5PM NBC2 |
nats of tasing and victim on the ground screaming
A DANGER TO SOCIETY --
OR EXCESSIVE FORCE?
A MAN WHO LED DEPUTIES ON A HIGH SPEED CHASE --
CLAIMS HE WAS THE VICTIM OF POLICE BRUTALITY.
N-B-C TWO INVESTIGATES.
DEBRIS SCATTERED ON I-75 --
DAMAGED A DOZEN CARS.
NOW DRIVERS ARE STUCK FOOTING THE BILL.
IT HASN'T HAPPENED SINCE THE 13TH CENTURY.
N-B-C TWO UNCOVERING WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE VATICAN AS THE POPE ANNOUNCES HE'LL RESIGN.
AND DOCTOR SHORTAGE.
12:37:47 I would say at this point it is a fairly significant problem. 12:37:50
WHAT THE STATE IS DOING TO MAKE SURE YOU CAN GET YOUR CHILD THE MEDICAL ATTENTION THEY NEED.
THE NEWS AT FIVE STARTS NOW.
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5PM OPEN
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A DOZEN CARS WERE INVOLVED IN A CRASH ON I-75 IN COLLIER COUNTY.
ALL AFTER A TRUCK SPILLED CONCRETE AND WOOD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD --
AND THEN TOOK OFF.
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THIS HAPPENED IN THE SOUTHBOUND LANES --
NEAR THE IMMOKALEE ROAD EXIT.
THERE WAS SO MUCH DEBRIS IT SHUT DOWN A 9-MILE STRETCH OF I-75 FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES.
N-B-C TWO'S KELLY CRESWELL SPENT THE DAY TRACKING DOWN THE VICTIMS IN THE CRASH --
AND TO FIND OUT IF INVESTIGATORS ARE ANY CLOSER TO FINDING OUT WHO CAUSED THE MESS.
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I just spoke with the driver of this ford Taurus who was the first to hit the debris. He was just getting off the immokalee road exit when he hit a concrete pole. The damage to underneath his car has been fixed, but the repairs are putting a dent into his wallet.
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:20 Jason Shaw, George and Son's driver
Nats
This ford Taurus, this Acura--and ten other cars pummeled over concrete and wood strewn across a dark I-75 last night.
Take sound
Marian Duty, Driver
"You couldn't see anything until it was too late, until you were just running over it."
From mile marker 116 to 107--the southbound lanes were shut down for 45 minutes.
Take sound
Jason Shaw, George and sons towing
"Just cars everywhere all over 75 on the left and right hand side all of them were broken some of them were flat tires some were smashed.
Marian Duty's acura was one of those cars. She was on her way home to Fort Lauderdale when her Acura flew over the debris.
Take sound
Marian
"It was a big, almost like a log. It was about five feet long and stretched across the whole lane and when I ran that over, it was like the front of my car went airborne."
Not injured, but definitely shaken, Marian's car was towed and she had to spend the night in a hotel.
Nats
As the cars are being inspected for damage today--those involved are taking a sigh of relief that it wasn't any worse.
Take sound
Jason Shaw
"I was pretty surprised that there was nothing wrong with their car, other than underneath. I even told them that their pretty lucky but it all for the best and somebody was watching over them that was for sure."
But nobody watched the debris fall out of the truck. And now as some people are paying out of pocket for repairs--the drivers involved have one wish.
Take sound
Marian
"Hopefully somebody will report something."
Take live
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This is a piece of wood that was found wedged into the engine cover of the Acura. The driver of the truck where all of the debris fell out of has not been found. If you know anything you are urged to call Fhp.
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get on the ground. Running up punch in the chest. Knocked down. Punched.
COLLIER COUNTY DEPUTIES SAY THE MAN IN THIS VIDEO TOOK THEM ON A HIGH SPEED CHASE -
NOW HE IS SUING THE DEPARTMENT FOR EXCESSIVE FORCE.
THAT SIX MILE CHASE REACHED SPEEDS OF MORE THAN A HUNDRED MILES AN HOUR -- LAST OCTOBER ON LIVINGSTON, VANDERBILT AND IMMOKALEE ROADS.
INVESTIGATORS SAY MATEO FALCONI DIDN'T FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS --
AND THEY ACTED ACCORDING TO THE LAW.
FALCONI SAYS THE VIDEO PROVES OTHERWISE.
N-B-C TWO'S GABY FLIESCHMAN IS LIVE AT THE VERY PLACE WERE DEPUTIES FINALLY CAUGHT UP WITH FALCONI.
