ANCHOR SUPERS

HL1) POPE TODAY-TRX-SATLIVE

RIGHT NOW --

BRAND NEW PICTURES FROM THE VATICAN --

WHERE MASS IS UNDERWAY AT SAINT ANNA'S CHURCH.

NBC-2 GIVES YOU CONTINUING COVERAGE -- LEADING UP TO POPE FRANCIS' FIRST SUNDAY BLESSING.

HL2) FORECAST-TRX-WX GFX

HL3) CARNIVAL RETURNS-TRX-VOTOPS

AND --

BRAND NEW VIDEO OF CARNIVAL'S MALFUNCTIONING SHIP -- "LEGEND" -- ARRIVING TO A FLORIDA PORT,

IT'S JUST THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF ISSUES WITH SEVERAL CARNIVAL CRUISELINES --

NEWS TODAY OPEN-CLIP

GOOD MORNING-1SHOT

GOOD MORNING!

THANK YOU FOR WAKING UP WITH US FOR NBC-2 NEWS TODAY.

I'M KELLY CRESWELL.

TODAY IS SUNDAY, MARCH 17-TH.

POPES FIRST SUNDAY-TRX-SATLIVE

HAPPENING THIS MORNING---

POPE FRANCIS HOLDS HIS FIRST SUNDAY PRAYER --

THIS IS A LIVE LOOK AT POPE FRANCIS HOLDING MASS AT SAINT ANNA'S CHURCH IN VATICAN CITY

BEFORE DEVOTING HIS SUNDAY SERVICE TO CHURCH MEMBERS, HE SPENT PART OF SATURDAY MEETING WITH THOUSANDS OF JOURNALISTS IN ROME WHO HAVE BEEN COVERING HIS ELECTION.

POPES FIRST SUNDAY-PKG

AS HE GREETED THOUSANDS OF JOURNALISTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD POPE FRANCIS SEEMED AT EASE WITH THE SPOTLIGHT.

"He seems very natural, very human and I think that's his style all along."

POPE FRANCIS SPOKE FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES IN HIS SAME CASUAL STYLE.AT TIMES STRAYING FROM HIS NOTES.BUT NEVER FROM HIS MESSAGE.AT ONE POINT SAYING, "OH HOW I WISH A POOR CHURCH FOR THE POOR!"

"This man I think clearly is saying toward the poor, toward the works of social justice, toward the works of peace. He mentioned that today too. Francis is the great figure of peace. I think all that is terrific."

THE CROWD.

LAUGHED AS FRANCIS JOKED ABOUT HOW HARD THE MEDIA HAS WORKED OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS.WORK HE COMPARED TO THE MISSION OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, SAYING BOTH CONVEY A MESSAGE OF, "TRUTH, BEAUTY AND GOODNESS."

HE ALSO TALKED ABOUT HOW HE CHOSE HIS NAME, SAYING THAT WHEN THINGS BECAME "DANGEROUS" DURING THE CONCLAVE AND EVIDENT THAT HE WOULD BE ELECTED, A FELLOW CARDINAL FROM BRAZIL TOLD HIM, DON'T FORGET THE POOR.

POPES FIRST SUNDAY-OC

JAY GRAY WITH THAT REPORT --

6:02 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-CLIP

6:02 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-WX WALL

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.

The warmth keeps building in across Southwest Florida this St. Patrick's Day as a daytime highs return to the 80s! The forecast also looks plenty dry for those of us planning any outdoor activities, so it's doubtful we'll see any green out there…at least on the radar.

One thing we'll be watching for, however, is the possibility of some thin clouds streaming in from the west, which will likely filter the sunshine a bit by the afternoon and evening.

Winds will primarily be out of the southeast from 5-15 mph, except along the coast where winds will become more westerly by the afternoon.

Humidity will be at comfortable levels today, but as winds continue out of the south and southwest for the next few days, we'll notice humidity levels increasing by early this week.

Along with the humidity, temperatures will also be on the rise with highs for most of the upcoming week in the mid 80s and overnight lows only cooling down into the mid 60s.

Rain chances will be up a few notches starting Tuesday as a weakening cool front stalls over Central Florida, but the best chance for isolated rain will likely be over the interior and deep inland.

SHANE SIMPKINS-SOTVO WIPE

IT DIDN'T TAKE JURORS LONG TO CONVICT SHANE SIMPKINS OF MURDERING AN ESTERO GRANDMOTHER AND DUMPING HER BODY IN THE WOODS.

it is the judgment of this court that you are guilty of second degree murder

IT TOOK JUST AN HOUR AND A HALF FOR JURORS TO FIND SIMPKINS GUILTY OF MURDERING MARY ANN ZARB IN 2011.

THE 64-YEAR-OLD HIRED SIMPKINS TO REMODEL HER CONDO.

THAT'S WHEN HE FORCED ZARB TO WRITE HIM THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN CHECKS -- STRANGLED HER -- THEN DUMPED THE BODY.

THE JURY ALSO CONVICTED SIMPKINS ON CHARGES OF BURGLARY AND GRAND THEFT.

SHANE SIMPKINS-SOTVO OC

A SECOND MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER IN THE CASE TOOK A DEAL WITH THE STATE TO TESTIFY AGAINST SIMPKINS.

CHRISTOPHER NEUBERGER PLEADED GUILTY AND WILL SERVE TEN YEARS IN PRISON.

MEANWHILE. SIMPKINS' IS SET FOR SENTENCING IN APRIL.

IMMOKALEE PLANE CRASH-VO OC

A SMALL PLANE CRASHED IN COLLIER COUNTY -- SENDING THE PILOT TO THE HOSPITAL.

EMERGENCY CREWS HAD A HARD TIME FINDING THE CRASH.

