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5PM NBC2

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DIRECTORS PAGE CO SLEEPING-SOTVO
HLA SWEETBAY CLOSURES-TRX-VOTOPS CRIME STOPPERS FEE-OC
HLA SWEETBAY CLOSURES-SOTVO COLLIER BEAR SEARCH-SSTOPS-VO
HLB DEA PHARMACY RAID-TRX-VOTOPS TEASE ONE-2SHOT
HLC AMVET TRAVELING TRIBUTE-TRX-NATSTOPSVO TZ1 A) PG CAR COLD CASE-VO-WIPE
5PM OPEN-CLIP TZ1 B) AMVET TRAVELING TRIBUTE-VOTOPS
SWEETBAY CLOSURES-VO IN PLASMA TZ1 C) WEATHER TEASE-STC
SWEETBAY CLOSURES-SOT-OC-TURN-BOXES MARKET CLOSE-CGTOPS
SWEETBAY CLOSURES-REM-26 ROBERT WX OPEN-CLIP
SWEETBAY CLOSURES-TRX-PKG FIRST ALERT FORECAST-WXWALL
SWEETBAY CLOSURES-REM-26 BANK ROBBERY-TRX
RIVERA FIRST APPERANCE-SS-VO PG CAR COLD CASE-OC-VO-SS
MAATSCH NEW CHARGES-SSTOPS-VO PG CAR COLD CASE-ANIMAP-FLY LIVE
DEA PHARMACY RAID-PLASMA-VO-DISSOLVE LIVE IN PLASM PG CAR COLD CASE-REM-2
DEA PHARMACY RAID-REM-26 PG CAR COLD CASE-PKG
DEA PHARMACY RAID-TRX-PKG PG CAR COLD CASE-REM-2
DEA PHARMACY RAID-REM-26 KOMEN KICK OFF PARTY-CG
KOTTKAMP LEAVES VR LABS-VOTOPS-2SH LIGHTNING TRAINING CAMP OVER-VO-OCTAG
KOTTKAMP LEAVES VR LABS-PLASMA TEASE TWO-2SHOT
KOTTKAMP LEAVES VR LABS-TRX-PKG TZ2 A) AMVET TRAVELING TRIBUTE-NATSVO
KOTTKAMP LEAVES VR LABS-PLASMA TZ2 B) NEW AT 6 TEASE-VOTOPS
LEE FORECLOSURES-CG AMVET TRAVELING TRIBUTE-VOTOPS-2SH
NELSON PYTHON HUNT-VO AMVET TRAVELING TRIBUTE-PKG
NELSON PYTHON HUNT-SOTVO AMVET TRAVELING TRIBUTE-OCTAG
COLONIAL MOTORCYCLE CRASH-VO NEW AT 530-BNR-2SHOT
STATE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT-OC A) FL ELECTION CHANGES-VO-WIPE
CO SLEEPING-VOTOPS B) MANTI TE'O-VOTOPS


DIRECTORS PAGE


Return to index of stories...

HLA SWEETBAY CLOSURES-TRX-VOTOPS


A SOUTHWEST FLORIDA GROCERY STORE.CHECKING OUT OF SOME OF THEIR LOCATIONS.

AND LAYING OFF HUNDREDS OF EMPLOYEES. Return to index of stories...


HLA SWEETBAY CLOSURES-SOTVO


52:26 I'm really very sad in fact I'm almost in tears but I'm not

surprised 31

N-B-C TWO UNCOVERS THE IMPACT OF MORE THAN 30 SWEETBAY'S CLOSING THEIR DOORS. Return to index of stories...


HLB DEA PHARMACY RAID-TRX-VOTOPS


FEDERAL AGENTS RAID A COLLIER COUNTY PHARMACY.

N-B-C TWO BREAKING THE LATEST DETAILS ON WHY THE D-E-A SHUT DOWN THE STORE. Return to index of stories...


HLC AMVET TRAVELING TRIBUTE-TRX-NATSTOPSVO


nats of motorcycle ride

A RIDE WITH A PURPOSE.

N-B-C TWO FOLLOWING THE LONG LINE OF BIKERS READY TO HONOR THOSE WHO DIED ON THE BATTLE FIELD.

THE NEWS AT FIVE.STARTS NOW. Return to index of stories...


