSED SINCE THE ORIGINAL REQUEST FOR AEROMED'S HELP.

WE'RE TOLD IT TOOK ABOUT 16 ADDITIONAL MINUTES FOR CREWS TO DRIVE THE TEENS TO THE HOSPITAL.

SOMETHING MCCALLISTER SAYS NEVER WOULD'VE HAPPENED HAD MEDSTAR BEEN OPERATIONAL.

ARNOLD MCALLISTER 32:04 that's the point having a backup ship- if you have scheduled maintenance you move to the backup helicopter, if you have something that comes up unscheduled you have the helicopter ready to go. :14

MEDSTAR'S *NEWEST HELICOPTER WAS TO BE THE PRIMARY MACHINE FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES--

BUT THERE WAS A BACKUP- THE COUNTY'S *OLDER HELICOPTER--

IN CASE THE PRIMARY WAS DOWN.

ARNOLD MCALLISTER 32:16 as a routine practice pilots and crews when they came in on shift they would automatically check out the backup ship so if anything happened at all we could just move our personal equipment over to the backup helicopter. :28 Return to index of stories...


MEDSTAR REPLACEMENT ISSUES-PLASMA-(2)CG-PLASMA


E-M-S CHIEF KIM DICKERSON SENT OUT A PRESS RELEASE THIS AFTERNOON STATING THE LACK OF A HELICOPTER DID NOT NEGATIVELY IMPACT THE PATIENT--

BUT I OBTAINED AN EMAIL THIS AFTERNOON SENT BY THE ESTERO FIRE SHIFT COMMANDER WHO WORKED THE CALL LAST NIGHT--

WHO SAID QUOTE- THIS TIME FRAME PERIOD WAITING FORA HELICOPTER IS UNACCEPTABLE

AND PLACES AN EXTRA RISK TO PATIENTS.

COUNT ON US TO CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE MEDSTAR MESS.

PETER? Return to index of stories...


MEDSTAR INVESTIGATION UPDATE-OC-VBX-RVL


IN AN UPDATE ON THE INVESTIGATION INTO MEDSTAR, THE COUNTY MANAGER SAYS--

STAFF IS STILL WORKING WITH THE CLERK OF COURTS, THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND THE F-A-A--

MEANWHILE.THE COUNTY HAS HIRED WASHINGTON ATTORNEY DAVID HERNANDEZ TO HELP WITH THE F-A-A INVESTIGATION--

THE COUNTY IS STILL WORKING TO CREATE OPTIONS FOR RESTORING THE MEDSTAR PROGRAM. Return to index of stories...


FGCU STUDENTS CRASH-VO-WIPE


WE ARE TOLD THE DRIVER OF THE TRUCK IN THAT CRASH IS LIKLEY TO FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES.

STATE TROOPERS ARE WAITING ON BLOOD SAMPLES FROM CONNOR CEILLEY TO DETERMINE WHETHER HE WAS DRUNK AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH.

HE'S IN FAIR CONDITION AT LEE MEMORIAL, WHILE HIS PASSENGER, BRENT RACZKOWSKI, IS *CRITICAL CONDITION AND FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE.

INVESTIGATORS BELIEVE CONNOR WAS DRUNK WHEN HE SLAMMED HIS TRUCK INTO A TELEPHONE POLE ON CORKSCREW ROAD EARLY THIS MORNING. Return to index of stories...


FGCU STUDENTS CRASH-SOTVO


jay anderson, stay alive, just drive

5:08 "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."

STATE TROOPERS SAY IF CONNOR'S BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL IS OVER THE LEGAL LIMIT, HE WILL BE CHARGED IN THE CRASH.

INVESTIGATORS SAY THEY WILL ALSO LOOK INTO UNDERAGE DRINKING CHARGES. Return to index of stories...


PHIL BENNETT SENTENCED-TRX-SSTOPS-DBX


A WELL-KNOWN LEE COUNTY ACCOUNTANT IS HEADED TO PRISON TONIGHT FOR STEALING FROM CLIENTS--

PHIL BENNETT WAS SENTENCED TODAY AFTER HE ADMITTED TO STEALING MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS FROM LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS.

NBC-2'S STEVE CAMPION WAS IN THE COURTROOM TODAY FOR SENTENCING, WHERE SOME OF BENNETT'S VICTIMS ACTUALLY CAME TO HIS DEFENSE. Return to index of stories...