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Live:
Mateo Falconi says once the chase ended in this parking lot off immokalee road in n naples, he peacefully surrendered-- but was still brutally beaten before being handcuffed. Now falconi has hired an attorney and plans to sue the collier county sherriffs office. Says he wants justice.
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Trt 1:22
:34 Mateo Falconi
Pkg:
Dash cam video of a high speed chase coming to an end at the 7thousand block of preserve lane on naples.
Nats
22 year old mateo falconi gets off of his motorcycle, and puts his hands in the air.
Collier county deputy robert lewis runs toward him with his gun drawn then punches falconi and tackles him to the ground-- threatening to kill him.
Nats -"ill kill you"
During the chaos, falconi begs for the beating to stop.
Nats - "
He is then tazed-- while five other deputies struggle to arrest him.
Sot:
Mateo falconi:
2:50 it was dark, I was scared and all I could feel was the weight of men on top of me and repeated blows to back of my head my neck and my body 57
Falconi and LULAC, a national civil rights organization, released this video.
4:25 looking for the slightest excuse to beat civilians
According to an arrest report written by deputy lewis-- the video doesn't tell the whole story. Lewis says force was necessary because falconi was resisting arrest.
Lewis says falconi ignored demands to get on the ground--even putting his hand underneath his torso like he was reaching for something-- so lewis tazed falconi in the back before handcuffing him.
The sheriffs office says they cant discuss the incident because of the pending criminal case against falconi but say the:
Ss:
"Deputy's actions appear to be justified and in line with CCSO policy."
Falconi: 2:02 that night has left me permanently scarred and I fear further retaliation now that these events are being made public 08
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:
No weapon found on falconi. deputies did find marijuana in his backpack. Falconi facing criminal charges for marijuana possession, fleeing law enforcement and resisting arrest.
Falconi says he's not a criminal--hes a straight a student at fgcu that has made stupid mistakes. Did find he was arrested once before for dui in lee county in 2009.
Representative for lulac says he believes the beating was racially motivated since falconi is hispanic.
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A FORT MYERS BEACH WOMAN IS ACCUSED OF HITTING UP MULTIPLE DOCTORS-
TO GET HER HANDS ON THOUSANDS OF OXYCODONE AND XANEX PILLS.
LEE COUNTY DEPUTIES ARRESTED KARYN MCNABB ON PRESCRIPTION FRAUD CHARGES.
SHE TELLS NBC-2'S MEAGHAN SMITH- THE WHOLE THING- IS A BIG MISUNDERSTANDING.
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from doctor to doctor-
lee county deputies say this woman,
karyn mcnabb-
shopped for pills.
larry 52:06 "she was doctor shopping"
they say it happened back in 2011-
but an anomoyous tip just came in-
2 years later-
that pointed deputies to mcnabb on doctor shopping allegations.
larry 52:34 "she would get oxycodone prescribed to her and it became apparent to us."
detectives report that after pulling mcnabb's medical records-
they found that she visited 3 different doctors,
in less than 28 days to get narcotics like oxycodone and xanex.
and because she allegedly didn't disclose to these doctors that she was seeing other physicians for the same reason-
that met the criteria of doctor shopping.
Nat
we found mcnabb at her fort myers beach home-
after bonding out of jail.
she says the charges are all a misunderstanding.
48:45 suspect "what had happened is i was going somewheres and they switched doctors so i switched doctors."
but deputies tell us she knew exactly what she was doing-
and even went as far as sarasota to get prescriptions.
mcnabb does say-
she stopped popping pills awhile ago.
49:21 suspect "i decided it wasn't the way to recouperate and that they're overwhelming and addicting- i have children to take care of and that's not my lifestyle."
the sheriff's office though arrested her on nine felony charges-
of prescription fraud.
in lee county, meaghan smith, nbc-2.
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WE ARE LEARNING MORE TONIGHT ABOUT POPE BENEDICT'S RESIGNATION. HE WILL STEP DOWN FEBRUARY 28TH.
LOCAL CATHOLICS ARE REACTING TO THE NEWS WITH SADNESS AND SHOCK.
THE DIOCESE OF VENICE WHICH INCLUDES LEE COLLIER AND CHARLOTTE COUNTIES HAS MORE THAN A QUARTER MILLION REGISTERED CATHOLICS.
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POPE BENEDICT THE 16TH IS STEPPING DOWN. THE
NEWS THAT CAME AS A COMPLETE SHOCK TO THE FAITHFUL IN FORT MYERS.
