DIRECTOR'S PAGE

HEADLINES

SOT: Charles Watlington, Jesse's Father "I can't go to the store, watch tv, sleep, I can't see anything without thinking of him and how needless this tragedy was."

FIRST AT FOUR: THE PARENTS OF THE 11-YEAR-OLD BOY KILLED AFTER A STRIKE OF LIGHTNING FILES SUIT -- AND TELLS NBC2 WHY THEY'RE BLAMING THEIR CHURCH AND SCHOOL FOR THEIR TRAGIC LOSS.

COURTROOM DRAMA AND DELAYS -- WHY A PROFESSION OF GUILT FROM THE DEFENDANT HAS PUT A WEEK-LONG HALT ON THE DAYCARE MURDER TRIAL.

1 watlington lawsuit-trxSOTVO

2 dunn closing argument delay-trxVO

3 ok family bank robbers-trx

WEATHER TOPS-trxwxcntr

SHOW OPEN-CLIP

TOSS TO MEAGHAN-2 SHOT,VOtrx, OBX

A LEE COUNTY FAMILY FILES A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR LAWSUIT AGAINST ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHURCHES IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

IT'S BECAUSE OF THE DEATH OF JESSE WATLINGTON --

THE 11-YEAR-OLD WAS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING WHILE ON HIS WAY TO FOOTBALL PRACTICE.

TODAY, HIS PARENTS

TOLD NBC2 WHY THEY'RE SUING MCGREGOR BAPTIST CHURCH AND SOUTHWEST FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ADADEMY.

WATLINGTON LAWSUIT-REM-LIVE

the watlington's say the church and school were negligent in keping their son safe, and they didn't do enough to prevent his death.

WATLINGTON LAWSUIT-PKG

11 year-old jesse watlington fought for his life after being struck by lightning-

but lost.

now, his parents are in the fight of their lives.

chuck 12:14 "my heart has been ripped out of my chest- my daughter, jesse, my wife and myself- before, we were one."

the watlington's stood with their attorney at a press conference today to announce they're suing mcgregor baptist church and southwest florida christian academy for the death of their son.

the lawsuit is for millions.

early october,

the child was running out onto the football field for practice- when a lightning bolt struck him in the heart.

jesse died days later at a tampa hospital.

since the tragedy-

there have been many different claims.

the day of the strike-

the pastor said the skies were clear, when a lightning bolt came out of nowhere.

the watlington's though say the skies were dark-

and the bolt that killed their son was the 3rd to strike in the area.

there's also the dispute of the lightning detection device-

the pastor previously told us the church has one and it was working, but wouldn't go into any other details.

the watlington's say it was stored in a closet.

jesse's family tells us the school doesn't have a defibrillator, and that it took the coaches 10 minutes to begin cpr because they didn't know how.

WATLINGTON LAWSUIT-REM-LIVE

we spoke with the pastor- he says he doesn't want to comment on the lawsuit, but that he and the church will continue to pray for a grieving family.

TOSS TO ELIZABETH-OC, VO

AFTER FLIP-FLOPPING ABOUT WHETHER HE WANTED TO TAKE THE STAND OR PLEAD GUILTY -

THE JUDGE PUT A HALT TO THE TRIAL AND CASE AGAINST ROBERT DUNN.

HE'S ACCUSED OF KILLING HIS ESTRANGE WIFE INSIDE A CAPE CORAL DAYCARE CENTER IN 2008.

CHARGES INCLUDE FIRST-DEGREE MURDER, ARMED BURGLARY AND CHILD ABUSE -- AND HE FACES THE DEATH PENALTY IF CONVICTED.

DUNN CLOSING ARGUMENT DELAY-PLASMA

DUNN CLOSING ARGUMENT DELAY-VO

ULTIMATELY THE DEFENSE RESTED ITS CASE AFTER THE LAWYERS CONVINCED DUNN THAT IT WASN'T IN HIS BEST INTEREST TO TESTIFY.

THE JUDGE REMINDED HIM THAT IF HE TOOK THE STAND, SHE'D ALLOW JURORS TO HEAR HIS CONFESSION.

BUT THEN DUNN THREW ANOTHER WHAMMY AT HIS ATTORNEYS -- TELLING THEM HE

DIDN'T WANT TO TESTIFY -- BUT HE DID WANT TO PLEAD GUILTY.

DUNN CLOSING ARGUMENT DELAY-SOTVO

"We were shocked and dismayed by Mr. Dunn's revelations this morning, and once again, I find myself again in a role where I am trying to protect him in spite of his own statements, actions and decisions."

DUNN CLOSING ARGUMENT DELAY-PLASMA

DUNN WILL BE EVALUATED BY COURT-APPOINTED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS THIS WEEK -

THE COURT WILL CONDUCT A COMPETENCY HEARING NEXT MONDAY MORNING.

CHAR CO 3 YEAR OLD DEATH-VO

DETECTIVES ARE STILL INVESTIGATING THE DEATH OF A THREE-YEAR-OLD PORT CHARLOTTE BOY.

