ÿþ<HTML> <BODY BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF BGPROPERTIES=FIXED> <FONT 000000 FACE=ARIAL SIZE=3> <HEAD> <META NAME="GENERATOR" CONTENT="ENPS"> <META CONTENT="text/html;charset=utf-16" http-equiv=Content-Type> <TITLE>ABC AM WEEKDAYS</TITLE> </HEAD> <CENTER> <TABLE WIDTH=80% BORDER=1> <TR><TD><TR><TD><FONT 000000 SIZE=+2> <A NAME=StoryIndex> <CENTER><H2>ABC AM WEEKDAYS</H2></CENTER></TD> </TABLE> <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF="x120221_abc_630a.htm">Click here for a text-only version of this page</A></FONT><BR> <TABLE WIDTH=80% BORDER=1 > <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#DIRECTORS PAGE>DIRECTORS PAGE</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#MI POLITICS-SOTVO>MI POLITICS-SOTVO</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#5AM HOUR-CLIPTOPS>5AM HOUR-CLIPTOPS</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#530 ~ MI POLITICS-ONCAM>530 ~ MI POLITICS-ONCAM</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#6AM HOUR-CLIPTOPS>6AM HOUR-CLIPTOPS</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#530 ~ MI POLITICS-PKG>530 ~ MI POLITICS-PKG</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#HL) GAS PRICES-VO-WIPE>HL) GAS PRICES-VO-WIPE</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#530 ~ MI POLITICS-ONCAM>530 ~ MI POLITICS-ONCAM</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#HL) GREECE BAILOUT-VO-WIPE>HL) GREECE BAILOUT-VO-WIPE</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#LA TEACHER ARRAIGNED-VO>LA TEACHER ARRAIGNED-VO</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#HL) MARDI GRAS-VO-WIPE>HL) MARDI GRAS-VO-WIPE</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#MARCO BOAT FIRE FOLO-VO>MARCO BOAT FIRE FOLO-VO</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#530 ~ HL) GAS PRICES-VO-WIPE>530 ~ HL) GAS PRICES-VO-WIPE</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#PUMPKIN THEFT TRIAL-VO>PUMPKIN THEFT TRIAL-VO</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#530 ~ HL) MI POLITICS-VO-WIPE>530 ~ HL) MI POLITICS-VO-WIPE</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#MARDI GRAS-VOWIPE>MARDI GRAS-VOWIPE</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#530 ~ HL) SPRING TRAINING-VO-WIPE>530 ~ HL) SPRING TRAINING-VO-WIPE</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#MARDI GRAS-SOTVO>MARDI GRAS-SOTVO</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#530AM~STORMWARN FORECAST OPEN-CLIP>530AM~STORMWARN FORECAST OPEN-CLIP</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#6AM ~ MARDI GRAS-ONCAM>6AM ~ MARDI GRAS-ONCAM</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#530AM~STORMWARN FORECAST-WXWALL>530AM~STORMWARN FORECAST-WXWALL</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#6AM ~ MARDI GRAS-PKG>6AM ~ MARDI GRAS-PKG</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES-VOWIPE>SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES-VOWIPE</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#6AM ~ MARDI GRAS-ONCAM>6AM ~ MARDI GRAS-ONCAM</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES-SOTVO>SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES-SOTVO</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#FAT TUESDAY ON FIFTH-CGTOPS>FAT TUESDAY ON FIFTH-CGTOPS</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#6AM ~ SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES-ONCAM>6AM ~ SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES-ONCAM</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#RED SOX-VOWIPE>RED SOX-VOWIPE</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#6AM ~ SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES-PKG>6AM ~ SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES-PKG</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#MINNESOTA TWINS-VOTOPS-W>MINNESOTA TWINS-VOTOPS-W</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#QUICKIE FORECLOSURES-BNR ONCAM>QUICKIE FORECLOSURES-BNR ONCAM</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#TAMPA BAY RAYS-VOTOPS-W>TAMPA BAY RAYS-VOTOPS-W</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#GREECE BAILOUT-BNR VO>GREECE BAILOUT-BNR VO</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#COVERAGE PROMISE TO BREAK-ONCAM>COVERAGE PROMISE TO BREAK-ONCAM</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#RIVERFRONT DOWNTOWN-VO-WIPE>RIVERFRONT DOWNTOWN-VO-WIPE</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#SPORTSWRAP-PKG>SPORTSWRAP-PKG</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#ESTERO DEV MEETING-VOWIPE>ESTERO DEV MEETING-VOWIPE</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#TECH BYTES AT 5AM-PKG>TECH BYTES AT 5AM-PKG</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#ESTERO DEV MEETING-SOTVO>ESTERO DEV MEETING-SOTVO</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#MONEYSCOPE AT 6AM-PKG>MONEYSCOPE AT 6AM-PKG</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#JENNINGS CLARK PLEA-VO>JENNINGS CLARK PLEA-VO</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#STORMWARN GENERIC FORECAST OPEN-CLIPTOPS>STORMWARN GENERIC FORECAST OPEN-CLIPTOPS</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#EDISON PRESIDENT SEARCH-VO>EDISON PRESIDENT SEARCH-VO</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#STORMWARN FORECAST-WX WALL>STORMWARN FORECAST-WX WALL</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#TEXTING WHILE DRIVING-VO>TEXTING WHILE DRIVING-VO</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#STORMWARN AND TRAFFIC TRANSITION-CLIPTOPS>STORMWARN AND TRAFFIC TRANSITION-CLIPTOPS</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#COVERAGE PROMISE TO BREAK-ONCAM>COVERAGE PROMISE TO BREAK-ONCAM</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#TRAFFIC-AWS OR SS>TRAFFIC-AWS OR SS</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#STRONG STORMS-VOTOPS>STRONG STORMS-VOTOPS</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#TRAFFIC SPONSOR BILLBOARD-CLIPTOPS>TRAFFIC SPONSOR BILLBOARD-CLIPTOPS</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#STORMWARN GENFORECAST OPEN-CLIPTOPS>STORMWARN GENFORECAST OPEN-CLIPTOPS</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#ROAD RAGE STABBING-VO>ROAD RAGE STABBING-VO</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#STORMWARN FORECAST-WX WALL>STORMWARN FORECAST-WX WALL</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#GUYS ARE SHOPPING-VO>GUYS ARE SHOPPING-VO</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#TRAFFIC SPONSORSHIP BILLBOARD-CLIPTOPS>TRAFFIC SPONSORSHIP BILLBOARD-CLIPTOPS</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#TEEN DRINKING-VO>TEEN