PHIL BENNETT SENTENCED-CAM-99


PHIL BENNETT'S FALL FROM HIGH SOCIETY IN FORT MYERS LANDS HIM IN JAIL -- HEADED TO STATE PRISON.

TODAY, HE TOLD THE COURT HE ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR BETRAYING THE TRUST SO MANY IN THIS COMMUNITY PLACED IN HIM. Return to index of stories...


PHIL BENNETT SENTENCED-PKG-BNR


Take nats of tears

Tears interrupt emotional testimony inside a lee county courtroom.

Phil Bennett 5121 "I'm truly remorseful, humbled, and saddened."

Phil Bennett admits he pulled more than a million dollars from the bank accounts of the rotary club, city of moore haven, and lee county commission frank Mann's campaign funds -- from 2005 to 2008.

Bennett 5423 "there is no way to tell everyone how sorry I am."

Pushing for a lax sentence were the people from the organizations -- he stole from!

Thomas miller, rotary club

0348 "there has been no question about it he suffered greatly."

They argue -- Bennett made a horrible decision, paid back the money, and destroyed his reputation but doesnt deserve prison."

Kevin Lewis, rotary club

1205 "no on in this community is locking their doors because of mr Bennett."

Backing Bennett more than anybody was his ex-wife Susan Bennett.

Susan Bennett 2340 "we cashed out everything. The car is gone. He doesn't own a thing except the clothes on his back."

Despite the passionate pleas -- the judge sentenced him to four years in prison followed by 20 years of probation.

Sawyer Smith "Steve: mr Bennett was a trusted community member. He faced 200 years in prison. Is 4 years a pass? No, he's suffered greatly."

Before deputies fingerprinted and hauled the disgraced CPA away, he hugged his life long love -- realizing his self interests sabotaged and sidelined his once stellar life of service.

Bennett 4130 "my pride, my ego wouldn't let me accept my business was failing." Return to index of stories...


PHIL BENNETT SENTENCED-CAM-99


Return to index of stories...

COLLIER BUDGET APPROVED-HLF SCRN RVL


COLLIER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVED AN 865-MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET--

DECIDING *NOT TO RAISE THE MILLAGE RATE.

TO KEEP THE MILLAGE RATE THE SAME, DEPARTMENTS UNDER THE CITY MANAGER TOOK A FIVE-PERCENT CUT.

ADDITIONAL REVENUE THIS YEAR, FROM INCREASED PROPERTY VALUE ACROSS THE COUNTY, ALSO HELPED KEEP RATES THE SAME. Return to index of stories...


CHAR FIRE UNION CONTRACT IMPASSE-ON CAM


FIREFIGHTERS AND PARAMEDICS IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY ARE OFFERING TO FORGO A PAY RAISE FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS.

IT'S ALL PART OF THE EFFORT TO COME TO REACH AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY ON A NEW CONTRACT.

NBC-2'S CHARLIE KEEGAN HAS THE STORY. Return to index of stories...


CHAR FIRE UNION CONTRACT IMPASSE-PKG-BNR


FOR FIFTEEN YEARS, TERRY SPONG'S BEEN PAYING HIS TAXES IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY.

"this is a beautiful little place." Terry Spong, CharCo Resident

AS HE GRILLS A HOT DOG AT HIS PARK-SIDE TENT, HE SAYS HE'S WILLING TO PAY A LITTLE EXTRA TO MAKE SURE THE FIRE FIGHTERS AND PARAMEDICS IN THE COUNTY GET THE SALARY THEY DESERVE.

"I have no problem paying people what they're worth." Terry Spong, CharCo Resident

WHILE SPONG WOULD PAY MORE, Nats sirens, THE FIRE FIGHTERS DON'T WANT MORE.

IN A PROPOSED CONTRACT SETTLEMENT SENT TO THE COUNTY YESTERDAY, THE UNION SAYS IT WOULD AGREE TO FREEZE WAGES FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS.

"and the only thing we ask is the remainder of the contract remain unchanged." James Brantley, Lawyer for Union.

LABOR LAWYER JAMES BRANTLEY HAS BEEN RUNNING THE NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE LOCAL 25-46, HE SAYS "the two year wage freeze will save Charlotte County approximately four million dollars" PAGE TEAR

"for whatever reason at the negotiating table, we couldn't get the county to agree to accept these concessions" James Brantley, Lawyer for Union.