THAT HAPPENED IN A WOODS NEAR IMMOKALEE JUST SOUTHWEST OF LAKE TRAFFORD.

IT TOOK RESCUE CREWS AN HOUR AND A HALF TO FIND IT.

RESCUERS USED THE PILOTS GPS ON HIS PHONE TO GET TO HIM.

AN INVESTIGATION IS BEING HANDLED BY THE F-A-A AND THE N-T-S-B

MIAMI PLANE AX FOLO-TRX VOWIPE

WE'RE LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE SMALL PLANE THAT CRASHED FRIDAY IN FORT LAUDERDALE THAT KILLED ALL THREE PEOPLE ON BOARD.

NOW, THE WIFE OF THE PILOT IS SPEAKING OUT.

AND SHE BLAMES THE PLANE.

KIM WALLER SAYS HER HUSBAND -- STEVEN -- HAD BEEN FLYING FOR 20 YEARS AND WOULD NOT HAVE TAKEN ANY CHANCES.

SHE SAYS HE WAS FRIENDS WITH THE OTHER TWO MEN ON THE PLANE.

MIAMI PLANE AX FOLO-SOTVO

"Steve never would have taken a chance with Wally and his son and that's all they were doing was checking avionics.

Q: And he was just there volunteering?

A: That's it, yeah, he wasn't getting paid for it. He was just doing them a favor."

COLLIER CHILD SEX ASSAULT-SS WIPE

A NAPLES MAN IS ARRESTED -- ACCUSED OF MAKING A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD GIRL PERFORM ORAL SEX.

DEPUTIES ARRESTED BRADLEY HINTZ.

INVESTIGATORS SAY HINTZ SHOWED PORN TO THE VICTIM, AND FORCED HER TO PERFORM ORAL SEX.

ACCORDING TO THE ARREST REPORT, HINTZ WAS CHARGED WITH SEXUAL BATTERY.

CHARO CRASH-OTS-OC

SEVEN PEOPLE WERE HURT AFTER A THREE CAR CRASH IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY.

IT HAPPENED ON STATE ROAD 31 NEAR HORSESHOE ROAD JUST BEFORE NOON YESTERDAY.

FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL SAYS 44-YEAR-OLD CHITRA VICTOR WAS BLOCKING THE ROAD WHILE TRYING TO MAKE A U-TURN WHEN AN SUV SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING HIM.

THE DRIVER OF A 3RD VEHICLE HIT HIS BRAKES TO AVOID THE CRASH -- BUT SLAMMED INTO VICTOR'S CAR.

ALL SEVEN PEOPLE INVOLVED WERE HURT.

VICTOR'S 75-YEAR-OLD PASSENGER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL IN CRITICAL CONDITION.

WILDCAT RUN BRUSH FIRE-OTS-OC

CREWS HAVE NOW CLEARED A BRUSH FIRE IN THE WILDCAT RUN PERSERVE, EAST OF ESTERO IN LEE COUNTY.

IT'S BELIEVED THIS WAS A REKINDLING FROM A FIRE THAT BROKE OUT EARLIER THIS WEEK.

THERE HAD BEEN REPORTS OF A LOT OF SMOKE.

LEHIGH BRUSH FIRE-TRX VOTOPS

NEW VIDEO, THIS MORNING --

ANOTHER BRUSH FIRE IN LEHIGH ACRES NEARLY DESTROYED TWO HOMES.

LUCKILY FIREFIGHTERS WERE ABLE TO KNOCK IT DOWN BEFORE IT DID ANY DAMAGE.

IT STARTED IN THE ONE-THOUSAND BLOCK OF HALBY AVENUE SOUTH.

ART OF THE OLYMPIANS-VOWIPE

THE LEASE IS UP FOR A PRIME PIECE OF DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS REAL ESTATE.

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE ART OF THE OLYMPIANS MUSEUM, LOCATED AT THE END OF HENDRY STREET ON THE RIVERFRONT.

THE CITY COUNCIL WILL DISCUSS ITS LEASE MONDAY WHICH IS UP FOR RENEWAL IN TWO WEEKS.

ART OF THE OLYMPIANS-SOTVO

That's the reason we did the 20 year lease in five year increments was just for this reason. So that after the first five years we both could come to the table and say has it been good for both parties? Do we need to make an adjustment?

FLANDERS SAYS THE LEASE REQUIRES BOTH THE CITY AND MUSEUM MANAGERS TO AGREE ON ANY CHANGES IN LOCATION.

FORECAST TODAY'S DAYPLANNER-WX GFX

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE NBC2 WEATHER STAFF.

BREAK ONE AT 6:09:30

6:12 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-CLIP

CROSS TALK-2SHOT

6:12 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-WX WALL

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.

The warmth keeps building in across Southwest Florida this St. Patrick's Day as a daytime highs return to the 80s! The forecast also looks plenty dry for those of us planning any outdoor activities, so it's doubtful we'll see any green out there…at least on the radar.

One thing we'll be watching for, however, is the possibility of some thin clouds streaming in from the west, which will likely filter the sunshine a bit by the afternoon and evening.

Winds will primarily be out of the southeast from 5-15 mph, except along the coast where winds will become more westerly by the afternoon.

Humidity will be at comfortable levels today, but as winds continue out of the south and southwest for the next few days, we'll notice humidity levels increasing by early this week.

Along with the humidity, temperatures will also be on the rise with highs for most of the upcoming week in the mid 80s and overnight lows only cooling down into the mid 60s.

Rain chances will be up a few notches starting Tuesday as a weakening cool front stalls over Central Florida, but the best chance for isolated rain will likely be over the interior and deep inland.