THE 85-YEAR-OLD POPE ANNOUNCED HIS DECISION THIS MORNING DURING A SMALL MEETING OF VATICAN CARDINALS.
THE FIRST POPE IN MODERN HISTORY TO STEP DOWN, HE TOLD CARDINALS HE DIDNT FEEL HE COULD CARRY ON THE JOB.
WE REACHED OUT TO THE DIOCESE OF VENICE, WHICH INCLUDES TEN COUNTIES AND NEARLY 60 PARISHES FOR INSIGHT INTO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
- Billy Atwell - Diocese of Venice Spokesperson
"so we're going to be getting a lot more information about what the process will be like and those kinds of question."
BISHOP FRANK DEWAYNE WORKED AT THE VATICAN FOR NEARLY 11 YEARS. THE POPE AFFECTIONALY REFERRED TO HIM AS "THE AMERICAN"
BISHOP DEWANE IS RECOVERING FROM A MEDICAL PROCEDURE, BUT GAVE US THIS STATEMENT.
" POPE BENEDICT THE 16TH HAS BEEN A LOYAL AND ACTIVE SHEPHERD FOR HIS YEARS AS SUCCESSOR OF SAINT PETER."
VICE PRESIDENTS JOE BIDEN IS A PRACTICING CATHOLIC.
this is a man of great integrity and looking out for what he believes is the best interest of our church. I admire him for it.
MOST PEOPLE didn't EVEN KNOW THE POPE CAN ACTUALLY ABDICATE. NOBODY HAS DONE IT SINCE THE 13TH CENTURY.
"A pope today has to conduct hundreds if not thousands of audiences, meetings, encounters every year. It takes a tremendous physical toll and I think we've seen this pope strain under that kind of a calendar."
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THE POPE IS GOING TO RETIRE TO A SPIRITUAL LIFE INTO A MONASTERY IN THE VATICAN. THE COLLEGE OF CARDINALS WILL CHOOSE HIS SUCCESSOR IN MARCH.
AT 5:30 WE HEAD to the CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF AVE MARIA,
AND WE WILL HEAR FROM THE FORMER AMBASSADOR TO THE VATICAN FRANCIS ROONEY.
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FIRE RIPS THROUGH THE ROOF OF A MARCO ISLAND HOME --
THE FLAMES SO INTENSE, IT TOOK 26 FIREFIGTHERS TO PUT THE FIRE OUT.
NBC2'S CHRISTINA LUSBY IS ON MARCO AT 5 O'CLOCK WITH OUR FIRST LIVE LOOK AT THE DAMAGE.
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HERE'S WHAT'S LEFT OF THE HOME BEHIND ME.
THE FLAMES WERE SHOOTING SO HIGH THROUGH THE ROOF.NEIGHBORS FROM ACROSS THE WATER SAY THEM AND CALLED 911.
vo
HERE'S A PICTURE OF THE FIRE COMING THROUGH THE ROOF.
CREWS SAY THE FLAMES WERE 30 FEET HIGH.
FIRE CREWS SHOWED US THIS DAMAGE AROUND THE BACK OF THE HOME.
THE FLAMES CONSUMED MOST OF THE HOME--
26 FIRE FIGHTERS FOUGHT THE FLAMES FROM THE FRONT AND BACK OF THE HOME.
IT HAS A DANGEROUS FIGHT.
Chris Bryne Deputy Fire Chief City of Marco Island:13 SECS "WE HAD FIRE GOING IN BOTH DIRECTIONS FROM THE CETNER WE TOOK POSITIONS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HOUSE THERE WAS TILES AND DEBRIS FALLING SO IT WAS DANGEROUS FOR INTERIOR CREWS"
ONE FIRE FIGHTER WAS INJURED AND SENT TO URGENT CARE.
THEY ARE OKAY.
THE FAMILY IS ON SCENE NOW BUT WAS NOT HOME AT THE TIME.
BUT THEY LOST ALMOST EVERYTHING --THERE WERE A FEW ITEMS YOU SEE HERE THAT FIGHT FIGHTERS SAVED.
RIGHT NOW THE FAMILY IS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE TO SLEEP FOR THE NIGHT.
take live
CREWS DONT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE.
IT IS UNDER INVESTIGATION.
THE STATE FIRE MARSHALL IS ON THE WAY.