5PM OPEN-CLIP


5PM OPEN Return to index of stories...


SWEETBAY CLOSURES-VO IN PLASMA


THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ACROSS THE STATE --

INCLUDING MORE THAN 200 IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA --

JUST LEARNED THEY ARE OUT OF A JOB.

MORE THAN 30 SWEETBAY SUPERMARKETS ARE CLOSING.

FOUR IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA. Return to index of stories...


SWEETBAY CLOSURES-SOT-OC-TURN-BOXES


57:05 this is what I'm afraid of, publix is going to drive them out of business 08

THE GROCERY STORE'S PARENT COMPANY SITES POOR FOURTH QUARTER EARNINGS.

THE IMPACT IS SURE TO BE WIDESPREAD.

N-B-C TWO'S GABY FLEISHMAN TALKED TO CUSTOMERS AND COMPANY OFFICIALS TODAY.

SHE'S WORKING THIS STORY FROM OUR COLLIER COUNTY MOBILE NEWSROOM. Return to index of stories...


SWEETBAY CLOSURES-REM-26


Return to index of stories...

SWEETBAY CLOSURES-TRX-PKG


11 Patricia rogers, sweetbay customer

:35 Rick johnson, sweetbay customer

:59 Arlene mauer, sweetbay customer

Trt 1:31

Patricia rogers has her grocery list on hand--

Nats- reading list

She stops by sweetbay supermarket on premier way in naples every week to shop for her favorite specialty items.

Nats- cart rolling

Patricia rogers, sweetbay customer

59:44 things that they have that are better than the other stores. Their rice cakes. 14:00:28 and the chocolate syrup."

Today rogers and other customers were surprised to see this sign on the door-- letting them know the store is closing.

Patricia henry, sweetbay customer

"57:10 really? Oh that's too bad, I figured that was gonna happen."

Patricia rogers

"00:34 I wish it would stay but I have a feeling its never been as popular as it should have been 39"

Shoppers say they are disappointed but not surprised.

Patricia rogers

"00:46 they never had enough people standing in line to check out the groceries, rarely did I see a full shopping cart."

Arlene mauer, sweetbay shopper

52:59 I didn't know how the volume of biz would substantiate keeping them open 05"

Rick johnson, sweetbay customer

"54:25 It's typical of swfl, stuff doesn't usually last more than a year 31"

Sweetbay is closing 33 stores across florida.

Gfx

Three naples stores will close, another in punta gorda. The pharmacy in the bonita springs store is also on the list.

Vo:

Two-thousand people across the state will lose their jobs-- including about 200 to 250 employee layoffs in southwest florida.

Arlene mauer, sweetbay shopper

52:26 I'm really very sad in fact I'm almost in tears."

Gfx:

The company issued this statement, saying

"While these decisions are difficult, especially given the impact on our associates, customers and communities, these actions will continue to enhance the performance of our overall store portfolio and further enable us to deliver profitable growth and accelerate shareholder value."

Patricia henry

"57:05 this is what I'm afraid of, publix is going to drive them out of business 08.57:15 That's what happens when these stores get so large and these little guys can't compete 23"

Rogers says she won't let the closing keep her from filling up her cart with sweetbay food--

shell just have to drive a little further to get it.

Patricia

"1:18 I'll look to see what sweetbays are still in existence after this terrible mess in february and I'll shop where there is one 29" Return to index of stories...


SWEETBAY CLOSURES-REM-26


Return to index of stories...

RIVERA FIRST APPERANCE-SS-VO


THE MAN ACCUSED OF STABBING HIS WIFE TO DEATH IN THEIR CAPE CORAL HOME APPEARED IN A LEE COUNTY COURT ROOM TODAY.

POLICE SAY PORFIRIO RIVERA ADMITTED STABBING HIS WIFE ANNA OVER THE WEEKEND.

A JUDGE DENIED BOND TODAY.

RIVERA IS CHARGED WITH SECOND DEGREE MURDER. Return to index of stories...


MAATSCH NEW CHARGES-SSTOPS-VO


NEW AND MORE SERIOUS CHARGES AGAINST A MAN IN LEE COUNTY ACCUSED OF STABBING HIS NEIGHBOR.

WE'RE TOLD JOHN MAATSCH IS NOW CHARGED WITH BURGLARY AND ATTEMPTED MURDER.