SPORTS WRAP-PKG

TOSS TO BREAK-1SHOT

YOUR TIME RIGHT NOW--

BREAK TWO AT 6:19:30

6:22 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-CLIP

6:22 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-WX WALL

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.

The warmth keeps building in across Southwest Florida this St. Patrick's Day as a daytime highs return to the 80s! The forecast also looks plenty dry for those of us planning any outdoor activities, so it's doubtful we'll see any green out there…at least on the radar.

One thing we'll be watching for, however, is the possibility of some thin clouds streaming in from the west, which will likely filter the sunshine a bit by the afternoon and evening.

Winds will primarily be out of the southeast from 5-15 mph, except along the coast where winds will become more westerly by the afternoon.

Humidity will be at comfortable levels today, but as winds continue out of the south and southwest for the next few days, we'll notice humidity levels increasing by early this week.

Along with the humidity, temperatures will also be on the rise with highs for most of the upcoming week in the mid 80s and overnight lows only cooling down into the mid 60s.

Rain chances will be up a few notches starting Tuesday as a weakening cool front stalls over Central Florida, but the best chance for isolated rain will likely be over the interior and deep inland.

BIZ WEEK AHEAD-OC

NOW TURNING TO YOUR BUSINESS HEADLINES --

BIZ WEEK AHEAD-PKG

SPRING OFFICIALLY ARRIVES THIS WEEK WHILE ON WALL STREET THE MARKETS HAVE ALREADY BLOSSOMED. THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE SURGED TO NEW ALL-TIME HIGHS FOR TEN STRAIGHT SESSIONS OVER THE PAST TWO WEEKS SHOOTING UP ABOUT ELEVEN PERCENT SO FAR THIS YEAR. MEANTIME THE BROADER S-&-P 500 INDEX EDGED CLOSER TO ITS OWN RECORD HIGH LEVEL.

SPRINGTIME IS ALSO THE HEART OF THE HOUSING AND HOME REPAIR SEASONS. THIS WEEK BRINGS THE LATEST READINGS ON CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOMES, HOME PRICES, AND HOME SALES. AND WITH THE HOUSING MARKET IN RECOVERY HOME-BUILDERS' SENTIMENT SHOULD ALSO BE HIGHER.

ONE OF THE BIG REASONS HOUSING IS DOING SO WELL IS NEAR-RECORD LOW INTEREST RATES. AND THIS WEEK THE FEDERAL RESERVE HOLDS ANOTHER TWO -DAY POLICY MEETING ON BENCHMARK RATES, BUT NO CHANGES ARE EXPECTED FOR QUITE SOME TIME.

THIS WEEK A-T-AND-T STARTS SELLING THE ALL-NEW MAKE-OR-BREAK BLACKBERRY Z-10 SMARTPHONE. THE COMPANY SAYS ONE OF ITS LONG-TIME CLIENTS, WHICH IT DID NOT NAME, HAS ALREADY ORDERED A MILLION OF THE NEW HANDSETS.

AND COLLEGE BASKETBALL'S MARCH MADNESS TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF THIS TUESDAY. LOOK FOR A BIG DROP IN PRODUCTIVITY AT THE OFFICE ALONG WITH A LOT OF CHEERING WHILE THOSE DAYTIME GAMES ARE BEING PLAYED.

SELLING YOUR STUFF-OC

SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER -- AND FOR MANY FOLKS THAT MEANS SPRING CLEANING.

BUT CLEANING OUT THE CLUTTER -- DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE TO TRASH THOSE UNWANTED CLOTHES.

SELLING YOUR STUFF-PKG

"i'm kind of addicted"

AMY WOLLINS OF ROCKVILLE MARYLAND IS ADDICTED TO SELLING HER UNWANTED STUFF ONLINE.

"It started with an exercise bicycle. I thought well, let me just take a couple pictures of it and try it on craigslist. and within minutes of hitting send i was getting requests"

Q: "Gone?"

AMY: "Gone"

Q: "How much?"

AMY: "Ah, 35 dollars"

WOLLINS KNEW SHE WAS ONTO SOMETHING. MAKING MONEY WHILE CLEARING CLUTTER.

"I've sold the trampoline from the backyard"

150 BUCKS. THEN SHE REALIZED SHE DIDN'T NEED HER HAMMOCK.

"Never used it and I thought, OK. One more time, three times a charm. Put pictures on there and again, I sold it"

50 BUCKS

"I'm a big fan of Craigslist. my husband better be worried because I'm going to start looking at all of his stuff."

"It's very easy. It's a great way to make some extra money"

CAMILLE PURPURA IS ALREADY GETTING RID OF HER HUSBAND'S STUFF. LIKE THIS PHILADELPHIA EAGLES BRIAN WESTBROOK THROWBACK JERSEY. SHE SOLD IT ON E-BAY. 20 BUCKS.

"Here in this house we are Redskins fans. At least I am so this had to go. I've sold craft books. I've sold kitchen items a sewing machine, lots of christmas decorations clothing."

LAST YEAR ALONE, PUPURA PUT 15-HUNDRED DOLLARS IN HER POCKET SELLING HER UNWANTED STUFF.

OTHER VIEWERS SHARED VIA FACEBOOK THEIR SUCCESSFUL SALES. BEATRIZ SAID HER SON SOLD ALL HIS SCHOOL BOOKS ON AMAZON. LORNA SAYS SHE SOLD VINTAGE ITEMS ON E-BAY AND BARBARA JANE SOLD HOUSEHOLD ITEMS ON CRAIGSLIST.

SELLING YOUR STUFF-OC

LIZ CRENSHAW REPORTING --

WHEN SELLING ITEMS ON CRAIGSLIST, BE CAREFUL ABOUT POSTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION.

