ABC WEEKEND AM

ABC WEEKEND AM

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KEY LIST WX TOSS-1 SHOT PUSH
NEWS OPEN-CLIP WEATHER-WX CTR
LIVE DOPPLER-DOPPLER BENNETT SENTENCING-TC MON
HL1) ANN ROMNEY-VOTOPS-WIPE BENNETT SENTENCING-SOT VO
HL2) VR LABS-VOTOPS-WIPE COOK SEX ARREST-SS
HL3) TIGER MAULING-VOTOPS GWENDOLYN'S CAFE HELPING SURVIVORS OF ADDICTION-OC
HELLO-1SHOT PUSH GWENDOLYN'S CAFE HELPING SURVIVORS OF ADDICTION-PK
FIRST WEATHER-WX CTR COLORADO THEATER REOPEN-VO
CLIP CHAD JOHNSON PLEA-VO
FM SHOOTING-TC MON MITTO GATOR FEEDING VIDEO-VO-SS
ANN ROMNEY LATEST-TC MON VO HORIZON COUNCIL-VO
ANN ROMNEY LATEST-SOTVO HORIZON COUNCIL-SOT VO
NEW THIS MORNING CLIP CHARCO FIRE UNION ISSUES-VO
CONGRESS MAKES A GETAWAY-VO CHARCO FIRE UNION ISSUES-SOT VO
VOTE CLIP-CLIP NAPLES AIRPORT WEIGHT WAIVER-VO WIPE
ROMNEY TAX RETURNS-VIDBOX (3) RVL NAPLES AIRPORT WEIGHT WAIVER-SOT OC
OBAMA RYAN MEDICARE-VOTOPS FGCU CONCEALED CARRY UPDATE VO-VO
STATE LOCAL UNEMPLOYMENT-SS (2) BAD DRIVING HABITS FROM PARENTS-VO
VR LABS-VO TEASE FOUR-OC
CHURCHES TRYING TO REGISTER VOTERS-OC TZ4 A) TIGER MAULING-VO-WIPE
CHURCHES TRYING TO REGISTER VOTERS-PKG LOTTERY NUMBERS-CG
CHURCHES TRYING TO REGISTER VOTERS-OC STORMWARN OPEN-CLIPTOPS
POST OFFICE CAR CRASH-VO MAIN WEATHER-2SHOT
MIDDLE EAST PROTESTS-CLIP VOTOPS MAIN WEATHER-WXWALL
FGCU STUDENTS CRASH-VO BYSTANDERS TACKLE ROBBER-CLIP VOTOPS
AVE MARIA TO HONOR CLAY BURROUGHS-VIDBOX TIGER MAULING-POP VO
SEAT CHECK SATURDAY-VO BNR TIGER MAULING-PKG
TEASE ONE-OC TIGER MAULING-OC
TZ1 A) I PHONE DAMAGES-VO-WIPE SNAKE ON CAPTIVA-VOTOPS
STORMWARN CLIP-CLIPTOPS EMMY TEASE-SSTOPS
WEATHER-WXWALL THINGS TO DO-CLIP
SPORTS PKG-PKG THINGS TO DO-VOTOPS CG OC BNR
IPHONE DAMAGES-VO TEASE FIVE-OC VO
SCHOOL SAVINGS-VO TZ5 A CANCER BREAKTHROUGH-VO
TEASE TWO-OC NAPLES PIER CLEANUP-OC BOXES
TZ2 A) NO SMILES IN NJ-VO-WIPE NAPLES PIER CLEANUP-REM-LIVE
NO SMILES IN NJ-ON CAM CANCER BREAKTHROUGH-OC SOTVO
NO SMILES IN NJ-PKG SHOTS FOR TOTS CUTBACKS-VO
NO SMILES IN NJ-OC SHOTS FOR TOTS CUTBACKS-SOT VO
TEASE THREE-ON CAM TOP STORIES-CLIPTOPS
TZ3 A)BENNETT SENTENCING-VO-WIPE TS1) FM SHOOTING MITTO TOPS-MITTOTOPS
TZ3 B) BAD DRIVING HABITS-VOTOPS TS2) FGCU CRASH-VOTOPS
NEWS OPEN-CLIP TS3) POST OFFICE-VOTOPS
LIVE DOPPLER-DOPPLER TS4) COLORADO THEATER-VOTOPS
TS 1) FM SHOOTING-MITTOTOPS FINAL WEATHER-WXCOMP
TS 2) FGCU CRASH-VOTOPS CLOSE-OC-WEB ANI
TS 3) POST OFFICE-VOTOPS END TIME


KEY LIST


B BLOCK

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C BLOCK

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D BLOCK

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E BLOCK

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F BLOCK

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G BLOCK

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NEWS OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

LIVE DOPPLER-DOPPLER


Return to index of stories...

