ANCHOR SUPERS

HEADLINES-ANIBOXES

THE SUNDAY BLESSING IS A PAPAL TRADITION.

FROM A NEW POPE WHO MANY HOPE WILL BE ANYTHING BUT TRADITIONAL.

AND--

A GUILTY VERDICT IN A LEE COUNTY MURDER TRIAL.

NBC-2 SPEAKS WITH THE FAMILY OF THE VICTIM.

IN THE MOMENTS FOLLOWING THE JURY'S CONVICTION

PLUS-

NEW VIDEO OF A DEADLY CRASH IN FORT LAUDERDALE.

THIS MORNING--

HL1) MASS SUNDAY-VIDBOX

HL2) SIMPKINS TRIAL-VIDBOX

HL3) PLANE AX FOLO-VIDBOX

OPEN-CLIP

HELLO-SAT 3 LIVE

GOOD MORNING SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WELCOME TO NBC-2 NEWS TODAY.

AND HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY.

RIGHT NOW YOUR TAKING A LIVE LOOK AT THE ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE FROM DUBLIN, IRELAND

I'M JOE ROETZ

AND I'M KELLY CRESWELL.

THE PARADE SHOWCASES IRELAND AND IGNITES IRISH PRIDE FOR THE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHO COME OUT FOR THIS ANNUAL FESTIVAL.

BEFORE WE GET TO YOUR TOP STORIES FOR THE DAY AND IN CASE YOU WANT TO GET OUT AND ENJOY SOME LOCAL ST. PATTYS DAY FESTIVITES,

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.

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.

POPE FRANCIS SUNDAY MASS-TRAFFIC INTRO

MORE THAN ONE-HUNDRED-THOUSAND PEOPLE GATHERED IN ST. PETER'S SQUARE THIS MORNING FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY BLESSING FROM POPE FRANCIS.

AS THE NEWLY ELECTED LEADER OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH CONTINUES TO REACH-OUT TO FOLLOWERS AROUND THE WORLD.

POPE FRANCIS SUNDAY MASS-PKG

nats pope greeting people

POPE FRANCIS BEGAN HIS DAY WITH MASS. AND STOPPED TO GREET HUNDREDS WHO HAD GATHERED NEAR THE VATICAN.

JUST HOURS BEFORE HIS FIRST SUNDAY BLESSING IN ST. PETER'S SQUARE.

nats then under

WHERE THE FAITHFUL GATHERED, MANY WAITING FOR THEIR FIRST CHANCE TO SEE THE NEW PONTIFF.

"We're just happy to be here, to see him for the first time for his first blessing - I'm blessed to be here."

nats pop benedict last sunday blessing

IT HAS BEEN THREE WEEKS SINCE THE LAST SUNDAY BLESSING FROM NOW RETIRED POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT.AND MANY FEEL, WITH A NEW LEADER. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH COULD BEGIN TO MOVE IN A NEW DIRECTION.

"He's a very holy man, and he has a lot to do with the poor people. I think he is going to be very good for the Church."

"Having a Jesuit as Pope will be very interesting for the Catholic Church. I think that he will be, he will bring a lot of people to task, and that's a good thing."

IN THE EARLY DAYS OF HIS PAPACY. POPE FRANCIS HAS ALSO BROUGHT AN EXCITEMENT TO THE VATICAN.

"It's just amazing, I can't believe it that we're here."

ALONG WITH THOUSANDS WHO WILL BE A PART OF HISTORY AS POPE FRANCIS LOOKS OUT OVER ST. PETER'S SQUARE.

POPE FRANCIS SUNDAY MASS-TAG

FGCU WATCH PARTY-INTRO

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

THE N-C-A-A TOURNAMENT BRACKET IS ANNOUNCED TODAY.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SCHOOL HISTORY - THE MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM IS GOING TO THE DANCE.

NBC-2'S LEIGH DANA IS AT ALICO ARENA

FGCU WATCH PARTY-PKG

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

AND THE EXCITEMENT STARTING TO BUILD.

TO KICK OFF THE FESTIVITIES -

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

DOORS OPEN AT 5:00

THE TEAM WILL BE INTRODUCED AT 5;30.

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.

THE BIGGEST WIN -- IS ALL THE BUZZ SURROUNDING THE SMALL SCHOOL-- FOR THE BASKETBALL SUCCESS.

