HEADLINES-ANIBOXES

CHRISTMAS IS JUST TWO DAYS AWAY AND, THE ROADS, RAILS, AND SKY ARE GETTING BUSY AS TRAVELERS ARE HEADING OUT FOR THE HOLIDAYS, WE'LL LET YOU KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU'RE LEAVING TOWN,

PLUS, A SCARY SITUTATION FOR THREE COLLIER COUNTY VICTIMS AS THEY'RE TIED UP AND HELD AT GUNPOINT, THE MEN WHO HELD THEM STILL ON THE LOOSE,

HEADLINE 1 SALVATION ARMY GIFTS-LIVE

HEADLINE 1 HOLIDAY TRAVEL-VIDBOX

HEADLINE 2 GOLDEN GATE INVASION-VIDBOX

HEADLINE 3 EDISON DORMS-VO

OPEN-CLIP

HELLO-2 SHOT

GOOD MORNING AND WELCOME TO NBC-2 NEWS TODAY.

I'M KELLY CRESWELL

AND I'M JOE ROETZ.

TODAY IS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23.

WE'LL HAVE A LOOK AT TODAY'S TOP STORIES IN JUST A MINUTE.

BUT FIRST THE CHILLY TEMPERATURES MADE THEIR WAY TO SOUTHWEST FLORIDA OVERNIGHT BUT THINGS SEEM TO BE WARMING UP.

WEATHER-WX CENTER

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.

Temperatures dropped as low as the mid to upper 30s for portions of Southwest Florida this Sunday morning, resulting in some patchy frost on some of the elevated, grassy surfaces.

As temperatures begin to warm after sunrise, the Freeze Warnings for Charlotte, Desoto, Hendry, Glades, and interior Collier County will expire at 9 a.m. along with the Frost Advisory for Lee County.

After starting with temperatures at the lowest point of the season, a four day warming trend will actually begin this afternoon. With lots of sunshine in place and only some thin clouds passing through, daytime highs should reach the upper 60s and lower 70s. You'll also notice winds will relax quite a bit today, so the wind chill won't be as much of a factor through the day.

Temperature won't be quite as cold tonight. Overnight lows will range from the mid to low 50s for the urban corridor to mid to upper 40s deep inland. Some thin, mid level clouds will keep streaming in, making for a partly cloudy sky.

As we head into Christmas Eve, the sunshine will be filtered a bit as more thin clouds flow in from the northwest. Even with the added cloud clover, temperatures will continue to get warmer with each passing day. By Monday, we'll warm into the upper 70s, and on Christmas Day, daytime highs should get up to 80°.

GOLDEN GATE HOME INVASION-VO OTS

AUTHORITIES ARE LOOKING FOR FOUR MEN THIS MORNING IN CONNECTION WITH A TERRIFYING ROBBERY IN GOLDEN GATE ESTATES.

THE MEN *TIED UP* A WOMAN, HER ROMMATE, AND A FRIEND AND HELD THEM AT GUN POINT IN THEIR OWN HOME SATURDAY AFTERNOON.

IT HAPPENED ALONG THE 11-HUNDRED BLOCK OF 11TH STREET SOUTHWEST.

MICHELLE FACCIOLLI SAYS SHE WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF WORKING ON HER LAWNMOWER AROUND 11 SATURDAY MORNING WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE A MAN DRAGGED HER THROUGH THE YARD, INTO HER HOUSE, PUT A GUN TO HER HEAD, AND THREATENED TO KILL HER.

COLLIER COUNTY DEPUTIES SAY THE CROOKS SMASHED THEIR THREE CELL PHONES AND RIPPED THE PHONE LINES FROM THE WALL.

THEY TOOK JEWERLY AND SOME CASH.

DEPUTIES TRIED SEARCHING FOR THEM BUT HAD NO LUCK FINDING THEM.

FACCIOLI SAYS THE MEN KEPT ASKING FOR DRUGS.

DEPUTIES HAVE NO DESCRIPTIONS OF WHAT THE MEN LOOK LIKE AT THIS POINT.

FM SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT-OTS CG

A WARNING FROM FORT MYERS POLICE THIS MORNING.

A WOMAN CLAIMS SHE WAS APPROACHED BY A MAN IN THE 36-HUNDRED BLOCK OF PALM BEACH BOULEVARD AROUND 2:30 FRIDAY MORNING.

HE APPEARED TO HAVE A WEAPON UNDER HIS SHIRT.

THE MAN FOLLOWED HER, THEN GOT INTO A VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN BY ANOTHER PERSON.

THE WOMAN WAS ABLE TO GET AWAY AND WASN'T HARMED.

THE MAN WAS WAS HISPANIC, 30 TO 40 YEARS OLD AND WAS WEARING A WHITE SHIRT AND BLACK SHORTS.

HE GOT INTO AN OLDER, GREEN TWO-DOOR PICKUP TRUCK WITH THE WORD "FOREVER" ON THE REAR WINDOW.

EDISON DORMS-VO

NEWS OUT OF EDISON STATE COLLEGE THIS MORNING IS NOT SO GOOD FOR THEIR NEW DORMS.

OUR PARTNERS AT THE NAPLES DAILY NEWS ARE REPORTING THAT OCCUPANCY AT LIGHTHOUSE COMMONS HAS DROPPED TO 65 PERCENT AS OF THE CLOSE OF THE FALL SEMESTER.

THE 26 POINT THREE MILLION DOLLAR FACILITY WAS 80 PERCENT FULL WHEN IT OPENED FOR THE FALL SEMESTER JUST FOUR MONTHS AGO.

STUDENTS SAY TOUGH RULES AND THE HIGH COSTS ARE THE REASONS FOR THE DEPARTURES.

SOME SAY NOISE LEVELS AND ROWDINESS ARE ALSO CAUSING STUDENTS TO MOVE OUT.

SWFL ADDED FLIGHT-VO

HOLIDAY TRAFFIC IS PICKING UP AT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

THERE ARE MORE THAN 250 FLIGHTS A DAY RIGHT NOW, ONE OF THOSE IS A NEW NON-STOP SERVICE TO THE CAPITAL OF CANADA.

YESTERDAY MARKED THE FIRST DIRECT FLIGHT FROM OTTAWA TO R-S-W.

SWFL ADDED FLIGHT-SOT VO

Brad Dolan/Ottawa/29:04 "There's always a connection so its really nice to have something that can actually fly direct."

AIRPORT OFFICIALS SAY MORE TRAFFIC IS NOW COMING FROM CANADA.

