DIRECTORS PAGE

HEADLINES-TRX-ANIBOX

TROPICAL STORM SANDY GAINING STRENGTH IN THE CARIBBEAN --

ROBERT IS TRACKING THE TROPICS AND WHAT THE SYSTEM WILL MEAN FOR OUR WEATHER.

LEE COUNTY DEPUTIES HEAD OUT TO FIND SPEEDERS ON A NEW STRETCH OF ROAD SOME NEIGHBORS CALL A DEATH TRAP.

AND THE MEDSTAR MESS HAS FORCED THE LEE COUNTY MANAGER TO RESIGN.

N-B-C TWO UNCOVERS WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUNTY.

metro pkwy speed limit folo-votops

lee co manager resigns-votops

5PM OPEN-CLIP

TRACKING SANDY-2SH-TURN

TROPICAL STORM SANDY RACING TOWARDS JAMAICA AND IS EXPECTED TO STRENGTHEN INTO A HURRICANE TOMORROW.

THE SYSTEM IS FORECAST TO STAY EAST OF FLORIDA --

BUT WILL STILL HAVE A SERIOUS IMPACT ON OUR WEATHER.

SANDY OPEN-CLIP

TRACKING SANDY-ANIBOXES

WINDS PICK UP

As we continue to track Tropical Storm Sandy in the Caribbean we will also see our winds increase here in Southwest Florida. For the next 2 days we will track a few clouds at times and very little rain shower activity on our side of the state. Some brief and fast-moving showers will try to ride over here from the east coast, but only a few will actually put down rain on our side of the state. Winds will be northeasterly tomorrow at 15 - 20 mph and gusty. Boaters should plan on the same kind of windy weather for the rest of the week. High temperatures will continue to top out in the upper 80's and overnight lows will be around 70 for several more days.

DOW PLUMMETS-TRX-CG

IT WAS ONE OF THE WORST DAYS OF THE YEAR ON WALL STREET.

WEAK CORPORATE EARNINGS REPORTS PUMMELED STOCKS TUESDAY.

THE DOW ENDING THE DAY DOWN 243 POINTS AT 13- THOUSAND 102. THE THIRD-STEEPEST POINT DECLINE OF THE YEAR.

THE NASDAQ FELL 26 POINTS, ITS FIRST CLOSE BELOW 3-THOUSAND SINCE EARLY AUGUST.

ALLIGATOR ALLEY CRASH-TRX-SS-FDOT

ALSO BREAKING RIGHT NOW --

TRAFFIC IS AT A STANDSTILL ON ALLIGATOR ALLEY AFTER A CAR CRASH.

WESTBOUND LANES OF TRAFFIC ARE BLOCKED IN COLLIER COUNTY. CARS ARE GOING AROUND ON THE MEDIAN, THIS IS NEAR STATE ROAD 29 AT--

MILE MARKER 84

THE MEDICAL HELICOPTER JUST TOOK OFF.

METRO PARKWAY SPEED LIMIT FOLO-2SHPUSH-VO-BOXES

CAUGHT IN THE ACT.

N-B-C TWO TAGS ALONG WITH LEE COUNTY DEPUTIES EXCLUSIVELY AS THEY TICKET SPEEDERS ON A NEW STRETCH OF METRO PARKWAY IN LEE COUNTY.

THIS FOLLOWS A CRASH NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF BRIARCLIFF AND METRO THAT LEFT A MAN IN CRITICAL CONDITION YESTERDAY.

TODAY DEPUTIES CAUGHT SOME DRIVERS GOING AS MUCH AS 20 MILES OVER THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 45.

METRO PARKWAY SPEED LIMIT FOLO-REM-LIVE

Take live

METRO PARKWAY SPEED LIMIT FOLO-trx-PKG

Take pkg

A new road with wide open space--it's easy to see how the number on the speedometer can exceed what's posted on the speed limit signs.

Take sound

John Millican LCSO

"you're responsible for your accelerator not the guy next to you."

The sheriff's office traffic unit is out making sure drivers are following the rules of the road.

Take sound

John Millican, LCSO Traffic Unit

"there's been several of us out here today from the sheriff's office traffic unit and we're just trying to drive people's driving habits so we're not out here to be the bad guy we just don't want anybody hurt and we don't want any of these construction workers hurt."

But residents in the Briarcliff community feel deputies alongside the road isn't enough and that a stoplight would help slow down the traffic.