HL1) ANN ROMNEY-VOTOPS-WIPE


COMING UP ON ABC-7 NEWS THIS MORNING.

A SAFE. BUT FRIGHTFUL LANDING.

HEAR THE EMERGENCY CALL FROM THE COCKPIT.

DURING THAT AIR SCARE INVOLVING ANN ROMNEY. Return to index of stories...


HL2) VR LABS-VOTOPS-WIPE


PLUS.

LEE COUNTY IS LOOKING INTO A CASE OF MISSING MILLIONS.

WE SHOW YOU WHERE YOUR TAX DOLLARS WERE SUPPOSED TO GO. Return to index of stories...


HL3) TIGER MAULING-VOTOPS


AND A MAN IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION THIS MORNING.

AFTER BEING MAULED BY A TIGER AT THE BRONX ZOO.

ZOOKEEPERS SAY HE JUMPED RIGHT INTO THE TIGER'S PEN. Return to index of stories...


HELLO-1SHOT PUSH


GOOD MORNING SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

TODAY IS SATURDAY. SEPTEMBER 22ND.

BEFORE WE GET TO ALL OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES.

LET'S GET RIGHT OVER TO METEOROLOGIST KIRA MINER WITH OUR STORMWARN 7 FORECAST. Return to index of stories...


FIRST WEATHER-WX CTR


THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.

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

We're sending off the summer season on a bit of a cloudy and wet note as rains are back in the forecast for your Saturday. The fall season or "Autumnal Equinox" officially occurs at 10:49am this morning, and it will feel more like summer rather than fall as we remain in a moist tropical airmass.

Skies will start of mostly cloudy with temperatures in the middle 70s, while the vast majority of Southwest Florida staying dry. With plenty of moisture in place, a couple of passing showers can't be ruled out through the late morning hours.

We'll more than likely see a few breaks in the clouds to reveal a few peeks of sunshine throughout the day, however that will help to crank up our shower and thunderstorm pattern through the afternoon and early evening hours.

Due to the abundance of cloud cover and scattered rain, temperatures will be held down a bit and most locations will stay a few degrees below the 90° mark.

Tonight, a few lingering downpours are possible with partial clearing overnight and lows settling into the mid 70s.

Sunday looks to be the better of the weekend days, as high pressure noses its way down the peninsula and dries our atmosphere out. This will mean more sunshine, less rain, and warmer temperatures as they rebound into the lower 90s.

Tropical moisture will return by the middle part of next week giving our rain prospects a bit of a boost through Thursday.

In the tropics, all is quiet with no threats to Southwest Florida. Return to index of stories...


CLIP


Return to index of stories...

FM SHOOTING-TC MON MITTO


BREAKING OVERNIGHT IN THE CITY OF FORT MYERS-

ONE PERSON IS IN THE HOSPITAL THIS MORNING AFTER A SHOOTING-

FORT MYERS POLICE TELL ABC-7 THE CALL CAME IN AROUND TWO THIS MORNING IN THE 38 HUNDRED BLOCK OF SEMINOLE AVENUE.

POLICE ARE NOT SEARCHING FOR A SUSPECT.

POLICE HAVE NOT RELEASED THE VICTIM'S NAME.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THIS STORY.

AND AS SOON AS WE LEARN ANY NEW INFORMATION, WE WILL PASS IT ALONG TO YOU. Return to index of stories...


ANN ROMNEY LATEST-TC MON VO


NOW TO THE AIRSCARE INVOLVING THE WIFE OF REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MITT ROMNEY.

THIS IS A NEW PICTURE TAKEN JUST MOMENTS AFTER ANN ROMNEY'S PLANE MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN DENVER.

IT LANDED FINE AND SHE IS OKAY.

YOU SEE FIREFIGHTERS GETTING ONTO THE PLANE.

IT WAS HEADING FROM NEBRASKA TO CALIFORNIA YESTERDAY.

BUT ALONG THE WAY, THE PILOT SAW SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT.

THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE.

THIS MORNING.