SARASOTA ABUSE FOLO-SS

NEW CHARGES IN A SARASOTA CHILD ABUSE CASE, AN 11-YEAR-OLD'S STEP-MOTHER HAS NOW BEEN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH HER DEATH.

MISTY STODDARD FACES CHILD ABUSE CHARGES.

THE GIRL'S FATHER KENNETH STODDARD WAS ALREADY ARRESTED AND CHARGED THIS WEEK.

MELISSA, THE YOUNG GIRL, DIED EARLIER THIS MONTH.

ACCORDING TO THE SARASOTA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE MELISSA WAS REPEATEDLY STRAPPED DOWN TO A BOARD FOR HOURS.

THE PARENTS TOLD INVESTIGATORS THEY TIED UP THE GIRL FOR "BEHAVIORAL ISSUES."

CT FUNERALS-TRX ANIBOX

THREE MORE FUNERALS WERE HELD FOR VICTIMS IN THE SANDY HOOK SHOOTING.

SIX-YEAR-OLD ANA GRACE MARQUEZ-GREENE WAS REMEMBERED FOR HER LOVE OF MUSIC AT A FUNERAL IN BLOOMFIELD, CONNECTICUT YESTERDAY.

SIX-YEAR-OLD EMILIE PARKER, WAS ALSO LAID TO REST.

DOZENS OF PEOPLE GATHERED IN THE PARKERS' HOMETOWN OF OGDEN, UTAH FOR A CHURCH SERVICE BEFORE HEADING TO THE GRAVESITE.

MOURNERS WERE ENCOURAGED TO WEAR PINK IN HONOR OF EMILIE.

IT WAS HER FAVORITE COLOR.

AND LOVED ONES OF JOSEPHINE GAY CAME TOGETHER TO SAY GOODBYE.

a) Ana Grace Márquez Greene-VO

b) Emilie Parker-VO

c) Josephine Gay-VO

YALE GUN BUY BACK PROGRAM-VO OC

MEANWHILE, JUST DOWN THE ROAD IN NEW HAVEN POLICE HELD GUN BUY-BACK PROGRAMS ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON.

THEY TEAMED UP WITH THE YALE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL.

FIREARMS IN WORKING ORDER COULD BE EXCHANGED FOR A FIFTY DOLLAR GIFT CARD.

A TOTAL OF 64 GUNS WERE TURNED IN, INCLUDING FIVE ASSAULT STYLE RIFLES.

SANDY HOOK DONATIONS-VOTOPS

AND, DONATIONS TO THE VICTIMS' FAMILIES CONTINUE TO POUR IN THIS MORNING.

MORE THAN TWO-POINT-SIX-MILLION DOLLARS HAS BEEN DONATED TO NEWTOWN'S OFFICIAL MEMORIAL FUND THAT IS BEING HANDLED BY THE UNITED WAY.

INOUYE CEREMONY-VO

HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE GATHERED IN HONOLULU TO REMEMBER THE LATE SENATOR DANIEL INOUYE.

INOUYE, WHO REPRESENTED HAWAII IN THE U-S SENATE FOR NEARLY 50 YEARS, DIED LAST WEEK OF RESPIRATORY COMPLICATIONS.

THE SENATOR'S CASKET WAS ESCORTED INTO THE CENTER OF THE STATE CAPITOL'S COURTYARD SATURDAY NIGHT FOR AN HOUR LONG CEREMONY, WHERE INOUYE WAS PRAISED AS A HUMBLE LEADER.

AFTERWARDS THE CASKET WAS PLACED IN A LARGE TENT AS THE PUBLIC LINED UP TO PAY THEIR RESPECTS.

SALVATION ARMY GIFTS-2SHOT

IT'S CERTAINLY BEEN A COLD MORNING HERE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA---BUT THE TEMPERATURES AREN'T STOPPING ONE LOCAL ORGANIZATION FROM GIVING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

THE SALVATION ARMY IN NAPLES DONATES HUNDREDS OF GIFTS TO FAMILIES EACH YEAR--AND TODAY THEY'RE PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON WHAT'S BEEN A MEMORABLE HOLIDAY SEASON.

SALVATION ARMY GIFTS-REM LIVE

TEMPERATURES DIPPED TO 39 DEGREES THIS MORNING--THAT'S THE LOWEST IT'S BEEN SINCE LAST JANUARY.

BUT STILL, HERE AT THE SALVATION ARMY IN NAPLES, DOZENS OF FAMILIES WILL BE STANDING OUTSIDE IN THE COLD---PICKING UP HOLIDAY GIFTS THAT THEY PRE-REGISTERED FOR MONTHS BACK.

SALVATION ARMY GIFTS-VO

SALVATION ARMY GIFTS-SOT

SALVATION ARMY GIFTS-REM LIVE

THOSE FAMILIES THAT STILL NEED TO PICK UP THEIR GIFTS HAVE UNTIL 4:00 TODAY TO MAKE IT OUT HERE TO THE SALVATION ARMY IN NAPLES TEMPORARY TOY STORE, OFF OF TRADE CENTER WAY.

TOY GIVE AWAY-VO

VOLUNTEERS IN FORT MYERS WANT TO MAKE SURE NO CHILD WAKES UP ON CHRISTMAS MORNING WITHOUT A PRESENT TO UNWRAP.

A LOCAL RECORD LABEL AND CHURCH PASSED OUT 20-THOUSAND DOLLARS WORTH OF TOYS TO CHILDREN IN NEED YESTERDAY.

MANY OF THE PARENTS COLLECTING TOYS SAID THEIR CHILDREN WOULDN'T GET A PRESENT THIS YEAR IF IT WEREN'T FOR THE TOY GIVE-AWAY.

TOY GIVE AWAY-SOTVO

"seeing how happy the kids are and just knowing we're doing something great for the community by giving back, it's a feeling I can't explain."

LOAF OF BREAD RECORDS COLLECTED DONATIONS AND USED MONEY FROM C-D SALES TO PAY FOR THE GIVE-AWAY.

THINGS 2 DO TODAY-2 SHOT CGS

IF YOU'RE TRYING TO ENTERTAIN GUESTS THIS WEEKEND, WE FOUND A COUPLE OF THINGS TO DO.

YOU CAN HEAD TO THE ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW AT EAGLE CREEK IN NAPLES FOR SOME LAST MINUTE GIFTS.

IT'S HAPPENING TODAY.