TOSS TO BREAK-1SHOT

YOU ARE WATCHING NBC TWO NEWS TODAY.

STRAIGHT AHEAD, YOUR TOP STORIES AND BREAKING NEWS OVERNIGHT.

BREAK THREE AT 6:27:15

HL1) DEADLY BUS CRASH-TRX-VOTOPS

RIGHT NOW --

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS HORRIFIC BUS CRASH -- CONTINUES, THIS MORNING.

HL2) FORECAST-TRX-WX GFX

HL3) FGCU BASKETBALL TODAY-TRX-VOTOPS

AND --

A HISTORIC MILESTONE FOR FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY TODAY --

THEIR MENS BASKETBALL TEAM IS HEADED TO THE N-C-A-A BRACKET -- FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER.

AND WE'LL BE RIGHT THERE ALONG THE WAY TO KEEP YOU POSTED.

NEWS TODAY OPEN-CLIP

GOOD MORNING-1SHOT

GOOD MORNING!

THANK YOU FOR WAKING UP WITH US FOR NBC-2 NEWS TODAY.

I'M KELLY CRESWELL.

TODAY IS SUNDAY, MARCH 17-TH.

POPE FRANCIS TODAY-TRX-VO-OC

ALL NEW AT THIS HOUR --

BRAND NEW PICTURES FROM ROME -- WHERE POPE FRANCIS DELIVERED HIS FIRST SUNDAY BLESSING AS PONTIFF, THIS MORNING.

THE POPE HELD MASS AT ST. ANNA'S CHURCH, AND THEN HE MADE HIS FIRST WINDOW APPEARANCE BEFORE A CROWD OF 100,000 IN ST. PETER'S SQUARE.

BREAKING WITH TRADITION, HE SPOKE OFF-THE CUFF INSTEAD OF READING FROM A WRITTEN SPEECH, AND THE CROWD ROARED WITH CHEERS.

YESTERDAY -- POPE FRANCIS MET WITH MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA -- WITH MANY OF THE MORE THAN 56-HUNDRED JOURNALISTS ACCREDITED TO COVER THE PAPAL ELECTION ATTENDED THE MEETING WITH THE NEW POPE.

PA DEADLY BUSH CRASH-OC

NOW TO OUR TOP STORY OF THIS HALF-HOUR.

ON A HIGHWAY IN PENNSYLVANIA -- A CHARTER BUS CARRYING A WOMEN'S COLLEGE SPORTS TEAM VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED RIGHT INTO A TREE -- KILLING TWO PEOPLE ON BOARD AND LEAVING A COMMUNITY IN DEEP SHOCK.

PA DEADLY BUSH CRASH-PKG

THE FIRST IMAGES OF a MANGLED charter BUS.

AFTER it crashed saturday morning ALONG THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE.20 MILES OUTSIDE HARRISBURG.

ON SCENE, RESCUE CREWS SCRAMBLED TO help VICTIMS ON BOARD.

nats crash scene

TWENTY-THREE WOMEN LACROSSE PLAYERS, AND THREE COACHES FROM SETON HILL, a private Catholic University in Pennsylvania.

THE TEAM WAS ON ITS WAY TO PLAY AN N-C-A-A DIVISION II MATCH at MILLERSVILLE university WHEN POLICE SAY THE BUS VEERED OFF THE ROAD, PLOWED THROUGH A GUARDRAIL AND SLAMMED INTO A TREE.

THE BUS DRIVER DIED A THE SCENE.

AND SETON HILL OFFICIALS RELEASED A STATEMENT MOURNING THE LOSS OF THE TEAM'S HEAD COACH, 30-YEAR OLD KRISTINA QUIGLEY, WHO DIED SHORTLY AFTER AT A HOSPITAL.

THEY CONFIRMED SHE WAS PREGNANT.

"and her unborn baby boy died as a result of the crash as well".

POLICE SAY THREE PASSENGERS WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED.

NINETEEN OTHERS WERE TREATED FOR MINOR INJURIES AT NEARBY HOSPITALS.

THE charter BUS IS OWNED AND OPERATED BY MLAKER TRANSPIRATION.

IN A STATEMENT THE COMPANY SAYS IT's COOPERATING WITH POLICE AND THE UNIVERSITY, AND OFFERED ITS "SORROW AND SYMPATHY TO THOSE IMPACTED BY THIS ACCIDENT.".

THIS IS THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF BUS CRASHES AROUND THE COUNTRY INVOLVING VARIOUS TOUR BUS COMPANIES.

IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS ALONE, MAJOR ACCIDENTS IN:

LOS ANGELES.

MIAMI.

AND OREGON.

LAST SUMMER, CONGRESS MANDATED TOUGHER SAFETY REQUIREMENTS -- INCLUDING ADDING SEAT BELTS,--SET TO BE PHASED IN DURING THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

SOT JOAN CLAYBROOK: "These requirements are essential -- and they should have been on busses long ago. They have been on cars for years."

POLICE SAY THEY'LL LOOK AT ROAD CONDITIONS IN TODAY'S CRASH AND TALK WITH WITNESSES TO DETERMINE THE EXACT CAUSE.

MEANWHILE, SETON HILL WILL HOLD A MEMORIAL MASS FOR QUIGLEY TOMORROW NIGHT. SHE IS SURVIVED BY HER HUSBAND AND YOUNG SON.

6:32 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-CLIP

6:32 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-WX WALL

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.

The warmth keeps building in across Southwest Florida this St. Patrick's Day as a daytime highs return to the 80s! The forecast also looks plenty dry for those of us planning any outdoor activities, so it's doubtful we'll see any green out there…at least on the radar.

One thing we'll be watching for, however, is the possibility of some thin clouds streaming in from the west, which will likely filter the sunshine a bit by the afternoon and evening.