LIVE IN MARCO ISLAND CHRISTIN
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STATE TROOPERS ARRESTED A COLLIER COUNTY DEPUTY ON SUSPICION OF D-U-I AFTER THEY SAY HE CRASHED HIS MOTORCYCLE ON THE INTERSTATE.
ACCORDING TO THE ARREST REPORT --
WITNESSES SAW JOHN MADDEN DRIVE OFF THE ROAD AND CRASH INTO THE GRASS SATURDAY NIGHT.
MADDEN IS A CORPORAL AT THE GOLDEN GATE SUBSTATION.
TROOPERS SAY HE REFUSED TO TAKE FIELD SOBRIETY TESTS AND A BREATHLYZER.
RIGHT NOW MADDEN IS ON PAID ADMINISTRATIVE DUTY --
MEANING HE IS BEHIND A DESK.
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A BILL MAKING ITS WAY THROUGH THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE ALLOWS THE STATE TO CHARGE DRIVERS WITH MURDER IF THEY CAUSE A DEATH WHILE TEXTING AND DRIVING.
A CONVICTION ON THAT COULD MEAN A 15 YEAR PRISON SENTENCE.
SEVERAL TEXTING-WHILE-DRIVING BILLS ARE UP FOR DEBATE IN THE UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
RIGHT NOW FLORIDA IS ONE OF FEW STATES IN THE NATION WITHOUT ANY RESTRICTIONS ON TEXTING BEHIND THE WHEEL.
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CITIZENS INSURANCE MOVED FORWARD TODAY WITH A PLAN TO SHIFT THOUSANDS OF POLICIES TO A PRIVATE INSURER.
WHEN HURRICANE SEASON STARTS IN JUNE.WESTON INSURANCE WILL TAKE OVER THE WIND DAMAGE PORTION OF THE POLICIES.
THIS ALLOWS CITIZENS.AND IN TURN TAXPAYERS.TO TO LIMIT THEIR EXPOSURE TO MAJOR LOSSES.
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"HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR EDISON, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!"
A SPECIAL CELEBRATION IN FORT MYERS FOR THOMAS EDISON'S 166TH BIRTHDAY.
STUDENTS FROM EDISON PARK ELEMENTARY PERFORMED IN SONG AND DANCE HONORING THE LIFE OF THE FAMOUS INVENTOR, WHO SPENT HIS WINTERS IN FORT MYERS
EDISON INVENTED CEMENT, BATTERIES AND OF COURSE- THE LIGHTBULB.
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:08
Thomas Edison
Volunteer
"On my birthday I would take time to talk to the politicians and people in town about what I've been working on and what my new inventions were going to be."
THE CELEBRATION WILL CONTINUE ALL WEEK LONG-- CLOSING WITH THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHT PARADE SATURDAY NIGHT.
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AND SPEAKING OF THE PARADE --
WE NOW KNOW WHO WILL SERVE AS GRAND PARADE MARSHALS FOR THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY --
LOCAL AUTHOR ROBERT MACOMBER
JAN AND JAMIE MAGIRL WHO YOU JUST SAW AS TOMAS AND MINA EDISON --
AND NASCAR WORLD TRUCK SERIES DRIVER ROSS CHASTAIN.
THE BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES AND THREE 50 FOOT TRACTOR TRAILERS THAT CARRY THE HORSES WILL ALSO BE PART OF THE SHOW.
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PEDIATRICIAN OFFICES LIKE THIS ONE ARE VERY BUSY ALL BECAUSE OF A
PEDIATRICIAN SHORTAGE. I'M NBC 2 INVESTIGATOR DAVE ELIAS
HOW SERIOUS IS THE PROBLEM HERE? WE'LL ANSWER THAT QUESTION
COMING UP….
PLUS --
LURING HOLLYWOOD TO SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.
THE NEW APPROACH TO MAKE OUR PART OF THE SUNSHINE STATE ATTRACTIVE TO FILM MAKERS.
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THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.
IT IS NOT A VERBATIM OF WHAT IS BEING SAID, BUT IS THE FORECAST FOR OUR AREA.
MIXED BAG OF WEATHER THIS WEEK
We are now eleven days into February, but you wouldn't know it by stepping outside. A nearly insurmountable area of high pressure continues to send our highs into the low 80s. When you take those 80s and mix in a little sunshine… It feels more like April.
There is no need to worry if you enjoy cooler weather. Everything changes and so too will this warm spell. That high pressure responsible for our above average February will finally weaken, and we will pick up some much needed rainfall and cooler temperatures. Just be patient.