AND IT'S FREE TO GET IN.

YOU CAN COME SEE SANTA ON HIS LAST DAY OF VACATION BEFORE HE FLIES OUT ON CHRISTMAS EVE!

THAT'S MONDAY FROM 10 UNTIL 11:30 AM AT PORT SANIBEL MARINA IN FORT MYERS.

TEASE ONE-2 SHOT

COMING UP ON N-B-C 2 NEWS TODAY,

WHAT'S BEHIND A 'BRAIN ATTACK'?

BREAKING DOWN A STROKE IN TODAY'S HEALTH MATTERS.

TZ1 A HEALTH MATTERS-VO WIPE

TZ1 B SPORTS-VO

HEALTHBEAT-PLASMA

FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, GULF COAST MEDICAL CENTER EARNED NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR ITS STROKE PROGRAM.

IT INCLUDES AGGRESSIVE USE OF CLOT BUSTERS, PREVENTATIVE TREATMENTS, CHOLESTEROL REDUCING DRUGS AND SMOKING CESSATION.

ALL AIMED AT REDUCING DEATH AND DISABILITY.

HEALTHBEAT-PKG

PKG:

YOU MAY HEAR STROKE REFERRED TO AS A BRAIN ATTACK. THE TERM IS USED TO BRING ATTENTION, IN THE SAME WAY HEART ATTACK DESCRIBES A CARDIAC EVENT, IN-PROGRESS.

DR. NIMA MOWZOON/NEUROLOGIST

RUNS:

INTV 1

1:58 So a stroke is when there is a sudden occlusion or clotting up of an artery in the brain, and when that suddenly happens, the part of the brain that receives blood supply from the artery then gets damaged. And that damage is stroke.

THE MOST COMMON FORM IS A DRY OR ISCHEMIC STROKE. THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE BLOOD SUPPLY GOING TO THE BRAIN GETS BLOCKED.

DR. NIMA MOWZOON/NEUROLOGIST

RUNS:

INTV 1

1:58 Just like the carotid arteries in the heart, the blood vessels in the brain can have atherosclerosis which starts off from cholesterol plaque. Cholesterol plaque is not regular and that irregular surface will then lead itself to making blood clots And that sudden information of that blood clot in that carotid artery can start a stroke.

BLOOD CLOTS CAN ALSO TRAVEL FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE AND CAUSE A STROKE. OTHER TIMES, PEOPLE MAY SUFFER WHAT'S CALLED A MINI-STROKE OR TIA.

DR. NIMA MOWZOON/NEUROLOGIST

RUNS:

INTV 1

3:34 If that blood clot breaks up and dissipates, the artery will open up, and the blood supply comes back. So the symptoms go away. That's called at TIA or a Trans Ischemic Attack.

AMY OSHIER/REPORTING

RUNS:

Many times people don't get a warning and instead suffer an acute, or sudden stroke. Getting help immediately in the form of clot busting drugs, may prevent permanent damage.

DR. NIMA MOWZOON/NEUROLOGIST

RUNS:

INTV 3

1:15 Their window of time is three hours, and for some people four and a half hours, but we know that the sooner we get that medicine the better the results were going to have.

FORECAST OPEN-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.

Temperatures dropped as low as the mid to upper 30s for portions of Southwest Florida this Sunday morning, resulting in some patchy frost on some of the elevated, grassy surfaces.

As temperatures begin to warm after sunrise, the Freeze Warnings for Charlotte, Desoto, Hendry, Glades, and interior Collier County will expire at 9 a.m. along with the Frost Advisory for Lee County.

After starting with temperatures at the lowest point of the season, a four day warming trend will actually begin this afternoon. With lots of sunshine in place and only some thin clouds passing through, daytime highs should reach the upper 60s and lower 70s. You'll also notice winds will relax quite a bit today, so the wind chill won't be as much of a factor through the day.

Temperature won't be quite as cold tonight. Overnight lows will range from the mid to low 50s for the urban corridor to mid to upper 40s deep inland. Some thin, mid level clouds will keep streaming in, making for a partly cloudy sky.

As we head into Christmas Eve, the sunshine will be filtered a bit as more thin clouds flow in from the northwest. Even with the added cloud clover, temperatures will continue to get warmer with each passing day. By Monday, we'll warm into the upper 70s, and on Christmas Day, daytime highs should get up to 80°.

SPORTS-PKG

TEASE TWO-2 SHOT

WE HAVE PLENTY OF NEWS STILL AHEAD ON N-B-C 2 NEWS TODAY,

AND UP NEXT, ONE RECENT INCIDENT IN LEHIGH ACRES HAS POLICE CONCERNED THAT CRIMINALS ARE BECOMING EVEN MORE RECKLESS, WE'LL EXPLAIN IN CRIMESTOPPERS.

TZ2 A CRIME STOPPERS-VO

CRIME STOPPERS-PLASMA

2012 HAS BEEN A YEAR FILLED WITH VIOLENT CRIMES, AND INNOCENT PEOPLE HAVE FALLEN VICTIM.

CRIME STOPPERS-PKG

Det. Jason Parks - "I want to make sure that we don't have to bury a child because of some of this senseless violence."

In a year that's been plagued with murders, shootings and turf wars, detectives continue their quest to put gun-toting thugs behind bars. And now the violence has escalated - with young children getting caught in the mix.

On October 13th, a residence on Homer Avenue in Lehigh was sprayed with bullets, likely targeting a guest who was visiting the home.

Det. Parks - "The biggest issue I have with everything that was done here is that whomever was shooting into the house didn't understand that they put several peoples lives in jeopardy - including a four month old baby who narrowly got missed."

Trish Routte: Detectives believe the shooter knew there were other people in the house, but simply didn't care. It's that basic lack of human decency that's becoming more prevalent, and putting more innocent lives at risk.

Det. Parks - "It's scary, not only because you have a house full of children at the target house, but in several other homes surrounding that house there were between 12 and 15 children."

The suspected target of the Lehigh drive-by was a young man whose brother was murdered just over a year ago, as the two walked down a Fort Myers street. And now, the target's infant child almost fell victim to this extreme act of violence.

Det. Parks - "The baby's mom that lives at this house moved out there to get away from some of the nonsense that was going on in the city."

Yet, still, it followed her and her child's father there. And investigators say there are no indicators that the violence is coming to an end - at least not without the community's help.

Det. Parks - "They've made it very clear from some of the chatter we've seen going back and forth that it's not even close to being over."

