6PM NBC2 |
20:11 "everything that they handled was piled up in the middle of the floor and they took a gallon bleach jug and they poured it on everything."
HIGHLY-SKILLED BURGLARS TARGET A FORT MYERS JEWELRY STORE.
ALL NEW AT SIX - THE CRIME THAT HAS BUSINESS OWNERS ON ALERT TONIGHT.
PLUS - BATTLE OF THE BUDGET.
A CANDIDATE FOR LEE COUNTY SHERIFF OUTLINES DEEP BUDGET CUTS.
NBC-2 BREAKS DOWN WHAT IT MEANS FOR SAFETY-- AND WE HEAR SHERIFF MIKE SCOTT'S RESPONSE.
nats of dredge
AND - KILLING TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE.
THE TOWN OF FORT MYERS BEACH WANTS TO USE A DREDGING PROJECT TO FILL IN A NEARBY HANG-OUT.
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WE BEGIN WITH BREAKING NEWS RIGHT NOW IN ESTERO.
OUR CREWS ARE ON THE SCENE OF A CRASH INVOLVING AN AMBULANCE.
THESE ARE PICTURES JUST INTO OUR NEWSROOM OF THE ACCIDENT AT BEN HILL GRIFFIN PARKWAY AND CORKSCREW ROAD --
NBC-2 REPORTER GEORGE SOLIS IS AT THE SCENE RIGHT NOW. HE JOINS US LIVE OVER THE PHONE.
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BRAZEN BURGLARS TARGET A FORT MYERS JEWELRY STORE.
LEE COUNTY DEPUTIES SAY THIS HEIST IS THE LARGEST IN RECENT HISTORY.
THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF JEWELS ARE MISSING AND THE SKILLED CRIMINALS USED BLEACH TO COVER THEIR TRACKS.
NBC-2'S MEAGHAN SMITH'S NOW. WITH A WARNING FOR BUSINESS OWNERS.
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A JEWELRY HEIST SO BOLD-
COVER 19:56 "these aren't like kids in the neighbor looking for something to do on a friday night."
THE CROOKS GOT AWAY WITH 30-THOUSAND DOLLARS WORTH OF GEMS AND OTHER PRICEY JEWELRY-
NO ONE NOTICED A THING.
17:55 "i pulled up- thought it was odd that my lights were off."
GULF COAST JEWELRY'S OWNER-
JAMES PHILLIPS- DOESN'T WANT US TO SHOW THE INSIDE OF THE STORE-
BUT WALKS US THROUGH HOW IT HAPPENED.
26:10 "they killed the parking lights on the front- all the outdoor lighting we have."
PHILLIPS SAYS HE CAME TO HIS STORE SATURDAY MORNING TO OPEN UP FOR THE DAY-
WHEN HE NOTICED ALL OF THE LIGHTS HE'D LEFT ON-
WERE OFF.
18:16 "i went to stick my key in the cylinder and my lock completely fell out."
THE LOCK HAD BEEN PUNCHED OFF-
AND THESE BURGLARS WERE SO SKILLED,
THEY WERE ABLE TO DO IT WITHOUT SETTING OFF THE ALARM ON THE DOOR.
ONCE INSIDE-
THEY RIPPED OUT THE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM,
THE THIEVES TRIED TO SAW THROUGH A SAFE,
BUT COULDN'T.
INSTEAD- THEY FOUND OTHER JEWELRY
THAT WAS HIDDEN IN A BACK OFFICE- TO STEAL.
THEN, THE BURGLARS MADE A QUICK AND CAREFUL EXIT TO COVER UP THEIR TRACKS.
20:11 "everything that they handled was piled up in the middle of the floor and they took a gallon bleach jug and they poured it on everything."
OUT OF THE BACK OF THE STORE-
IS HOW JAMES THINKS THEY MADE THEIR GETAWAY.
27:26 "you can see the tire tracks where their van was parked."
TODAY AT GULF COAST JEWELRY-
NEW ALARMS ARE BEING INSTALLED.
DEPUTIES SAY THIS IS LIKELY AN ISOLATED EVENT,
BUT ARE REMINDING ALL BUSINESSES TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT.
37:33 "anybody that is a business owner should definitely be aware and cognizant of what happened."
IN LEE COUNTY, MEAGHAN SMITH, NBC-2.