DRINKING-VO</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#PRECISION TRAFFIC-TC MON>PRECISION TRAFFIC-TC MON</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#CROWDED CLINICS-VOWIPE>CROWDED CLINICS-VOWIPE</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#EVERGLADES EXCHANGE STUDY-VOTOPS>EVERGLADES EXCHANGE STUDY-VOTOPS</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#CROWDED CLINICS-SOTVO>CROWDED CLINICS-SOTVO</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#STADIUM IMPACT-VO>STADIUM IMPACT-VO</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIP>TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIP</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#FIRE RESCUE-VO>FIRE RESCUE-VO</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#TS) GAS PRICES-VO-WIPE>TS) GAS PRICES-VO-WIPE</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIP>TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIP</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#TS) GREECE BAILOUT-VO-WIPE>TS) GREECE BAILOUT-VO-WIPE</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#QUARTER TOP STORY REVEAL @ 45-HLF REVEAL>QUARTER TOP STORY REVEAL @ 45-HLF REVEAL</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#TS) RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT-VO-WIPE>TS) RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT-VO-WIPE</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#STORMWARN ALLYSON OPEN-CLIPTOPS>STORMWARN ALLYSON OPEN-CLIPTOPS</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#TS) EDISON PRESIDENT-VO-WIPE>TS) EDISON PRESIDENT-VO-WIPE</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#STORMWARN FORECAST-WX WALL>STORMWARN FORECAST-WX WALL</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#BUMP TO BREAK-2SHOT, CAM 10 BMP>BUMP TO BREAK-2SHOT, CAM 10 BMP</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#FL UNIVERSITY TUITION-ONCAM>FL UNIVERSITY TUITION-ONCAM</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#GOODBYE WEBSITE TEASE-3SH-WEB ANI>GOODBYE WEBSITE TEASE-3SH-WEB ANI</A></TD> <TR><TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#MI POLITICS-VOWIPE>MI POLITICS-VOWIPE</A></TD> <TD><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=LEFT HSPACE=5><A HREF=#END TIME>END TIME</A></TD> </Table> </CENTER><HR><BR> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=DIRECTORS PAGE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>DIRECTORS PAGE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=5AM HOUR-CLIPTOPS> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>5AM HOUR-CLIPTOPS</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=6AM HOUR-CLIPTOPS> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>6AM HOUR-CLIPTOPS</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=HL) GAS PRICES-VO-WIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>HL) GAS PRICES-VO-WIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>SKYROCKETING PRICES -- <P>GET YOUR BICYCLES READY. <P>GAS PRICES CONTINUE TO SPIKE, <P>AND SEVERAL CONTRIBUTING FACTORS ARE NOT GOING AWAY. <P>WE COULD BE IN FOR A WALLET-BREAKING SUMMER. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=HL) GREECE BAILOUT-VO-WIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>HL) GREECE BAILOUT-VO-WIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>BAILOUT-- <P>BREAKING NEWS OVERNIGHT. <P>AS THE EUROZONE AGREES TO *ANOTHER RESCUE PLAN FOR GREECE. <P>THE 170 BILLION DOLLARS WILL KEEP THE COUNTRY FROM DEFAULTING, <P>BUT IT WON'T SOLVE ALL THEIR PROBLEMS. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=HL) MARDI GRAS-VO-WIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>HL) MARDI GRAS-VO-WIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>AND FAT TUESDAY! <P>ONE OF THE BIGGEST CELEBRATIONS IN THE WORLD. COMES TO A RAUCOUS END TODAY, <P>WITH THE LAST DAY OF THE MARDI GRAS SEASON. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=530 ~ HL) GAS PRICES-VO-WIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>530 ~ HL) GAS PRICES-VO-WIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>HIGHWAY ROBBERY-- <P>GAS PRICES CONTINUE TO SOAR, <P>BREAKING RECORDS. WITH NO END IN SIGHT. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=530 ~ HL) MI POLITICS-VO-WIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>530 ~ HL) MI POLITICS-VO-WIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>EVENT HORIZON -- <P>ONE WEEK TO GO BEFORE THE MICHIGAN PRIMARY, <P>AND RICK SANTORUM IS STILL LEADING HOME-STATE CANDIDATE MITT ROMNEY IN THE POLLS, <P>BUT COULD SANTORUM'S RECENT EYEBROW-RAISING COMMENTS. LEAD TO A ROMNEY COMEBACK? <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=530 ~ HL) SPRING TRAINING-VO-WIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>530 ~ HL) SPRING TRAINING-VO-WIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>AND WORK OUT. <P>SPRING TRAINING IS FINALLY HERE -- <P>AS ALL THREE TEAMS THAT CALL SOUTHWEST FLORIDA HOME. HOLD THEIR FIRST WORK OUTS OF THE SEASON TODAY. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=530AM~STORMWARN FORECAST OPEN-CLIP> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>530AM~STORMWARN FORECAST OPEN-CLIP</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=530AM~STORMWARN FORECAST-WXWALL> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>530AM~STORMWARN FORECAST-WXWALL</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>A nice weather pattern continues for southwest Florida today. Skies will be partly cloudy this morning with a breeze from the northeast around 10 mph. Our winds today will come around to the east/southeast this afternoon and give us another run at an 80 degree day. Partly cloudy skies with periods of sunshine will be the rule today. <P>Computer forecasts continue to predict quiet weather for the next few days with average highs around 80 - 83 and overnight lows from 60 - 65 through the end of the week. The clouds will come into play each day this week with partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies at times. Unfortunately, the cloud cover will likely not be bringing us any rain for several more days. <P>On Friday there should be another front moving across through Florida and this would be the only day this week with a chance for rain. At this point it doesn't appear that we would get any significant relief from the overall dry weather and we can hope for just some scattered showers on Friday. <P>The extended outlook for the weekend looks good as the front clears the area by Saturday morning. Temperatures will likely go back into the 70's on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES-VOWIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES-VOWIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>OUR TOP STORY THIS MORNING -- <P>THE U-S ECONOMY IS AT A BREAKING POINT, <P>THANKS TO SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES. <P>GAS PRICES ARE RISING AT A RECORD PACE THIS MORNING - <P>AND COULD HIT FIVE-DOLLARS A GALLON! <P>ON AVERAGE, AMERICAN HOUSEHOLDS SPENT MORE THAN FOUR-THOUSAND-DOLLARS ON GAS LAST YEAR, <P>MORE THAN EIGHT-PERCENT OF THEIR TOTAL BUDGET. <P>AND THAT'S DOUBLE WHAT THEY SPENT A DECADE AGO. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES-SOTVO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES-SOTVO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>MOS - NYC tri-state driver <P>"IT'S CRAZY. EXPENSIVE. IT'S GOING UP AND UP." <P>MOS - Kentucky driver <P>"I AM VERY UNHAPPY WITH IT." <P>MOS - North Carolina driver <P>"IT'S RIDICULOUS. IT'S VERY RIDICULOUS." <P>ECONOMISTS SAY -- YOU SHOULD EXPECT A RIPPLE EFFECT FROM THESE HIGH PRICES. <P>FOR EXAMPLE - MORE EXPENSIVE MILK, EGGS, FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. <P>AS FARMERS PAY MORE TO GAS UP THEIR TRACTORS. <P>ALSO, GOODS MADE FROM PETROLEUM -- SUCH AS FERTILIZER, MAKEUP, DETERGENT, EVEN PRESCRIPTION DRUGS -- COULD SOON COST MORE. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=6AM ~ SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES-ONCAM> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>6AM ~ SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES-ONCAM</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>GAS PRICES RISE AT A RECORD PACE THIS MORNING. <P>ON TRACK TO HIT FIVE-DOLLARS A GALLON! <P>AND AMERICANS ARE SPENDING MORE TO FILL UP THAN EVER BEFORE. <P>ABC'S TAHMAN BRADLEY REPORTS ON THOSE GAS PRICES, <P>AND THE RIPPLE EFFECT EATING INTO YOUR WALLET. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=6AM ~ SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES-PKG> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>6AM ~ SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES-PKG</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>Gas prices are rising at record speed. <P>MOS - NYC tri-state driver <P>"IT'S CRAZY. EXPENSIVE. IT'S GOING UP AND UP." <P>The cost of gasoline is up 25-cents from just a month ago. The national <P>average: $3.56 a gallon. <P>That's the highest gas prices have ever been this early in the year. <P>MOS - Kentucky driver <P>"I AM VERY UNHAPPY WITH IT." <P>MOS - North Carolina driver <P>"IT'S RIDICULOUS. IT'S VERY RIDICULOUS." <P>Experts say it's only going to get worse. predicating a gallon of gas <P>could cost $4 by April. $5 by Memorial Day. <P>MOS - NYC tri-state driver <P>"I DO LIKE $120 A WEEK TO GO TO WORK, SO THAT'S LIKE $500 A MONTH." <P>The spike in gas prices is being driven by tension in the Middle East. <P>Iran is considering extending an oil embargo on France and Britain to other <P>European countries. <P>The news has sent shockwaves across global markets. <P>Higher oil prices will have a ripple effect on the rest of the economy- <P>meaning consumers will pay more for everyday basics: <P>More expensive milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables.as farmers pay more to <P>gas up their tractors. <P>It could mean higher heating bills. More expensive plane tickets. <P>Goods made from petroleum -- such as fertilizer, makeup, detergent, even <P>prescription drugs -- could soon cost more. <P>SOT BETH HEINSOHN, Oil Price Information Service <P>"THERE'S A SUPPLY CHAIN AND YOU KNOW IT'S A MATTER OF WEEK PERHAPS MONTHS AS <P>THOSE COSTS GET PASSED THROUGH." <P>High gas prices were a big issue in the 2008 campaign, and voters say it <P>will come up once again this year. <P>MOS - Ohio shopper <P>"IT'LL BE A HUGE ISSUE. ABSOLUTELY. SOMEBODY'S GOING TO HAVE TO NEGOTIATE <P>SOMETHING." <P>Economists worry that higher oil prices could threaten the fragil U-S <P>economic recovery. The Dow Jones is expected to reach 13-thousand today just <P>as crude oil prices soar past an eight month high. <P>Tahman Bradley, ABC News, Washington. <P>. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=QUICKIE FORECLOSURES-BNR ONCAM> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>QUICKIE FORECLOSURES-BNR ONCAM</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>NEW THIS MORNING-- <P>FLORIDA IS *ONE STEP CLOSER TO A MORE STREAMLINED FORECLOSURE PROCESS. <P>THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE APPROVED THE SO CALLED "QUICKIE FORECLOSURE BILL" LATE LAST NIGHT. <P>THE BILL REQUIRES HOMEOWNERS TO PRESENT A SOUND DEFENSE, <P>OR ELSE FACE IMMEDIATE JUDGMENT ON THEIR FORECLOSURE. <P>THE BILL. SPONSORED BY NAPLES KATHLEEN PASSIDOMO. HAS THREE MORE COMMITTEE STOPS, BEFORE A FULL LEGISLATIVE HEARING. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=GREECE BAILOUT-BNR VO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>GREECE BAILOUT-BNR VO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>AND BREAKING OVERNIGHT IN EUROPE--- <P>THE EURO SURGES THIS MORNING, <P>AFTER NEWS THAT THE EUROZONE HAS APPROVED A 170 BILLION DOLLAR BAILOUT FOR GREECE. <P>THE MONEY SHOULD HELP BRING GREECE'S DEBT *DOWN. <P>TO 120-POINT FIVE PERCENT OF G-D-P BY 20-20. <P>GREECE DESPERATELY NEEDED ANOTHER RESCUE PACKAGE. <P>TO AVOID A DEFAULT NEXT MONTH. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=RIVERFRONT DOWNTOWN-VO-WIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>RIVERFRONT DOWNTOWN-VO-WIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>HAPPENING TODAY-- <P>FORT MYERS CITY COUNCIL LOOKS TO CUT SOME COSTS, <P>AS THE DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT FACELIFT GOES *OVER BUDGET. <P>THE COST ESTIMATE FOR DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT. IS MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS *HIGHER THAN WHAT LEADERS PLANNED. <P>THAT'S FOR THE FIRST PHASE, <P>WHICH INCLUDES A WATER BASIN NEAR THE EDWARDS AND BAY STREETS AREA. <P>LEADERS WANT TO SAVE MONEY WITH LESS ART WORK, SEATING AND SHADING, <P>AND ALSO BY GIVING UP A TEMPORARY PARKING LOT. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=ESTERO DEV MEETING-VOWIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>ESTERO DEV MEETING-VOWIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>RESIDENTS IN ESTERO WANT TO LOOK AT *NEW WAYS TO MAKE THEIR COMMUNITY BETTER. <P>DURING A PUBLIC MEETING LAST NIGHT-- <P>SEVERAL RESIDENTS GAVE THEIR IDEAS ON THE FUTURE OF ESTERO. <P>PEOPLE WANTED MORE BIKE PATHS AND WALK WAYS, <P>ALONG WITH BETTER ACCESS TO THE ESTERO RIVER AND BAY. <P>AND EVEN WITH COCONUT POINT AS A MAJOR HUB. <P>PEOPLE ALSO WANT A DEFINED DOWNTOWN AND MORE COMMERCIAL AREAS. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=ESTERO DEV MEETING-SOTVO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>ESTERO DEV MEETING-SOTVO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>it's a place where you live, not fond of producing anymore strip malls or anymore shopping sites. <P>COMMUNITY LEADERS SAY THEY ARE STILL ABOUT A YEAR. TO A YEAR AND A HALF OUT. BEFORE THEIR COMMUNITY PLAN IS COMPLETE. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=JENNINGS CLARK PLEA-VO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>JENNINGS CLARK PLEA-VO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>TWO CAPE CORAL PARENTS REACH A PLEA DEAL, <P>AFTER BEING CHARGED WITH CHILD NEGLECT. IN THE DEATH OF THEIR ONE YEAR OLD SON. <P>KATHLEEN JENNINGS AND MICHAEL CLARK -- <P>WILL BOTH SERVE FOUR YEARS PROBATION AND ONE YEAR COMMUNITY CONTROL, <P>WHICH IS ELECTRONIC MONITORING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS. <P>THEY LEFT THEIR SON IN A HOT CAR, <P>AND THE ONE YEAR-OLD DIED BECAUSE OF IT. <P>AS FOR THE COUPLE'S OTHER THREE CHILDREN-- <P>THEY ARE STILL IN D-C-F CUSTODY -- <P>AND HAVE BEEN PLACED WITH A RELATIVE. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=EDISON PRESIDENT SEARCH-VO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>EDISON PRESIDENT SEARCH-VO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>THE SEARCH FOR EDISON STATE COLLEGE'S NEW PRESIDENT. OFFICIALLY BEGINS TODAY. <P>THE SCHOOL'S PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE MEETS FOR THE FIRST TIME TODAY AT THE LEE COUNTY CAMPUS. <P>ANOTHER FORUM WILL BE HELD AT THE HENDRY-GLADES CAMPUS LATER IN THE DAY, <P>WITH MORE FOLLOWING IN THE WEEK. <P>FORMER PRESIDENT KEN WALKER WAS FIRED IN JANUARY, AFTER MONTHS OF SCANDALS. <P>HE HAS APPEALED HIS TERMINATION. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=TEXTING WHILE DRIVING-VO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>TEXTING WHILE DRIVING-VO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>SOON, FLORIDA DRIVERS COULD BE BANNED FROM TEXTING WHILE DRIVING. <P>THE STATE SENATE'S BUDGET PANEL WILL CONSIDER THE BAN TODAY. <P>THE PROPOSED LAW WOULD OUTLAW TEXTING. BY ALL DRIVERS OPERATING MOTOR VEHICLES. <P>35 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ALREADY HAVE BANS. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=COVERAGE PROMISE TO BREAK-ONCAM> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>COVERAGE PROMISE TO BREAK-ONCAM</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>OUR TOP STORY -- THE SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES. <P>WE WANT TO KNOW. <P>HOW ARE YOU ADAPTING TO THE PAIN AT THE PUMP? <P>OUR ABC7 FACEBOOK FANS ARE WEIGHING IN. <P>MARY SAYS IT "JUST PROVES HOW HARD THE GAS LOBBYISTS ARE WORKING CONGRESS." <P>AS FOR WHETHER GAS PRICES AFFECT HIS DAILY ROUTNE -- KEN SAYS "NOPE. JUST PAY WHATEVER IT IS." <P>KEEP THE CONVERSATION - <P>LOG ON AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=STRONG STORMS-VOTOPS> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>STRONG STORMS-VOTOPS</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>STRONG STORMS ROLLED THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF THE COUNTRY MONDAY. <P>WINDS NEAR 60 MILES AN HOUR. ROARED THROUGH LUBBOCK, TEXAS. KICKING UP DUST AND REDUCING VISIBILITY. <P>SOME TRACTOR TRAILERS WERE EVEN BLOWN OFF THE ROAD. <P>AND IN KANSAS, SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS DUMPED HEAVY RAIN AND HAIL. ENOUGH TO COVER THE GROUND LIKE SNOW. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=STORMWARN GENFORECAST OPEN-CLIPTOPS> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>STORMWARN GENFORECAST OPEN-CLIPTOPS</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>A nice weather pattern continues for southwest Florida today. Skies will be partly cloudy this morning with a breeze from the northeast around 10 mph. Our winds today will come around to the east/southeast this afternoon and give us another run at an 80 degree day. Partly cloudy skies with periods of sunshine will be the rule today. <P>Computer forecasts continue to predict quiet weather for the next few days with average highs around 80 - 83 and overnight lows from 60 - 65 through the end of the week. The clouds will come into play each day this week with partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies at times. Unfortunately, the cloud cover will likely not be bringing us any rain for several more days. <P>On Friday there should be another front moving across through Florida and this would be the only day this week with a chance for rain. At this point it doesn't appear that we would get any significant relief from the overall dry weather and we can hope for just some scattered showers on Friday. <P>The extended outlook for the weekend looks good as the front clears the area by Saturday morning. Temperatures will likely go back into the 70's on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=STORMWARN FORECAST-WX WALL> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>STORMWARN FORECAST-WX WALL</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF. <P>IT IS NOT A VERBATIM OF WHAT IS BEING SAID, BUT IS THE FORECAST FOR OUR AREA.A nice weather pattern continues for southwest Florida today. Skies will be partly cloudy this morning with a breeze from the northeast around 10 mph. Our winds today will come around to the east/southeast this afternoon and give us another run at an 80 degree day. Partly cloudy skies with periods of sunshine will be the rule today. <P>Computer forecasts continue to predict quiet weather for the next few days with average highs around 80 - 83 and overnight lows from 60 - 65 through the end of the week. The clouds will come into play each day this week with partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies at times. Unfortunately, the cloud cover will likely not be bringing us any rain for several more days. <P>On Friday there should be another front moving across through Florida and this would be the only day this week with a chance for rain. At this point it doesn't appear that we would get any significant relief from the overall dry weather and we can hope for just some scattered showers on Friday. <P>The extended outlook for the weekend looks good as the front clears the area by Saturday morning. Temperatures will likely go back into the 70's on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=TRAFFIC SPONSORSHIP BILLBOARD-CLIPTOPS> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>TRAFFIC SPONSORSHIP BILLBOARD-CLIPTOPS</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=PRECISION TRAFFIC-TC MON> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>PRECISION TRAFFIC-TC MON</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>chad adlib current traffic <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=EVERGLADES EXCHANGE STUDY-VOTOPS> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>EVERGLADES EXCHANGE STUDY-VOTOPS</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>AN I-75 INTERCHANGE AT EVERGLADES BOULEVARD. IS IN THE WORKS. <P>THAT'S AFTER AN ENVORONMENTAL STUDY -- <P>SHOWING IT WOULD *NOT AFFECT WILDLIFE. <P>BUT THE PROJECT NEEDS TO CLEAR SEVERAL HURDLES BEFORE CONSTRUCTION CAN START, <P>THAT INCLUDES SECURING FUNDING. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=STADIUM IMPACT-VO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>STADIUM IMPACT-VO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>BASEBALL FANS ARE ALL EXCITED ABOUT THE OPENING OF THE NEW JET BLUE PARK. <P>AND SO ARE LOCAL BUSINESSES. <P>99-THOUSAND VISITORS FLOCK TO LEE COUNTY FOR SPRING TRAINING. <P>AND SPEND AN ESTIMATED 24 MILLION IN MARCH AND APRIL ALONE. <P>RESTAURANTS, HOTELS AND SHOPS. ARE NOW OFFERING DEALS AND DISCOUNTS. TO ENTICE CUSTOMERS. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=FIRE RESCUE-VO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>FIRE RESCUE-VO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>TWO MASSACHUSETTS MEN ARE ALIVE TODAY, <P>AFTER A GOOD SAMARITAN CAME TO THEIR RESCUE. WHEN THEIR HOME CAUGHT FIRE. <P>AS YOU CAN SEE - IT WAS ALL CAUGHT ON TAPE. <P>SECURITY CAMERAS FROM A NEARBY FUNERAL HOME -- <P>CAPTURED BOBBY SINGH HELP TWO MEN OUT OF THE HOUSE. <P>THE HOME WAS A TOTAL LOSS. <P>FIRE OFFICIALS BELIEVE THE FIRE STARTED ON THE FRONT PORCH. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIP> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIP</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=QUARTER TOP STORY REVEAL @ 45-HLF REVEAL> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>QUARTER TOP STORY REVEAL @ 45-HLF REVEAL</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>AN ANGRY PROTEST HAS DEVELOPED IN THE AFGHAN CAPITAL - <P>OVER THE IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF QURANS, <P>AT AN AMERICAN AIR BASE NORTH OF KABUL. <P>POLICE SAY MORE THAN TWO THOUSAND ANGRY AFGHANS GATHERED, <P>AFTER LEARNING OF THE INCIDENT. <P>SHOUTING "DIE, DIE, FOREIGNERS!" <P>ADVOCATES FOR FEDERAL WORKERS ARE CRYING FOUL -- <P>OVER A PAY FREEZE IN THE BILL THAT EXTENDED THE PAYROLL TAX CUT. <P>ADVOCATES SAY TWO CONSECUTIVE YEARS OF FROZEN PAY. <P>MEANS THE NATION'S TWO MILLION CIVIL SERVANTS ALREADY HAVE CONTRIBUTED MORE THAN 60 BILLION DOLLARS TO REDUCING GOVERNMENT COSTS. <P>FINAL ARGUMENTS ARE EXPECTED TODAY -- <P>BEFORE A JURY GETS THE CASE OF TWO WHITE SUPREMACIST BROTHERS. <P>ACCUSED OF BOMBING A CITY OFFICIAL IN ARIZONA BECAUSE HE IS BLACK. <P>DENNIS AND DANIEL MAHON OF ILLINOIS ARE ACCUSED OF SENDING A PACKAGE BOMB TO THE OFFICIAL. <P>HE NEEDED FOUR SURGERIES ON HIS HAND AND ARM. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=STORMWARN ALLYSON OPEN-CLIPTOPS> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>STORMWARN ALLYSON OPEN-CLIPTOPS</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=STORMWARN FORECAST-WX WALL> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>STORMWARN FORECAST-WX WALL</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF. <P>IT IS NOT A VERBATIM OF WHAT IS BEING SAID, BUT IS THE FORECAST FOR OUR AREA.A nice weather pattern continues for southwest Florida today. Skies will be partly cloudy this morning with a breeze from the northeast around 10 mph. Our winds today will come around to the east/southeast this afternoon and give us another run at an 80 degree day. Partly cloudy skies with periods of sunshine will be the rule today. <P>Computer forecasts continue to predict quiet weather for the next few days with average highs around 80 - 83 and overnight lows from 60 - 65 through the end of the week. The clouds will come into play each day this week with partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies at times. Unfortunately, the cloud cover will likely not be bringing us any rain for several more days. <P>On Friday there should be another front moving across through Florida and this would be the only day this week with a chance for rain. At this point it doesn't appear that we would get any significant relief from the overall dry weather and we can hope for just some scattered showers on Friday. <P>The extended outlook for the weekend looks good as the front clears the area by Saturday morning. Temperatures will likely go back into the 70's on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=FL UNIVERSITY TUITION-ONCAM> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>FL UNIVERSITY TUITION-ONCAM</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>TODAY IN TALLAHASSEE--- <P>A HOUSE PANEL WILL DISCUSS A MEASURE. <P>THAT WOULD ALLOW THE UNIVERSITY FO FLORIDA TO DECIDE. JUST HOW MUCH THEIR TUITION SHOULD BE. <P>UNDER THE PROPOSAL-- ALL UNIVERSITIES WOULD BE ABLE TO DECIDE WHAT THEY CHARGE STUDENTS. <P>BUT THEY WOULD HAVE TO MEET CERTAIN CRITERIA. <P>RIGHT NOW, ONLY U-F MEETS EACH OBJECTIVE. <P>GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT OPPOSES THE IDEA , <P>AND SAID TUITION RATES SHOULD REMAIN FLAT. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=MI POLITICS-VOWIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>MI POLITICS-VOWIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>TURNING NOW TO POLITICS -- <P>WITH THE MICHIGAN PRIMARY JUST A WEEK AWAY -- <P>FRONTRUNNER RICK SANTORUM FOCUSES HIS ATTENTION ON PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA. <P>LAST NIGHT, SANTORUM RE-FOCUSED ON AN ISSUE HITTING MIDWESTERNERS HARD THIS WINTER. GAS PRICES. <P>WITH OIL PRICES AT A NINE-MONTH HIGH, THE WHITE HOUSE HAS ANNOUNCED A *NEW DEAL. <P>TO DRILL ALONG THE GULF BORDER WITH MEXICO. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=MI POLITICS-SOTVO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>MI POLITICS-SOTVO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>Presidential Candidate <P>"This President is doing everything he can to prevent energy production in this country." <P>Presidential Candidate <P>"When Republicans go to Washington and spend like Democrats, we get a lot of spending. And that's what we've seen over the last several years." <P>MEANTIME, WE'RE NOW GETTING AN IDEA HOW MUCH MONEY THESE CANDIDATES' ARE WORKING WITH. <P>MUCH OF THE MONEY IS WITH THE SUPER-PACS. <P>THOSE GROUPS RAISED OVER 17 MILLION DOLLARS LAST MONTH. <P>MEANWHILE, THE CANDIDATES HAVE ONLY RAISED 12 MILLION. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=530 ~ MI POLITICS-ONCAM> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>530 ~ MI POLITICS-ONCAM</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>IN POLITICS THIS MORNING -- <P>WITH MICHICAN'S PRIMARY NOW JUST A WEEK AWAY. <P>THE REPUBLICAN RACE HEATS UP. <P>FRONTRUNNER RICK SANTORUM IS NOW *MUCH MORE FOCUSED ON PRESIDENT OBAMA -- <P>AND AS TRACIE POTTS REPORTS. HE'S CATCHING A LOT OF HEAT FOR THAT. <P>. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=530 ~ MI POLITICS-PKG> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>530 ~ MI POLITICS-PKG</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>AFTER A DAY OF EXPLAINING THAT HIS "PHONY THEOLOGY" REMARK -- <P>LAST NIGHT RICK SANTORUM RE-FOCUSED ON AN ISSUE HITTING MIDWESTERNERS HARD THIS WINTER: GAS PRICES -- <P>Presidential Candidate <P>"This President is doing everything he can to prevent energy production in this country." <P>WITH OIL PRICES AT A NINE-MONTH HIGH, THE WHITE HOUSE IS FEELING THE HEAT. SO TO SPEAK. AND ANNOUNCED A NEW DEAL TO DRILL ALONG THE GULF BORDER WITH MEXICO. <P>MEANTIME, WE'RE NOW GETTING AN IDEA HOW MUCH MONEY THESE CANDIDATES' ARE WORKING WITH. <P>ROMNEY RAISED SIX AND A HALF MILLION LAST MONTH BUT TOLD OHIO SANTORUM'S SPENDING TOO MUCH IN WASHINGTON: <P>Presidential Candidate <P>"When Republicans go to Washington and spend like Democrats, we get a lot of spending. And that's what we've seen over the last several years." <P>GINGRICH EARNED OVER FIVE-AND-A-HALF MILLION. <P>LIKE SANTORUM. HE FOCUSED ON SOCIAL ISSUES -- FORCING CATHOLICS TO PAY FOR BIRTH CONTROL. <P>Presidential Candidate <P>"A President who can order one religion break its beliefs and order any American to do anything. They are the center of power and thats wrong." <P>GINGRICH'S FUNDRAISING DOESN'T SEEM TO BE HELPING HIS CHANCES IN MICHIGAN. LAST MONTH, HE SPENT MORE THAN HE TOOK IN. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=530 ~ MI POLITICS-ONCAM> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>530 ~ MI POLITICS-ONCAM</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>TRACIE POTTS REPORTING. <P>AND WE'RE LEARNING MUCH OF THE MONEY IS WITH THE SUPER-PACS. <P>GROUPS SUPPORTING THESE CANDIDATES. <P>LAST MONTH -- ROMNEY AND GINGRICH'S PACS RAISED MORE THAN THE CANDIDATES THEMSELVES. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=LA TEACHER ARRAIGNED-VO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>LA TEACHER ARRAIGNED-VO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>A FORMER TEACHER WILL BE ARRAIGNED -- <P>ACCUSED OF MOLESTING MORE THAN 20 STUDENTS, <P>AT A LOS ANGELES-AREA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. <P>MARK BERNDT WAS ARRESTED JANUARY 30-TH. <P>AND FACES 23 FELONY CHARGES OF LEWD ACTS AGAINST CHILDREN. <P>THE CHARGES STEM FROM PHOTOGRAPHS -- <P>BERNDT TOOK OF HIMSELF WITH CHILDREN AT MIRAMONTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, <P>WHERE HE TAUGHT FOR OVER 30 YEARS. <P>THE 61-YEAR-OLD COULD FACE UP TO LIFE IN PRISON, IF CONVICTED. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=MARCO BOAT FIRE FOLO-VO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>MARCO BOAT FIRE FOLO-VO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>SOME HOMEOWNERS ON MARCO ISLAND. <P>ARE STILL DEALING WITH THE EFFECTS OF A BOAT EXPLOSION. <P>TWO MEN AND A DOG ESCAPED AND SWAM SAFELY TO SHORE, <P>WHEN THE BOAT'S ENGINE EXPLODED ON FRIDAY. <P>BUT OWNERS OF NEARLY A DOZEN CONDOS AT "DELA PARK TOWER". <P>ARE STILL DEALING WITH SMOKE DAMAGE. <P>MONDAY, PROFESSIONAL CLEANERS FILLED THE HALLS. <P>CLEANING UP SMOKE AND SOOT. <P>BUT THEY MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO RETURN UNTIL TOMORROW. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=PUMPKIN THEFT TRIAL-VO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>PUMPKIN THEFT TRIAL-VO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>A NEW MEXICO COLLEGE STUDENT HEADS TO COURT TODAY -- <P>ACCUSED OF STEALING A TWO DOLLAR PUMPKIN. <P>22-YEAR-OLD LAUREN MEDINA IS ACCUSED OF STEALING A PUMPKIN. <P>FROM A DISPLAY IN FRONT OF A HAUNTED HOUSE, NEAR ALBUQUERQUE IN OCTOBER. <P>SHE CLAIMS SHE DID NOT REALIZE THE PUMPKIN WAS FOR SALE, <P>AND OFFERED TO PAY FOR IT AS SOON AS SHE WAS STOPPED. <P>MEDINA SAYS SHE WAS OFFERED A PLEA DEAL THAT INCLUDED SIX MONTHS PROBATION, <P>BUT THAT WOULD NOT ALLOW HER TO STUDY ABROAD. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=MARDI GRAS-VOWIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>MARDI GRAS-VOWIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>ONE OF THE BIGGEST CELEBRATIONS IN THE WORLD WILL COME TO A RAUCOUS END IN NEW ORLEANS WITH THE LAST DAY OF THE MARDI GRAS SEASON. <P>THE STREETS WILL FILL WITH PARADES, FLOATS AND REVELERS MARKING THE END OF FUN AND THE START OF ASH WEDNESDAY, WHICH BEGINS THE SEASON OF LENT. <P>BUT UNTIL THEN, THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF TIME FOR MUSIC, DANCING, DRINKING. AND PLENTY OF BEADS. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=MARDI GRAS-SOTVO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>MARDI GRAS-SOTVO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>"You know Bourbon Street, to parades, to dabloons. you know, comrades and meeting people on the streets. the crazier the better." <P>THERE WILL BE MORE THAN A DOZEN PARADES IN THE NEW ORLEANS AREA TODAY. <P>THE BIGGEST. AND BAWDIEST WILL ROLL RIGHT THROUGH THE FRENCH QUARTER. WITH MORE THAN A MILLION PEOPLE CROWDING THE PARADE ROUTE. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=6AM ~ MARDI GRAS-ONCAM> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>6AM ~ MARDI GRAS-ONCAM</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>THIS MORNING MARKS THE END OF THE MARDI GRAS SEASON. <P>IT'S FAT TUESDAY. <P>AND NO WHERE ON EARTH. WILL THEY CELEBRATE MORE THAN IN NEW ORLEANS. <P>JAY GRAY REPORTS FROM THE BIG EASY -- <P>WITH A CLOSER LOOK AT THE CELEBRATION. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=6AM ~ MARDI GRAS-PKG> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>6AM ~ MARDI GRAS-PKG</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>THE FESTIVAL IS ALREADY IN FULL SWING IN NEW ORLEANS. <P>"Mardi Gras is always, everyday in New Orleans.we're always prepared" <P>PREPARED FOR TODAY. FAT TUESDAY. WHEN THE PARTY WILL REACH ITS' PEAK. <P>"You know Bourbon Street, to parades, to dabloons. you know, comrades and meeting people on the streets. the crazier the better." <P>THE MUSIC. <P>THE MADNESS. <P>THE PARADES. <P>THE CROWDS HAVE BEEN GATHERING FOR MORE THAN A WEEK NOW. <P>THE BIG EASY IS ALREADY BUSTING AT THE SEAMS. AND COULD SEE RECORD CROWDS THIS SEASON. <P>HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS. <P>DEFINANTLY MOVING TO THEIR OWN BEAT. <P>THERE IS NO AGE LIMIT AT MARDI GRAS. <P>AND THE DRESS CODE - WELL, LIKE THIS FESTIVAL. IS ALL OVER THE PLACE. <P>NO SHOES ARE NECESSARY. AND IN SOME CASES NO SHIRT. <P>BUT THERE IS STILL PLENTY OF SERVICE. IN THIS CITY THAT THROWS A PARTY LIKE NO OTHER. <P>"They come, and they just have fun.They go out, they see friends, they have some of the best food in America.they - uh. some of the best night clubs in America. and experience the people, the culture the friendliness of everyone around." <P>A FRIENDLINESS. THAT FLOWS LIKE THE BEADS. THE BOAS. <P>AND THE MUSIC. <P>THAT IS MARDI GRAS. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=6AM ~ MARDI GRAS-ONCAM> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>6AM ~ MARDI GRAS-ONCAM</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>JAY GRAY REPORTING. <P>THERE WILL BE MORE THAN A DOZEN PARADES IN THE AREA TODAY. <P>THE BIGGEST. AND BAWDIEST WILL ROLL RIGHT THROUGH THE FRENCH QUARTER. <P>WITH MORE THAN A MILLION PEOPLE CROWDING THE PARADE ROUTE. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=FAT TUESDAY ON FIFTH-CGTOPS> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>FAT TUESDAY ON FIFTH-CGTOPS</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT TO NEW ORLEANS. YOU CAN STILL PARTY IN NAPLES. <P>FIFTH AVENUE SOUTH HOSTS A SPECIAL "MARDI GRAS EVENING ON FIFTH" TONIGHT. <P>IT'S FROM 6-30 TO 9-30 P-M IN DOWNTOWN NAPLES. <P>YOU CAN ENJOY MUSIC, DINING AND SHOPPING. <P>PLUS - LIVE ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDES MARCO ISLAND STRUMMERS, JOE'S JUG BAND, AND EGYPTIAN BREEZE. <P>BUSINESSES WILL ALSO HOLD SIDEWALK SALES. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=RED SOX-VOWIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>RED SOX-VOWIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>A BIG DAY FOR BASEBALL FANS -- <P>AS ALL *THREE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S TEAMS. <P>HOLD THEIR FIRST WORK OUT OF THE SEASON. <P>THE BOSTON RED SOX HOLD THEIR FIRST OFFICIAL PRACTICE AT JETBLUE PARK. <P>AND MOST OF THEIR TEAM IS BACK FROM A YEAR AGO, <P>BUT THERE IS ONE BIG CHANGE-- <P>THE TEAM HAS A NEW MANAGER, BOBBY VALENTINE. <P>AND WE'RE EXCITED TO SEE WHAT KIND OF ENERGY HE'LL BRING TO THE SQUAD. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=MINNESOTA TWINS-VOTOPS-W> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>MINNESOTA TWINS-VOTOPS-W</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>THE TWINS WORK OUT TODAY AT HAMMOND STADIUM. <P>THEIR TOP FOCUS THIS YEAR WILL BE *CHEMISTRY. <P>A LOT OF THEIR FAMILIAR FACES ARE MISSING -- <P>JIM THOME , JOE NATHAN, MICHAEL CUDDYER AND JASON KUBEL. <P>ALL PLAYING FOR NEW TEAMS THIS YEAR. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=TAMPA BAY RAYS-VOTOPS-W> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>TAMPA BAY RAYS-VOTOPS-W</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>AND UP IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY-- <P>THE RAYS PLAN TO BUILD ON A VERY SURPRISING SEASON. <P>THEIR MANAGER, JOE MADDON HAS BIG EXPECTATIONS. <P>HE BELIEVES THIS TEAM HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE IT TO THE WORLD SERIES. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=COVERAGE PROMISE TO BREAK-ONCAM> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>COVERAGE PROMISE TO BREAK-ONCAM</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>THIS IS A TALKER. <P>THE VIRAL VIDEO OF A DAD -- TAUGHT HIS DAUGHTER A LESSON ABOUT FACEBOOK. BY *OPENING FIRE ON HER COMPUTER! <P>IT'S SPARKED A NATIONAL DEBATE ON PARENTING. <P>DID HE GO TOO FAR?? <P>COMING UP ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA -- <P>THE FATHER AT THE CENTER OF THIS CONTROVERSY. SPEAKS OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME. <P>BACK AFTER THIS. <P>IT IS ____. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=SPORTSWRAP-PKG> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>SPORTSWRAP-PKG</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=TECH BYTES AT 5AM-PKG> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>TECH BYTES AT 5AM-PKG</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=MONEYSCOPE AT 6AM-PKG> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>MONEYSCOPE AT 6AM-PKG</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=STORMWARN GENERIC FORECAST OPEN-CLIPTOPS> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>STORMWARN GENERIC FORECAST OPEN-CLIPTOPS</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=STORMWARN FORECAST-WX WALL> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>STORMWARN FORECAST-WX WALL</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF. <P>IT IS NOT A VERBATIM OF WHAT IS BEING SAID, BUT IS TH <P>E FORECAST FOR OUR AREA.A nice weather pattern continues for southwest Florida today. Skies will be partly cloudy this morning with a breeze from the northeast around 10 mph. Our winds today will come around to the east/southeast this afternoon and give us another run at an 80 degree day. Partly cloudy skies with periods of sunshine will be the rule today. <P>Computer forecasts continue to predict quiet weather for the next few days with average highs around 80 - 83 and overnight lows from 60 - 65 through the end of the week. The clouds will come into play each day this week with partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies at times. Unfortunately, the cloud cover will likely not be bringing us any rain for several more days. <P>On Friday there should be another front moving across through Florida and this would be the only day this week with a chance for rain. At this point it doesn't appear that we would get any significant relief from the overall dry weather and we can hope for just some scattered showers on Friday. <P>The extended outlook for the weekend looks good as the front clears the area by Saturday morning. Temperatures will likely go back into the 70's on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=STORMWARN AND TRAFFIC TRANSITION-CLIPTOPS> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>STORMWARN AND TRAFFIC TRANSITION-CLIPTOPS</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=TRAFFIC-AWS OR SS> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>TRAFFIC-AWS OR SS</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>LINH adlib current traffic <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=TRAFFIC SPONSOR BILLBOARD-CLIPTOPS> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>TRAFFIC SPONSOR BILLBOARD-CLIPTOPS</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>SPONSORSHIP SHOULD WIPE TO MONEY SCOPE/ TECH BYTES REPORT <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=ROAD RAGE STABBING-VO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>ROAD RAGE STABBING-VO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>POLICE IN MARYLAND INVESTIGATE A STABBING 00 <P>THAT MAY HAVE STARTED OVER AN ACT OF ROAD RAGE. <P>THE 22-YEAR-OLD DRIVER OF THIS GREEN S-U-V. IS IN THE HOSPITAL, <P>AFTER POLICE SAY HE WAS STABBED BY THE MAN IN THE SILVER CAR. <P>WITNESSES SAY THE COUPLE IN THE S-U-V HAD JUST GOTTEN MARRIED. AND WAS GOOFING AROUND AT A RED LIGHT, <P>WHEN THE OTHER DRIVER STARTED YELLING AT THEM. <P>THE 22-YEAR-OLD MAN REPORTEDLY CONFRONTED THE MAN IN THE SILVER CAR, <P>AND THAT'S WHEN POLICE SAY HE WAS STABBED. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=GUYS ARE SHOPPING-VO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>GUYS ARE SHOPPING-VO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>THE MALE SHOPPER IS BACK. <P>AND HE'S BUYING MORE THAN SUITS. <P>MEN ARE BUYING *SO MANY ACCESSORIES -- <P>LIKE HATS, UMBRELLAS, BAGS AND WRIST-WEAR, <P>THAT SOME RETAILERS PREDICT A 20 YEAR *HIGH IN MEN'S SALES IN THE FIRST QUARTER. <P>SOME RESEARCHERS BELIEVE THE REBOUND IN MALE SHOPPING. REFLECTS AN IMPROVED JOB PICTURE FOR MEN. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=TEEN DRINKING-VO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>TEEN DRINKING-VO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>NEW RESEARCH SUGGESTS -- <P>SOME TEEN DRINKING MAY BE ROOTED IN HOLLYWOOD. <P>DARTMOUTH RESEARCHERS ANALYZED DATA ON MORE THAN 65-HUNDRED KIDS. BETWEEN AGE 10 AND 14. <P>THEY WERE ROUTINELY QUIZZED ABOUT THEIR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION, <P>AND POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS FOR DRINKING OVER TWO YEARS. <P>TEENS WHO WATCHED THE MOST MOVIES WITH CHARACTERS WHO DRANK. OR EVEN SIMPLE PRODUCT PLACEMENT. WERE *TWICE AS LIKELY TO START DRINKING, AS THOSE WHO WATCHED THE LEAST. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=CROWDED CLINICS-VOWIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>CROWDED CLINICS-VOWIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>WALK-IN CLINICS AROUND SOUTHWEST FLORIDA. ARE FLOODED WITH PATIENTS THIS SEASON. <P>DOCTORS AT COLLIER URGENT CARE IN NAPLES SAY -- <P>THEY'RE SEEING *THREE TIMES THE NUMBER OF PATIENTS, COMPARED TO SUMMER WHEN IT'S SLOW. <P>THE SWELL IN POPULATION LEADS TO THE INFLUX OF PATIENTS. <P>THIS CAN ALSO MEAN A LONGER WAIT TIME. <P>AT SOME PARTS OF THE DAY. WE'RE TOLD THE WAIT CAN BE 30 TO 40 MINUTES. <P>THEY ALSO REPORT SEVERAL ILLNESSES TRENDING RECENTLY. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=CROWDED CLINICS-SOTVO> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>CROWDED CLINICS-SOTVO</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>we see the typical respiratory infections, sinusitis, and bronchitis, and pneumonia. There hasn't been a lot of influenza yet. We're still waiting for the flu season to start to peak but it hasn't happened yet. <P>DOCTORS SAY IT'S BEST TO COME RIGHT AFTER THE LUNCH HOUR. <P>AND GOING TO A CLINIC YOU'VE BEEN TO PREVIOUSLY, YOU CAN SPEED UP THE PROCESS. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIP> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIP</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=TS) GAS PRICES-VO-WIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>TS) GAS PRICES-VO-WIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>GAS PRICES RISE AT A RECORD PACE THIS MORNING -- <P>ON A ROCKET RIDE THAT COULD HIT FIVE-DOLLARS A GALLON! <P>ON AVERAGE, AMERICAN HOUSEHOLDS SPENT MORE THAN FOUR-THOUSAND-DOLLARS ON GAS LAST YEAR, <P>THAT'S MORE THAN EIGHT-PERCENT OF THEIR TOTAL BUDGET. <P>AND *DOUBLE WHAT THEY SPENT A DECADE AGO. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=TS) GREECE BAILOUT-VO-WIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>TS) GREECE BAILOUT-VO-WIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>THE EURO SURGES THIS MORNING, <P>AFTER NEWS THAT THE EUROZONE HAS APPROVED A 170 BILLION DOLLAR BAILOUT FOR GREECE. <P>THE MONEY SHOULD HELP BRING GREECE'S DEBT DOWN. <P>TO 120-POINT FIVE PERCENT OF G-D-P BY 20-20. <P>GREECE DESPERATELY NEEDED ANOTHER RESCUE PACKAGE -- <P>TO AVOID A DEFAULT NEXT MONTH. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=TS) RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT-VO-WIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>TS) RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT-VO-WIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>FORT MYERS CITY COUNCIL LOOKS TO CUT SOME COSTS, <P>AS THE DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT FACELIFT GOES *OVER BUDGET. <P>THE COST ESTIMATE FOR DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT. <P>IS MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS HIGHER THAN WHAT LEADERS PLANNED. <P>LEADERS WANT TO SAVE MONEY WITH LESS ART WORK, SEATING AND SHADING, <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=TS) EDISON PRESIDENT-VO-WIPE> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>TS) EDISON PRESIDENT-VO-WIPE</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>THE SEARCH FOR EDISON STATE COLLEGE'S *NEW PRESIDENT. OFFICIALLY BEGINS TODAY. <P>THE SCHOOL'S PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE MEETS FOR THE FIRST TIME TODAY AT THE LEE COUNTY CAMPUS. <P>ANOTHER FORUM WILL BE HELD AT THE HENDRY-GLADES CAMPUS LATER IN THE DAY, <P>WITH MORE FOLLOWING IN THE WEEK. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=BUMP TO BREAK-2SHOT, CAM 10 BMP> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>BUMP TO BREAK-2SHOT, CAM 10 BMP</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=GOODBYE WEBSITE TEASE-3SH-WEB ANI> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>GOODBYE WEBSITE TEASE-3SH-WEB ANI</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <P>COVERAGE PROMISE OF THE BIGGEST STORY OF THE DAY ON WEB <P>" WHEN EVER YOU NEED A NEWS OR WEATHER UPDATE - WE ARE LOGGED ON AND UPDATING ABC-7.COM " <P>-WHAT IS COMING UP ON GMA - BIG STORY COVERAGE OF THE MORNING. <P>-LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO - IN JUST:30 SECONDS WE HAVE A LOOK AT ALL OF THE THINGS TO DO TODAY IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA. <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <DIV DIR=LTR><A NAME=END TIME> <H3><IMG SRC=script.gif ALIGN=left HSPACE=5>END TIME</H3><BR> </DIV><DIV DIR=LTR> <FONT 000000 SIZE=-2><A HREF=#StoryIndex>Return to index of stories...</FONT></A><BR CLEAR=LEFT> <HR></DIV> <CENTER> <FONT 000000 SIZE=1> </CENTER> </BODY> </HTML>