Take sound

Pat Siddons, Resident

They've got two miles of straight road.I have no interruptins. I can go.

Pat Siddons, along with several concerned community members, are continuing to pressure DOT to install a stoplight at the Briarcliff intersection. But DOT spokesperson Debbie Tower says this intersection will be treated the same as any other and a traffic study will be done once the project is completed by the end of November. For now with a brand new roadway, tower says drivers need to practice safe driving habits.

Take sound

Debbie Tower

Drivers can show caution.we'll have better info for everyone in February."

Thats why LCSO is out now--making sure motorists trade in those bad habits--and practice safe driving.

Take sound

John

METRO PARKWAY SPEED LIMIT FOLO-REM-LIVE

Take live tag

While LCSO is trying to educate drivers, deputies want to also point our this is still a construction zone-- and fines could be doubled--perhaps teaching drivers an expensive lesson. Live in led co kc NBC2.

METRO PARKWAY DRIVER UPDATE-VO

WE have AN UPDATE. ON THE SERIOUS CRASH ON THAT STRETCH OF ROAD YESTERDAY.

DAVID VANAMAN IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION TONIGHT.

HE WAS RIDING HIS MOTORCYCLE WHEN HE WAS HIT.

INVESTIGATORS OPEN-CLIP

GOV SCOTT RESPONDS TO VOTER INTIMIDATION-OC-SS-OC

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT REACTS TO A STORY FIRST UNCOVERED BY THE N-B-C TWO INVESTIGATORS.

FAKE LETTERS THREATENING VOTERS WITH IMPRISONMENT IN COLLIER COUNTY --

NOW SURFACING IN AT LEAST 20 OTHER COUNTIES.

GOV SCOTT RESPONDS TO VOTER INTIMIDATION-TFC

AS GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT VOWS TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS LATEST SCANDAL,

THERE IS LATE WORD TONIGHT THAT ANOTHER COLLIER COUNTY RESIDENT HAS RECEIVED ONE OF THE FAKE LETTERS SENT FROM SEATTLE WASHINGTON.

GOV SCOTT RESPONDS TO VOTER INTIMIDATION-VO

THE FAKE LETTERS QUESTION VOTERS CITIZENSHIP AND THEY WARN THAT CASTING A VOTE CAN LEAD TO ARREST AND EVEN JAIL TIME.

GOV SCOTT RESPONDS TO VOTER INTIMIDATION-SOT

GOV SCOTT RESPONDS TO VOTER INTIMIDATION-TFC

THE FLORIDA SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE IS INVESTIGATING.

ANYONE WHO GETS ONE OF THESE LETTERS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR LOCAL ELECTION SUPERVISOR.

AUTHORITIES WARN WHOEVER IS BEHIND THE SCAM FACES PRISON TIME.

LEE CO MANAGER RESIGNS-OC

THERE IS ANOTHER VICTIM IN THE FALLOUT FROM LEE COUNTY'S GROUNDED MEDICAL HELICOPTER PROGRAM.

THIS MORNING - AS EXPECTED, KAREN HAWES RESIGNED AS COUNTY MANAGER.

LEE CO MANAGER RESIGNS-PLASMA

KAREN HAWES SPENT NEARLY THREE DECADES IN LEE COUNTY GOVERNMENT -

LEE CO MANAGER RESIGNS-trx-PKG

LIKE SHE WAS ON TRIAL -

KAREN HAWES BARELY LOOKED AT THE FIVE LEE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AS THEY DEBATED HER FUTURE FOR NEARLY AN HOUR.

as recently as this morning I debated the best way to make a motion

HER ONLY COMMENT CAME WHEN ASKED IF SHE WANTED TO DEFEND HERSELF-

no commissioners I do not.

A 4 TO 1 VOTE WILL SEND HAWES HOME FOR GOOD ON OCTOBER 31ST.

AFTER 28 YEARS WITH LEE COUNTY GOVERNMENT -

2 SCANDALS ARE ENDING HER CONTRACT.

THE SUDDEN SHUTDOWN OF THE COUNTY'S MEDSTAR PROGRAM - WHICH INCLUDES THE MIS-BILLING OF 3 MILLION DOLLARS.

THEN - A STALLED CONSTRUCTION PROJECT THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BRING 200 JOBS TO THE COUNTY.

the fact that management didn't bring issues to her level - she shouldn't be faulted for.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VOTE - HAWES PACKED UP AND LEFT THE MEETING.