COUNTY OFFICIALS WOULDN'T TALK ABOUT THE DETAILS OF THE NEGOTIATIONS WHICH HAPPEN BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.

AS IT STANDS, THE ISSUE IS AT AN IMPASSE, IT'S SUPPOSED TO GO TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR A FINAL DECISION AT A PUBLIC HEARING IN OCTOBER.

"We can't negotiate, we can't talk to the commissioners, we can't talk to each other about it." Ray Sandrock, CharCo Administrator

BECAUSE OF THE RESTIRCTIONS IMPOSED BY THE IMPASSE, COUNTY STAFF WAS SURPRISED TO GET THE SETTLEMENT PROPOSAL AND IS CONCERNED IT MAY BE ANOTHER OBSTACLE IN THE PROCESS.

"I think it probably potentially crosses some boundaries with the rules of engagement of where we are in this process." Ray Sandrock, CharCo Administrator

BY CONTACTING STAFF, NOT ELECTED OFFICIALS, UNION LAWYERS SAY THEY'RE PLAYING BY THE RULES.

THEY EXPECT THE COUNTY TO RESPOND BEFORE THE OCTOBER HEARING.

IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY, CK NBC 2. Return to index of stories...


SWFL UNEMPLOYMENT-OC-(2)SS


MORE PEOPLE ARE FINDING JOBS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

THE NEW AUGUST NUMBERS SHOW HENDRY COUNTY STILL HAS THE HIGHEST JOBLESS RATE IN THE STATE AT 15-POINT-THREE-PERCENT.

BUT THAT'S DOWN ONE-PERCENT FROM THE PREVIOUS MONTH.

GLADES COUNTY ALSO SAW A SIGNIFICANT DROP.

MOST COUNTIES IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SAW A SLIGHT DROP IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE COMPARED TO JULY. Return to index of stories...


SHOTS FOR TOTS CUTBACKS-(2)SS-VO-WIPE


AN IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PARENTS IN LEE COUNTY--

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

STARTING NEXT MONTH, THEY'LL CLOSE THE LEHIGH ACRES CLINIC.

AND THEIR LOCATION IN NORTH FORT MYERS.

BOTH HAD BEEN OPEN ONCE A MONTH DURING EVENINGS.

THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TELLS NBC-2 STAFFING SHORTAGES FORCED THE SHUTDOWN.

THEY EXPECT TO SEE 50 MORE PATIENTS EACH MONTH AT THEIR MICHIGAN AVENUE LOCATION.

THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT URGES PARENTS WHO NEED SERVICES TO PLAN AHEAD. Return to index of stories...


SHOTS FOR TOTS CUTBACKS-SOTVO


there are no appointments which mean it's totally unpredictable they might come in one day and be able to breeze right through and another day they might have to wait for an hour or so

THEY'LL NEED TO FILL FOUR VACANT POSITIONS BEFORE THEY CAN REOPEN THE NORTH FORT MYERS AND LEHIGH ACRES CLINICS.

HOLM SAYS THEY HOPE TO DO THAT BY THE NEW YEAR. Return to index of stories...


DECISION 2012 OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

UNDERVOTING-NATSVO-WIPE


THE CAST OF THE "WEST WING" IS BACK TOGETHER AND TALKING POLITICS.

"in non-partisan elections all across America. Voters are leaving part of their ballots blank." 32

THEY'RE TRYING TO GET VOTERS TO PAY ATTENTION TO NON-PARTISAN JUDICIAL RACES.

THIS YOU-TUBE VIDEO EXPLAINS HOW STATES LIKE FLORIDA VOTE TO RETAIN JUDGES BY A 'YES' OR 'NO' VOTE.

WE CAUGHT UP WITH ONE OF THREE FLORIDA JUSTICES ON THE BALLOT IN NOVEMBER. MAKING THE ROUNDS TO GROUPS LIKE THE LEE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION. STRESSING VOTER EDUCATION. Return to index of stories...


UNDERVOTING-SOTVO


"The justices are on the ballot, not because they did something wrong but because they did something right."

JUSTICES COME UP FOR A VOTE EVERY SIX YEARS.

IN THE LAST PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. ONE IN FOUR LEE COUNTY VOTERS SKIPPED THAT SECTION OF THE BALLOT. Return to index of stories...


CHINESE DRYWALL LEGISLATION-COPY


NEW LEGISLATION IS IN THE WORKS TO BAN THE SALE OF TOXIC CHINESE DRYWALL IN THE U.S.