AUTHORITIES SAY THE TODDLER SHOT HIMSELF WITH A HANDGUN IN THIS HOUSE EARLY SUNDAY MORNING.

DETECTIVES AREN'T RELEASING MANY DETAILS AT THIS POINT AND SAY THE PARENTS OF THE BOY MIGHT FACE CRINIMAL CHARGES ONCE THE INVESTIGATION IS COMPLETE.

TOSS TO JULIAN-trxfdottops, dbx

NBC-2 TRAFFIC ALERT - FIRST AT FOUR.

GREAT NEWS FOR SOUTHWEST FLORIDA DRIVERS GEARING UP FOR THANKSGIVING TRAVEL.

FLORIDA TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS LAY OUT THEIR PLAN TO GET ALL LANES OF DANIELS PARKWAY OPEN BY TOMORROW EVENING.

DANIELS UPDATE-REM-LIVE

GOOD NEWS FOR DRIVERS WHO'LL BE USING BUSY DANIELS PKWY TO TRAVEL FOR THE HOLIDAY.

FDOT OFFICIALS INFORMED US ALL LANES OF DANIELS PKWY AND I-75 WILL BE OPEN THROUGH THANKSGIVING.

HOWEVER THE WEEK FOLLOWING THE HOLIDAY CREWS WILL BE BACK OUT DOING FINAL WORK ON THE PROJECT SO CLOSURES DURING THAT TIME ARE A POSSIBLITY.

CREWS RIGHT NOW ARE WORKING TO REOPEN EASTBOUND DANIELS TO THREE LANES JUST IN TIME FOR RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC.

BEGINNING AT 8 P-M SOUTHBOUND I-75 WILL BE DOWN TO ONE LANE.

BUT BY RUSH HOUR TOMORROW CREWS HOPE TO HAVE ALL THREE SOUTHBOUND LANES OPEN.

SO IF YOU'RE TRAVELING ALONG I-75 BE CAUTIOUS OF THE SPEED LIMIT CHANGE AND ANY LANE SHIFTS TAKING PLACE.

DANIELS UPDATE-VO

DANIELS UPDATE-REM-LIVE

FPL IN TALLY-OC

HAPPENING TODAY IN TALLAHASSEE - A THREE-DAY HEARING THAT COULD RAISE ELECTRICITY RATES.

THE STATE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION WILL DECIDE WHETHER TO APPROVE A SETTLEMENT BETWEEN FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT AND GROUPS REPRESENTING HEALTH CARE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CUSTOMERS.

MIDEAST CRISIS-OC, NATVO

THE DEATH TOLL RISES ALONG THE GAZA STRIP FOLLOWING SIX DAYS OF ISRAELI AIR STRIKES.

nats of explosion with flames

THIS IS JUST ONE OF HUNDREDS OF BOMBS THAT ARE ROCKING THE GAZA STRIP.

MIDEAST CRISIS-PKG

FROM BEFORE DAWN, THE BOMBARDMENT OF GAZA CONTINUED.

CAREFULLY TARGETED, SAID THE ISRAELIS, TO TAKE OUT MILITARY LEADERS OF HAMAS. A MEDIA CENTER WAS HIT TODAY IN A STRIKE THAT KILLED ONE HAMAS LEADER.

ANOTHER HAMAS LEADER DIED HERE, BUT SO DID MANY IN HIS FAMILY.

GAZA IS SO CROWDED CIVILIANS ARE BOUND TO BE HURT.

A FUNERAL HELD TODAY FOR 11 CHILDREN KILLED IN THE DEADLIEST ATTACK SO FAR. PALESTINIANS.MUSLIMS WORLDWIDE. ARE ENRAGED.

nats rage at the funeral?

AND HAMAS IS STILL FIRING ROCKETS AT ISRAEL. BIGGER HAMAS MISSILES.MADE IN IRAN. ARE PUTTING AT RISK THE CITIES.TEL AVIV AND JERUSALEM.

AFTER A DINNER, TONIGHT, IN CAMBODIA, PRESIDENT OBAMA CALLED ISRAELI AND EGYPTIAN LEADERS TO URGE A CEASEFIRE BUT HE'D MADE CLEAR EARLIER:

THE U-S BACKS ISRAEL.

"We are fully supportive of Israel's right to defend itself from missiles landing on people's homes and workplaces and potentially killing civilians."

ISRAELI GROUND FORCES ARE MASSING FOR A POSSIBLE INVASION OF GAZA THAT COULD DESTROY MISSILES BUT DAMAGE THE PEACE PROCESS.

GOVERNOR SCOTT RESPONSE-SSTOPS

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT RELEASED HIS RESPONSE TO THE TURMOIL IN THE MIDDLE EAST.

HE STATES: "LIKE ALL DEMOCRACIES, ISRAEL HAS THE RIGHT TO ACT IN SELF-DEFENSE TO END TERRORIST ATTACKS.