These changes will not occur overnight. In fact the adjustments to our forecast will take several days to be seen and felt.
We'll start it like this - the first half of this week will be great. Mostly sunny skies and temperatures near 84 are expected. The only concern for Tuesday and Wednesday is a chance for dense fog. That could be an imminent threat as you head out the door early in the morning.
Big changes take place Wednesday night into Thursday as a weak front stalls over central Florida. That will keep our skies cloudy and give us a chance for afternoon showers. We're rewarded for going through a gloomy end to the week though. The air behind this front is cool and crisp! Highs Friday through Monday will barely be in the 70s and lows could drop as far down as 39 by Monday.
So the first half of the week will be nice and warm while the last half of the week will be bleak and cooler.
Enjoy!
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A MEDICAL CRISIS IS BREWING.AND WE'RE SEEING THE PROBLEM RIGHT HERE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.
THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH PEDIACTRIC DOCTORS.
12:37:47 I would say at this point it is a fairly significant problem. 12:37:50
WE DISCOVERED SOME PARENTS ARE MAKING APPOINTMENTS --
MONTHS IN ADVANCE --
OR TRAVELING LONG DISTANCES TO FIND A SPECIALIST.
N-B-C TWO INVESTIGATOR DAVE ELIAS ASKED WHY - AND WHAT'S BEING DONE TO FIX IT.
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THE WORLD OF SPECIALTY CARE FOR KIDS IS IN TROUBLE.
THERE AREN'T ENOUGH PEDIATRIC SPECIALISTS TO GO AROUND.
SO THAT COULD LEAVE MANY PARENTS WAITING OR TRAVELLING JUST TO SEEK TREATMENT.
A PROBLEM THAT LEE COUNTY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IS ADDRESSING.
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CHANSON SAVAKINUS HAS LEUKEMIA.
nats of destiny or her son?
03:25:44 Today is a good example his hemoglobin has dropped and he needs a blood transfusion! 03:25:47
UNABLE TO DO MANY THINGS A 7 YEAR OLD ENJOYS….
03:28:05 I just have to sit there and wait for hours.
FORCED TO UNDERGO SIX BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS A MONTH.
03:24:36 It's very important that we have enough doctors going forward. 03:24:38
CHANSON NEEDED AN ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON AFTER FRACTURING HIS SPINE. AND LUCKILY FOUND ONE, AT THE GOLISANO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL.
Destiny Savakinus/Child Has Lukemia / 02:26:33 I can't imagine having to travel when your child has a critical illness or life threatening illness. 03:26:37
BUT MANY DO. AND EVEN THOSE CHILDREN WHO ARE HEALTHY ARE WAITING; DUE TO A NATIONAL SHORTAGE OF PEDIATRICIANS AND SPECIALISTS.
Dan Fink / 13:40:28 The shortage is caused by a variety of reasons. 13:40:31
ONE OF THEM? SALARIES.
Dan Fink / 13:40:33 Historically pediatric specialists have made less money than their adult counterpart. 13:40:35
TYPICALLY ABOUT 256-THOUSAND DOLLARS LESS ACCORDING TO THE
AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.
NOTES: FULLSCREEN
ADD TO THAT THE STRESS OF DEALING WITH PARENTS.
Dan Fink, / 13:42:06 Some people just can't deal with it and so they decide it's easier to go into adult medicine. 13:42:10
NOTES: TAKE FS: FULLSCREEN GRX
AND A LACK OF ACTIVE RECRUITMENT BY HOSPITALS.
07:28:02 Child cries out during exam!
AND IT'S ENOUGH FOR A PERFECT STORM.
Dr. Pierre Loredo/ Pediatrician / 07:27:38 You're doing great with your exam.look. 07:27:39
NOTES: TAKE FS: FULLSCREEN GRX
TO BOOST THE NUMBER OF PEDIATRICIANS, THE PRESIDENT'S AFFORDABLE CARE ACT INCLUDES A PROVSION TO HELP WITH MEDICAL SCHOOL DEBT - ESTIMATED AT ABOUT $184-THOUSAND DOLLARS.
Dr. Pierre Loredo/Pediatrician / 02:09 It kind of increased the amount of reimbursement. So it was a nice little boost that the president gave us.
AND THE GOLISANO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IS DOING IT'S PART WHEN IT COMES TO BOOSTING RECRUITMENT - SETTING A GOAL TO HIRE 50 PEDIATRIC SPECIALISTS IN THE NEXT EIGHT YEARS.