HUNDREDS OF HOME IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA HAVE THE CHINESE DRYWALL, WHICH CORRODES PIPES, AND CAUSES HEALTH PROBLEMS.

THE LEGISLATION IS HEADED FOR SENATE APPROVAL AFTER BEING PASSED IN THE HOUSE. Return to index of stories...


DR GREKOS NEW JOB-OC-SS


A BONITA SPRINGS DOCTOR IS BACK IN THE STEM CELL BUSINESS EVEN THOUGH THE STATE SUSPENDED HIS LICENSE.

DOCTOR ZANNOS GREKKOS HAD HIS LICENSE SUSPENDED BACK IN FEBRUARY AFTER TWO OF HIS PATIENTS DIED.

NOW, HE'S IS LISTED AS THE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER OF INTERCELLULAR SCIENCES IN BONITA.

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

HOWEVER, THE COMPANY SAYS DOCTOR GREKOS DOES *NOT TREAT PATIENTS.

ACCORDING TO OUR NEWS PARTNERS AT THE NAPLES DAILY NEWS--

THE STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAYS IT IS AWARE OF GREKOS' NEW BUSINESS--

BUT IT IS *NOT CLEAR IF HE'S VIOLATING THE TERMS OF HIS SUSPENSION. Return to index of stories...


GUY CAUGHT FEEDING GATORS-SOTVO


Return to index of stories...

MATLACHA BRIDGE FUNDRAISER-VO-BNR


THE GROUP WANTING TO TURN THE MATLACHA BRIDGE INTO AN ARTIFICIAL REEF MAKES A MAJOR PUSH FOR MONEY THIS WEEKEND.

CONSTRUCTION IS ALMOST COMPLETE ON THE NEW BRIDGE FROM MATLACHA TO PINE ISLAND -

AND NEIGHBORS WANT TO SINK THE OLD ONE 3 MILES OFF THE COAST OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY.

THE PROBLEM - IT WILL COST AT LEAST 30 THOUSAND DOLLARS.

ON SATURDAY - THE GROUP WILL HOST A FUNDRAISER AT THE OLD FISH HOUSE MARINA IN MATLACHA.

WE'VE POSTED MORE INFORMATION ON OUR WEBSITE--

NBC DASH TWO DOT COM, CLICK ON "NEWSLINKS". Return to index of stories...


TEASE ONE-2SHOT


MILLIONS OF YOUR TAX DOLLARS INVESTED IN A COMPANY, WITH THE PROMISE OF CREATING HUNDREDS OF NEW JOBS.

MORE THAN A YEAR LATER, THE MONEY IS NEARLY GONE AND HIRING AT A STAND STILL.

ALL NEW AT SIX, NBC-2 LOOKS AT WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MONEY AND THE JOBS.

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


TZ1 A) VR LABS MONEY-VO-WIPE


Return to index of stories...

TZ1 B)


Return to index of stories...

TZ1 C) FORECAST TEASE-STC


Return to index of stories...

STOCKS BUMP-CGTOPS


Return to index of stories...

JIM REIF FORECAST 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.

"More afternoon storms"

The fall season officially starts on Saturday morning, however the summer rains will continue across Southwest Florida as we round out the week and head into the weekend.

Early this morning we'll wake to more clouds across the area and temperatures in the middle 70s for most. With some breaks in the cloud cover through the day, temperatures will easily warm into the upper 80s along the coast with 90° readings east of I-75.

A cold front to our north continues to decay and wash out over the state, therefore keeping clouds mixing in with our sunshine today and scattered downpours and storms during the afternoon. Steering winds look to become more from the south, which will allow the rain to favor areas closer to the urban corridor and coastal communities through the evening before pushing offshore.

Once the sunsets, the rain should fade and skies will partially clear with lows in the middle 70s by morning.

Heading into the weekend, some tropical moisture being pulled northward from the Caribbean across the Peninsula will bring a few more clouds into the forecast for Saturday along with higher than normal rain prospects.

Sunday looks to be the drier of the weekend days with morning sunshine and hit or miss afternoon storms.

As far as the tropics are concerned, all is quiet with the exception of Tropical Storm Nadine in the eastern Atlantic. Return to index of stories...


VR LABS MONEY-2SHOT


LEE COUNTY HANDED OVER MILLIONS OF YOUR TAX DOLLARS TO A COMPANY PROMISING HUNDREDS OF HIGH-PAYING JOBS.