BIG BOARD-SAT-LIVE-TOPS

TOSS TO LAUREN-trx, votops, dbx

PROPOSED CHANGES ON FORT MYERS BEACH COULD KEEP ARTISTS FROM PERFORMING ON THE STREET DURING BUSY WEEKND NIGHTS.

TOWN COUNCIL CONSIDERS THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE TONIGHT.

NBC2'S LAUREN DISPIRITO IS LIVE ON FORT MYERS BEACH -- WITH WHAT SOME OF THOSE PERFORMERS HAD TO SAY.

FMB STREET PERFORMERS-CELL-REM

FMB STREET PERFORMERS-VO

LIKE THE SKELETON PIRATE, an act MIKE QUINN'S PERFORMED HERE FOR YEARS-- STARTLING TOURISTS ALL IN GOOD FUN.

BUT THE PROPOSAL COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER TONIGHT WOULD LIMIT HIS ABILITY TO MAKE A LIVING, HE SAYS.

A NEW SET OF RULES WOULD KEEP PERFORMERS OUT OF TIMES SQUARE FROM 4 TO 9 ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS -- BECAUSE A GROUP OF BUSINESS OWNERS ARE ALREADY ALLOWED TO HOST BANDS HERE DURING THAT TIME.

FMB STREET PERFORMERS-SOT

take sot

super= TONY BUTTON, street performer

runs=18

FMB STREET PERFORMERS-CELL-REM

THE PROPOSED RULES WOULD ALSO INCLUDE REQUIRING BACKGROUND CHECKS-- AND SPACING APART ACTS--SO THEY DON'T INTERFERE WITH EACHOTHER.

COUNCIL MEETS AT 6-30 TONIGHT, AND WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ISSUE, BEFORE VOTING.

TEASE ONE-2SHOT

STILL TO COME, STRENGHTHENING LEE COUNTY TEACHERS TO IMPROVE OUR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION.

THE PROGRAM THAT'S TURNING EDUCATORS INTO STUDENT'S.

AND - FAMILIES MOURN THEIR LOSS AFTER A DEADLY CRASH BETWEEN A TRAIN AND SEMI-TRAILER.

A) lee county teacher mentor-vo

B) tx crash timeline-vo

C) WEATHER TEASE-STC

stacey-VO

NEW SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS IS ABOUT TO START IN LEE COUNTY.

32 SCHOOLS WILL GET A MENTOR TO HELP NEW TEACHERS ADJUST.

THOSE SCHOOLS WILL ALSO GET A TEACHER LEADER.

THAT'S SOMEONE WHO COACHES THE WHOLE SCHOOL STAFF.

IT'S ALL PAID FOR WITH A SPECIAL 17 MILLION DOLLAR GRANT.

TOMORROW - THE BOARD WILL VOTE ON THE ROLES OF EACH JOB.

FIRST ALERT FORECAST-CLIP

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.

GREAT WEATHER CONTINUES

TRAFFIC-trxTFC FDOT

TRAFFIC BILLBOARD-CLIP

TEASE TWO-ONCAM

RIGHT NOW - INVESTIGATORS ARE WORKING TO BREAK DOWN THE TIMELINE OF THE EVENTS - THAT LED UP TO A DEADLY CRASH BETWEEN A TRAIN AND A FLAT-BED TRUCK CARRYING TEXAS VETERANS.

A) tx crash timeline-vo

b) transgender inmate fight-ss

HOSTESS BANKRUPTCY COURT-VO

A CHANCE TO SAVE A NATIONAL SNACK ICON.

TODAY LAWYERS FOR HOSTESS ARE IN A NEW YORK BANKRUPTCY COURT.

ATTORNEYS ARE ASKING FOR PERMISSION TO SELL OF PARTS OF THE COMPANY AND OFFICIALLY GO OUT OF BUSINESS.

THE MAKER OF TWINKIES AND WONDER BREAD IS UNABLE TO SHAKE-OFF DEBT, MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND LABOR COSTS.

TX CRASH TIMELINE-OC

NEW DETAILS ON LAST WEEK'S DEADLY ACCIDENT INVOLVING A TRAIN AND A PARADE FLOAT IN TEXAS.

DID THE DRIVER PULLING THAT FLOAT. IGNORE THE CROSSING LIGHTS?

TX CRASH TIMELINE-PKG

Investigators say the flatbed truck carrying the veterans started crossing the railroad tracks -- even though warning bells and lights were sounding and flashing.

With information from the train's black box and video from the train and a sheriff's escort car, the N-T-S-B pieced together a timeline.

20 seconds before impact: Bells and lights activate at the crossing as the first of two tractor trailers safely crosses the tracks.

13 seconds before: the crossing gates start to come down

12 seconds before the crash: The second tractor trailer starts across the tracks

9 seconds before: The engineer sounds the train's horn

and just 5 seconds before impact: The engineer slams on the emergency brake but it was too late, and the train slams into the trailer.

First responders say by the time they arrived, the veterans themselves were already helping each other.