And while there are persons of interest in this case, no concrete witnesses have yet to come forth.

Det. Parks - "There was a four month old kid that almost got hit in this. Maybe that'll tug at someone heartstrings and they'll have a human moment and will step forward and say something."

And all it takes is one anonymous phone call.

Det. Parks - "Someone from the community has got to step up and not be afraid of some of these thugs and say we want to do the right thing and keep our kids alive."

CRIME STOPPERS-OTS

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON THE LEHIGH DRIVE-BY, OR ANY VIOLENT CRIME, IS ASKED TO CALL CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-800-780-TIPS.

ALL CALLERS WILL REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD OF UP TO ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS.

VIDEO GAMES-2SHOT

THE SHOOTINGS AT SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HAVE RE-IGNITED THE DEBATE ABOUT GUNS AND VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES.

NOW THE FOUNDER OF A VIDEO GAME WEBSITE HAS CALLED FOR A "CEASEFIRE" ON "SHOOTER" GAMES OUT OF RESPECT FOR THE VICTIMS IN NEWTOWN.

BUT HE ALSO SAYS VIDEO GAMES DON'T CAUSE VIOLENCE.

VIDEO GAMES-PKG

SCRIPT:

THOMAS PANTIG AND STEPHEN LLOYD ARE TYPICAL OF MANY IN THEIR GENERATION-GOOD

JOBS BY DAY--OBSESSED WITH A VIOLENT SO CALLED "FIRST PERSON SHOOTER"

CALLED CALL OF DUTY WHEN THEY GET HOME.

BUT IS THIS JUST GOOD FUN-OR IS AN ENTIRE GENERATION BEING TRAINED AND

DESENSITIZED TO THE ACT OF SHOOTING PEOPLE?

NATS

DR. CHRIS FERGUSON HAS CONDUCTED A SERIES OF MULTI -YEAR STUDIES OF ELEVEN

TO 18-YEAR OLDS TO FIND OUT WHAT VIOLENT GAMES DO TO THEM.

FERGUSON SOT - THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT SUGGESTS EXPOSURE TO VIOLENT

VIDEOGAMES LEADS TO VIOLENT BEHAVIOR.

BUT DR. VICTOR STRASBURGER SAYS TODAY'S VIDEO GAMES ARE-MORE REAL, MORE

INTENSE THAN ANYTHING THAT'S COME BEFORE.

STRASBURGER SOT - KIDS SPEND AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF TIME WITH THE MEDIA

THEY SEE INCREASINGLY VIOLENT MEDIA, WHY IN THIS COUNTRY WOULD WE SPEND $

250 BILL DOLLARS A YEAR ON ADVERTISING IF WE DIDN'T THINK ADVERTISING

AFFECTED PEOPLE?

SO WHOSE RESEARCH TO BELIEVE? WHO TO JUDGE?

THE US SUPREME COURT ALREADY HAS.

IN STRIKING DOWN CALIFORNIA'S ATTEMPT AT A VIOLENT VIDEOGAME LAW, THE COURT

HAD THIS TO SAY

IF "THESE STUDIES HAVE BEEN REJECTED BY EVERY COURT TO CONSIDER THEM, AND

WITH GOOD REASON: THEY DO NOT PROVE THAT VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES CAUSE MINORS TO

ACT AGGRESSIVELY."

BONNIE ROSS, A MOTHER OF TWO YOUNG CHILDREN WITH HER OWN CONCERNS, ALSO

HAPPENS TO RUN ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL "FIRST PERSON SHOOTER" GAMES

AROUND-HALO 4.

KARLINSKY NATS - AND WHAT DO YOU SAY TO PARENTS WHO SAY, YOU KNOW WORRY IT'S

TOO VIOLENT - IT'S NOT GOOD FOR THE KIDS.

ROSS SOT - WHAT I RECOMMEND IS - YOU KNOW YOUR KIDS ARE GOING TO PLAY GAMES,

PLAY IT WITH THEM, YOU KNOW? SO THAT YOU CAN REALLY BE THERE TO ANSWER

QUESTIONS AND HELP THEM THROUGH THAT.

ADVICE FROM AN INSIDERWHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT, KIDS ARE PLAYING THESE

POPE PARDON-VOTOPS

POPE BENEDICT HAS GRANTED HIS FORMER BUTLER A PARDON.

THE PONTIFF VISITED PAOLO GABRIELE IN PRISON FOR AROUND 15 MINUTES.

AFTER THE MEETING, GABRIELE WAS FREED TO RETURN TO THE VATICAN CITY APARTMENT WHERE HE LIVES WITH HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN.

SANTA PREPS-VO

WELL, WITH JUST TWO DAYS TO GO THE JOLLY OLD ELF HIMSELF IS GETTING READY FOR HIS TRIP AROUND THE WORLD.

SANTA PREPARED HIS REINDEER THIS WEEKEND WHILE THE ELVES STAYED BUSIER THAN USUAL GETTING ALL THE GIFTS READY.

MANY HAVE DOUBTED HOW SANTA AND HIS HELPERS CAN FIT ALL THE PRESENTS IN ONE GIANT BAG, BUT THIS YEAR IT MIGHT BE A LITTLE EASIER.

TEASE THREE-2 SHOT

COMING UP ON N-B-C 2 NEWS TODAY, WE'LL HAVE ANOTHER LOOK AT YOUR HEADLINES,

TZ3 A WHEEL OF FORTUNE-VO-WIPE

HEADLINES-ANIBOXES

RIGHT NOW ON N-B-C 2 NEWS TODAY, A TERRIFYING ORDEAL FOR THREE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RESDIENTS AS THEY'RE BOIND AND GAGGED AND HELD AT GUNPOINT IN THEIR OWN HOME, WE'LL HAVE THE DETAILS,

CHRISTMAS IS JUST TWO DAYS AWAY AND, THE ROADS, RAILS, AND SKY ARE GETTING BUSY AS TRAVELERS ARE HEADING OUT FOR THE HOLIDAYS, WE'LL LET YOU KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU'RE LEAVING TOWN,

HEADLINE 1 GOLDEN GATE INVASION-VIDBOX

HEADLINE 2 HOLIDAY TRAVEL-LIVE SHOT

HEADLINE 3 EDISON DORMS-VIDBOX

SHOW OPEN-CLIP

HELLO AGAIN-2 SHOT

WELCOME BACK TO THE SECOND HALF HOUR OF NBC-2 NEWS TODAY.