TONIGHT - ALMOST ALL OF THAT MONEY IS GONE -

WITH VERY LITTLE TO SHOW FOR IT.

NBC 2'S JOE ROETZ ASKS WHAT WENT WRONG. Return to index of stories...


VR LABS MONEY-PKG-BNR


IT'S A STATE OF THE ART FACILITY -

WHERE BONITA SPRINGS BASED V-R LABS PROMISED TO MANUFACTURE WORLD CLASS NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS.

AND BRING HUNDREDS OF JOBS.

our goal is to be one of the largest competitors in this zone in the country- maybe the world.

BUT IT'S NOT HAPPENING.

THE PROJECT IS STALLED -

THE BUILDING IS EMPTY.

AND WITH 5 MILLION DOLLARS OF TAXPAYER MONEY AT STAKE- LEE COUNTY LEADERS WANT ANSWERS.

there's far more that we need in the way of information than what we have here.

COMMISSIONER FRANK MANN AND OTHER COUNTY BOARD MEMBERS APPROVED THE 5 MILLION DOLLAR INCENTIVE -

AND V-R LABS HAS SPENT MORE THAN 4 POINT 7 MILLION DOLLARS.

BUT THE COMPANY SUDDENLY STOPPED PAYING ITS MAIN CONTRACTOR -

WHO IN TURN STOPPED PAYING SUB CONTRACTORS.

AND WITH NO RECEIPTS ON RECORD-

LEE COUNTY'S ATTORNEY IS FORCING VR LABS C-E-O JEFF KOTTKAMP -- FLORIDA'S FORMER LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR -- TO PROVE WHERE THE MONEY WENT.

every single of penny of county money is accounted for.

VR LABS IS EXPECTED TO HIRE 208 EMPLOYEES BY 2015 -

BUT TO DATE - THEY'VE ONLY HIRED 9

THE COUNTY EXPECTS THEM TO HIRE 40 BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

that's going to be hard to do with this internal battle with general contractor

BUT KOTTKAMP IS OPTIMISTIC HE CAN PUT PEOPLE TO WORK.

we're going to move aggressively to deal with the issue- and get the plant up and operational.

IN LEE COUNTY, JOE ROETZ, NBC 2 Return to index of stories...


RARE SNAKE FOUND ON CAPITVA-VO


THE SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION IS TRACKING AN ENDANGERED SNAKE FOUND ON CAPTIVA.

LANDSCAPERS AT SOUTH SEAS ISLAND RESORT DISCOVERED THE EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE YESTERDAY, SHORTLY BEFORE NOON.

CREWS HAVE BEEN SENT OUT TO TAG AND TRACK THE SNAKE.

RESEARCHERS TELL NBC-2 THIS SNAKE IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND SPOTTED ON CAPTIVA SINCE 1988.

EASTERN INDIGO SNAKES ARE NATIVE TO THE SANIBEL-CAPTIVA AREA.

THEY ARE *NOT VENOMOUS. Return to index of stories...


GUY CAUGHT FEEDING GATORS-VO-WIPE


NEW VIDEO TONIGHT OF A SOUTH FLORIDA AIRBOAT CAPTAIN, FIRED FOR FEEDING DOG TREATS TO ALLIGATORS IN THE EVERGLADES.

WILDLIFE 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 500 DOLLAR FINE AND UP TO 60 DAYS IN JAIL. Return to index of stories...


JET BLUE WEIGHT LIMIT-VO-WIPE


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JET BLUE WEIGHT LIMIT-SOTVO


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SPORTS OPEN-CLIP


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HS FOOTBALL-ON CAM


TONIGHT.WEEK FOUR OF THE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL. LOTS OF RAIN!!!!! AND LOTS OF DISTRICTS BEGIN PLAY. AND YOU ONLY MAKE THE STATE PLAYOFFS IF YOU FINISH TOP 2 IN YOUR DISTRICT. Return to index of stories...


WEEK 5 SCHEDULE-CGTOPS


THESE ARE SOME OF THE DISTRICT OPENERS TONIGHT.

SOUTH.VEROT.ISLAND COAST AND NORTH. ALL IN THE SAME DISTRICT.

FIRST BAPTIST.3-0.THREE BLOWOUT.HAS BEEN A BIG STORY IN COLLIER COUNTY. Return to index of stories...


RIVERDALE RAIDERS-VOTOPS


IT'S A DISTRICT GAME AND A RIVALRY GAME WHEN RIVERDALE AND FORT MYERS PLAY TONIGHT.