SHE LEAVES WITH A SEVERANCE PACKAGE THAT INCLUDES ONE YEAR SALARY OF 170 THOUSAND DOLLARS PLUS VACATION AND SICK PAY - AND HEALTH BENEFITS.

NOW THE HUNT IS ON FOR HER REPLACEMENT.

COMMISSIONER JOHN MANNING SAYS THE SEARCH COULD GO NATIONWIDE - IF SOMEONE CLOSE TO THE COUNTY ISN'T HIRED FIRST.

LEE CO MANAGER RESIGNS-PLASMA

THE ONLY PERSON TO VOTE AGAINST ACCEPTING HAWES RESIGNATION WAS COMMISSIONER BRIAN BIGELOW.

HE SAID HE WANTED TO FIRE HAWES - SO SHE WOULD NOT RECEIVE HER SEVERANCE - AND MAKE THAT HAPPEN TODAY.

NEW FL TAGS PROPOSAL-SS

A PROPOSAL TO CHANGE FLORIDA'S LICENSE PLATE IS TAKING A BACK SEAT FOR NOW.

THE DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES SAYS SHE WANTS TO GIVE MORE ATTENTION TO THE PLATES AT A LATER DATE.

THESE ARE FOUR PLATES BEING MULLED OVER.

STATE LEADERS SAY THE CURRENT PLATES ARE TOO HARD FOR TOLL AND RED LIGHT CAMERAS TO READ.

THE NEW PLATES WOULD BE COMPLETELY FLAT.

CHURCH AC UNITS STOLEN-TRX-OC-SS-PKGFLY

THIEVES PLOTTING TO STEAL COPPER FROM A CHURCH.

EVEN GOING AS FAR AS THREATENING A VOLUNTEER IF THEY TOLD ANYONE.

LEE COUNTY DEPUTIES SAY IT HAPPENED AT THE NORTHSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH IN NORTH FORT MYERS.

CHURCH AC UNITS STOLEN-PKG-BNR

THE HUM OF SEVERAL AIR CONDITIONING FANS BUZZING AT NORTHSIDE BAPTIST CHRUCH IN NORTH FORT MYERS IS NOW REPLACED WITH SILENCE.

"This copper wire is completely severed" 29:12-29:14

IT'S ENOUGH DAMAGE TO KEEP THE CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED.BECAUSE IT'S NOW TOO HOT TO WORK INSIDE.

SEVEN OF THE CHURCHES EIGHT UNITS WERE DAMAGED.

TWO COMPLETELY CUT LIKE THIS ONE, THE OTHERS BENT.

"You can see here where the copper tubing was bent just enough to keep the AC unit from working. While it's not as bad as it could have been church members say repairing all of these units will still cost a pretty penny."

ABOUT 3-THOUSAND DOLLARS WORTH TO BE EXACT.

ASSOCIATE PASTOR MICHAEL MCILWAIN SAYS THEY DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM SUNDAY AFTER THEY REALIZED ALL THE UNITS HAD BEEN TURNED OFF.

"We turned them on thinking that would fix the problem, though it was just a little prank but later we saw it was not cooling."" 24:06-24:12

THEY ARE THE THIRD CHURCH IN RECENT DAYS WHO'S A-C UNITS HAVE BEEN HIT.

THIS CHURCH HAS SECURITY CAMERAS BUT CAUGHT NONE OF THE ACTION.

INSTEAD A VOLUNTEER TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED.

"He scared this individual that he was afraid to talk about it for a while he said the person had threatened him" 25:27-25:33

MCILWAIN SAYS IT WAS JUST ONE YEAR AGO THEIR AC UNITS WERE THE TARGET OF THIEVES FOR THE COPPER.

THIS TIME NOTHING WAS TAKEN, SCRAP METAL EXPERTS SAY IT'S LIKELY BECAUSE WHOEVER DID RAN OUT OF TIME.

BUT EVEN IF THEY WERE SUCCESSFUL, IT WILL DO LITTLE GOOD.

"They are going to have a hard time marketing the material without being identified, and once identified there's a really good chance they'll get caught." 42:58-43:06

IT'S ALL PART OF NEW LAWS THAT TOOK EFFECT EARLIER THIS YEAR MEANT TO STOP METAL THEFT.

WITH NO INCREASE IN THE PRICE OF COPPER, EXPERTS SUSPECT WHOEVER'S BEHIND THIS IS NEW TO AREA.