SOT:

"FOR MANY OF THEM THEIR TRAINING KICKED IN THEY JUMPED OFF THAT TRAILER, THEY WERE ABLE TO TIE TOURNIQUETS AND STOP BLEEDING VESSELS, I COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT THEIR HELP."

Among them, Tommy Showmaker -- a special operations soldier from Monroe, Louisiana. He was on the first float but raced back to help. His wife said "they were trained for tragedy."

Shane Ladner was wounded twice in Iraq. He and his wife May are seen in this video arriving in Midland. Both injured, doctor's had to amputate one of May's legs.

A Facebook page has been set up asking for prayers for the couple.

Doctor Steven Rea, a veteran himself, was in charge of the emergency room as the injured came in. He said even though he's trained to put his emotions aside it was tough.

SOT:

TX CRASH TIMELINE-OC

JANET SHAMLIAN REPORTING.

TEASE THREE

A SENSELESS CRIME IS SPREADING ACROSS THE NORTHERN GULF COAST.

WILDLIFE OFFICIALS SAY SOMEONE IS KILLING AND MAIMING INNOCENT DOLPHINS.

A) dolphin killer-vo

DOLPHIN KILLER-OC

NOW TO THE SICKENING MYSTERY ON THE GULF COAST - WHERE SOMEONE IS KILLING

AND MAIMING DOLPHINS, IN CRUEL, UNSPEAKABLE WAYS. JOHN SCHRIFFEN IS IN

DOLPHIN KILLER-PKG

THIS MORNING INVESTIGATORS ALONG THE GULF COAST ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHO

IS VICIOUSLY MUTILATING AND KILLING DOLPHINS. AFTER A STRING OF

DISTURBING ATTACKS HERE.

21:17:55

MS: animals with bullets in them we have seen animals with their tails cut

off we've seen animals with their jaws cut off so its really heartbreaking

to see such senseless violence.

MOBY SOLANGI, ONE OF THE LEAD INVESTIGATORS, SAYS OVER THE PAST TWO WEEKS

AUTHORITIES HAVE FOUND FOUR DOLPHINS / EITHER FLOATING IN THE WATER OR

WASHED UP ON BEACHES FROM LOUISIANA TO ALABAMA.INCLUDING ONE FOUND THURSDAY

ON MISSISSIPPI'S SHIP ISLAND

21:21:24 JS: what kind of person would do this?

MS: no normal person would kill senselessly and then mutilate this kind of

something you hear in horror stories

THE ANIMALS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT HERE TO THE INSTITUTE FOR MARINE MAMAL STUDIES

IN GULF PORT, MISSISSIPPI. INVESTIGATORS HOPE AUTOPSIES WILL DETERMINE NOT

JUST HOW THE DOLPHINS DIED, AND WHETHER THEY WERE TORTURED FIRST.

NATS kiss from dolphin

WHAT MAKES THIS EVEN MORE INCOMPREHENSIBLE TO SCIENTISTSIS THAT DOLPHINS

POSE NO THREAT TO US

SOT they love to be rubbed on this is the nice little belly rub for him

DOLPHINS ARE HIGHLY INTELLIGENT -- SECOND ONLY TO PEOPLE BUT THEY ARE ALSO A

VERY ACCEPTING SPECIES

STAND UP 19:48:11 JS: they just love human interaction

AND THAT HAS EXPERTS HERE CONCERNED. THEY ARE AFRAID WHOEVER IS RESPONSIBLE

FOR THESE ATTACKS IS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THOSE FRIENDLY INSTINCTS.

Moby Solangi / president and director INSTITUTE FOR MARINE MAMAL

21:19:33

MS: they are very curios animals and when they come close to boats you have

DOLPHIN KILLER-OC

JOHN SCHRIFFEN REPORTING.

TEASE FOUR-2SHOT

IN COLLIER COUNTY, A COMMUNITY SPEAKS OUT FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR CHILDREN.

A TEMPORARY BRIDGE IS BEING BUILT WHILE CREWS DESTROY ANOTHER.

FIRST AT FOUR - NEIGHBORS COME TOGETHER IN THE FACE OF A COUNTY PROJECT.

PLUS - TRACKING YOUR TAX DOLLARS.

A) gge bridge controversy-vo

B) fire district savings-vo

SHOW OPEN-CLIP

TOSS TO RICK-2 SHOT, ANIMAP, OBX

A BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN GOLDEN GATE ESTATES HAS A COMMUNITY ON EDGE.

A CREW WILL DEMOLISH THE WHITE BOULEVARD BRIDGE AND IT WILL BE A YEAR BEFORE A NEW ONE IS IN PLACE.

NOW PEOPLE SAY THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD IS A DANGER ZONE FOR THEIR CHILDREN.

NBC'S RICK RITTER IS LIVE WHERE CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN ON A TEMPORARY BRIDGE.

GGE BRIDGE CONTROVERSY-REM-LIVE

GGE BRIDGE CONTROVERSY-PKG

IT'S ALL PART OF THE COUNTY'S 1.9 MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT--THAT WILL DEMOLISH AND REBUILD ONE OF THE ESTATES BUSIEST ROUTES OF TRANSPORTATION--THE WHITE BOULEVARD BRIDGE.