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THE FALLOUT UNRAVELS OVER LEE COUNTY'S GROUNDED TRAUMA HELCOPTER.
IN THE PAST, TWO COMMISSIONERS - BRIAN BIGELOW AND FRANK MANN CALLED FOR COUNTY MANAGER -KAREN HAWES TO STEP-DOWN.
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"we need to put some of this behind us and move forward with new leadership
THAT WAS COMMISSIONER MANN AT LAST WEEK'S COMMISSION MEETING - VOWING TO CALL FOR HAWES' RESIGNATION TOMORROW.
TODAY - NBC-2 CONFIRMS THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN.
NBC-2'S JENNIFER TRAMMELL JOINS US LIVE IN THE STUDIO WITH NEW DEVELOPMENTS.
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COMMISSIONER FRANK MANN WAS VERY VOCAL LAST WEEK --
HE'S NOT HAPPY WITH HOW COUNTY MANAGER KAREN HAWES HANDLED THE MEDSTAR SHUT DOWN.
HE'S ALSO UPSET OVER V-R LABS --
A COMPANY LEE COUNTY LURED HERE WITH FIVE MILLION DOLLARS TO CREATE JOBS -- AND SO FAR THAT HASN'T HAPPENED.
MANN TOLD ME TODAY HE HAD A CHANCE TO SIT DOWN WITH COUNTY MANAGER KAREN HAWES --
AND HE'S GOING TO HOLD OFF A WEEK BEFORE HE ASKS AGAIN FOR HER RESIGNATION.
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1:40 i think we'll be able to put all unpleasantness behind us 48 we're gonna look for solutions but more focused on the future rather than placing blame on who did what or who said what 58 all in all i think there's light at the end of the tunnel and there's a bright day coming for lee county
I ASKED MANN IF HE SEES KAREN HAWES' CONTRACT BEING TERMINATED --
BUT HE WASN'T READY TO GIVE A STRAIGHT ANSWER.
2:04 we're not even gonnna use terms like terminated. we're just gonna look for the least painful way that we can move lee county forward 20:18 does that mean karen hawes will no longer work for lee county? doesn't mean anything just yet. we've got a week now more to look for peaceful solutions.
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IN AN EMAIL, HAWES TOLD ME SHE ASKED THE COMMISSION FOR ONE MORE WEEK TO DISCUSS HER EXIT PLAN WITH HER ATTORNEY.
COUNT ON US TO FOLLOW THIS STORY -- AND LET YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS AT TOMORROW'S COMMISSION MEETING.
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JUST DAYS AFTER SCATHING EVALUATIONS FROM LEE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - THE COUNTY ATTORNEY ANNOUNCES HE WILL STEP DOWN NEXT YEAR.
MICHAEL HUNT DELIVERED A LETTER TO COMMISSIONERS SAYING HE WANTS TO END HIS CONTRACT IN AUGUST FOR PERSONAL REASONS.
HUNT PLANS TO MOVE BACK TO NORTH CAROLINA BECAUSE OF FAMILY MATTERS.
HIS LAST DAY WILL BE AUGUST 9, 2013.
LAST WEEK COMMISSIONER TAMMY HALL RECOMMENDED TO TERMINATE HUNT'S CONTRACT.
COMMISSIONER FRANK MANN CRITICIZED HUNT'S LEADERSHIP AS COUNTY ATTORNEY.
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A BONITA SPRINGS DOCTOR - IN JEOPARDY OF LOSING HIS LICENSE AFTER A PATIENT DIED FROM HIS STEM CELL THERAPY WILL APPEAR BEFORE A JUDGE TOMORROW.
NBC-2 CONFIRMS ZANNOS GREKOS WILL APPEAR AT AN ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING TOMORROW.
HE IS FIGHTING TO GET HIS LICENSE BACK.
THE STATE SUSPENDED IT IN MARCH AFTER THAT PATIENT DIED IN THE CONTROVERSIAL TREATMENT.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS LIKELY TO DISCIPLINE TO GREKOS AND POSSIBLY TAKE HIS MEDICAL LICENSE AWAY.
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ON ELECTION DAY - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WILL HELP DECIDE MORE THAN THE BALANCE OF POWER IN THE WHITE HOUSE.