INVESTIGATORS SAY MAATSCH STABBED TRACEY MARAZZI THREE TIMES IN THE CHEST AS SHE SLEPT IN HER HOME IN THE PASEO COMMUNITY OF FORT MYERS.

NO WORD ON A MOTIVE.

MAATSCH FACES A MANDATORY LIFE SENTENCE IF CONVICTED. Return to index of stories...


DEA PHARMACY RAID-PLASMA-VO-DISSOLVE LIVE IN PLASM


A FEDERAL RAID ON A COLLIER COUNTY PHARMACY TOOK SOME CUSTOMERS BY SURPRISE TODAY.

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE SUNSHINE PHARMACY ON RATTLESNAKE-HAMMOCK ROAD IN NAPLES.

D-E-A AGENTS ARE METHODICALLY GOING THROUGH AND DOCUMENTING EVERYTHING BEFORE THEY START TO TAKE IT OUT.

N-B-C TWO'S RICK RITTER WAS THE FIRST ON SCENE TODAY --

AND SPOKE TO PEOPLE WHO HAD BEEN COMING TO THE PHARMACY FOR YEARS. Return to index of stories...


DEA PHARMACY RAID-REM-26


RICK LIVE

THE D-E-A CONDUCTED A SEARCH WARRANT HERE AT SUNSHINE PHARMACY…AND JUST A SHORT TIME AGO- THEY LOADED DOZENS OF BOXES FILLED WITH EVIDENCE - HERE'S EXCLUSIVE VIDEO THAT YOU'LL ONLY SEE ON NBC-2. Return to index of stories...


DEA PHARMACY RAID-TRX-PKG


TRT = 0:38

Karen Tafuro/Naples = 0:29

RICK TRACKED VOSOT

ONE BOX AND COMPUTER HARD DRIVE AFTER ANOTHER - ALL BEING LOADED OUT OF THE SUNSHINE PHARMACY OFF RATTLESNAKE ROAD IN NAPLES.

EARLY THIS MORNING - D-E-A AGENTS ALONG WITH THE COLLIER SHERIFFS NARCOTICS TEAM RAIDED THE PHARMACY - EXECUTING A SEARCH WARRANT.

SUNSHINE IS WELL KNOWN THROUGHOUT COLLIER - WITH FOUR DIFFERENT LOCATIONS - BUT THIS WAS THE ONLY ONE SHUT DOWN TODAY.

RESIDENTS WHO'VE BEEN COMING TO THE PHARMACY FOR YEARS WERE TURNED AWAY TODAY BY D-E-A AGENTS - COMING AS A COMPLETE SURPRISE.

TAKE SOT

Karen Vargo/Naples/11:41:09 "I went inside and was met by a police officer who said the pharmacy is closed."

Rosario Falzule/Naples/11:39:33 "You don't who you're living next too - it's a different world today." Return to index of stories...


DEA PHARMACY RAID-REM-26


RICK LIVE

COMING UP AT SIX - WE'RE WORKING ON SPEAKING WITH ONE OF THE AGENTS INVOLVED IN THIS CASE - HOPING HE CAN TELL US WHAT THEY LOOK FOR IN PHARMACY RAIDS LIKE THIS. WE'RE LIVE IN CC, RR, NBC2 Return to index of stories...


KOTTKAMP LEAVES VR LABS-VOTOPS-2SH


NEW INFORMATION IN A STORY WE FIRST BROKE THIS MORNING.

THE C-E-O OF VR LABS HAS RESIGNED.

FORMER LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JEFF KOTTKAMP STEPPED DOWN FROM THE BONITA SPRINGS BASED COMPANY.

THE HEALTH DRINK MAKER IS UNDER SCRUTINY FOR TAKING FIVE MILLION DOLLARS OF TAX PAYER MONEY TO CREATE JOBS.

BUT SO FAR, THAT HAS NOT HAPPENED.

N-B-C TWO'S SARA MILES TRACKED DOWN KOTTKAMP TODAY. SARA WHAT REASON DID HE GIVE FOR LEAVING? Return to index of stories...


KOTTKAMP LEAVES VR LABS-PLASMA


JEFF KOTTKAMP TELLS US TODAY THAT HE DECIDED TO LEAVE TO FOCUS ON HIS LAW CAREER.