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

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

SHANE SIMPKINS-SOTVO WIPE

IT TOOK JUST AN HOUR AND A HALF FOR JURORS TO FIND SHANE SIMPKINS GUILTY OF MURDERING AN ESTERO GRANDMOTHER IN 2011.

THE 64-YEAR-OLD MARY ANN ZARB 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 PLED GUILTY AND WILL SERVE TEN YEARS IN PRISON.

MEANWHILE. SIMPKINS' IS SET FOR SENTENCING IN APRIL.

MIAMI PLANE AX FOLO-OC VO

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."

IMMOKALEE PLANE CRASH-VO OC

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

EMERGENCY CREWS HAD A HARD TIME FINDING THE CRASH.

IT 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

LEHIGH BRUSH FIRE-TRX VOTOPS

ANOTHER BRUSH FIRE IN LEHIGH ACRES NEARLY DESTROYED TWO HOMES SATURDAY.

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

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

COLLIER CHILD SEX ASSAULT-SS WIPE

A NAPLES MAN IS IN JAIL THIS MORNING -- ACCUSED OF MAKING A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD GIRL PERFORM ORAL SEX.

THIS IS BRADLEY HINTZ ON YOUR SCREEN.

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.

COLLIER SEX ASSAULT-SSTOPS

AND COLLIER COUNTY DEPUTIES ALSO ARRESTED THIS MAN,

WHO ALLEGEDLY CHOKED AND SEXUALLY ASSAULTED A WOMAN.

THEY SAY TWO PEOPLE SAW DIEGO VASQUEZ-ORTIZ ATTACK HER.

THE WITNESSES CHASED HIM OFF AFTER PULLING OUT GUNS ON HIM.

CHARO CRASH-OC OTS

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

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

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.

TAMPA AIRPORT DEATH -TRX VO

DEVELOPING DETAILS IN THE DEATH OF A MAN FOUND IN AN ELEVATOR SHAFT AT TAMPA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

THE VICTIM'S GIRLFRIEND SAYS SHE LEFT HER BOYFRIEND TO PICK UP A BAG.

WHEN SHE CAME BACK, HE WAS GONE.

INVESTIGATORS SAY SURVEILLANCE VIDEO SHOWED THE PENNSLYVANIA MAN GETTING ON THE ELEVATOR AND GOING TO A FLOOR WHERE HE DIDN'T BELONG.

A MAINTENANCE WORKER DISCOVERED HIS BODY IN AN ELEVEVATOR SHAFT ON FRIDAY.

LEGEND ARRIVES IN TAMPA-VO

ALSO IN TAMPA--

THE CARNIVAL LEGEND ARRIVED 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.

NAPLES PARADE-NATS VOWIPE

THE LUCK OF THE IRISH HIT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA!

RESIDENTS IN NAPLES ARE GREARED UP TO GO GREEN FOR SAINT PATRICK'S DAY.

nats of parade

HERE'S A LOOK AT 35TH ANNUAL PARADE IN NAPLES.

IT'S THE LARGEST PRIVATELY FUNDED PARADE IN FLORIDA -

FM BLOCK PARTY REMINDER-CGTOPS

AND JUST A REMINDER--

YOU CAN ALSO CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK'S IN DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS

A BLOCK PARTY WILL BE HELD TODAY THROUGHOUT THE RIVER DISTRICT.

YOU CAN EXPECT LIVE MUSIC AND IRISH FOOD.

TEASE ONE-2 SHOT

EAT WELL, LIVE WELL.

LOCAL HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE PRACTICING WHAT THEY PREACH WITH A NEW FOOD PREP SYSTEM.

OUR HEALTH MATTERS REPORT ALSO SHOWS HOW PATIENTS AND VISITORS ARE BENEFITTING TOO.

PLUS.SELECTION SUNDAY IS HERE.

AND FGCU IS READY FOR IT'S FIRST TASTE OF MARCH MADNESS.

TZ1A) HEALTH MATTERS-VO WIPE

TZ1B) SPORTS:FGCU BBALL-VO

bump

RIGHT NOW YOUR TAKING A LIVE LOOK AT THE ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE FROM DUBLIN, IRELAND

I'M JOE ROETZ

HEALTHBEAT-PLASMA

HERE'S SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

WHEN IT COMES TO WELLNESS AND PREVENTION, IS THE KITCHEN AS IMPORTANT AS THE CLINIC?