VOTERS WILL CHOOSE THEIR FAVORITE CANDIDATE FOR LEE COUNTY SHERIFF.
LEE BUSHONG WANTS TO OVERTHROW SHERIFF MIKE SCOTT.
IT'S A RACE CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT CHAD OLIVER IS CLOSELY WATCHING.
HE JOINS US LIVE IN THE STUDIO, CHAD -
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LEE BUSHONG IS A FORMER LT. WITH THE LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
NOW HE'S GOING AFTER HIS OLD BOSS'S JOB.
TODAY I SPOKE WITH BOTH CANDIDATES ABOUT SEVERAL TOPICS.
INCLUDING HOW MUCH MONEY L-C-S-O SPENDS. AND CRIME RATES.
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TODAY LEE BUSHONG CALLED A NEWS CONFERENCE IN THE SHADOWS OF LEE COUNTY'S OLD COURTHOUSE. HIS MESSAGE - DEEP CUTS TO THE SHERIFF'S BUDGET.
My goal is to go back down to 2003 levels of spending."
HE'S CALLING FOR A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN SENIOR ADMINISTRATION. LIKE CUTTING TWO COLONELS AND WIPING OUT THE POSITIONS OF THREE MAJORS.
"When we take the budget as a whole and we dissect it, we find a lot of fraud, waste and abuse within the budget."
SHERIFF MIKE SCOTT SAYS HE WELCOMES DEBATE ABOUT SPENDING.
I'm not just sitting here today for the first time, you know on the heels on some dramatic porch-step propaganda, in response to that. I'm here on an 8 year record."
SCOTT SAYS CHECK RECENT HISTORY. THIS YEAR'S BUDGET OF NEARLY 138-MILLION IS 2-PERCENT LESS THAN LAST YEAR. DURING THE PAST FOUR YEARS, L-C-S-O'S BUDGET HAS DROPPED 14-PERCENT.
AS FOR BUSHONG'S PLAN TO ROLL BACK SPENDING TO '03 LEVELS.
"Well, its not realistic and frankly the viewers and the public, the voters, those types of numbers, people want to feel safe."
SCOTT'S OPPONENT THOUGH CLAIMS THE SHERIFF ISN'T DOING ENOUGH TO KEEP CRIME RATES DOWN IN AREAS *OUTSIDE HIS MAIN JURISDICTION. HE BRINGS UP THE NUMBER OF HOMICIDES THIS YEAR IN THE CITY OF FORT MYERS.
Even though there's been 20 in Fort Myers, 19 in Lee County, 2 in Cape Coral, the fact is that's impacting us all - regardless of where it's happening."
"The Sheriff's office does cover the entirety of Lee County, but there are police chiefs, and police departments, large ones, in the case of Cape and Fort Myers, that are primarily responsible for those areas."
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SHERIFF SCOTT SAYS ONE WAY HE'S BEEN ABLE TO TRIM THE BUDGET IS BY ENCOURAGING EARLY RETIREMENT.
BUSHONG WOULD ALSO TARGET SENIOR MEMBERS - SPECIFICALLY THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN WITH L-C-S-O LONGER THAN 25-YEARS.
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CAPE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PREPARE TO TACKLE TWO KEY ISSUES TONIGHT.
THE FUTURE OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY.
AND THE CONTROVERSIAL UTILITIES EXPANSION PROJECT.
NBC-2'S SARA MILES IS WORKING THE NEWEST DEVELOPMENTS LIVE FROM OUR CAPE CORAL MOBILE NEWSROOM.
SARA -
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What's happening - still going on? Has it ended yet? Etc.
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Take gfx
The city manager says it has come down to economics. The majority of amount of taxpayer money coming in for the CRA is going toward salary, rent and consultant fees leaving nothing for capital improvement.
Take gfx
If we take a look at the numbers -
For fiscal year 2013 They have roughly 467 thousand dollars in revenues but are paying 416 thousand in debt. Leaving about 50 thousand dollars to run.
But their total expenditures are 1.7 million exceeding revenues by 1.2 million dollars.
Take vo? Or sara
The CRA says they have continually spent under budget from year to year and are confused why this was brought up so quickly as they aren't imminently going to run out of funds.
They are also upset they had no prior conversation with their liaison councilman Marty McClain.