HE STARTED WITH V-R LABS AS C-E-O IN LATE 2011 -- AFTER THE COMPANY ACCEPTED A FIVE MILLION DOLLAR ECONOMIC INCENTIVE GRANT FROM LEE COUNTY WITH A PROMISE TO CREATE JOBS.

PROMISES THAT STILL HAVEN'T BEEN DELIVERED. Return to index of stories...


KOTTKAMP LEAVES VR LABS-TRX-PKG


27:00 it came as a complete shock to everyone here in the courthouse:03

A SHOCK TO LEE COUNTY COMMISSIONER FRANK MANN AS FORMER LEIUTENANT GOVERNOR JEFF KOTTKAMP LEAVES HIS POSITION AS C-E-O OF V-R LABS.

26:33 VR labs needed that credibility so this is a blow to that organization when there is a whole lot of questions that need to be answered here:43

QUESTIONS OVER JOB CREATION AND MONEY.

THE COUNTY GAVE V-R LABS FIVE MILLION TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO BUILD A NEW FACILITY OFF ALICO ROAD.

WITH THE PROMISE OF CREATING 40 FULL TIME JOBS BY THE END OF 2012 --

AND 208 JOBS BY 2016.

BUT SO FAR --

THAT FACILTY SITS EMPTY AND ONLY EIGHT FULL TIME JOBS HAVE BEEN CREATED.

V-R LABS BLAMES THE DELAY ON A LEGAL DISPUTE WITH IT'S CONTRACTOR.

27:32 whatever hope we had of resolving this quickly has been diminished 27:36

TODAY WE WENT TO V-R LABS OFFICE LOCATION ON BONITA BEACH ROAD --

I SPOKE TO THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER KAY GOW OFF CAMERA REGARDING KOTTKAMPS DEPARTURE.

IN A STATEMENT SHE SAID --

"Jeff is very talented all the VR team will miss him very much but we understand him wanting to accept another opportunity. "

KOTTKAMP TELLS US QUOTE - 'I DECIDED TO LEAVE VR LABORATORIES LAST MONTH.

I AM FOCUSING MY CAREER ON THE LAW AND THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS.

I WISH V-R WELL. THEIR SUCCESS WILL BE GOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITY.'

26:45 i don't see this as a good thing it makes me worry even more:51 Return to index of stories...


KOTTKAMP LEAVES VR LABS-PLASMA


IN DECEMBER THE COUNTY EXTENDED V-R LABS CONTRACT - GIVING IT UNTIL 2017 TO HIRE THE PROMISED NUMBER OF WORKERS.

GOW TELLS ME THEY PLAN TO START LOOKING FOR A NEW C-E-O NOW.

SARA MILES, NBC2. Return to index of stories...


LEE FORECLOSURES-CG


ONE IN EVERY 32 HOMES IN LEE COUNTY WENT INTO SOME SORT OF FORECLOSURE LAST YEAR.

THAT'S ACCORDING TO REALTY TRAC.

THE GOOD NEWS.

MUCH OF THE RISING FORECLOSURE ACTIVITY IS FROM LOANS THAT WENT BAD A LONG TIME AGO.SO IT'S JUST CLEARING OUT ALL THE FORECLOSURES THAT HAVE BEEN PENDING FOR A WHILE.

IN LEE COUNTY THE TOTAL NUMBER OF FORE CLOSURES WAS MORE THAN 76 HUNDRED.

THAT IS UP OVER 20-11 --

BUT DOWN COMPARED TO 2010. Return to index of stories...


NELSON PYTHON HUNT-VO


FLORIDA SENATOR BILL NELSON JOINED IN ON THE PYTHON CHALLENGE TODAY.

NELSON TOOK AN AIRBOAT RIDE INTO THE EVERGLADES IN SEARCH OF THE INVASIVE SPECIES.

EVEN LACING UP HIS BOOTS IN HOPES OF TRACKING DOWN WHAT'S CONSIDERED A PEST TO FLORIDA'S SWAMPLANDS. Return to index of stories...


NELSON PYTHON HUNT-SOTVO


S/ U.S. Senator Bill Nelson/Florida:

"The Everglades is one of the great natural wonders of Planet Earth and the entire ecological applecart is being upset by this invasive species and they are devouring everything that Mother Nature intended

NELSON TWEETED THAT HE DID NOT CATCH ANY SNAKES.