CONSTRUCTION HAS THE COUNTY BUILDING A TEMPORARY BRIDGE FIRST--CONNECTING TWO DEAD ENDS OVER A CANAL.

THE TEMPORARY BRIDGE WILL BECOME A HEAVILY TRAVELED AREA FOR PEOPLE TO USE AS A DETOUR ONCE WORK ON THE WHITE BOULEVARD BRIDGE BEGINS.

RESIDENTS AREN'T THRILLED ABOUT THEIR STREET GOING FROM A DEAD END TO THE EXACT OPPOSITE--PUTTING THEIR CHILDREN'S LIVES AT RISK.

SOT

DURATION = 0:10

Angie Meister/Gold Gate Estates Resident "Our major concern is the safety of our kids, they're going to be differing about 6,000 people through here while they redo the bridge."

GGE BRIDGE CONTROVERSY-REM-LIVE

FIRE DISTRICT SAVINGS-OC

TRACKING YOUR TAX DOLLARS TONIGHT--

A LOCAL FIRE DISTRICT IS ADAPTING TO BUDGET CUTS--

AND THEY'RE SWITCHING OUT THE LIGHTS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

AS NBC2S GABY FLEISCHMAN EXPLAINS--

FIRE DISTRICT SAVINGS-PKG

EMERGENCY SIREN

FROM THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS--

TO THE KITCHEN LIGHTS--

EVERYTHING AT THE GOLDEN GATE FIRE DISTRCIT IS NOW ENERGY EFFICIENT.

"Were trying to save the taxpayer dollars."

FACING A SHRINKING BUDGET AND RISING ELECTRIC COSTS--

"They were spending about $10-thousand dollars a month."

GOLDEN GATE FIRE DECIDED TO TEAM UP WITH 'GREEN SECURE ENERGY SOLUTIONS' TO CUT THEIR BILL.

"We took their existing lighting system and we converted it into LED lighting."

BULBS THAT USE LESS ENERGY AND LAST LONGER.

"It all adds up."

"In total, more than 2-thousand light bulbs were switched out-- that will save the district an estimated $4-thousand dollars on their electric bill."

"$4,000 a month is huge, $4,000 a month eventually we can put towards our trucks, we can always use additional firefighters at any time."

THE POWER PROJECT COST THE DISTRICT $120-THOUSAND DOLLARS--

BUT THEY SAY IT WILL PAY FOR ITSELF THROUGH SAVINGS WITHIN 3 YEARS.

AND THE EXTRA MONEY AFTER THAT, WILL HELP PAY FOR ANYTHING FROM SALARIES TO NEW EQUIPMENT.

NYC TUNNEL~ GAS RATIONING-TRX, VO

TRAFFIC IS FLOWING A LITTLE SMOOTHER IN NEW YORK TODAY, AS DRIVERS IN THE AREA CONTINUE TO DEAL WITH GAS SHORTAGES.

BOTH TUBES OF THE HUGH L. CAREY TUNNEL IN BROOKLYN, CLOSED IN THE AFTERMATH OF SUPERSTORM SANDY, ARE NOW OPEN.

THOUGH TRUCKS ARE STILL NOT ALLOWED TO TRAVEL THROUGH THE TUNNEL.

GAS RATIONING IN THE STATE WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY.

MAYOR BLOOMBERG SAYS 30-PERCENT OF STATIONS ARE STILL CLOSED.

THANKSGIVING TRAVEL-ANIBOX, OC

YOU WON'T BE ALONE THIS WEEK IF YOU'RE TRAVELING FOR THANKSGIVING.

LISTEN TO THIS - TRIPLE A EXPECTS MORE THAN 43 MILLION PEOPLE PLAN TO BE ON THE ROADS OR IN THE AIR OVER THE HOLIDAY.

AND MANY ARE ALREADY ON THEIR WAY.

a turkey day food-vo

b airport travel-vo

c traffic cars-vo

THANKSGIVING TRAVEL-PKG

WHETHER THEY'RE FILLING UP.

OR FLYING OUT.

MORE THAN 43-MILLION PEOPLE WILL TAKE A HOLIDAY TRIP THIS WEEK.

TRAVELING DIFFERENT PLACES - BUT OFTEN. FOR THE SAME REASONS.

"The top activities, as usual, will be spending time with family and friends, dining and shopping."

THOUGH SOME MAY NOT HAVE AS MUCH TO SPEND.

"Gas prices are high, as we know."

SO IS THE COST OF AN AIRLINE TICKET.

"We are seeing an increase in airfare prices.

STILL, MORE PEOPLE WILL MAKE A TRIP THIS THANKSGIVING THAN DID LAST YEAR. FOR MANY BONDING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE BOTTOM LINE.

when it comes to making choices. Carving Turkey with family and friends still trumps pinching pennies,

THAT MEANS CROWDS. AND IN SOME CASES CHAOS THAT COULD TEST TRAVELER'S PATIENCE.