ONE LOCAL HEALTH SYSTEM THINKS SO, AS IT TAKES OVER PRODUCTION OF ITS PATIENT MEALS AND CAFETERIA OFFERINGS.

HEALTHBEAT-PKG

IF YOU CAN THINK OF IT.PAT AGENT CAN COOK IT.

PAT AGENT/EXECUTIVE CHEF

RUNS::44 I like to do what's trendy and I also like to go out and eat and I recognize what I see in restaurants so and I try to fulfill the menu with a little bit of everything.

SHE OVERSEES A KITCHEN THAT COOKS FOR THOUSANDS.EVERY DAY.

LARRY ALTIER/ DIRECTOR FOOD AND NUTRITION

RUNS:

2:10 We have a full service production kitchen that has 250-pound kettles that produce up to 600 galloons an hour. We have two large cook tanks, one that can produce 750 pounds of roasted meat everyday if necessary.

CULINARY SOLUTIONS IS A 38-THOUSAND SQUARE FOOT HIGH PRODUCTION FACILITY, THAT AIMS TO TAKE HOSPITAL FOOD TO NEW HEIGHTS.

Dr. Jennifer Turpin/Food Safety & Quality ASSURANCE

RUNS:

4:45: I've heard great things about the meatloaf. They do a really great job on the soups and our baked good are amazing. Our low fat blueberry muffin, I'm still not convinced it's low fat.

AMY OSHIER/REPORTING

RUNS:

Food is at the center of health and wellness, now more than ever doctors are aware of the connection between what we eat our medical conditions. So it was logical for the health system to set an example- buying, preparing and serving a healthy menu.

PAT AGENT/EXECUTIVE CHEF

RUNS:

2:19 There's a lot of vegetarian entrees, a lot of lentils, hummus that people requested. Fish, of course we do a lot of fish on the menu.

FOOD SERVED IN PATIENT ROOMS AND THE FOUR HOSPITAL CAFETERIAS ARE MADE WITH LESS SALT, LESS FAT AND MORE WHOLE GRAINS AND FRESH INGREDIENTS.

LARRY ALTIER/ DIRECTOR FOOD AND NUTRITION

RUNS:

10:03 We truly take a raw good in a basic state to a complete finished good in the course of our business cycle. So those potatoes that came in looking like a potato may go out sliced or roasted, that's how we provide it to the facilities.

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.

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-PKG

TEASE TWO-ON CAM

THE AMERICAN DREAM STRIPPED AWAY WHEN TWO UNKNOWN ASSAILANTS LEAVE A LEE COUNTY MAN DEAD.

TZ2A) CRIME STOPPERS-VO

CRIME STOPPERS-PLASMA

A CAPE CORAL FAMILY IS DEVASTATED AFTER A BRUTAL MURDER OF THEIR SON AND BROTHER.

A HARD WORKING MAN TRYING TO LIVE THE AMERICAN DREAM.

TRISH ROUTTE WITH CRIMESTOPPERS HAS THE STORY OF THIS TRAGIC DEATH,

CRIME STOPPERS-PKG

TEASE THREE-2 SHOT

SIMPLY IMPASSABLE.

COLLIER COUNTY RESIDENTS SAY THE SAND WAS CHOKING THEIR WATERWAY

HOW THEIR EFFORTS TO CLEAR CLAM PASS ARE FINALLY GETTING RESULTS.

AND A SCAM OF GIGANTIC PROPORTIONS.

TZA3) CLAM PASS-VO-WIPE

TZ3B) GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SCAM-VOTOPS

HEADLINES-ANIBOXES

IT'S A TRIAL DIVIDING AN OHIO COMMUNITY.

WHAT AN ALLEGED RAPE VICTIM IS SAYING AFTER SEEING HER OWN ASSAULT ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

AND A DEADLY TOUR BUS CRASH DERAILS A LACROSSE TEAM ON THEIR WAY TO A GAME.

THE LATEST ON THE CONDITION OF THE PASSENGERS.