BUT THERE IS STILL TIME.

THE CHALLENGE ENDS FEBRUARY TENTH.

SO FAR 11 PYTHONS HAVE BEEN KILLED.

THE HUNTER WHO CATCHES THE BIGGEST AND THE MOST SNAKES WINS A CASH PRIZE. Return to index of stories...


COLONIAL MOTORCYCLE CRASH-VO


NEW DETAILS ABOUT A DEADLY CRASH IN FORT MYERS THAT MAY HAVE AFFECTED YOUR MORNING COMMUTE TODAY.

POLICE SAY ERIC SANTIAGO DIED WHEN HE AND HIS COUSIN COLLIDED WHILE RIDING MOTORCYCLES AT MORE THAN A HUNDRED MILES AN HOUR.

IT HAPPENED ON COLONIAL BOULEVARD BETWEEN SIX MILE CYPRESS AND WINKLER AVENUE AROUND TWO THIS MORNING.

THE ROAD WAS CLOSED UNTIL ABOUT 7:30 THIS MORNING.

LUIS SANTIAGO HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL.

POLICE SAY ONE OR BOTH OF THE COUSINS HAD BEEN DRINKING. Return to index of stories...


STATE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT-OC


THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT TODAY RULED GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES MUST PUT THREE PERCENT OF THEIR PAY INTO RETIREMENT PLANS.

THE RULING IS VINDICATION FOR GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT AND THE REPUBLICAN CONTROLLED LEGISLATURE WHO PUSHED FOR THE MEASURE.

IT AVOIDS A TWO BILLION DOLLAR BUDGET GAP FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.

THE TEACHERS AND OTHER UNIONS CHALLENGED THE LAW. Return to index of stories...


CO SLEEPING-VOTOPS


A 3 MONTH OLD LEE COUNTY BABY BOY DIED -

HIS PARENTS TOLD DEPUTIES HE WAS SLEEPING IN BED WITH HIS MOTHER WHEN SHE WOKE UP AND FOUND HIM NOT BREATHING.

DOCTORS WARN THE PUBLIC THAT CO-SLEEPING WITH INFANTS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND GREATLY INCREASES THE RISK OF SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME, KNOWN AS SIDS.

LEE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL OFFERS VIDEOS AT CHILD BIRTHING CLASSES TO TEACH NEW PARENTS ABOUT THE RISKS OF SLEEPING WITH THEIR BABY.

PEDIATRICIANS SAY IN YOUR SLEEP, YOU COULD ROLL OVER AND SUFFOCATE YOUR CHILD. Return to index of stories...


CO SLEEPING-SOTVO


13:35 "they wind up turning over- babies are obligate nose breathers so you have a compression there and they're not getting any oxygen and they suffocate."

AS FOR THE BABY BOY WHO DIED-

LEE COUNTY DEPUTIES ARE INVESTIGATING.

HIS BODY WAS TURNED OVER TO THE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE. Return to index of stories...


CRIME STOPPERS FEE-OC


PEOPLE CONVICTED OF CRIMES MUST NOW PAY TO HELP SOLVE OTHER CRIMES.

THE MONEY WOULD GO DIRECTLY TO SUPPORT CRIME STOPPERS.

AN APPEALS COURT MADE THE DECISION AFTER THE SAME COURT SAID IT APPLIED ONLY TO DEFENDANTS WHO ARE FINED. Return to index of stories...


COLLIER BEAR SEARCH-SSTOPS-VO


DAY 3 OF THE MISSING GRIZZLY BEAR SEARCH IN COLLIER COUNTY.

AND F-W-C SAYS THERE HAVE BEEN NO SIGHTINGS ON THEIR CAMERAS OR FROM PEOPLE--

RIGHT NOW AUTHORITIES ARE TAKING A SIT AND WAIT APPROACH HOPING FOOD WILL LURE IN THE 125 POUND CUB BACK TO THE PROPERTY WHERE HE WAS HELD.

IF YOU SEE IT YOU'RE ASKED TO CALL F-W-C. Return to index of stories...


TEASE ONE-2SHOT


A TRIP TO THE GROCERY STORE TURNED INTO A 20 YEAR MYSTERY.