I'M JOE ROETZ.

AND I'M KELLY CRESWELL.

WE'LL HAVE OUR TOP STORIES IN JUST A MINUTE.

FORECAST-WX CENTER

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.

Temperatures dropped as low as the mid to upper 30s for portions of Southwest Florida this Sunday morning, resulting in some patchy frost on some of the elevated, grassy surfaces.

As temperatures begin to warm after sunrise, the Freeze Warnings for Charlotte, Desoto, Hendry, Glades, and interior Collier County will expire at 9 a.m. along with the Frost Advisory for Lee County.

After starting with temperatures at the lowest point of the season, a four day warming trend will actually begin this afternoon. With lots of sunshine in place and only some thin clouds passing through, daytime highs should reach the upper 60s and lower 70s. You'll also notice winds will relax quite a bit today, so the wind chill won't be as much of a factor through the day.

Temperature won't be quite as cold tonight. Overnight lows will range from the mid to low 50s for the urban corridor to mid to upper 40s deep inland. Some thin, mid level clouds will keep streaming in, making for a partly cloudy sky.

As we head into Christmas Eve, the sunshine will be filtered a bit as more thin clouds flow in from the northwest. Even with the added cloud clover, temperatures will continue to get warmer with each passing day. By Monday, we'll warm into the upper 70s, and on Christmas Day, daytime highs should get up to 80°.

GOLDEN GATE HOME INVASION-VO OTS

AUTHORITIES ARE LOOKING FOR FOUR MEN THIS MORNING IN CONNECTION WITH A TERRIFYING ROBBERY IN GOLDEN GATE ESTATES.

THE MEN *TIED UP* A WOMAN, HER ROMMATE, AND A FRIEND AND HELD THEM AT GUN POINT IN THEIR OWN HOME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE AFTERNOON YESTERDAY.

IT HAPPENED ALONG THE 11-HUNDRED BLOCK OF 11TH STREET SOUTHWEST.

MICHELLE FACCIOLLI SAYS SHE WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF WORKING ON HER LAWNMOWER AROUND 11 SATURDAY MORNING WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE A MAN DRAGGED HER THROUGH THE YARD, INTO HER HOUSE, PUT A GUN TO HER HEAD, AND THREATENED TO KILL HER.

COLLIER COUNTY DEPUTIES SAY THE CROOKS SMASHED THEIR THREE CELL PHONES AND RIPPED THE PHONE LINES FROM THE WALL.

THEY TOOK JEWERLY AND SOME CASH.

DEPUTIES TRIED SEARCHING FOR THEM BUT HAD NO LUCK FINDING THEM.

FACCIOLI SAYS THE MEN KEPT ASKING FOR DRUGS.

DEPUTIES HAVE NO DESCRIPTIONS OF WHAT THE MEN LOOK LIKE AT THIS POINT.

SARASOTA ABUSE FOLO-SS

NEW CHARGES IN A SARASOTA CHILD ABUSE CASE, AN 11-YEAR-OLD'S STEP-MOTHER HAS NOW BEEN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH HER DEATH.

MISTY STODDARD FACES CHILD ABUSE CHARGES.

THE GIRL'S FATHER KENNETH STODDARD WAS ALREADY ARRESTED AND CHARGED THIS WEEK.

MELISSA, THE YOUNG GIRL, DIED EARLIER THIS MONTH.

ACCORDING TO THE SARASOTA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE MELISSA WAS REPEATEDLY STRAPPED DOWN TO A BOARD FOR HOURS.

THE PARENTS TOLD INVESTIGATORS THEY TIED UP THE GIRL FOR "BEHAVIORAL ISSUES."

FL TRIPLE SHOOTING-VO

ONE PERSON IS DEAD AFTER A TRIPLE SHOOTING OUTSIDE A BAR NEAR TAMPA BAY.

IT HAPPENED AT THE BOOMERANG MARTINI BAR, IN BRANDON.

POLICE SAY, A FIGHT BROKE OUT OVER A WOMAN'S LOST PURSE -- AND CONTINUED OUTSIDE INTO THE PARKING LOT.

THAT'S WHERE ONE MAN OPENED FIRE ON ANOTHER MAN.

A SECURITY GUARD THEN BEGAN SHOOTING AT THE ORIGINAL SHOOTER.

ONE PERSON INVOLVED -- LATER DIED AT A NEARBY HOSPITAL.

NORTHERN CAL SNOW-VO

SNOW IS CAUSING SOME SNAGS FOR HOLIDAY TRAVELERS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEKEND.

AN INTERSTATE IS BACK OPEN NOW, BUT HAD TO BE SHUT DOWN EARLIER BECAUSE OF DANGEROUS NEAR WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS.

THE WEATHER AND HEAVY HOLIDAY TRAFFIC CAUSED MANY PROBLEMS ON THE ROADS.

SO MANY DRIVERS SPUN OFF THE ROAD, THAT TOW TRUCK DRIVERS COULDN'T KEEP UP.

NORTHERN CAL SNOW-SOTVO

S/ Bryan Carlson / Caltrans:08

"we had a big storm cell just sit over us and dumped about 24 inches of snow in a very short time period."

S/ Jenny Crist / Traveler:08

"trying to get to Tahoe for Christmas. Saw the road close sign and pulled over and thought they were kidding. But they weren't."

SWFL ADDED FLIGHT-VO

HOLIDAY TRAFFIC IS PICKING UP AT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

THERE ARE MORE THAN 250 FLIGHTS A DAY RIGHT NOW, ONE OF THOSE IS A NEW NON-STOP SERVICE TO THE CAPITAL OF CANADA.

YESTERDAY MARKED THE FIRST DIRECT FLIGHT FROM OTTAWA TO R-S-W.

SWFL ADDED FLIGHT-SOT VO

Brad Dolan/Ottawa/29:04 "There's always a connection so its really nice to have something that can actually fly direct."

AIRPORT OFFICIALS SAY MORE TRAFFIC IS NOW COMING FROM CANADA.

EDISON DORMS-VO

NEWS OUT OF EDISON STATE COLLEGE THIS MORNING IS NOT SO GOOD FOR THEIR NEW DORMS.

OUR PARTNERS AT THE NAPLES DAILY NEWS ARE REPORTING THAT OCCUPANCY AT LIGHTHOUSE COMMONS HAS DROPPED TO 65 PERCENT AS OF THE CLOSE OF THE FALL SEMESTER.