Winds will primarily be out of the southeast from 5-15 mph, except along the coast where winds will become more westerly by the afternoon.

Humidity will be at comfortable levels today, but as winds continue out of the south and southwest for the next few days, we'll notice humidity levels increasing by early this week.

Along with the humidity, temperatures will also be on the rise with highs for most of the upcoming week in the mid 80s and overnight lows only cooling down into the mid 60s.

Rain chances will be up a few notches starting Tuesday as a weakening cool front stalls over Central Florida, but the best chance for isolated rain will likely be over the interior and deep inland.

CA FATAL RACEWAY CRASH-SOTVO

TWO PEOPLE ARE DEAD AFTER A CRASH AT A CALIFORNIA RACEWAY.

AUTHORITIES SAY SEVERAL WINGED SPRINT CARS WERE WARMING UP WHEN ONE SPED OUT OF CONTROL AND SLAMMED INTO THE PITS, KILLING THE TWO SPECTATORS.

"He was not trying to come off the track. He was trying to make the corner and he didn't make the corner. and went flying out the exit

CA FATAL RACEWAY CRASH-SOTVO

"It's devastating. You come out to have a good time and fun. Especially people in the pits, but you never know what's going to happen because it's racing. Racing can be dangerous."

A 68-YEAR OLD MAN WAS KILLED AT THE TRACK. A 14-YEAR OLD BOY DIED LATER AT THE HOSPITAL.

AN HOUR AFTER THE CRASH PEOPLE LINGERED AT THE RACEWAY PARKING LOT IN SHOCK.

SC BRUSH FIRES-SOTVO

WHAT STARTED AS A BRUSH FIRE IN RURAL SOUTH CAROLINA -- GOT OUT OF CONTROL QUICKLY --

SPREADING TO NEARBY APARTMENTS AND HOMES SATURDAY.

"People were grabbing stuff and running with it.hollering."

OFFICIALS FROM HORRY COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE SAY THE FIRE BEGAN AROUND FIVE O'CLOCK SATURDAY IN A GRASSY AREA.

THAT FIRE HAS NOW DAMAGED OR DESTROYED AT LEAST 26 BUILDINGS IN THE WINDSOR GREEN COMPLEX.

SC BRUSH FIRES-SOTVO

"We could see it.see the fire.and it was going from building to building.yard to yard."

NO RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN INJURED. BUT AT LEAST THREE POLICE OFFICERS AND ONE FIRE FIGHTERS WER TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOR SMOKE INHALATION.

CO WILD FIRES-VO

COLORADO AUTHORITIES SAY CALM WEATHER IS HELPING CREWS WORKING TO CONTROL A WILDFIRE NEAR FORT COLLINS.

EVACUATION ORDERS ARE LIFTED --, AND PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMES.

OFFICIALS SAY THE FIRE IS ABOUT 45-PERCENT CONTAINED.

ABOUT A THOUSAND ACRES HAVE BURNED, WITH THICK SMOKE BILLOWING INTO THE SKY.

HELICOPTERS DROPPING WATER AIDED CREWS ON THE GROUND.

MEXICO BLAST-VOTOPS

AT LEAST 13 PEOPLE WERE KILLED WHEN A TRUCK CARRYING FIREWORKS EXPLODED.

ABOUT 150 OTHERS WERE INJURED IN THE FREAK ACCIDENT.

IT HAPPENED IN A VILLAGE IN CENTRAL MEXICO.

INVESTIGATORS SAY A STRAY FIREWORK FELL INTO A TRUCK CONTAINING OTHER FIREWORKS AND IGNITED THE EXPLOSION.

CPAC FINAL DAY-OC

NOW TURNING TO YOUR POLITICAL NEWS --

IT WAS THE LAST DAY OF THE CONSERVATIVE POLITICAL ACTION CONFERENCE -- BETTER KNOWN AS C-PAC.

THE DAY WAS NOTHING SHORT OF EMOTION, IDEAS, AND CALLS TO ACTION.

AND EVEN A FEW JOKES.

CPAC FINAL DAY-PKG

A CONSERVATIVE WHO'S-WHO SHOWED UP FOR THE LAST DAY OF THE C-PAC.

MANY CALL IT AN AUDITION STAGE, AND NEARLY A DOZEN REPUBLICANS WHO MIGHT BE CONSIDERING A RUN FOR THE 20-16 G-O-P PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION WERE AT THE CASTING CALL.

DR. BEN CARSON FUELED SPECULATION HE MAY BE LOOKING FOR A SPOT ON THE G-O-P TICKET--

ANNOUNCING SATURDAY HE'S RETIRING FROM MEDICINE, AND TEASING THE AUDIENCE WITH HYPOTHETICALS.

"Let's say you magically put me into the white house. "

WISCONSIN GOVERNOR, SCOTT WALKER, HASN'T RULED OUT A 20-16 BID FOR THE WHITE HOUSE.

BUT HE SAYS REPUBLICANS SHOULD LOOK BEYOND WASHINGTON TO FIND A NEW DIRECTION FOR THE PARTY.

"Real reform doesn't happen in our nation's capitol, it happens in our statehouses all across this great country."

PROPS GAVE WAY FOR SOME LIGHTER MOMENTS SATURDAY.

NEWT GINGRICHT LAID OUT HIS IDEAS USING A CANDLE AND LIGHTBULB.

"We don't need new principles. But we need lots of ideas about how to implement those principles in the 21st century."

WHILE SARAH PALIN MADE THE CROWD ROAR DEMONSTRATING HER RIGHT TO DRINK A BIG GULP OF SODA.