PLUS-SHE SEEMED TO DISAPPEAR FROM THE SPOTLIGHT AFTER BEING LET GO

FROM HER JOB WITH FOX NEWS, BUT NOW SHE'S MAKING A COMEBACK.

HL1) RAPE TRIAL-VIDBOX

HL2) PA BUS CRASH-VIDBOX

HL3) GMA SARAH PALIN-VIDBOX

SHOW OPEN-CLIP

HELLO AGAIN-SAT 3 LIVE

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

AT THIS MOMENT YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE ANNUAL ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND.

I'M KELLY CRESWELL.

AND I'M JOE ROETZ

THE CROWDS ARE CHEERING AND THE BAGPIPES ARE IN FULL EFFECT IN IRELANDS CAPITAL CITY.

UP TO 8,000 VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD ARE EXPECTED TO MARCH IN THE PARADE.

BEFORE WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE TOP STORIES OF THE DAY LETS CHECK ON WEATHER WITH METEOROLOGIST JASON DUNNING.

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.

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.

STEUBENVILLE RAPE TRIAL-INTRO

CLOSING ARGUMENTS TOOK PLACE SATURDAY NIGHT IN THE RAPE TRIAL OF TWO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYERS IN STEUBENVILLE, OHIO.

SINCE THERE IS NO JURY IN THE CASE THE JUDGE WILL RENDER HIS VERDICT AT 10:00 THIS MORNING.

STEUBENVILLE RAPE TRIAL-PKG

THE VERY PHOTOS AND YOUTUBE VIDEOS CIRCULATED FOR AMUSEMENT COULD BE THE DIFFERENCE IN THIS MOST SERIOUS RAPE CASE.

"When she was falling down, when she was being picked up and carried, who are the two people who are always there? Mal'ik Richmond and Trent Mays."

DEFENDANTS MA'LIK RICHMOND AND TRENT MAYS, TWO STAR PLAYERS ON STEUBENVILLE'S BIG RED FOOTBALL TEAM ARE ON TRIAL FOR RAPE.

IF CONVICTED, THEY COULD SPEND UP TO FIVE YEARS IN JUVENILE DETENTION AND LABELED SEXUAL PREDATORS DEEP INTO THEIR ADULT YEARS.

"I find it hard to believe that no one would do anything or say anything. not even send a text message."

IN CLOSING, MAYS' ATTORNEY TOLD JUDGE THOMAS LIPPS, FOR ALL THE TEXTING AND TWEETING ABOUT THE 16-YEAR-OLD ALLEGED VICTIM, NO ONE HELPED BECAUSE NO ONE FELT SHE WAS IN TROUBLE.

"I WOKE UP WITH NO CLOTHES ON. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED AT ALL."

BY ALL ACCOUNTS, THE GIRL WAS WAS THE MOST INTOXICATED AT THE PARTY. THE PROSECUTION SAYS SHE WAS TWICE MOLESTED. THAT IT HAPPENED IN TEAMMATE MARK COLE'S CAR AND BASEMENT. THIS TESTIMONY AND PHOTOS INDICATE AT THE TIME SHE WAS PASSED OUT.

"IT WAS REALLY SCARY. I WAS EMBARRASSED AND SCARED. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO THINK. I COULDN'T REMEMBER," THE GIRL TESTIFIED.

THE DEFENSE MAINTAINS THIS WAS CONSENSUAL. BEFORE THE PHOTOS, THE TWO WERE SEEN TOGETHER AT THE PARTY.

"They were cuddling, they were holding hands, they were hugging and kissing. consensually, mutually. one back and forth to the other."

HER TWO FORMER FRIENDS SAY THE GIRL IS NOT TO BE TRUSTED.

"I'm not saying this. I'm not blaming or smearing this witness. Her friends told this court that she has a reputation for telling lies."

THE PAST IS NOT ON TRIAL HERE. INSTEAD, THE FUTURES OF THREE TEENAGERS WHO ARE DISCOVERING SOME HARD LESSONS ABOUT GROWING UP.

PA BUS CRASH-INTRO

TWO ARE DEAD THIS MORNING AFTER A CHARTER BUS CARRYING A WOMENS COLLEGE SPORTS TEAM VEERED OFF OF A PENNSYLVANIA

HIGHWAY. AND CRASHED INTO A TREE.