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Take two Sots
"they're caring they walk the streets o downtown cape coral daily. They are there among the people. The businesses know who they are."
" they help the businesses get together and do things themselves. And I fear that that will not happen if that office is not right in the middle of the community."
"
Take sara or cont vo
If the council disbands the CRA the cm would take over as executive director with staff handling day to day operations.
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There is no vote tonight but rather on oct 29 at another special meeting.
Live in cc-
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IT'S THE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT THAT NEVER HAPPENED.
MORE THAN 700 RESIDENTIAL LOTS SIT EMPTY IN THE NORTHEAST CAPE.
AND NOW THE CITY WANTS TO SUE THE INSURER FOR MORE THAN $7-MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF BONDS.
AS ALEX BOYER REPORTS, THIS CASE MAY END UP IN COURT.
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DAVID LUKASIK HAS OWNED THIS CAPE CORAL BAGEL SHOP SINCE 2008.
-David Lukasik/Owner, The Bagel Factory-"I saw this gateway and I saw this entrance and I said wow that's a proper entrance in Cape Coral."
LUKASIK'S BUSINESS IS LOCATED NEAR THE CORNER OF DE NAVARRA PARKWAY AND DEL PRADO BOULEVARD -- JUST FEET FROM THE "ENTRADA" HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.
-"I just saw what I perceived as potential."
THAT "POTENTIAL" INCLUDED HUNDREDS OF NEW CUSTOMERS. BUT THE DEVELOPER OF ENTRADA WENT BANKRUPT.
-Alex Boyer-"Before abandoning the project, the previous developer put in this road and began making improvements to the some 700 residential lots."
BUT THE CITY SAYS THAT'S NOT ENOUGH.
-Rana Erbrick/Cape Councilwoman-"This entity had not performed basically the infrastructure needs of the subdivision."
IN THIS MEMO OBTAINED BY NBC-2, THE ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY SAYS "THE CITY BELIEVES IT HAS MADE ALL REASONABLE ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER SHORT OF COURT ACTION. THEREFORE WE ARE SEEKING COUNCIL'S APPROVAL TO FILE SUCH SUIT."
-Erbrick-"This is basically the next step in the process."
IF COUNCIL GIVES THE CITY ATTORNEY THE GO AHEAD TO FILE A LAWSUIT. THE CITY *COULD SUE THE INSURER OF THE DEVELOPMENT FOR $7,700,000 WORTH OF BONDS.
-Erbrick-"We have not gotten a response back from the folks who hold this performance bonds."
PAVING THE WAY FOR THE NEW PROPERTY OWNER TO COMPLETE THE RESIDENTIAL PROJECT.
-Lukasik-"the more rooftops I have out here the better."
"BETTER" FOR THE CITY --- AND HOPEFULLY -- BETTER FOR BUSINESS.
-Lukasik-"If we get new construction across the street, they sell the property and it's developed its just going to add more visibility here."
IN CAPE CORAL ALEX BOYER NBC2.
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HALLOWEEN HIT EARLY IN COLLIER COUNTY--
AS VANDALS USE A PUMPKIN TO TERRORIZE NEIGHBORS.
IN THE QUEENS PARK COMMUNITY OF EAST NAPLES.
THE VANDALS SMASHED A PUMPKIN INTO CARS AND MAILBOXES OVER THE WEEKEND--
DESTROYING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PROPERTY.
THEN, THIS MORNING SOMEBODY SLASHED A BUNCH OF TIRES.
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"Someone threw a pumpkin literally just smashed a pumpkin through the back window. Were angry, were so upset, it's just getting out of control."
NEIGHBORS ARE OFFERING A CASH REWARD FOR INFORMATION THAT LEADS TO AN ARREST.
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A COLLIER COUNTY BOY CREDITIED WITH DIVERTING A POSSIBLE DISASTER IS HONORED AGAIN!
11-YEAR-OLD JACKSON BONAR GETS A TON OF ATTENTION AFTER HE STOPPED A SCHOOL BUS LAST MONTH--
THE DRIVER HAD PASSED OUT BEHIND THE WHEEL BECAUSE OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
TODAY THE COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE GAVE BONAR THE "DO THE RIGHT THING" AWARD FOR HIS BRAVERY AND WILLINGNESS TO JUMP INTO ACTION.