BUT IT WASN'T ALL JOKES FOR ALASKA'S FORMER GOVERNOR ---

WHO DIDN'T PULL ANY PUNCHES CRITICIZING THE PRESIDENT.

"Barack Obama promised the most transparent administration ever. Barack Obama, you lied."

AS REPUBLICANS LOOK AHEAD TO 20-16, WHETHER THE PARTY CAN REDEFINE ITS MESSAGE REMAINS TO BE SEEN.

CPAC FINAL DAY-OC

CHRISTINA MUTCHLER REPORTING --

THE C-PAC ENDED WITH ITS GOP PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION STRAW POLL, WHICH IS CONSIDERED A KEY GAUGE OF CONSERVATIVE SENTIMENT.

SENATOR RAND PAUL OF KENTUCKY TOOK THE TOP SPOT WITH 25-PERCENT OF THE VOTE, FINISHING SLIGHTLY AHEAD OF SENATOR MARCO RUBIO OF FLORIDA.

CARNIVAL PASSENGERS ARRIVE-VO

PASSENGERS ON CARNIVAL'S DREAM SHIP ARE STILL MAKING THEIR WAY BACK THIS MORNING.

THESE PASSENGERS ARRIVED IN ORLANDO SATURDAY AFTER BEING STUCK AT PORT IN SAINT MAARTEN.

CARNIVAL SAYS IT FIXED PERIODIC INTERRUPTIONS TO THE SHIP'S ELEVATORS AND RESTROOMS. BUT DECIDED TO PLAY IT SAFE AND FLY 43-HUNDRED PASSENGERS ON CHARTERED PLANES BACK TO FLORIDA.

CARNIVAL PASSENGERS ARRIVE-(3)SOTVO

We had no AC in our rooms and it was just chaos.

The staff couldn't have been better. We were short of nothing. For about a half hour the lifts, the elevators, weren't working. That was it

"Honestly, I think a cruise in general I'll stick away from. But never Carnival again.

CARNIVAL ARRIVES IN TAMPA-VOTOPS

THIS IS BRAND NEW VIDEO OF THE CARNIVAL LEGEND ARRIVING IN TAMPA EARLY THIS MORNING.

THE CRUISE SHIP HAD SOME TECHNICAL ISSUES THAT AFFECTED ITS MAXIMUM SPEED.

THE LEGEND IS EXPECTED TO LEAVE TAMPA THIS AFTERNOON ON SCHEDULE, WHILE TECHNICIANS CONTINUE TO MAKE REPAIRS.

THE NEW ITINERARY WILL REPLACE THE STOP AT GRAND CAYMAN WITH A STOP AT COSTA MAYA.

FORECAST WHAT'S TRENDING-WX GFX

BREAK FOUR AT 6:39:30

6:42 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-CLIP

CROSS TALK-2SHOT

6:42 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-WX WALL

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.

The warmth keeps building in across Southwest Florida this St. Patrick's Day as a daytime highs return to the 80s! The forecast also looks plenty dry for those of us planning any outdoor activities, so it's doubtful we'll see any green out there…at least on the radar.

One thing we'll be watching for, however, is the possibility of some thin clouds streaming in from the west, which will likely filter the sunshine a bit by the afternoon and evening.

Winds will primarily be out of the southeast from 5-15 mph, except along the coast where winds will become more westerly by the afternoon.

Humidity will be at comfortable levels today, but as winds continue out of the south and southwest for the next few days, we'll notice humidity levels increasing by early this week.

Along with the humidity, temperatures will also be on the rise with highs for most of the upcoming week in the mid 80s and overnight lows only cooling down into the mid 60s.

Rain chances will be up a few notches starting Tuesday as a weakening cool front stalls over Central Florida, but the best chance for isolated rain will likely be over the interior and deep inland.

TAMPA INT AIRPORT BODY-OC

A PENNSYLVANIA COUPLE WAS HEADED TO FLORIDA FOR VACATION. BUT WHEN THEY GOT TO THE TAMPA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -- SOMETHING VERY BIZZARE HAPPENED.

31-YEAR-OLD CHAD WOLFE DISAPPEARED -- AND THE NEXT DAY ELEVATOR TECHNICIANS DISCOVERED WOLFE'S BODY -- IN AN ELEVATOR AT THAT AIRPORT.

TAMPA INT AIRPORT BODY-PKG

CHAD WOLFE'S FAMILY IS A THOUSAND MILES AWAY IN PENNSYLVANIA. TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW HE DIED IN AN ELEVATOR SHAFT AT T-I-A.

"We are trying to get a hold of police and we aren't getting any return calls."

FAMILY MEMBERS SAY THE 31 YEAR OLD FLEW TO FLORIDA FROM PITTSBURGH THURSDAY NIGHT ALONG WITH HIS LONGTIME GIRLFRIEND.

THE TWO PLANNED TO RENT A CAR AND HEAD TO DAYTONA FOR BIKE WEEK.

"He had a little bit to drink on the airplane and I also guess he also had some xanax in his system to fly out."

ONCE OFF THE PLANE, THE COUPLE HEADED TO THIS ELEVATOR BANK ON THE THIRD FLOOR.

"His girlfriend told him you stay here and I'll go down and get the bag and come back."

BUT WHEN CHAD'S GIRLFRIEND RETURNED. HE WAS GONE.

WHEN SHE COULDN'T FIND HIM, SHE ALERTED THE AIRPORT POLICE.

THEY SAY SURVEILLANCE VIDEO SHOWS CHAD GOT ON TO THE ELEVATOR AND WENT TO THE SEVENTH FLOOR.

THAT FLOOR IS FOR SHORT-TERM PARKING-- A PLACE CHAD DID NOT BELONG.

ESPECIALLY SINCE RENTAL CAR COMPANIES ARE LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR.