TODAY --

INVESTIGATORS MAY BE ONE STEP CLOSER TO SOLVING THAT COLD CASE.

WHAT THEY FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS CANAL COULD BE THE BIG BREAK THEY NEEDED TO GIVE CLOSURE TO FAMILY.

AND A GROUP OF RIDERS MAKE THE SHORT TRIP TO HONOR THOSE WHO DIED ON THE FIELD OF BATTLE IN A TRAVELING TRIBUTE. Return to index of stories...


TZ1 A) PG CAR COLD CASE-VO-WIPE


Return to index of stories...

TZ1 B) AMVET TRAVELING TRIBUTE-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

TZ1 C) WEATHER TEASE-STC


Return to index of stories...

MARKET CLOSE-CGTOPS


Return to index of stories...

ROBERT WX OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

FIRST ALERT FORECAST-WXWALL


THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

IT IS NOT A VERBATIM OF WHAT IS BEING SAID, BUT IS THE FORECAST FOR OUR AREA.

COOLER WEATHER SOON

A cold front will quick come over, and it'll give us a little cloud cover with a small chance of a shower this evening. The rain showers forecast should not last all evening and move through quickly.

I expect that most places will receive less than ¼ inch of rain tomorrow. The winds will increase by late day and southwest Florida boaters should be aware that the weather this morning will be nice, but it will turn windy and rough by the end of the day.

The aforementioned cold front coming in today won't bring a lot of rain; however, we will certainly notice a drop in temperatures for the next several days

Our highs in the 70's will quickly drop back to the 60's by sunset and we are going down to 50 degrees by Friday morning.

The extended outlook for the weekend looks cool with variable clouds overhead. High temperatures both Saturday and Sunday will be in the 70's and overnight lows throughout the area will noticeably cooler this weekend. Return to index of stories...


BANK ROBBERY-TRX


From FMPD -

Wells Fargo Bank was robbed at 4:22pm today

Fort Myers police responded to the scene

Suspect is on the loose - they are working on a more detailed description now

No one was hurt

Can not confirm now if this was an armed robbery

hristina and Sean are headed to a possible suspect search after a business robbery near SR 82 and Colonial Blvd. Return to index of stories...


PG CAR COLD CASE-OC-VO-SS


THERE MAY BE A BIG BREAK IN A MYSTERIOUS COLD CASE THAT SPANS TWO DECADES IN PUNTA GORDA.

THIS CAR MAY HOLD THE KEY TO A THAT HAS BAFFLED INVESTIGATORS AS WELL AS FRIENDS AND FAMILY --

OF THIS WOMAN

FRANCIS HENDRICKSON WHO MYSTERIOUSLY DISAPPEARED IN 19-93.

FOR YEARS MANY BELIEVED SHE DROVE INTO A CANAL -- Return to index of stories...


PG CAR COLD CASE-ANIMAP-FLY LIVE


TODAY --

INVESTIGATORS PULLED A CAR WITH HUMAN REMAINS INSIDE --

SIMILAR TO THE ONE HENDRICKSON WAS LAST SEEN DRIVING NEAR WHIPPOORWILL BLVD AND EIDER COURT.

N-B-C TWO'S CHARLIE KEEGAN IS LIVE FROM OUR CHARLOTTE COUNTY MOBILE NEWSROOM AND PICKS UP THE STORY FROM THERE. Return to index of stories...


PG CAR COLD CASE-REM-2


OVER THE YEARS DIVERS HAVE REPEATEDLY SEARCHED THESE CANALS LOOKING FOR FRANCES HENDRICKSON AND HER BUICK STATION WAGON.

SONAR TECHNOLOGY HAS IMPROVED DRASTICALLY, ALLOWING AUTHORITIES TO SEE THROUGH THESE MURKEY WATERS.

IT PAID OFF YESTERDAY WHEN POLICE MADE THE DISCOVERY THEY WERE HOPING FOR. Return to index of stories...


PG CAR COLD CASE-PKG


Pkg

BOBBING IN THE DARK WATER OF PUNTA GORDA ISLES, DIVERS ATTACH STRAPS TO A CAR TRAPPED IN THE MUD 18 FEET BELOW THE SURFACE.