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"I could tell something was wrong so I put my foot over his and hit the break and steered the bus so it wouldn't hit a tree hurting both of us."
"Im extremely proud of him. it's been an eventful couple of months and i think all the awards he's gotten, all the attention he's goten, and all the recognition has been awesome. he's a great kid.
BONAR SAYS HE COULD DO WITHOUT ALL OF THE ATTENTION.
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FORT MYERS BEACH LEADERS WANT TO USE A DREDGING PROJECT TO THEIR ADVANTAGE
nats of dredging
ALL NEW AT SIX - WHY OFFICIALS SAY THE EXCESS SAND FROM MANTAZAS PASS CAN BE PUT TO BETTER USE.
AD LIB WEATHER TEASE
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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.
PERIODS OF RAIN THIS WEEK
Our local weather is in a bit of a struggle. Does it transition into the dry season or stay in the rainy season? You can tell we're in the grey area because we'll have two days of nice weather and then two days of gloomy weather.
That type of pattern is very common for this time of the year.
Will we see more of the same this week? Yes, yes we will.
Dry air at all levels of the atmosphere will begin filtering in from the Deep South tonight. This will absolutely squash our rain chances for Tuesday. We'll have a lot of sunshine and comfortable air thanks to low humidity levels. Overall, it'll be a great day!
Of course that is short lived. A surge of energy currently sitting over Texas will move over on Wednesday. That's when we see mostly cloudy skies and scattered showers for another afternoon. Guess what? That, too, is short lived.
I think you get the idea here. Periods of rain, periods of dry weather this week.
Dry air returns to Southwest Florida after the passage of a weak cold front. This means we will end the work week on a really nice note. As for your weekend, it'll be a split decision. Isolated showers are at play for Saturday, and then sunshine steps up to the plate on Sunday.
Temperatures will remain at the 70 degree mark during the overnight hours, and by the afternoon we'll be in the upper 80s.
We still have tropical weather to talk about. Tropical Storm Rafael is still going strong. Max winds are at 70 MPH, so it's knocking on the door hurricane strength. I expect it to become hurricane within the next 24 hours. It will not effect Florida or the U.S. at all. It's moving to the north at a slow 7 MPH.
During the last month of hurricane season our eyes focus on the southern Gulf of Mexico and the entire Caribbean Sea. It's been quiet so far, but we're expecting a slight uptick in activity within the next few weeks. So, don't let your guard down. Hurricane season isn't quite over!
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FORT MYERS BEACH LEADERS WANT TO DUMP THE SAND FROM DREDGING MATANZAS PASS.
TO REPLENISH A NEARBY BEACH.
NBC2'S LAUREN DISPIRITO IS LIVE IN THE STUDIO, TO EXPLAIN HOW SOME ISLANDERS HOPE THAT EXCESS SAND CAN HELP A BEACH ALSO HIT HARD BY DEBBY AND ISAAC.
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DREDGING BEGAN TEN DAYS AGO, OFF THE NORTHERN TIP OF ESTERO ISLAND.
THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS TELLS ME THEY'VE ALREADY MADE THE PASS DEEPER FOR BOATS TO GET THROUGH.
THE DREDGE LIFTS THE SAND IT DIGS UP---
AND DUMPS IT IN ANOTHER SPOT NEAR SHORE, JUST SOUTHEAST OF THE PIER.
IT'S NOT A NOURISHMENT PROJECT, SO THE SAND WON'T HELP THE SHORELINE THERE.
BUT TOWN LEADERS WANT TO FIND A WAY TO USE THAT SAND TO NOURISH
NEWTON BEACH, ABOUT 1 TO 2 MILES SOUTH.
COUNCIL'S ASKING PROJECT LEADERS, LEE COUNTY, AND FEDERAL AGENCIES IF THERE'S A WAY TO USE THIS ONE PROJECT, TO SOLVE TWO PROBLEMS.
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Nats dredge
AS THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS DREDGES UNWANTED SAND OUT OF A CHANNEL OFF FORT MYERS BEACH.