WE HAVE NEW CALLS FROM THE PILOT TO AIR-TRAFFIC CONTROL DURING THE MID-AIR SCARE. Return to index of stories...


ANN ROMNEY LATEST-SOTVO


nats pilot - "we have an electrical issure here and wed like to declare an

emergency. we have smoke in the cabin"

haley sot - very scarey for all of us. when you are in a cabin you see

smoke coming out of the plane, very disconcerting.

NO ONE ON THAT PLANE WAS HURT. Return to index of stories...


NEW THIS MORNING CLIP


Return to index of stories...

CONGRESS MAKES A GETAWAY-VO


NEW THIS MORNING.

CONGRESS AVOIDS A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN.

THE SENATE APPROVED A BILL EARLY THIS MORNING.

FUNDING FEDERAL AGENCIES FOR SIX MORE MONTHS.

IT PASSED AFTER MIDNIGHT WITH 62 - 30 VOTE.

THE SENATE SHUTTERED THE CAPITOL SOON AFTER SENDING THE LEGISLATION ON TO PRESIDENT OBAMA--

LEFT BEFIND FOR A POST ELECTION SESSION.

A PILE OF UNFINISHED BUSINESS ON THE BUDGET. INCLUDING LEGISLATION TO SAVE THE U-S POSTAL SERVICE. Return to index of stories...


VOTE CLIP-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

ROMNEY TAX RETURNS-VIDBOX (3) RVL


TURNING TO YOUR VOICE YOUR VOTE 2012.

AFTER PUBLIC PRESSURE. AND CALLS FROM THE OBAMA TEAM.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE MITT ROMNEY RELEASED HIS 2011 FEDERAL TAX RETURNS.

THEY SHOW THE PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL PAID NEARLY 2 MILLION DOLLARS IN TAXES.

THAT'S OUT OF THE 13 POINT SEVEN HE MADE -- MOSTLY IN INVESTMENTS.

IT ALSO PROVES ROMNEY PAID MORE THAN HE LEGALLY HAD TO WITH A RATE OF 14 POINT ONE PERCENT.

IN 2010 ROMNEY PAID THREE MILLION IN TAXES AT A RATE OF 13 POINT NINE PERCENT.

ROMNEY ALSO DONATED MILLIONS TO CHARITY -- MAINLY THE MORMON CHURCH. Return to index of stories...


OBAMA RYAN MEDICARE-VOTOPS


PRESIDENT OBAMA AND REPUBLICAN VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE PAUL RYAN SQUARE OFF OVER MEDICARE.

SPEAKING VIA-SATELLITE TO THE A-A-R-P CONVENTION IN NEW ORLEANS,

THE PRESIDENT ARGUED MITT ROMNEY WOULD TAKE MEDICARE AWAY AS A GUARENTEED BENEFIT.

FACTCHECK-DOT-ORG AGREES THE ROMNEY/RYAN MEDICARE PLAN *COULD COST RECIPIENTS MORE.

BUT, THE FACT-CHECKERS ALSO TAKE ISSUE WITH THE PRESIDENT'S CLAIM THE ROMNEY-RYAN PLAN WOULD TURN MEDICARE INTO A VOUCHER PROGRAM. Return to index of stories...


STATE LOCAL UNEMPLOYMENT-SS (2)


FLORIDA'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HOLDS STEADY. AT EIGHT POINT EIGHT PERCENT IN AUGUST.

THE NUMBERS WERE RELEASED FRIDAY MORNING.

THE NATIONAL AVERAGE IS SLIGHTLY LESS - EIGHT POINT ONE.

IN LEE COUNTY,

THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPPED TO NINE-POINT FIVE PERCENT --

COLLIER AND CHARLOTTE COUNTIES HAVE SIMILAR RATES.

HENDRY COUNTY HAS THE HIGHEST RATE IN THE STATE AT 15 POINT THREE.

818-THOUSAND PEOPLE ARE UNEMPLOYED IN FLORIDA. Return to index of stories...


VR LABS-VO


LEE COUNTY IS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW FIVE MILLION OF YOUR TAX DOLLARS WERE SPENT.

THE COUNTY GAVE BONITA SPRINGS-BASED PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY "V-R LABS" THAT MONEY.

IN RETURN,

THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BRING MORE THAN 200 JOBS TO THE COUNTY.

BUT SO FAR, THEY'VE ONLY HIRED NINE PEOPLE AND SPENT ALMOST ALL THE MONEY.