THE RAIDERS ONLY LOSS THROUGH THREE WEEKS WAS TO CHARLOTTE.

THE RAIDERS AND GREEN WAVE LIKE TO RUN THE FOOTBALL.

NO RELA SECRETS BETWEEN THE TWO IN THIS "GRIND IT OUT" TYPE OF GAME EXPECTED TONIGHT. Return to index of stories...


RIVERDALE RAIDERS-SOT


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GRIDIRON 2DAY-SSTOPS


WE WILL HAVE HIGHLIGHTS OF THAT GAME.AND 10 OTHER TONIGHT AT 11.

THEN WE TALK 20 MINUTES OF HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL.TOMORROW.JUST AFTER 10-AM WITH THE WEEK 4 EDITION OF GRIDIRON 2-DAY. Return to index of stories...


CHAD JOHNSON-VOTOPS


FORMER NFL WIDE RECEIVER CHAD JOHNSON PLEADED NO CONTEST TO A DOMESTIC BATTERY CHARGE INVOLVING HIS NOW EX-WIFE.

JOHNSON WAS SENTENCED TO A YEAR'S PROBATION.A COUNSELING COURSE.AND RESTITUITION TO HIS EX-WIFE. Return to index of stories...


NFL OFFICIALS-ON CAM


THE REGULAR N-F-L OFFICIALS AND THE LEAGUE MADE NO PROGRESS AND ARE STILL FAR APART ON A NEW COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT DURING TWO DAYS OF TALKS THIS WEEK.

THE REPLACEMENT OFFICIALS WILL WORK A 2ND WEEK OF REGULAR SEASON GAMES ON SUNDAY. Return to index of stories...


TOUR CHAMPS-VOTOPS


GOOD THING GOLF DOESN'T NEED REPLACEMENT OFFICIALS!!!

SECOND ROUND OF THE TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP. FINAL EVENT OF THE FED-EX CUP PLAYOFFS.

BUBBA WATSON HAVING A GREAT DAY. HERE HE'S PUTTING FOR BIRDIE UP HILL AND GETS THE LONG PUTT TO FALL. THAT GREAT SHOT PUTS HIM AT FIVE UNDER AND A SHARE OF SECOND PLACE.

9. ON THE 17, JIM FURYK MAKES A STRAIGHT-FORWARD BIRDIE PUT TO GET EIGHT UNDER AND TAKE THE LEAD OUTRIGHT. HE'D BOGEY ON THE 18TH, HOWEVER, AND DROP BACK TO SEVEN-UNDER AND A SHARE WITH BO VAN PELT. Return to index of stories...


TOUR CHAMPS-CGTOPS


TAKE A LOOK AT THE LEADER-BOARD..

JIM FURYK.HAD 29 ON THE FRONT NINE.FOR THAT ROUND OF 64. Return to index of stories...


TOUR CHAMPS-SOTTOPS


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TOUR ON NBC2 -CGTOPS


YOU WILL SEE THE FEDEX CUP CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE 10-MILLION DOLLAR CHECK TO THE WINNER.WILL BE SEEN RIGHT HERE ON NBC-2.

8 AND-A-HALF HOURS OF COVERAGE RIGHT HERE ON NBC-2 THIS WEEKEND. Return to index of stories...


SPORTS TOSS-ON CAM


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BREAK TWO


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NAPLES MOVIE PRODUCTION COMPANY-VO-WIPE


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

HER MOVIE, 'UNCONDITIONAL,' HITS THEATERS TONIGHT.

SHANNON ATKINS AND HER HUSBAND KNEW NOTHING ABOUT MAKING A FEATURE FILM--

THEY RAN A SUCCESSFUL HEDGE FUND AND CHARITY FOUNDATION--

BUT ALONG THE WAY THEY RAN INTO A MAN WITH AN UNBELIEVABLE STORY.

THE ATKINS DECIDED TO SEND HIS MESSAGE THROUGH A MOVIE.

THE MOVIE IS PLAYING AT THEATERS NATIONWIDE INCLUDING RIGHT HERE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA. Return to index of stories...


NAPLES MOVIE PRODUCTION COMPANY-SOTVO


"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."

HOLLYWODD ACTOR MICHAEL EALY PLAYS THE CHARACTER OF PAPA JOE.

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...


CLOSE-4SHOT


GOODBYE Return to index of stories...