Nats beach
SOME PEOPLE ON ANOTHER PART OF THE ISLAND WANT THAT SAND.
there's nothing here, I mean it's hard enough to just ride my bike on the beach now, there's very little room
--LITTLE ROOM, FOR DAVID PAGANO'S WORKOUT AT NEWTON BEACH PARK.
probably 50 feet at high tide is missing
TOWN COUNCIL MEMBER ALAN MANDEL SAYS SUMMER STORMS ERRODED SOME OF THE BEACH'S SAND.
it's been an area of concern for a while for the town
HE'S REQUESTING THE SAND FROM A SEPARATE DREDGING PROJECT FARTHER NORTH, BE USED TO FILL IN NEWTON BEACH, WHERE MANDEL SAYS IT'S NEEDED.
the synergy of doing a dredging and beach nourishment at the same time is wonderful, and saves a lot of money
A PROJECT SPOKESMAN TELLS NBC2 DIFFERING THE COURSE, COULD SLOW PROGRESS--
BUT SAYS THEY ARE CONSIDERING THE OPTION AND WHAT IT WOULD TAKE.
Nats water lapping
REPLACING LOST SAND, PAGANO SAYS, MAY BRING PEOPLE BACK TO NEWTON BEACH.
i've noticed in the past 2 years, this beach becoming more of an attraction for families and a lot of foreign tourists
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SEVERAL FEDERAL AND LOCAL AGENCIES WOULD HAVE TO AGREE TO CHANGE WHERE THE DREDGE DROPS SAND.
NEXT--PROJECT LEADERS PLAN TO SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH ALL THE DIFFERENT GROUPS INVOLVED.
BY THE END OF THIS WEEK.
IN THE STUDIO, LAUREN DISPIRITO, NBC2.
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PART OF A DREDGING PROJECT AT THE SOUTHERN END OF FORT MYERS BEACH NEEDS TO BE RE-DUG.
HURRICANE ISAAC SWEPT MORE SAND INTO LAGUNA SHORES, AFTER WORKERS HAD FINISHED THERE.
THIS IS IN A CHANNEL INSIDE BIG CARLOS PASS.
THAT MEANS THEY'LL NEED NEARLY 30 THOUSAND MORE DOLLARS TO MAKE IT DEEP ENOUGH FOR BOATS.
THE TOWN MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR FEMA FUNDS TO COVER THE COST.
TONIGHT, COUNCIL WILL VOTE WHETHER TO PAY FOR THE WORK.
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MORE THAN 100 POLICE K-9'S AND THEIR HANDLERS ARE IN PUNTA GORDA FOR A NATIONAL COMPETITION,T.
IT IS GIVIING BUSINESS IN THE CITY A BOOST IN THE OFF SEASON.
THE MANAGER OF THE PUNTA GORAD WATER FRONT HOTEL, HOST OF THE EVENT, SAYS IN A TYPICAL OFF-SEASON WEEK, THE HOTEL IS ONLY 40 PER-CENT FULL.
THIS WEEK IT IS COMPLETELY BOOKED UP.
THE CITY BEAT OUT WASHINGTON D-C TO HOST THE U-S POLICE CANINE ASSOCIATION TRIALS.
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my argument was that we can't really compete with Washington DC on cultrual things, but they can't compete with us on the sand and sun in October. So that's how we won it.
THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOPES THESE VISITORS WILL SPREAD THE WORK, AND ENCOURAGE THEIR FRIENDS TO VISIT PUNTA GORDA.
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GATORS COACH WILL MUSCHAMP HAD HIS WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY. AND THE MOMENT SOMEONE ASKED ABOUT THE NEW BCS RANKINGS. THE COACH DISMISSED IT. SAYING IT DOESN'T PROVE ANYTHING.
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THE PROOF AS THEY SAY. HAS BEEN IN THE PUDDING. THE GATORS ARE OFF TO A 5-0 START. AND RANKED NUMBER 2 IN THE BCS STANDINGS THANKS TO THEIR STRONG SCHEDULE SO FAR.
AND IT'S ONLY GOING TO GET HARDER. SOUTH CAROLINA THIS WEEK. GEORGIA AND FSU DOWN THE LINE. BUT MUSCHAMP THE WAY HIS TEAM IS PLAYING.
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U-F IS UNDEFEATED. AND SO ARE THE ATLANTA FALCONS. IT'S WORTH MENTIONING BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONLY N-F-L TEAM LEFT WITH A PERFECT RECORD.