EXPERTS SAY BE READY FOR TRAFFIC AND CONSTRUCTION ON THE ROADS. DELAYS AND CANCELATIONS AT THE AIRPORT.

"Pack anything that you would need for 24 hours in your carry on bag. Have with you your chargers for your phones and your tablets, any medications you need, things that you would need for your kids in that 24 hour period. It's just better to be prepared.

PLANNING THAT COULD MAKE THE TRIP. TRAFFIC AND CROWDS A LITTLE EASIER TO BEAR.

AND THE TURKEY TASTE A LITTLE SWEETER ONCE YOUR THERE.

TURKEY COOKING SAFETY-VO

IF YOU PLAN ON FRYING THE BIRD FOR YOUR HOLIDAY FEAST MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW TOP SAFETY TIPS.

THE CHARLOTTE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT DEMONSTRATED WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DROP A PARTIALLY FROZEN TURKEY IN HOT OIL.

THE MIXTURE OF WATER AND OIL CREATES HIGH FLAMES, WHICH CAN SPILL MORE OIL AND CAUSE A BIGGER FIRE.

MAKE SURE YOUR TURKEY IS COMPLETELY THAWED AND DRY.

TURKEY COOKING SAFETY-SOTVO

Larry Lippel, Battalion Chief

"That grease doesn't have to be on fire but when it hits you it definitely is going to burn its 350-400 degrees and that oil, when it hits your skin it's going to hurt and cause serious burns if it doesn't catch your clothes on fire."

IF A FIRE GETS OUT OF HAND, DON'T USE A GARDEN HOSE.

SHOPPING STATS-VO

THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION IS OUT WITH A PRELIMINARY SURVEY OF EXPECTED BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPERS.

IT PREDICTS UP TO 147-MILLION AMERICANS WILL SHOP OVER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND, BOTH ONLINE AND IN STORES.

AND RETAILERS ARE GEARING UP EARLIER THAN EVER, FOR THE SHOPPING RUSH.

OCTOBER HOME SALES-VO

POSITIVE NEWS COMING FROM THE NATION'S HOUSING INDUSTRY.

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS SAYS EXISTING HOME SALES CLIMBED JUST OVER 2-PERCENT IN OCTOBER.

EXPERTS SAY THE INCREASE IS A SIGN THAT SLOW IMPROVEMENTS IN THE COUNTRY'S LABOR MARKET ARE HELPING THE HOUSING SECTOR RECOVERY GAIN TRACTION.

NAPLES TRAFFIC ALERT-TRX, ANIMAP

AN NBC2 TRAFFIC ALERT.

DRIVERS IN THE NAPLES AREA CAN EXPECT SOME ROAD CLOSURES AS THE ANNUAL THIRD STREET SOUTH CHRISTMAS WALK GETS UNDERWAY THIS AFTERNOON.

STARTING AT 3, THIRD STREET SOUTH WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 11TH AVENUE SOUTH AND 14TH AVENUE SOUTH.

HEALTH CLIP-CLIP

FRIDGE DIET-OC

WHEN HUNGER STRIKES, WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU REACH FOR?

RESEARCH SHOWS THE WAY YOU STORE YOUR GROCERIES COULD AFFECT WHAT AND HOW MUCH YOU EAT!

FRIDGE DIET-PKG

22 TIMES A DAY.

FRIDGE DIET-OC

ONE LAST TIP GIVES WEIGHT TO "OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND".

PUT SWEETS IN OPAQUE CONTAINERS.

HEALTH MATTERS-ONCAM

WE'VE ALL HEARD OF TENNIS ELBOW.THAT'S REALLY A CASE OF BURSITIS IN THE ELBOW JOINT.

THE SAME CONDITION IS PRETTY COMMON IN THE HIP JOINT. CALLED HIP BURSITIS, IT IS PAINFUL- BUT TREATABLE.

HEALTH MATTERS-PKG

IT STRUCK NANCY CASEY WITHOUT WARNING.

NANCY CASEY/HIP BURSITIS PATIENT

RUNS:

:39 I was like 'oh wow my back hurts on the right side' and the next morning when I got up I could hardly move.

THE CRIPPLING PAIN WAS ACTUALLY HIP BURSITIS. ONE OF THE MOST COMMON FORMS OF HIP PAIN, IT FLARES UP WHEN THE LUBRICATING SAC IN YOUR HIP JOINT BECOMES INFLAMED.

DR. CHRISTOPHER DAWSON/PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION

RUNS:

3:47 I'll ask them to point to where the pain is located and the patient will point with one finger to one side of the hip and they'll be exquisitely tender over this area.

AMY OSHIER/REPORTING

RUNS:

So what's behind hip bursitis? Several things put you at risk. Including overuse, an injury, prior surgery, bone spurs, spine disease, rheumatoid arthritis. In Nancy's case, it stemmed from her legs.

DR. CHRISTOPHER DAWSON/PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION

RUNS:

8:28 Biomechanics play a huge role in pathology in the back and in the hips and that's why I assess gate and the foot structure as well as leg length on physical exam.