THE 26 POINT THREE MILLION DOLLAR FACILITY WAS 80 PERCENT FULL WHEN IT OPENED FOR THE FALL SEMESTER JUST FOUR MONTHS AGO.

STUDENTS SAY TOUGH RULES AND THE HIGH COSTS ARE THE REASONS FOR THE DEPARTURES.

SOME SAY NOISE LEVELS AND ROWDINESS ARE ALSO CAUSING STUDENTS TO MOVE OUT.

FM SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT-OTS CG

A WARNING FROM FORT MYERS POLICE THIS MORNING.

A WOMAN CLAIMS SHE WAS APPROACHED BY A MAN IN THE 36-HUNDRED BLOCK OF PALM BEACH BOULEVARD AROUND 2:30 FRIDAY MORNING.

HE APPEARED TO HAVE A WEAPON UNDER HIS SHIRT.

THE MAN FOLLOWED HER, THEN GOT INTO A VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN BY ANOTHER PERSON.

THE WOMAN WAS ABLE TO GET AWAY AND WASN'T HARMED.

THE MAN WAS WAS HISPANIC, 30 TO 40 YEARS OLD AND WAS WEARING A WHITE SHIRT AND BLACK SHORTS.

HE GOT INTO AN OLDER, GREEN TWO-DOOR PICKUP TRUCK WITH THE WORD "FOREVER" ON THE REAR WINDOW.

CT FUNERALS-TRX ANIBOX

THREE MORE FUNERALS WERE HELD FOR VICTIMS IN THE SANDY HOOK SHOOTING.

SIX-YEAR-OLD ANA GRACE MARQUEZ-GREENE WAS REMEMBERED FOR HER LOVE OF MUSIC AT A FUNERAL IN BLOOMFIELD, CONNECTICUT YESTERDAY.

SIX-YEAR-OLD EMILIE PARKER, WAS ALSO LAID TO REST.

DOZENS OF PEOPLE GATHERED IN THE PARKERS' HOMETOWN OF OGDEN, UTAH FOR A CHURCH SERVICE BEFORE HEADING TO THE GRAVESITE.

MOURNERS WERE ENCOURAGED TO WEAR PINK IN HONOR OF EMILIE.

IT WAS HER FAVORITE COLOR.

AND LOVED ONES OF JOSEPHINE GAY CAME TOGETHER TO SAY GOODBYE.

a) Ana Grace Márquez Greene-VO

b) Emilie Parker-VO

c) Josephine Gay-VO

YALE GUN BUY BACK PROGRAM-VO OC

MEANWHILE, JUST DOWN THE ROAD IN NEW HAVEN POLICE HELD GUN BUY-BACK PROGRAMS ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON.

THEY TEAMED UP WITH THE YALE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL.

FIREARMS IN WORKING ORDER COULD BE EXCHANGED FOR A FIFTY DOLLAR GIFT CARD.

A TOTAL OF 64 GUNS WERE TURNED IN, INCLUDING FIVE ASSAULT STYLE RIFLES.

SANDY HOOK DONATIONS-VOTOPS

AND, DONATIONS TO THE VICTIMS' FAMILIES CONTINUE TO POUR IN THIS MORNING.

MORE THAN TWO-POINT-SIX-MILLION DOLLARS HAS BEEN DONATED TO NEWTOWN'S OFFICIAL MEMORIAL FUND THAT IS BEING HANDLED BY THE UNITED WAY.

SALVATION ARMY GIFTS-2SHOT

IT'S CERTAINLY BEEN A COLD MORNING HERE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA---BUT THE TEMPERATURES AREN'T STOPPING ONE LOCAL ORGANIZATION FROM GIVING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

THE SALVATION ARMY IN NAPLES DONATES HUNDREDS OF GIFTS TO FAMILIES EACH YEAR--AND TODAY THEY'RE PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON WHAT'S BEEN A MEMORABLE HOLIDAY SEASON.

SALVATION ARMY GIFTS-REM LIVE

TEMPERATURES DIPPED TO 39 DEGREES THIS MORNING--THAT'S THE LOWEST IT'S BEEN SINCE LAST JANUARY.

BUT STILL, HERE AT THE SALVATION ARMY IN NAPLES, DOZENS OF FAMILIES WILL BE STANDING OUTSIDE IN THE COLD---PICKING UP HOLIDAY GIFTS THAT THEY PRE-REGISTERED FOR MONTHS BACK.

SALVATION ARMY GIFTS-VO

SALVATION ARMY GIFTS-SOT

SALVATION ARMY GIFTS-REM LIVE

THOSE FAMILIES THAT STILL NEED TO PICK UP THEIR GIFTS HAVE UNTIL 4:00 TODAY TO MAKE IT OUT HERE TO THE SALVATION ARMY IN NAPLES TEMPORARY TOY STORE, OFF OF TRADE CENTER WAY.

WHEEL OF FORTUNE CONTROVERSY-2SHOT

ONE "WHEEL OF FORTUNE" WINNER SEEMED TO GET IT ALL,

SHE HAD ALL OF THE RIGHT LETTERS AND THE ANSWER TO THE CLUE.

BUT THERE WAS SOMETHING ABOUT THE WAY SHE SAID IT, THAT DIDN'T SIT RIGHT WITH THE SHOW'S PRODUCERS.

WHEEL OF FORTUNE CONTROVERSY-PKG

SCRIPT:

RENEE DURETTE WAS ON A ROLL

NATS

DENIED BECAUSE IN THOSE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS THE SWANS AINT "SWIMMIN'" THEY'

RE 'SWIMMING' WITH THE 'G.' ONE LOST LETTER COST DURETTE NEARLY 4 THOUSAND

DOLLARS.

CUE ONLINE OUTRAGE, WAS THE BRAVE-FACED DURETTE ROBBED? IT HAS HAPPENED

BEFORE THIS COUPLE ON FOX'S MILLION DOLLAR MONEY DROP GUESSED 'POST ITS'

CAME BEFORE THE WALKMAN. WRONG THEY LOST $800,000.

'RIGHT' SCREAMED THE INTERNET HORDES.

FOX ADMITTED A RESEARCH ERROR AND OFFERED THEM ANOTHER SHOT.

SEASON ONE OF ABC'S WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE, THIS GUY GUESSED HURON IS

THE SECOND BIGGEST GREAT LAKE. COMPUTER SAID HE WAS WRONG, TURNED OUT HE

WAS RIGHT. HE CAME BACK FOR A DO OVER AND WENT HOME WITH 125 GRAND.