PA BUS CRASH-PKG

A TRAGIC CHARTER BUS CRASH IN PENNSYLVANIA HAS LEFT 2 DEAD. AND

THE SMALL PENNSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY OF SETON HILL IN MOURNING.

THE BUS WAS CARRYING MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL'S WOMENS LACROSSE TEAM TO A MATCH WHEN IT

VEERED OFF THE TURNPIKE. CRASHED THROUGH A GUARD RAIL. AND INTO A TREE.

EMERGENCY WORKERS RUSHED TO HELP THE VICTIMS ON BOARD. 23 LA CROSSE PLAYERS AND THREE COACHES.

THE BUS DRIVER AND THE TEAM'S PREGNANT HEAD COACH DIED.

"We're mourning the loss of our head women's lacrosse coach Kristina Quigley and her unborn son."

AUTHORITIES SAY THREE OTHER PASSENGERS WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED.

NINETEEN MORE WERE TREATED FOR MINOR INJURIES AT NEARBY HOSPITALS.

"The girls team is close. Everyone always hangs out every weekend. They're like sisters to us. It is a big family here. Lacrosse is so tight knit."

NEWS OF THE CRASH SPREAD QUICKLY BACK TO THE SETON HILL CAMPUS.

"It's something we have to deal with as a team and a family and that's what we'll do."

THE UNIVERSITY WILL HOLD A MEMORIAL MASS FOR COACH KRISTINA QUIGLEY SUNDAY EVENING.

SHE IS SURVIVED BY HER HUSBAND AND YOUNG SON.

PA BUS CRASH-TAG

THE CHARTER BUS IS OWNED AND OPERATED BY MLAKER TRANSPORTATION.

IN A STATEMENT THE COMPANY SAYS IT'S COOPERATING WITH POLICE AND THE UNIVERSITY,

FL HOT AIR BALLOON CRASH-VO

N-F-L PLAYER DONTE STALLWORTH IS IN THE HOSPTIAL TONIGHT WITH SERIOUS BURNS AFTER A HOT AIR BALLOON CRASH IN HOMESTEAD.

THE FREE AGENT RECEIVER AND A 27-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WERE RUSHED TO A TRAUMA CENTER.

THE BASKET MADE CONTACT WITH POWERLINES.

A THIRD PERSON IN THE BASKET WASN'T HURT.

CA RACE TRACK DEATH-VOTOPS TRX

TWO PEOPLE WERE KILLED SATURDAY NIGHT WHEN A RACE CAR FLEW INTO THE PIT AREA AT A NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RACETRACK.

A 17-YEAR OLD DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF A SPRINT CAR DURING WARM-UP LAPS AT MARYSVILLE RACEWAY PARK.

THE CAR DID NOT GO INTO THE STANDS BUT APPARENTLY HIT BYSTANDERS IN PIT ROW AFTER SPEEDING DOWN THE PIT EXIT RAMP.

A 68-YEAR OLD MAN WAS KILLED AT THE TRACK.

A 14-YEAR OLD BOY DIED LATER AT THE HOSPITAL.

THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SCAM-VO

A GIANT COOKIE PRANK STICKS 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."

GMA SARAH PALIN-INTRO

TO POLITICS NOW AND A HERO'S WELCOME FOR SARAH PALIN AT A BIG CONSERVATIVE CONFERENCE THIS WEEKEND.

AND "MAMA GRIZZLY" DIDN'T DISAPPOINT - STIRRING UP THE CROWD AND DISHING UP PLENTY OF RED MEAT, EVEN A BIG GULP.

GMA SARAH PALIN-PKG

"SHE SEEMED TO DISAPPEAR FROM THE SPOTLIGHT AFTER BEING LET GO

FROM HER JOB WITH FOX NEWS, BUT NOW SHE'S MAKING A COMEBACK."

NATS ROMNEY: "I BELIEVE THAT A CONSERVATIVE VISION "

IT WASN'T MITT ROMNEY

NATS PAUL: "GOOD INTENTIONS ARE NOT ENOUGH"

OR STRAW POLL WINNER SENATOR RAND PAUL

OR EVEN MARCO RUBIO AND HIS WATER

NATS: "GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN"

BUT SARAH PALIN WHO WON OVER THE HEARTS OF CONSERVATIVE POLITICAL ACTION

CONFERENCE GOERS THIS WEEKEND.