"I am just baffled why he went up to the 7th floor."

AROUND 10 A-M FRIDAY MORNING-- MAINTENANCE WORKERS FOUND CHAD'S BODY IN THE ELEVATOR SHAFT.

HIS CARRY ON BAG WAS LATER FOUND ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR.

"Why would he go down the elevator shaft without his luggage?"

TAMPA INT AIRPORT BODY-OC

JAQUELINE INGLES REPORTING --

THE MEDICAL EXAMINER IS NOW TRYING TO DETERMINE A CAUSE OF DEATH.

CHAD WOLFE'S FATHER SAYS HE DOESN'T BELIEVE HIS SON OPENED THE DOORS.

FL HOT AIR BALLOON CRASH-VO BNR

TWO PEOPLE, INCLUDING AN N-F-L PLAYER, WERE INJURED WHEN THEIR HOT AIR BALLOON CRASHED INTO POWER LINES IN SOUTH FLORIDA.

N-F-L FREE AGENT RECEIVER DONTE STALLWORTH AND A 27-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WERE RUSHED TO A TRAUMA CENTER WITH SERIOUS BURNS.

THE THIRD PASSENGER WASN'T HURT.

STALLWORTH'S AGENT SAID HE WON'T HAVE PERMANENT DAMAGE FROM THE ACCIDENT.

DETROIT PLANES TOUCH-OC

TWO SOUTHWEST AIRPLANES ARE OUT OF SERVICE THIS MORNING -- AFTER THEY CLIPPED WINGS ON THE TARMAC AT DETROIT METROPOLITAN AIRPORT.

NO ONE ON EITHER PLANE WAS INJURED, BUT BOTH PLANES HAD TO RETURN TO THEIR GATES -- WHERE ALL THE PASSENGERS AND CREW MEMBERS WERE EVACUATED OFF.

DETROIT PLANES TOUCH-PKG

AIRPORT OFFICIALS ARE CALLING IT A MINOR ACCIDENT.

THERE WERE NO INJURIES.

THE SOUTHWEST AIRLINES PLANES WERE GOING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED WHEN THE CRASH HAPPENED.

HERE AT METRO AIRPORT, IT'S BUSINESS AS USUAL RIGHT NOW.

AROUND 7:30 THIS MORNING. TWO SOUTHWEST AIRCRAFTS PULLING OUT OF NEIGHBORING GATES CLIPPED EACH OTHER'S WINGS.

BOTH PLANES RETURNED TO THEIR GATES.

A SOUTHWEST SPOKESPERSON SAYS INSPECTORS DID NOT FIND ANY SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO EITHER PLANE.

BUT THE AIRLINE GROUNDED BOTH PLANES FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND REPAIRS.

THERE WERE 85 CUSTOMERS AND 5 CREW MEMBERS ON THE FLIGHT HEADED TO DENVER.

AND 38 CUSTOMERS AND 5 CREW MEMBERS ON THE FLIGHT TO ST. LOUIS.

NO ONE WAS INJURED.

DETROIT PLANES TOUCH-OC

WILL JONES REPORTING --

CLAM PASS DREDGING-VO

AFTER MONTHS OF LEG WORK TO CLEAR CLAM PASS, COLLIER COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE FINALLY SEEING RESULTS.

CLAM PASS IS FINALLY BACK OPEN!

SAND MADE THE CHANNEL IMPASSABLE SINCE DECEMBER, THREATENING MANGROVES AND WILDLIFE.

THE PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION SIGNED A CONTRACT EARLIER THIS YEAR- FOR 200-THOUSAND DOLLARS WORTH OF WORK WITH KYLE CONSTRUCTION.

BUT TWO WEEKS AGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DECLARED A STATE OF EMERGENCY -

OSPREY NESTS-VOTOPS

ALL THAT CONSTRUCTION.

SURPRISINGLY **NOT DISTURBING ONE LOCAL RESIDENT.

CHECK OUT THIS OSPREY NEST.

DESPITE THE BIG TRUCKS AND LOUD NOISE. NEIGHBORS TELL US THE BIRDS AREN'T LETTING IT RUFFLE THEIR FEATHERS.

THEY'RE CARRYING ON WITH THEIR BUSINESS--

MANATEES HARD TO COUNT-VO

FLORIDA WILDLIFE OFFICIALS SAY THEY'RE CANCELLING THEIR ANNUAL MANATEE CENSUS BECAUSE THE WATERS ARE TOO WARM.

IN COLD WATER MANATEES GATHER NEAR POWER PLANTS AND SPRINGS, MAKING THEM EASY TO SPOT.

BECAUSE THE WATER IS WARM, THEY'RE STAYING SPREAD OUT.

THIS IS THE SECOND YEAR IN ROW THE COUNT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

PANTHER DEATH-OTS-OC

NBC-2 IS LEARNING --

A PANTHER HAS BEEN KILLED IN HENDRY COUNTY.

FLORIDA WILDLIFE OFFICIALS FOUND THE PANTHER SATURDAY.

THEY SAY THE 2-TO-3 YEAR-OLD MALE WAS HIT BY A CAR ON STATE ROAD 80 JUST EAST OF LABELLE.

THIS IS THE SEVENTH PANTHER TO BE FOUND DEAD THIS YEAR.

THE FIFTH TO BE HIT BY A CAR.

CHI ANNUAL GREEN RIVER-TRX-VOTOPS

A 51-YEAR CHICAGO TRADITION CONTINUED YESTERDAY MORNING IN OBSERVANCE OF ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

THE CHICAGO RIVER WAS DYED EMERALD GREEN AHEAD OF THE CITY'S NOON PARADE.