GAME SHOW GAFFES ARE VERY, VERY RARE.

AFTER THE SCANDALS OF THE 1950S - WHEN SHOWS LIKE TWENTY-ONE WERE FIXED TO

KEEP TELEGENIC CONTESTANTS IN THE MIX - CONGRESS MADE IT ILLEGAL TO RIG A

GAME SHOW.

BEHIND THE BONHOMIE AND BANTER, IT'S A TIGHTLY CONTROLLED MEDIUM AS PAT

SAJAK CHIEF OF THE PERSNICKETY PRONUNCIATION POLICE JUST CONFIRMED.

NATS

RENEE KNEW WHAT HAPPENED AND IT WAS KIND OF EASY TO DO BECAUSE YOU DID IT IN

THE VERNACULAR AND SAID "SEVEN SWANS A SWIMMIN'"

THINGS 2 DO TODAY-2 SH CGS

IF YOU'RE TRYING TO ENTERTAIN GUESTS THIS WEEKEND, WE FOUND A COUPLE OF THINGS TO DO.

YOU CAN HEAD TO THE ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW AT EAGLE CREEK IN NAPLES FOR SOME LAST MINUTE GIFTS.

IT'S HAPPENING TODAY.

AND IT'S FREE TO GET IN.

YOU CAN COME SEE SANTA ON HIS LAST DAY OF VACATION BEFORE HE FLIES OUT ON CHRISTMAS EVE!

THAT'S MONDAY FROM 10 UNTIL 11:30 AM AT PORT SANIBEL MARINA IN FORT MYERS.

TEASE FOUR-2 SHOT

COMING UP ON N-B-C 2 NEWS TODAY,

IF YOU'RE HITTING THE ROADS FOR THE HOLIDAYS THIS WEEKEND ITS MAY COST YOU A LITTLE LESS THEN IT DID LAST YEAR, WE'LL TELL YOU WHY,

AND, SOME CHRISTMAS GRINCHES ARE MAKING OFF WITH GIFTS THIS YEAR, BUT WHAT THEY DON'T KNOW IS BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING

BUT FIRST. HERE ARE TODAY'S LOTTERY NUMBERS FOR CASH THREE, PLAY FOUR, FANTASY FIVE, AND LOTTO.

TZ4 A LOCAL GAS PRICES-VO WIPE

TZ4 B XMAS CRIMES-VO TOPS

LOTTO-CG

FORECAST OPEN-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.

Temperatures dropped as low as the mid to upper 30s for portions of Southwest Florida this Sunday morning, resulting in some patchy frost on some of the elevated, grassy surfaces.

As temperatures begin to warm after sunrise, the Freeze Warnings for Charlotte, Desoto, Hendry, Glades, and interior Collier County will expire at 9 a.m. along with the Frost Advisory for Lee County.

After starting with temperatures at the lowest point of the season, a four day warming trend will actually begin this afternoon. With lots of sunshine in place and only some thin clouds passing through, daytime highs should reach the upper 60s and lower 70s. You'll also notice winds will relax quite a bit today, so the wind chill won't be as much of a factor through the day.

Temperature won't be quite as cold tonight. Overnight lows will range from the mid to low 50s for the urban corridor to mid to upper 40s deep inland. Some thin, mid level clouds will keep streaming in, making for a partly cloudy sky.

As we head into Christmas Eve, the sunshine will be filtered a bit as more thin clouds flow in from the northwest. Even with the added cloud clover, temperatures will continue to get warmer with each passing day. By Monday, we'll warm into the upper 70s, and on Christmas Day, daytime highs should get up to 80°.

VA FOUR FIRE DEATHS-VO

VIRGINIA STATE POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING WHAT SPARKED A MOBILE HOME FIRE THAT KILLED THREE ADULTS AND A NINE-YEAR-OLD CHILD.

A MOTHER AND FATHER, THEIR YOUNG SON AND HIS GRANDMOTHER ALL DIED IN THE FIRE LATE FRIDAY NIGHT.

ONE PERSON MADE IT OUT SAFELY.

HE SAYS HIS GRANDSON WOKE HIM UP FRIDAY NIGHT TELLING HIM THE PORCH WAS ON FIRE.

HE RAN FOR THE DOOR, THINKING THE BOY WAS AT HIS SIDE, BUT HE WASN'T.

KIDS ALONE FATAL FIRE-VO

TWO YOUNG CHILDREN DIED IN AN OVERNIGHT FIRE IN CHICAGO.

NOW POLICE WANT TO KNOW WHY THE TWO AND THREE-YEAR-OLD KIDS WERE HOME ALONE.

THE CHICAGO SUN TIMES REPORTS A RESIDENT CALLED 9-1-1 JUST BEFORE 3-30, TELLING DISPATCHERS YOUNG CHILDREN WERE TRAPPED INSIDE.

FIREFIGHTERS TRIED TO RESCUE THE TWO-YEAR-OLD GIRL AND THREE-YEAR-OLD BOY, BUT INTENSE FLAMES PREVENTED THEM FROM SAVING THE KIDS.

INVESTIGATORS DETERMINED THE FIRE WAS SPARKED BY A HOT PLATE THAT WAS BEING USED FOR HEAT.

LOCAL GAS PRICES-VO

IF YOU'RE TAKING TO THE ROADS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, YOU'LL BE PAYING LESS FOR GAS.

THE NATIONAL AVERAGE FOR A GALLON OF REGULAR UNLEADED GAS DROPPED A QUARTER SINCE NOVEMBER FIRST.

IT'S NOW AT 3-25.

IN OUR AREA, THE AVERAGE IS RIGHT AROUND 3-29.

LOCAL GAS PRICES-(2) SOTVO

i'm thrilled. who wants to waste it on gas. It's just going to ease the burden a little bit, maybe we can eat out a little more.

it's great, makes the trip even more enjoyable!

GAS IS UNDER THREE DOLLARS A GALLON IN SOME PARTS OF THE UNITED STATES.

TOY GIVE AWAY-VO

VOLUNTEERS IN FORT MYERS WANT TO MAKE SURE NO CHILD WAKES UP ON CHRISTMAS MORNING WITHOUT A PRESENT TO UNWRAP.

A LOCAL RECORD LABEL AND CHURCH PASSED OUT 20-THOUSAND DOLLARS WORTH OF TOYS TO CHILDREN IN NEED YESTERDAY.