"we had no idea, no idea." John Feuchack, Punta Gorda

JOHN FEUCHACK NEVER THOUGHT A BUICK STATION WAGON WAS SITTING UNDERWATER JUST FEET FROM HIS HOUSE.

"I don't recall seeing at that time, nor does anyone else, an oil slick." John Feuchack, Punta Gorda

IT TOOK POLICE OFFICERS 20 YEARS TO FIND IT.

FRANCES HENDRICKSON WENT MISSING IN 1993.

POLICE SUSPECTED SHE DROVE OFF THE ROAD INTO A CANAL, BUT NEVER FOUND HER.

"it turned out to be a roof or it turned out to be a porta potty, or another mass." Capt. Tom Lewis, Punta Gorda Police Dept.

THE DEPARTMENT DIDN'T GIVE UP FOLLOWING LEAD AFTER LEAD, COMMITTED TO SOLVING THE CASE.

THIS SUMMER THEY USED SIDE SCAN SONAR TO EXPLORE PUNTA GORDA'S 55 MILES OF CANALS.

STILL NOTHING, UNTIL THE LEE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE BROUGHT ITS BRAND NEW ADVANCED SONAR HERE YESTERDAY.

"almost a soon as we hit the water we came to this area because it's close to her home and we located the vehicle." Capt. Tom Lewis, Punta Gorda Police Dept.

WITH THE EYES OF AN EVER GROWING CROWD ON THEM, AUTHORITIES RECOVERED THE CAR AND FOUND SKELETAL REMAINS INSIDE.

"hopefully the family can now have closure." John Feuchack, Punta Gorda

CLOSURE WHICH WOULDN'T BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SONAR. Return to index of stories...


PG CAR COLD CASE-REM-2


Live

AUTHORITIES SAY THEY'RE 99% SURE THEY'VE FOUND HENDRICKSON, BUT TEST RESULTS DUE BACK SOON WILL PROVE THAT ONCE AND FOR ALL.

COMING UP AT 6, WE'LL INTRODUCE YOU TO THE POLICE OFFICER WHO FIRST RESPONDED TO THE SCENE 20 YEARS AGO.

SEE HIS REACTION TO TODAY'S OPERATION A LITTLE LATER.

IN PG, CK NBC-2 Return to index of stories...


KOMEN KICK OFF PARTY-CG


TONIGHT IS YOUR CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR THE SUSAN G KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE.

THERE IS A PINK PARTY FROM SIX TO EIGHT AT SAM GALLOWAY FORD ON BOY SCOUT DRIVE IN FORT MYERS.

A LITTLE GET TOGETHER FOR KOMEN SUPPORTERS.

AND YOU CAN SIGN UP TO RUN OR WALK IN THE RACE FOR THE CURE ON MARCH NINTH.

TO FIND OUT MORE, LOG ON TO OUR WEBSITE, NBC-2.COM, CLICK ON NEWSLINKS. Return to index of stories...


LIGHTNING TRAINING CAMP OVER-VO-OCTAG


THE TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING PACKED UP AND WENT BACK HOME TODAY --

BUT NOT BEFORE HOLDING ONE MORE PRACTICE AT GERMAIN ARENA.

THE BOLTS HELD THREE DAYS OF AN ALREADY ABBREVIATED TRAINING CAMP IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA THIS WEEK.

A LOCK OUT FORCED A DELAY TO THE START OF THE REGULAR SEASON --

NOW JUST 48 GAMES INSTEAD OF THE NORMAL 82.

TAMPA HAS ONE MORE PRACTICE TOMORROW BEFORE THEIR HOME OPENER AGAINST WASHINGTON CAPITALS ON SATURDAY.

FLORIDA'S OTHER HOCKEY TEAM --

THE PANTHERS OPENS UP AT HOME AGAINST CAROLINA ON SATURDAY ALSO. Return to index of stories...


TEASE TWO-2SHOT


A TRAVELING TRIBUTE TO THE NATIONS VETERANS MADE ITS WAY TO SOUTHWEST FLORIDA TODAY.

THEY ESCORTED A REPLICA OF A FAMOUS WALL TO LEE COUNTY.

WE'LL TELL YOU WHERE YOU CAN SEE IF THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS. Return to index of stories...


TZ2 A) AMVET TRAVELING TRIBUTE-NATSVO


Return to index of stories...