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LAST NIGHT HERE ON NBC-2 AARON RODGERS AND THE PACKERS TOOK OUT PREVIOUSLY UNBEATEN HOUSTON 42-24. AND IT WASN'T EVEN THAT CLOSE. RODGERS DID A COMPLETE DISCOUNT DOUBLE CHECK ON THE TEXANS. 340 YARDS AND TYING A FRANCHISE RECORD WITH 6 TOUCHDOWN PASSES.
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6 TD'S IS NICE. BUT IT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO WIN OUR COVETED GRIDRON 2DAY PLAY OF THE WEEK. ONLY YOU THE VIEWERS CAN DECIDE THAT THROUGH ONLINE VOTING.
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THIS WEEK'S VOTES ARE IN. AND ST. JOHN NEUMNANN'S RAY RAY PERRY IS THE WINNER. THIS LONG AND WINDING PUNT RETURN AGAINST GATEWAY CHARTER GARNERED 57 PERCENT OF THE VOTES TO WIN. TUNE IN SATURDAY MORNING FOR THE NEXT SET OF NOMINEES. AND AS ALWAYS. THANKS FOR LOGGING ON AND GIVING US YOUR OPINION.
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THE N-H-L AND PLAYERS UNION WILL RESUME NEGOTIATIONS TUESDAY IN TORONTO TO END THE CURRENT LOCKOUT. SO FAR 82 GAMES HAVE BEEN LOST. AND MORE ARE EXPECTED IF THE TWO SIDES CAN'T MAKE ANY HEADWAY THIS WEEK. MEANTIME. MINOR LEAGUE HOCKEY IS FLOURISHING.
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AN INFLUX OF TALENT HAS TRICKLED DOWN TO THE LOWER LEVELS. LIKE THE E-C-H-L. THE EVERBLADES ARE OFF TO A 2-0 START. AND THAT'S NOT A SHOCK BECAUSE A DOZEN PLAYERS RETURNED TO THE ROSTER FROM LAST YEAR'S TEAM. BUT. IT'S NOT ALL TOOTHLESS SMILES. THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE NHL MAKES FOR TENSION AND COMPETITION AMONG THE ROSTER.
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THE BLADES ARE BACK IN ACTION THIS FRIDAY AT GERMAIN. WHEN ERNIE HARTLIEB'S JERSEY IS FINALLY RETIRED.
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TONIGHT IS GAME 2 OF THE N-L-C-S. AND THE GIANTS ARE HAVING TROUBLE SLOWING DOWN THE SURGING ST. LOUIS CARDINALS.
LAST NIGHT DAVID FREESE AND CARLOS BELTRAN HOMERED AS THE CARDS WON THE SERIES OPENER 6-4.
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AND THE RED SOX ANNOUNCED TODAY THEY WILL NOT INCREASE TICKET PRICES FOR 2013 AT FENWAY OR JETBLUE PARK.
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An ambulance crashed with a white pick-up truck at the intersection of Ben Hill Griffin and Corkscrew.
5 people were involved in the crash.
The driver of the pick-up walked away and is okay.
Two paramedics, the driver of the ambulance and a paramedic sitting in the passenger seat, were transported to the hospital.
The fate of possible passengers in the ambulance is unknown.
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SHE'S AT IT AGAIN.
A SOUTHWEST FLORIDA TEENAGER WHO MADE NATIONAL HEADLINES FOR BUYING HER FIRST HOME.
JUST FINISHED BUYING THE SECOND.
15 YEAR OLD WILLOW TUFANO. JUST BOUGHT THIS HOUSE ON GERARD COURT IN PORT CHARLOTTE FOR 19-THOUSAND DOLLARS AS AN INVESTMENT.
SHE AND HER MOM BOTH PAID HALF TO GET IT.
WILLOW'S GOAL IS TO BUY TEN HOMES BY THE TIME SHE'S 18.
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It's pretty awesome knowing that I was able to get it do quickly. I'm trying to get two houses a year. So I don't know of that's, I think it's rational, I can do it, it sounds like its not rational but it's possible.
WILLOW CAN'T OFFICIALLY OWN THE HOME UNTIL SHE'S 18.
THAT'S WHEN HER MOM PLANS TO PUT THE HOUSE IN WILLOW'S NAME.
THE FAMILY IS ALREADY HELPING THE TEEN FIND HOUSE NUMBER THREE.
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GOODBYE
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