SOT SARAH PALIN

"MORE BACKGROUND CHECKS? DANDY IDEA MR. PRESIDENT. SHOULD'VE STARTED WITH

YOURS."

SERVING PLENTY OF ATTACKS ON PRESIDENT OBAMA

SOT SARAH PALIN

"HE IS CONSIDERED A GOOD POLITICIAN, WHICH IS LIKE SAYING BERNIE MADOFF WAS

A GOOD SALESMEN. THE DIFFERENCE BEING, THE PRESIDENT IS USING OUR MONEY."

CRITICIZING EVEN HER OWN PARTY'S POST-ELECTION EFFORTS

SOT SARAH PALIN "WE'RE NOT HERE TO REBRAND A PARTY, WE'RE HERE TO REBUILD A

COUNTRY!

WHICH LED SOME TO WONDER.IS SHE RUNNING IN 2016?

25 18

SOT JAMES HOHMANN, POLITICO

"SARAH PALIN ENJOYS THE PERKS OF BEING FAMOUS. I DON'T THINK SHE ENJOYS THE

SCRUTINY THAT COMES WITH RUNNING FOR OFFICE."

BUT SHE ENJOYED POKING FUN AT POLITICIANS LIKE NY MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG'.

SOT SARAH PALIN

OH, BLOOMBERG'S NOT AROUND! OUR BIG GULP'S SAFE. WE'RE COOL.

IF YOU THOUGHT SARAH PALIN WAS LOST IN THE POLITICAL WILDERNESS.YOU WERE

WRONG.

28 37

SOT JAMES HOHMANN, POLITICO

"SARA PALIN IS BETTER THAN ANY OTHER REPUBLICAN POLITICIAN AT PRESENTING

HERSELF AS AN OUTSIDER. SHE'S VERY GOOD AT RUNNING AGAINST WASHINGTON DC

SOT PALIN: "WASHINGTON POLITICIANS HAVE A BAD HABIT OF FOCUSING ON THE

PROCESS OF POLITICS INSTEAD OF THE PURPOSE OF POLITICS WHICH IS TO LEAD AND

SERVE."

CLAM PASS-VO

A CELEBRATION FOR MANY IN THE NORTH NAPLES COMMUNITY THIS MORNING.

AFTER MONTHS OF LEG WORK TO CLEAR CLAM PASS,

IT CONNECTS TO THE GULF OF MEXICO ONCE AGAIN.

DREDGING FINISHED YESTERDAY.

SAND MADE THE CHANNEL IMPASSABLE FOR MONTHS, THREATENING MANGROVES AND WILDLIFE.

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

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DECLARED A STATE OF EMERGENCY -

CLAM PASS-SOTVO

I feel like I can breathe because the pass can breathe. Honestly I feel it.

MANATEES HARD TO COUNT-OC 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

A PANTHER HAS BEEN KILLED IN HENDRY COUNTY.

FLORIDA WILDLIFE OFFICIALS FOUND THE PANTHER YESTERDAY.

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 7TH PANTHER TO BE FOUND DEAD THIS YEAR.

THE FIFTH TO BE HIT BY A CAR.

TEASE FOUR-2 SHOT

YOUR TRASH CAN BE SOMEONE ELSES TREASURE.

AND BY GETTING RID OF THOSE UNWANTED GOOD,

YOU CAN MAKE SOME GOOD MONEY.

HEAR HOW TO DO SO SRAIGHT AHEAD.

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

TZ4A) SELLING YOUR STUFF-VO WIPE

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.

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.

SELLING YOUR STUFF-INTRO

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 IT.

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.

"If you just have a basic knowledge of the internet and how the internet works it is easy"

HOW EASY? WITH CRAIGSLIST JUST POST YOUR ITEM AND WAIT FOR BUYERS TO CALL OR EMAIL. IT'S FREE.

WITH E-BAY YOU SET UP AN ACCOUNT, PAY A FEE TO CREATE A LISTING.

FOLKS BID LIKE AN AUCTION. IF IT SELLS YOU PAY A SELLING FEE BASED ON THE PRICE. WITH AMAZON CREATE AN ACCOUNT AND PAY NO FEE UNTIL YOUR ITEM IS SOLD.