"There's a possibility of putting a box around it that actually protects this area." 28:01-28:05

CAPE CORAL ROBBERY ARREST-TRX-SS-VO

A CUSTOMER AT A SEVEN-11 IN CAPE CORAL WANTED MORE THAN JUST THE BEER HE APPEARED TO BE PAYING FOR.

TIMOTHY HOLDEN IS CHARGED WITH ONE COUNT OF FELONY ROBBERY.

POLICE SAY HOLDEN WALKED INTO THE STORE AT SANTA BARBARA BOULEVARD AND NICHOLAS PARKWAY AND DEMANDED MONEY WHEN THE CLERK OPENED THE DRAWER.

POLICE SAY HOLDEN THREATENED TO SHOOT THE MAN.

HE TOOK OFF WITH MORE THAN 130 DOLLARS IN CASH.

IMPAC OFF THE TABLE-VO

A PLAN TO CREATE A BUSINESS INCUBATOR IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY IS OFF THE TABLE.

COMMISSIONER TRICIA DUFFY VOTED TO REMOVE THE IDEA FROM THE AGENDA TODAY.

THREE OF THE FIVE COMMISSIONERS OPPOSED THE IDEA TO SPEND MORE THAN THREE MILLION DOLLARS TO FUND A SUPPORT CENTER FOR START UP BUSINESSES.

COLLIER SCHOOLS TOWN HALL-VOTOPS

THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOL IN COLLIER COUNTY IS HOLDING A TOWN HALL MEETING.

LEE COUNTY SALVATION ARMY HOLIDAY HELP-SS-VO

THE HOLIDAY HELP PROGRAM IS IN FULL SWING.

NEEDY FAMILIES IN LEE COUNTY CAN BEGIN SIGNING UP TOMORROW.

TO QUALIFY YOU SHOULD BRING A PHOTO I-D --

YOUR CHILD'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE --

SHOE SIZE AND CLOTHING SIZE.

WE'VE POSTED THE INFO ON OUR WEBSITE --

N-B-C DASH TWO DOT COM.

WE FOUND HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE LINED UP IN NAPLES YESTERDAY.

MIAMI FIRES GUILLEN-TRX-VO

BREAKING NEWS AT FIVE.

AFTER JUST ONE YEAR MIAMI MARLINS MANAGER OZZIE GUILLEN IS OUT.

THE TEAM FIRED HIM TODAY.

THEY STILL OWE HIM MORE THAN SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE THREE YEARS REMAINING ON HIS CONTRACT.

THE MARLINS HOPED A SPENDING SPREE ON PLAYERS --

A NEW PARK --

AND THE NEW MANAGER WOULD SPELL SUCCESS.

BUT AFTER CONTROVERSIAL COMMENTS GUILLEN MADE PRAISING FIDEL CASTRO AND A DISMAL RECORD --

RED SOX HIRE NEW MANAGER-VO

THERE WILL BE A NEW FACE AROUND TOWN DURING SPRING TRAINING THIS SEASON.

FOR THE THIRD TIME IN THREE YEARS A NEW MANAGER WILL BE ON THE BOSTON RED SOX BENCH.

JOHN FARRELL WAS INTRODUCED TO THE MEDIA TODAY.

HE REPLACES BOBBY VALENTINE WHO WAS FIRED AFTER ONE OF THE WORST SEASONS IN TEAM HISTORY.

TEASE ONE-2SHOT

A HAUNTING PRODUCT IS HITTING STORE SHELVES WITH TANTALIZING FLAVORS --

AND BRIGHT PACKAGING.

COLLIER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS SENDING OUT A STERN WARNING TONIGHT ABOUT TOBACCO CAMPAIGNS AIMED AT YOUR CHILD.

THAT STORY COMING UP.

PLUS.SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S LARGEST CITY PULLED THE TRIGGER ON A CONTROVERSIAL PROJECT THAT COULD COST RESIDENTS TENS OF THOUSANDS.

TZ1 B) CANDY FLAVORED TOBACCO-VO-WIPE

TZ1 A) CAPE UEP HIRING FIRM-VOTOPS

TZ1 C) WEATHER TEASE-STC

MARKET CLOSE-CGTOPS

ROBERT WX OPEN-CLIP

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.