MANY OF THE PARENTS COLLECTING TOYS SAID THEIR CHILDREN WOULDN'T GET A PRESENT THIS YEAR IF IT WEREN'T FOR THE TOY GIVE-AWAY.

TOY GIVE AWAY-SOTVO

"seeing how happy the kids are and just knowing we're doing something great for the community by giving back, it's a feeling I can't explain."

LOAF OF BREAD RECORDS COLLECTED DONATIONS AND USED MONEY FROM C-D SALES TO PAY FOR THE GIVE-AWAY.

XMAS CRIMES-2SHOT

WHILE MOST AMERICANS ARE BUYING THEIR GIFTS, THERE ARE SOME REAL-LIFE GRINCHES

COMING UP WITH CREATIVE WAYS TO STEAL THEM.

CREATIVE--MAYBE.

BUT SMART ENOUGH--NO.

THEY'RE CAUGHT ON CAMERA---MILLIONS WATCH THEIR UNLAWFUL MOVES.

XMAS CRIMES-PKG

SCRIPT:

Cameron-the bytes for "al" are paraphrased. They have not been logged yet.

This interview was done late.

AL ALVERSON'S SECURITY CAMERAS IN HOUSTON SOLVED THE MYSTERY OF HIS MISSING

IPAD MINI.

THERE'S the FED EX GUY, PLAYING THE ROLE OF SANTA. DELIVERING it just in

time for his daughter's CHRISTMAS.

BUT HERE COMES THE GRINCH. DRESSED IN BROWN.

HE DELIVERS HIS OWN PACKAGE- ONLY TO COME BACK.

AND TAKE THAT IPAD MINI FOR HIMSELF.

AL - I was was shock. i said omg its the ups guy couldn't believe it. it

was the ups guy!

- I thought. this is exactly like the

grinch.

IVERSON SAYS UPS REPLACED THE IPAD and fired the driver- BUT NOT THE VIDEO

WENT ON THE INTERNET.

AL - i didnt hear from anybody til 830 the next morning. and it was from the

ups security in houston and they said we saw you video on youtube

IN OKLAHOMA CITY. A TEAM OF GRINCHES WORK TOGETHER, CASING THIS HOUSE.

THEY BREAK DOWN THE DOOR.

AND ONCE INSIDE, THE UNTHINKABLE:

THEY HEAD RIGHT FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE,

AND BEGIN UNWRAPPING PRESENTS.

. BEFORE KNOCKING THE TREE OVER ON THE WAY OUT.

WHEN A LITTLE GIRL CAME HOME WITH HER FAMILY.

CHRISTMAS, WAS GONE.

"What am i going to tell them now, where are their gifts now

IN SPRING TEXAS, THE TROUBLING TREND OF THEFTS CONTINUES.

JENNIFER VELEZ'S christmas presents for her toddler are DROPPED OFF, SAFE

AND SOUND.

BUT THEN- A BLACK DODGE CHARGER PULLS UP-

AND OUT COMES THIS WOMAN, WHO HELPS HERSELF TO THE PRESENTS.

"That just blows my mind that you could be that bold

SHE GOES BACK FOR THE BIG PACKAGE TOO.

BUT CAN'T FIT IT INTO HER CAR.

UNDETERRED, SHE ADJUST HER SEAT IN BROAD DAYLIGHT.

TO MAKE ROOM.

"I mean what are we even coming to we come to someone elses property and

just take your precious time and take their things.

It goes to show WHILE IT MAY BE THE SEASON FOR GIVING. IT'S ALSO THE TIME

SCUBA SANTA-VO

SANTA WILL BE BUSY IN A COUPLE DAYS, SO HE SPENT SOME TIME SATURDAY GOING FOR A SWIM.

KIDS AT NORTH CAROLINA'S FORT FISHER AQUARIUM WERE THIRLLED TO SEE SANTA SWIMMING WITH FISH, SEA TURTLES AND OTHER OCEAN CREATURES.

CHILDREN AND PARENTS WAVED AND TOOK PICTURES.

SCUBA SANTA-SOTVO

:14

""They can't believe, first of all, that they're seeing underneath the water. They feel like it's a special view under the ocean. And then, to see jolly St. Nick swimming with their aquatic friends is amazing for them."

TEASE FIVE-2 SHOT

COMING UP NEXT ON NBC-2 NEWS TODAY.

WE'LL HAVE A LOOK AT TODAY'S TOP STORIES.

BUT FIRST HERE'S A PREVIEW OF WHAT'S UP NEXT ON TODAY'S MEET THE PRESS.

TZ5 MEET THE PRESS-SOT

TOP STORIES 1 HOLIDAY TRAVEL-TRX-VOTOPS

NOW LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT TODAY'S TOP STORIES.

HOLIDAY TRAVELERS ARE MAKING THEIR WAY TO THEIR DESTINATIONS TODAY.

TOP STORIES 2 GOLDEN GATE-VOTOP-WIPE

THREE RESIDENTS IN GOLDEN GATE ESTATES ARE BREATHING A LITTLE EASIER THIS MORNING.

THEY WERE TIED UP AND HELD AT GUNPOINT YESERDAY IN THEIR HOME.

FOUR MEN DAMAGED PROERTY IN THE HOME AND STOLE CASH AND JEWLERY

TOP STORIES 3 SANDY HOOK DONATIONS-VOTOP-WIPE

DONATIONS CONTINUE TO POUR IN TO HELP THE FAMILIES THAT WERE AFFECTED BY THE NEWTOWN, CONNECTICT SCHOOL SHOOTINGS.

MORE THAN 2-AND-A-HALS MILLION DOLLARS HAS BEEN DONATED TO THE MEMORIAL FUND SO FAR.

TOP STORIES 4 EDISON DORMS-VOTOPS

OUR PARTNERS AT THE NAPLES DAILY NEWS ARE REPORTING THIS MORNING THAT OCCUPANCY AT EDISON STATE COLLEGE'S NEW DORMS HAS DROPPED TO 65 PERCENT AS OF THE CLOSE OF THE FALL SEMESTER.

THE 26 POINT THREE MILLION DOLLAR FACILITY WAS 80 PERCENT FULL WHEN IT OPENED FOR THE FALL SEMESTER JUST FOUR MONTHS AGO.

TOP STORIES 5 SWFL ADDED FLIGHT-VOTOPS

AND A NEW INTERNATIOAL AIRLINE HAS MADE IT'S WAY TO THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

TODAY'S FORECAST-3-SHOT GRAPHIC

CLOSE-3-SHOT