AND THERE ARE OTHER SITES YOU MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF.

CONSUMER REPORTS LIKES GAZELLE-DOT-COM TO OFFLOAD USED GADGETS AND TECH STUFF. REAL SIMPLE SAYS THRED UP DOT COM WORKS FOR SELLING KIDS CLOTHES AND GLYDE DOT COME FOR MOVING OLD VIDEO GAMES.

"The best advice that I can give is that you have to take good pictures and be honest about your item"

PURPURA HAS GONE AS FAR AS BUYING A LIGHT BOX TO MAKE SURE SHE SNAPS THE BEST PICTURES SELLING YOUR STUFF ONLINE GIVES A NEW MONETARY MEANING TO CLEARING OUT THE CLUTTER.

SELLING YOUR STUFF-TAG

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

TEASE FIVE-2SHOT ON CAM

COMING UP NEXT ON NBC-2 NEWS TODAY.

WE'LL HAVE A FINAL 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

CHICAGO GREEN RIVER-VO

IN HONOR OF ST PATRICK'S DAY-

A 51-YEAR CHICAGO TRADITION CONTINUES THIS MORNING.

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

DESPITE COLD, DREARY WEATHER, THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WATCHED FROM BRIDGES OVER THE RIVER.

TAMPA BAY GREENRIVER-VOTOPS TRX

AND RIGHT HERE IN FLORIDA.

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.

TS1) POPE FIRST MASS-TRX-VOTOPS

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

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

POPE FRANCIS HAS MADE AN IMPROMPTU APPEARANCE NEAR THE VATICAN, PROMPTING CHEERS OF "FRANCESCO" FROM THE CROWD.

MORE THAN TWO HOURS AHEAD OF HIS APPOINTMENT WITH THE FAITHFUL FROM HIS STUDIO WINDOW OVERLOOKING ST. PETER'S SQUARE, FRANCIS WALKED TO AN OPEN GATE NEAR THE EDGE OF VATICAN CITY, AHEAD OF A MASS HE WAS CELEBRATING IN THE PARISH CHURCH FOR VATICAN RESIDENTS.

TS2) SIMPKINS TRIAL-VOTOP-WIPE

IT TOOK JUST AN HOUR AND A HALF FOR JURORS TO FIND SHANE SIMPKINS GUILTY OF MURDERINGAN ESTERO GRANDMOTHER IN 2011.

64-YEAR-OLD MARY ANN ZARB 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.

TS3) LEGENDS ARRIVES IN TAMPA-VOTOP-WIPE

THE CARNIVAL LEGEND SLOWLY RETURNED TO ITS HOME PORT OF TAMPA AFTER A TECHNICAL ISSUE WITH ONE OF ITS THRUSTERS FORCED THE CANCELLATION OF A STOP AT THE GRAND CAYMAN ISLANDS.

LAST MONTH PASSENGERS WERE STRANDED ON THE CARNIVAL TRIUMPH WITH NO POWER AND NO WORKING TOILETS FOR FIVE DAYS.

TS4) BODY FOUND IN TAMP AIRPORT-VOTOPS

A MAN WAS FOUND IN AN ELEVATOR SHAFT AT TAMPA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

THE VICTIM'S GIRLFRIEND SAYS SHE LEFT HER BOYFRIEND TO PICK UP A BAG.

WHEN SHE CAME BACK, HE WAS GONE.

INVESTIGATORS SAY SURVEILLANCE VIDEO SHOWED THE PENNSLYVANIA MAN GETTING ON THE ELEVATOR AND GOING TO A FLOOR WHERE HE DIDN'T BELONG.

TS5A) RAPE TRIAL-VOTOPS

A JUDGE PLANS TO ANNOUNCE HIS VERDICT IN THE CASE OF TWO OHIO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYERS CHARGED WITH RAPING A 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL AFTER AN ALCOHOL-FUELED PARTY LAST SUMMER.

PROSECUTORS SAY THE DRUNKEN GIRL WAS TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF. DEFENSE ATTORNEYS SAY THE GIRL HAS A HISTORY OF HEAVY DRINKING AND LYING

THE VERDICT IS TO BE READ THIS MORNING BY THE JUDGE.

TODAY'S FORECAST-3-SHOT GRAPHIC

CLOSE-3-SHOT