WINDS PICK UP

As we continue to track Tropical Storm Sandy in the Caribbean we will also see our winds increase here in Southwest Florida. For the next 2 days we will track a few clouds at times and very little rain shower activity on our side of the state. Some brief and fast-moving showers will try to ride over here from the east coast, but only a few will actually put down rain on our side of the state. Winds will be northeasterly tomorrow at 15 - 20 mph and gusty. Boaters should plan on the same kind of windy weather for the rest of the week. High temperatures will continue to top out in the upper 80's and overnight lows will be around 70 for several more days.

CAPE UEP HIRING FIRM-SS

IT WAS CONTROVERSIAL FROM THE START.BUT CAPE CORAL LEADERS VOTED LAST NIGHT TO GO AHEAD WITH THE UTILITY EXPANSION PROGRAM.

TONIGHT, THE WORK BEGINS TO BRING CITY WATER AND SEWER SERVICE --

-- TO AN AREA KNOWN AS SOUTHWEST SIX-SEVEN.

THE DECISION IS SURE TO COST HOMEOWNERS LIVING THERE -- THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.

NBC2'S STEVE CAMPION JOINS US IN THE STUDIO TO BREAK DOWN THIS PROJECT.

CAPE UEP HIRING FIRM-PLASMA

CAPE CORAL LEADERS CALL THE "U-E-P" THE LARGEST PROJECT OF ITS NATURE IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY.

CAPE UEP HIRING FIRM-PKG

AS THE WATER WARMS IN HIS JACUZZI --- KEN WATERS WONDERS ABOUT HIS WALLET.

0556 "I just penciled that out today."

THE RETIREE RESIDES JUST OFF CHIQUITA -- IN AN AREA KNOWN AS SOUTHWEST SIX AND SEVEN.

CURRENTLY -- HE GETS HIS WATER FROM THIS WELL.

CAPE CORAL'S DECISION TO EXPAND CITY SERVICE TO HIS BLOCK -- MEANS HE'LL PAY THOUSANDS.

0324 "we knew it was coming. We even had a ballpark figure of the coast."

ESTIMATES BASED OFF 2008 FIGURES -- PUT THE UTILITIES EXPANSION PROJECT COSTS ANYWHERE FROM 18-THOUSAND TO 30-THOUSAND DOLLARS.

4224 "it truly is a process."

COUNCIL MEMBER KEVIN MCGRAIL TELL US -- PINPOINTING AN EXACT NUMBER FOR HOMEOWNER TAKES TIME.

4227 "if you say you're going to restart the UEP. Shovels don't go in the ground tomorrow."

MCGRAIL EXPLAINS -- ONCE THE ENGINEERING FIRM TETRATECH COMPLETES THE WATER AND SEWER PLANS AND SENDS THE WORK OUT FOR A PRICE -- CITY LEADERS CAN START TO BREAK DOWN NUMBERS FOR EACH HOMEOWNER.

IDEALLY -- SHOVELS WILL BE IN THE GROUND IN JULY OF NEXT YEAR.

STARTING IN 2014 -- HOMEOWNERS WILL BE BILLED.

IN 2015 -- THE CITY WANTS THE ALL WORK COMPLETED.

5948 "we're committed to making sure it gets done, gets done right, and on time."

FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T PAY UPFRONT -- A YEARLY ASSESSMENT WILL BE ADDED TO THEIR TAX BILLS.

FOR THIS HOMEOWNER -- HE THINKS IN THE END THE MOVE'S A GOOD INVESTMENT -- EVEN IF HE DOESN'T REALLY NEED IT.

CAPE UEP HIRING FIRM-PLASMA

NOW, MCGRAIL TELLS ME THE CITY WILL APPLY FOR STATE FUNDS IN HOPES OF BRINGING THE PROJECT'S INTEREST RATE DOWN TO TWO TO THREE PERCENT.

WHILE SOME ARGUE EITHER WAY -- THIS ISN'T THE RIGHT TIME FOR SUCH A BIG EXPENSE -- OTHERS ARE HOPEFUL IT WILL SPUR CONSTRUCTION JOBS.

UNITED WAY FUNDRAISER-VO

THE UNITED WAY OF LEE, HENDRY AND GLADES COUNTIES KICKED OFF ITS FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN BRIGHT AND EARLY THIS MORNING.

MORE THAN 700 BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS HEADED TO HARBORSIDE EVENT CENTER AT THE CRACK OF DAWN TO LAUNCH THE CAMPAIGN. THIS YEARS GOAL IS MORE THAN 8 MILLION DOLLARS.