DESPITE COLD AND GLOOMY WEATHER, THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WATCHED THE FESTIVITIES FROM BRIDGES OVER THE RIVER.

THEY CHEERED AS CHICAGO JOURNEYMEN PLUMBERS POURED THE DYE INTO THE WATER.

GREEN RIVER IN TAMPA-VO

AND A SIMILAR STORY -- IN TAMPA.

BUT THIS IS JUST THE SECOND YEAR FOR TAMPA'S MAYOR'S RIVER O' GREEN FEST.

TO ACHIEVE THE PERFECT SHADE OF GREEN FOR -- CREWS MIXED 2-HUNDRED POUNDS OF BIODEGRADABLE DYE INTO THE HILLSBOROUGH RIVER.

IT'S SIMILAR TO THE DYE THE CITY OF CHICAGO USES. AND WAS ORIGINALLY CREATED TO FIND LEAKS IN PIPES.

TOSS TO BREAK-1SHOT

YOUR TIME RIGHT NOW--

BREAK FIVE AT 6:49:45

6:52 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-CLIP

6:52 FIRST ALERT FORECAST ON THE 2'S-WX WALL

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.

The warmth keeps building in across Southwest Florida this St. Patrick's Day as a daytime highs return to the 80s! The forecast also looks plenty dry for those of us planning any outdoor activities, so it's doubtful we'll see any green out there…at least on the radar.

One thing we'll be watching for, however, is the possibility of some thin clouds streaming in from the west, which will likely filter the sunshine a bit by the afternoon and evening.

Winds will primarily be out of the southeast from 5-15 mph, except along the coast where winds will become more westerly by the afternoon.

Humidity will be at comfortable levels today, but as winds continue out of the south and southwest for the next few days, we'll notice humidity levels increasing by early this week.

Along with the humidity, temperatures will also be on the rise with highs for most of the upcoming week in the mid 80s and overnight lows only cooling down into the mid 60s.

Rain chances will be up a few notches starting Tuesday as a weakening cool front stalls over Central Florida, but the best chance for isolated rain will likely be over the interior and deep inland.

TOSS TO LEIGH-OC-BOXES

IT'S A BIG DAY FOR FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY.

THE N-C-A-A TOURNAMENT BRACKET WILL BE REVEALED TONIGHT.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SCHOOL HISTORY - THE MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM IS DANCING.

NBC-2'S LEIGH DANA IS AT ALICO ARENA

FGCU BASKETBALL TODAY-REMLIVE

LEIGH-

THE ANNOUNCEMENT ON WHO THE TEAM PLAYS TAKES PLACE AROUND 6PM TONIGHT.

FGCU BASKETBALL TODAY-CG

TO KICK OFF THE FESTIVITIES -

THERE'S A PRE PARTY WITH MUSIC OUTSIDE STARTING AT 4:30.

DOORS OPEN AT 5:00

FGCU BASKETBALL TODAY-VO

THE F-G-C-U'S MENS BASKETBALL TEAM MADE IT INTO THE MARCH MADNESS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE SCHOOL'S HISTORY.

THE UNIVERSITY'S ATHLETIC DIRECTOR KEN KAVANAGH -- TELLS US WHILE THE VICTORY MEANS OVER HUNDRED GRAND FOR THE PROGRAM.

FGCU BASKETBALL TODAY-REMLIVE

WE ARE WORKING SEVERAL ANGLES OF THIS STORY FOR YOU TODAY.

AND HAVE A TEAM OF REPORTERS OUT HERE DURING THE ANNOUNCEMENT.

OBAMA OVAL BASKETBALL-VOTOPS

MEANWHILE -- TAKE A LOOK AT PRESIDENT OBAMA, HURLING A BASKETBALL INTO THE AIR -- INSIDE THE OVAL OFFICE.

THE WHITE HOUSE RELEASED THIS PHOTO OF THE PRESIDENT.

THIS PICTURE WAS ACTUALLY TAKEN IN LATE FEBRUARY, BUT MISTER OBAMA'S GETS A LITTLE MARCH MADNESS.

IT'S BEEN A TRADITION FOR HIM TO HIT THE COURT EVERY ELECTION DAY.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SCAM-VO

A GIANT COOKIE PRANK LANDS SOME GIRL SCOUTS WITH A 24-THOUSAND DOLLAR TAB.

SOMEONE PRETENDED TO PLACE AN ORDER FROM A PORTLAND BUSINESS.

ASKING FOR 6-THOUSAND BOXES OF COOKIES.

BUT IT TURNS OUT. IT WAS JUST A PRANK.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SCAM-SOTVO

"This is way beyond my expectations. You know, we've had cookies stolen from troops in the past, and have had amazing community response. But to have this kind of response is really unusual, and very, very much appreciated."

DOG MISHAP-VOWIPE

A TRIP TO IRELAND DURING THIS ST. PATRICK'S DAY WEEKEND -- SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD TIME RIGHT?

NOT WHEN IT'S YOUR DOG -- AND YOU EXPECTED HIM TO MEET YOU IN ARIZONA.

THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS SPRINGER SPANIEL NAMED HENDRIX.

HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FLOWN FROM FROM NEWARK, NEW JERSEY TO PHEONIX ARIZONA -- BUT A

MIX-UP AT THE AIRPORT PUT HIM ON A FLIGHT TO IRELAND.

DOG MISHAP-SOTVO

MEREDITH GRANT, DOG OWNER "When my mom called me, I was like, 'My dog got sent to frickin' Ireland?' Like, how Ireland? Not even like he went to Florida. He's in Ireland."

THAT WAS A UNITED AIRLINES FLIGHT.

UNITED STAFF TOOK CARE OF THE DOG WHILE IN IRELAND.

7 AM PREVIEW-2SHOT

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