NANCY DIDN'T KNOW IT, BUT ONE LEG WAS LONGER THAN THE OTHER. AND IT THREW HER BODY MECHANICS OFF. AFTER REVIEWING HER OPTIONS, SHE DECIDED TO GIVE INJECTION THERAPY A SHOT.

DR. CHRISTOPHER DAWSON/PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION

RUNS:

6:02 The procedure involves a patient laying on their contralateral hip.We establish a sterile field I then anesthetize the soft tissue and advance a spinal needle under ultrasound guidance or fluoroscopic guidance, and then go ahead and either inject dye if I'm using fluoroscopy or go ahead and inject if I'm utilizing ultrasound.

AS QUICKLY AS IT APPEARED, THE PAIN WAS GONE.

NANCY CASEY/HIP BURSITIS PATIENT

RUNS:

2:01 He did the injection and in no time at all I was able to lift my leg. I could get in the car and do everything I'm doing. I mean it's like a miracle.

TEASE FIVE-ONCAM

A LAST DITCH EFFORT TO SAVE TWINKIES PLAYS OUT IN COURT TODAY.

STILL TO COME - FIRST AT FOUR- WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO KEEP THOSE CREAM-FILLED SNACKS ON STORE SHELVES.

PLUS -

Its just.its just not them. Its just.not.them.

TWO HONOR STUDENTS FACE BANK ROBBERY CHARGES THIS AFTERNOON, AFTER POLICE SAY THEY HAD A BAD INFLUENCE -- THEIR OWN FATHER.

A) hostess bankruptcy court-vo

B) or family bank robbers-sotvo

C) WEATHER TEASE-STC

FIRST ALERT FORECAST-CLIP

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.

GREAT WEATHER CONTINUES

TRAFFIC-trxTFC FDOT

TRAFFIC BILLBOARD-CLIP

OR FAMILY BANK ROBBERS-OC

A TEXAS DAD IS ACCUSED OF RECRUITING HIS TWO KIDS INTO THE FAMILY BUSINESS

-- BANK ROBBERY.

FATHER AND SON HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH HOLDING UP A STRING

OF BANKS -- THE DAUGHTER DROVE THE GETAWAY CAR -- AND RYAN OWENS HAS

OR FAMILY BANK ROBBERS-PKG

These mug shots may not look like the usual family portrait. BUT UNTIL THEY

WERE ARRESTED friends say Scott Catt, his 20 year old son Hayden and 18

year old daughter Abby seemed shockingly normal.

JERICHO KIZER, ROOMMATE: some of the greatest people ive ever met

LINDA NICHOLSON, FAMILY FRIEND: Its just.its just not them. Its just.not.

them.

Police say that's dad in a mask and son in a fake moustache--- robbing a

bank near Houston-while HIS daughter waits outside in the getaway car.

Detectives believe the trio has pulled off as many as seven bank heists in

two states.

JERICHO KIZER, ROOMMATE: " ITS kind of surreali didnt want to

believe it."

Abby's roommate visited her in jail this weekend.

JERICHO KIZER, ROOMMATE:

"If it were anybody else asking her to do that she would never. I think out

of loyalty she felt like she had to."

Abby and her brother grew up near Portland, Oregon. Both were honor

students-members of the swim team. Friends say their father worked hard

to support his kids after their mother died.

JERICHO KIZER, ROOMMATE: Scott was a great dad always, he always went to all

of her swim meets, all of her games.

And he was ALLEGEDLY there in the banks. Police say that's dad in a big

cowboy hat, Dad and son dressed as painters.

LINDA NICHOLSON, FAMILY FRIEND: They were brainwashed to do what theyre dad

needed and I guess he needed to rob a bank.

The family recently moved to Texas--leaving behind this still-vacant house

and a bankruptcy. They've only been charged in Texas and haven't entered

pleas/./ police NOW suspect the trio hit five banks before they ever left

Oregon.

JERICHO KIZER, ROOMMATE: I still love all of them to death but im mad that

he would get his kids involved..

APPARENTLY It's their creative costumes that finally put the family business

OUT of business. Detectives SAY THEY caught them on surveillance tape

OR FAMILY BANK ROBBERS-OC

RYAN OWENS REPORTING.

INMATE FIGHTS FOR TREATMENT-SS

AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT FIGHT IS MAKING WAVES IN A MASSACHUSETTS COURTROOM.

A TRANSGENDER INMATE, A CONVICTED WIFE-KILLER, IS FIGHTING FOR TREATMENTS TO FINISH A GENDER REASSIGNMENT SURGERY.

LAWYERS FOR MICHELLE KOSILEK - WHO WAS BORN ROBERT - SAY SHE IS ENTITLED TO GO THROUGH HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS AS PART OF HER TRANSFORMATION INTO A WOMAN.

UP UNTIL 2008, KOSILEK HAD SEVERAL TREATMENTS TO REMOVE FACIAL AND CHEST HAIR.