Dan Fink, CAO, Golisano Children's Hospital / 12:37:56 In the last year we were able to recruit 10 new pediatric specialists alone. 12:38:00
SPECIALISTS THAT CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE OR DEATH FOR THOSE LIKE THE SAVAKINUS FAMILY.
Destiny Savakinus / 03:24:44 He can't be far from home or far from his oncologist should he need to see another specialist. 03:24:48
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WHILE THE PROBLEM ISN'T AS CRITICAL IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA AS OTHER PLACES, THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT WILL INCREASE THE NUMBER OF KIDS GOING TO PEDIATRICANS - SO WE'LL NEED MORE TO MEET THAT DEMAND.
DAVE ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR TYPES OF PEDIATRICIANS THAT ARE IN DIRE NEED HERE?
THERE CURRENTLY ARE 'NO' PEDIATRIC UREOLOGISTS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA. RIGHT NOW FAMILES MUST TRAVEL TO MIAMI OR TAMPA. THAT'S JUST ONE OF THE SPECIALTY DOCTORS SAY THEY HOPE TO ATTRACT HERE.
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ATTRACTING FILM MAKERS TO A HIDDEN GEM IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA --
42 44 42 50
Lee county is under served as a place for film production.
NEXT WE'LL TELL YOU ABOUT THE NEW EFFORT TO MARKET FORT MYERS TO HOLLYWOOD PRODUCERS.
AND ALL NEW AT SIX--
It's a question, many parents ask, do violent video games actually make kids violent. I'm Chad Oliver - finding answers into that complex Good Question."
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WE'RE KNOWN FOR BEACHES AND SPRING TRAINING.
NOW THE CITY OF FORT MYERS IS LOOKING TO ADD MOVIES TO ITS RESUME.
NBC 2'S KIM BROWN FOUND OUT ABOUT THE MOVE THAT COULD PUT FORT MYERS ON THE MAP.
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BESIDES THE WEATHER. AND WATERFRONT.
JERRY MILLER SEES MORE POTENTIAL FOR THE CITY OF FORT MYERS.
Fort Myers is kind of like a well kept secret.
BUT HE WANTS TO PUT IT ON THE MAP.
THAT'S WHY HE PROPOSED CREATING A FILM COMMISSION.
In Fort Myers we have it all. Year round, we have the riverfront, the architecture, we have commercial corridors, and with the new streetscape and what's going on downtown, the timing is good.
FORT MYERS HAS HOSTED SEVERAL MOVIES INCLUDING 'JUST CAUSE' WITH SEAN CONNERY, PALMETTO WITH WOODY HARRELSON, AND WAS ALSO THE SITE FOR A WRANGLERS JEAN COMMERICAL.
NOW, THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, OR C-R-A, IS DEVELOPING A PLAN FOR CITY LEADERS TO INCLUDE INCENTIVES TO ATTRACT PRODUCTION COMPANIES.
If the city was to have its own film commission they would be a team of volunteers helping those companies through the permitting process and finding places to film.
THE STATE FILM COMMISSION TOLD THEM THERE'S INTEREST FROM PRODUCTION COMPANIES TO COME HERE.
BUT THEY NEED THEIR OWN LOCAL FILM COMMISSION TO COORDINATE.
It's a lot easier because they would know where to go.
THE LEE COUNTY VISITOR AND CONVENTION BUREAU HAS ITS OWN FILM COMMISSION.
BUT IT ONLY DEALS WITH PERMITTING.
AND WHILE MOST OF THE EFFORTS OF THE FORT MYERS FILM COMMISSION WOULD BE ON THE CITY, THEY WOULD ALSO ASSIST THE COUNTY.
we have to start somewhere. And we feel like this is a good start.
THE CITY WILL GET A LOOK AT THE PLANS NEXT MONTH.
IN FORT MYERS KIM BROWN NBC2.
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A BOMBSHELL INSIDE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH--
THE POPE RESIGNS!
TONIGHT NBC2 TALKS WITH THE U-S AMBASSADOR TO THE VATICAN!
NAPLES RESIDENT FRANCIS ROONEY--
AND SOME BUSINESSES ARE CRYING "UNFAIR"!
BEACHES ARE ERODING THANKS TO SUMMER STORMS--
AND NOW THEY CLAIM THEIR BUSINESS IS WASHING OUT INTO THE GULF TOO!
NBC2 NEWS AT 5:30 IS NEXT.
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