THE UNITED WAY SUPPORTS MORE THAN 7O NON PROFIT GROUPS. FROM THE SPECIAL EQUESTRIANS TO THE RED CROSS.

UNITED WAY FUNDRAISER-SOTVO

OT: Jannine Joy, United Way "We're confident that the caring capacity of this community will come through once again, this is 19 years that we've made our goal or surpassed it, so we don't want to break that streak this year and I don't think SWFL will let us down."

trt: 13

PUBLIX SUPERMARKETS AND ITS EMPLOYEES TOP THE LIST OF PACE SETTER COMPANIUES. RAISING MORE 1 POINT 3 MILLION DOLLARS.

TEASE TWO-2SHOT

COLORFUL --

FLAVORFUL --

AND ADDICTIVE.

A NEW TOBACCO PRODUCT IS HITTING STORE SHELVES AND MAKING THEM ATTRACTIVE TO CHILDREN.

10:55 some of these products might be located in your home and parents might not even know they are tobacco products just bc of the way they are marketed 03

WHILE THE PRODUCTS LOOK HARMLESS --

COLLIER COUNTY HEALTH LEADERS WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERY PARENT IS AWARE OF THE DANGERS.

AND ALL NEW AT SIX--

A SICK TEENAGER STAYING HOME FROM SCHOOL GOT THE SCARE OF HER LIFE, WHEN SHE CAME FACE-TO-FACE WITH THREE MEN TRYING TO BUST INTO HER HOME.

TZ2 A) CANDY FLAVORED TOBACCO-SOTVO

TZ2 B) TEEN ESCAPES HOME BURGLARS-BNR-VOTOPS

CANDY FLAVORED TOBACCO-2SHOT

THE COLLIER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS CONCERNED ABOUT CANDY-FLAVORED TOBACCO THEY SAY TARGETS CHILDREN.

CANDY FLAVORED TOBACCO-PKG

IT LOOKS LIKE CANDY--

IT SMELLS LIKE CANDY--

"Strawberry, grape, watermelon. 27:56 blue raspberry, vanilla orange"

BUT THE PRODUCT INSIDE THIS COLORFUL PACKAGING COULD KILL YOU.

"Tobacco use is leading preventable cause of disease and death."

HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY CANDY-FLAVORED TOBACCO PRODUCTS TARGET CHILDREN--

USING FRUIT AND CANDY FLAVORS TO MASK THE HARSH TASTE OF TOBACCO--

AND GET KIDS HOOKED EARLY-ON.

"A lot of kids are doing it, their parents might not know, they're probably getting it off the streets, from friends and even family members."

"Some of these products might be located in your home and parents might not even know they are tobacco products just because of the way they are marketed."

IN 2009 CANDY-FLAVORED CIGARETTES WERE BANNED--

BUT FLAVORED CIGARS, CIGARILLOS, AND CHEWING TOBACCO ARE STILL ON STORE SHELVES.

"The tobacco industries create products every year to try and get around those restrictions."

anyone 18 years or older can get the candy flavored tobacco at pretty much any convenience store-- it's legal--and county health officials say there's nothing they can do about it."

COLLIER COUNTY HAS PASSED RESOLUTIONS URGING VENDORS TO STOP SELLING THE PRODUCTS--

BUT ONLY A STATE LAW CAN ACTUALLY BAN THE PRODUCTS.

"A resolution really doesn't have teeth, we are passing them just as a way to bring awareness to this issue."

NEW AT 530-BNR-2SHOT

COUNTERFEITERS ARE PASSING BOGUS BILLS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA!

THEY'VE HIT TWO BUSINESSES SO FAR--

AND COPS SAY THEY'RE VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO DETECT!

3:19:23 we anticipate a federal lawsuit will be launched.

MORE FALLOUT FROM AN NBC2 INVESTIGATION!

TONIGHT THE HIGH RANKING ESTERO FIREFIGHTER WHO WAS *FIRED*--

IS FIGHTING BACK.

CLAIMS IT'S ALL ABOUT "RETALIATION"!

AND DOZENS OF POTHOLES LITTER A CAPE CORAL ROAD.

THE CITY FIXED *ONE* OF THEM--

NBC2 WANTS TO KNOW. "WHY NOT THE REST"!

A) ESTERO FIRE CHIEF-SOTVO WIPE

B) CAPE POTHOLES-VOTOPS