SLIMMER SIMPSON-SS

JESSICA SIMPSON FLAUNTED HER NEW BODY IN TAMPA OVER THE WEEKEND.

THE NEW MOM HAS SHED 60 POUNDS AFTER GIVING BIRTH IN MAY.

THE STAR STEPPED OUT IN TAMPA AT THE DILLARD'S AT INTERNATIONAL PLAZA TO SUPPORT HER COLLECTION.

LAST WEEK, SIMPSON TWEETED THAT SHE HAD JUST FINISHED SHOOTING HER NEW WEIGHT WATCHERS COMMERCIAL.

BIEBER AMAs-VO

LAST NIGHT MARKED THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS.

JUSTIN BIEBER DOMINATED THE NIGHT, WINNING ALL THREE CATEGORIES HE WAS NOMINATED FOR.

HE WENT HOME WITH THE TOP HONOR OF ARTIST OF THE YEAR.

A BIG TALKER TODAY WAS THE JOINT PERFORMANCE BETWEEN M-C HAMMER AND NEW-COMER PSY.

TEASE SIX-2SHOT

PLENTY OF JOKES HAVE BEEN CRACKED ABOUT THE LONGEVITY OF TWINKIES SINCE HOSTESS ANNOUNCED IT WAS CLOSING IT'S DOORS.

BUT TODAY, A JUDGE PROVES THAT TWINKIES WON'T DIE THAT EASILY AFTER ALL.

A) hostess bankruptcy-vo

FOUR AT FOUR-CGTOPS

1. Lightning strike suit alleges misconduct, negligence

2. Local firefighters give safe turkey frying tips

3. Toddler fatally shot, investigation underway

HOSTESS BANKRUPTCY COURT-TFC

COULD IT BE -- TWINKIES *WON'T GO AWAY?

HOSTESS AND ONE OF ITS MAJOR UNIONS AGREED TODAY TO A MEDIATION SESSION -- A LAST-DITCH EFFORT TO AVOID BANKRUPTCY.

BASED ON THE REACTION OF PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY -- THAT'S WELCOME NEWS.

HOSTESS BANKRUPTCY COURT-PKG

AFTER FORCEFULLY DECLARING FRIDAY.THAT THIS IS IT FOR TWINKIES. HOSTESS BRANDS REVERSED ITSELF.AND HAS AGREED TO FEDERAL MEDIATION STARTING TUESDAY.

THE DECISION CAME MONDAY AFTERNOON JUST AS HOSTESS WENT TO BANKRUPTCY COURT TO CHANGE ITS FILING FROM CHAPTER 11.TO CHAPTER 7 LIQUIDATION.

SO, FOR ALL THE FINGER-POINTING BETWEEN UNION AND MANAGEMENT OVER WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEMISE OF THE TWINKIE-MAKER, THEY'RE BACK TO THE BARGAINING TABLE.

.AFTER 18,500 UNION WORKERS AT 33 HOSTESS PLANTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY WERE SENT HOME WHEN HOSTESS SUSPENDED OPERATIONS FRIDAY.

.WORKERS LIKE CINDY PRATHER IN TULSA.

"It breaks my heart - it really does. my heart bleeds for all my brothers and sisters here.

.A SAD SITUATION FOR WORKERS. AND DISAPPOINTMENT FROM LOYAL CUSTOMERS.

"I was hoping i CAN get a twinkie - i LOVE twinkies - grew UP on Twinkies. so sad they are going out of business

"Bad timing. right before the holidays? That's when I lost my job. I know what they're gonna be going through."

EVEN IF AGREEMENT ISN'T REACHED THROUGH MEDIATION, TWINKIES, HO-HOS AND DING DONGS MAY WELL SURVIVE, THOUGH.

OTHER FOOD COMPANIES ARE ALREADY EXPRESSING INTERESTS TO BUY THE BRANDS FROM HOSTESS.

"It's likely that there is going to be interest in those strong iconic brands. And that Hostess' brands and portfolio - or ah - brand of products will continue to live on"

BUT FOR NOW, THE QUESTION REMAINS WHO THE FUTURE MAKER OF TWINKIES WILL BE.

GOODBYE-TFC

THAT WRAPS UP THE NEWS, FIRST AT FOUR.

HEADLINES-2SH

A FAMILY IN MOURNING --

HLA JESSE WATLINGTON-SOTVO

SOT: Charles Watlington, Jesse's Father "I can't go to the store, watch tv, sleep, I can't see anything without thinking of him and how needless this tragedy was."

HLB DUNN TRIAL-TRX-SOTTOPS-VO

judge:i'm going to ignore that request!

TWISTS AND TURNS --

COURT ROOM DRAMA PUTS AN ACCUSED KILLERS FUTURE ON HOLD.

HLC FMB STREET PERFORMERS-TRX-NATSTOPSVO

pirate scaring 3 young girls who attempt to touch him.

ART --

CAREER OR NUISANCE?

A NEW ORDINANCE COULD CHANGE THE WAY STREET PERFORMERS DO BUSINESS.

END TIME-CREDITS