TZ2 B) NEW AT 6 TEASE-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

AMVET TRAVELING TRIBUTE-VOTOPS-2SH


A LONG LINE OF BIKERS TOOK THE TRIP FROM CHARLOTTE COUNTY TO JET BLUE PARK TODAY --

TO HONOR AMERICA'S VETERANS.

WE CAPTURED PART OF THE TRIP FROM OUR TRAFFIC CAMERA AT EXIT 138 OFF INTERSTATE 75.

THEY ESCORTED A REPLICA OF THE VIETNAM WALL.

IT WILL BE ON DISPLAY FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS --

AND AS N-B-C TWO'S MEAGHAN SMITH FOUND OUT --

THIS GROUP OF BIKERS CALLS IT AN HONOR TO BE A PART OF THIS TRAVELING TRIBUTE. Return to index of stories...


AMVET TRAVELING TRIBUTE-PKG


THEIR 34 MILE TRIP-

Nat

A TRIBUTE.

16:30 "it lets a lot of the veterans- especially those who served in vietnam show their respects."

TUCKED AWAY IN THIS TRUCK-

Nat

IS SOMETHING SO IMPORTANT-

IT BROUGHT MORE THAN 200 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA VETERANS TOGETHER-

TO ACCOMPANY IT TO JET BLUE PARK.

18:00 "the vietnam wall- it's one of the center attractions- we're here to honor it."

AND THEY DID SO BY MEETING AT A WEIGH STATION OFF 75 IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Nat

SOME LINED UP HOURS EARLIER-

TO GET A GOOD SPOT IN THE FRONT OF THE LINE.

ALL TO HONOR THOSE LIVES LOST IN COMBAT.

18:07 "i lost a great deal of friends in vietnam and other wars."

COMPLETE WITH A LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ESCORT-

THE PROUD VETS LINED UP-

Nat

AND HEADED DOWN THE INTERSTATE.

Nat

IN AN IMPRESSIVE CONVOY.

THE 40 MINUTE TRIP ENDED AT JET BLUE PARK.

THE "AMERICAN VETERANS TRAVELING TRIBUTE," WHICH INCLUDES THE VIETNAM WALL REPLICA WON'T BE SET UP UNTIL TOMORROW.

Nat

HERE'S A PEEK OF IT SAFELY PACKED AWAY.

32:50 "what you see right now is everything in it's travel positions to keep it safe"

IT HAS ALL THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO DIED IN THE VIETNAM WAR, ALONG WITH THOSE MISSING IN ACTION AND POW'S

33:31 "58, 279"

IT WILL BE ASSEMBLED TOMORROW MORNING-

AND WON DISPLAY THROUGH SATURDAY.

A TRIBUTE TO ALL THE VETS-

AND THOSE STILL SERVING.

16:40 "we're still out here- we're still behind you."

IN LEE COUNTY, MEAGHAN SMITH, NBC-2. Return to index of stories...


AMVET TRAVELING TRIBUTE-OCTAG


THE WALL WILL BE ON DISPLAY THROUGH SATURDAY.

THE AMERICAN HEROES AIR SHOW IS ALSO AT JET BLUE PARK ON SATURDAY FROM 9:00 A.M. UNTIL 4:00 P.M.

BOTH ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND FREE OF CHARGE. Return to index of stories...


NEW AT 530-BNR-2SHOT


WE'RE TRACKING TO MAJOR STORIES COMING OUT OF TALLAHASSEE TODAY.

FIRST--

THE STATE'S LARGEST INSURER.

CITIZENS INSURANCE UNDER FIRE TONIGHT FOR WASTING MILLIONS OF *YOUR* TAX DOLLARS!

AND THE GOVERNOR IS DOING AN ABOUT FACE!

HE HAS A NEW PLAN TO CLEAR-UP ALL THE PROBLEMS THAT PLAGUED FLORIDA VOTERS IN NOVEMBER.

AND SOUTHWEST FLORIDA IS ON THE EDGE OF THE BIG SCANDAL ROCKING COLLEGE FOOTBALL!

A STAR LINEBACKER'S DEAD GIRLFRIEND--

*NEVER* EXISTED!

NBC2 NEWS AT 5:30 IS NEXT. Return to index of stories...


A) FL ELECTION CHANGES-VO-WIPE


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B) MANTI TE'O-VOTOPS


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