CONSTRUCTION ON THEIR NEW BUILDING HAS STALLED.

SO LEE COUNTY'S ATTORNEY IS FORCING FORMER LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JEFF KOTTKAMP --

NOW THE COMPANY'S C-E-O --

TO PROVE HOW THEY SPENT IT. Return to index of stories...


CHURCHES TRYING TO REGISTER VOTERS-OC


SOME LOCAL CHURCHES ARE MORE INVOLVED IN POLITICS THAN YOU MIGHT THINK.

WE FOUND THEM AGGRESSIVELY RECRUITING MEMBERS TO VOTE.

A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THIS. BUT CERTAIN COMMUNITY GROUPS ARE ALLOWED TO ACTUALLY COLLECT BALLOTS AND DELIVER THEM TO ELECTIONS OFFICIALS.

ABC-7'S CHRISTINA LUSBY SHOWS US HOW THIS COULD IMPACT THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS. Return to index of stories...


CHURCHES TRYING TO REGISTER VOTERS-PKG


AT MOUNT OLIVE CHURCH IN FORT MYERS.THEY PREACH AN UNLIKELY MESSAGE.

13:28:17 everyone should be registered to vote and exercise that civic opportunity and responsibly to America 28:23

BUT FREDRICK MORGAN ISN'T ALONE.EIGHT FT MYERS CHURCHES ARE.

47:41 doing ballots in churches and going to neighborhoods registering people to vote that way also 47:49

THE MEMBERS HAVE SIGNED UP NEARLY 200 UNREGISTERED VOTERS--SOME YOUNG FIRST TIME VOTERS.

28:45 if they vote the first time then they will pretty much vote in elections after that 28:49

BUT THE COMBINATION OF CHURCH AND VOTING.COMES WITH BOUNDARIES.

30:53 we don't promote one side or the other we promote voting we are a non partisan 31:20

nats

13:38:21 we do encourage people to help us out to get people registered 38:27

39:02 we only run into a problem when people register other voters and they don't bring them in in time for us to process them 39:07

ANYONE COLLECTING BALLOTS HAS 10 DAYS FROM THE DATE THERE SIGNED-- TO TURN THEM IN --

BUT TO LEGALLY BE ALLOWED TO COLLECT BALLOTS THEY MUST BE REGISTERED WITH THE STATE.

IN THESE CASES--THE HOUSES OF WORSHIP *AREN'T REGISTERED.

29:07 naacp and kappa si fraternity are 3rd party voter registration organizations 29:12

SINCE THE CHURCH MEMBERS GATHERING THE BALLOTS ARE AFFILIATED WITH THOSE ORGANIZATIONS --LEE COUNTY ELECTIONS SAYS THEY CAN OFFICIALLY COLLECT.

31:28 were not even going to have our hands on their ballots at all were just going to deliver containers to office so theres no even mention of contamination 31:37 Return to index of stories...


CHURCHES TRYING TO REGISTER VOTERS-OC


CHRISTINA LUSBY REPORTING.

CHURCHES CAN ACTUALLY HAVE CANDIDATES SPEAK DURING THEIR CHURCH SERVICES.

SO LONG AS THEY DON'T ASK THE CONGREGATION TO SPECIFICALLY VOTE FOR THEM. Return to index of stories...


POST OFFICE CAR CRASH-VO


THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE IS ISSUING A STERN REQUEST TO FLORIDA DRIVERS.

STOP RUNNING INTO THEIR BUILDINGS!

PUNTA GORDA IS THE MOST RECENT ON THE LIST OF 14 POST OFFICES IN FLORIDA HIT BY A CAR THIS YEAR.

ON MONDAY OFFICIALS SAY A WOMAN MISTOOK THE GAS FOR THE BRAKE AND DROVE HER CAR THROUGH A SUPPORT COLUMN IN FRONT OF THE POST OFFICE ON EAST MARION AVENUE.

USPS OFFICIALS ARE URGING DRIVERS TO AVOID DISTRACTED DRIVING NEAR THEIR BUILDINGS AND TO VISIBLY CHECK WHAT CAR PEDAL THEY ARE PUSHING. Return to index of stories...


MIDDLE EAST PROTESTS-CLIP VOTOPS


IN THE LATEST PROTESTS OVERSEAS-

AT LEAST 19 PEOPLE ARE DEAD AFTER VIOLENT DEMONSTRATIONS IN PAKISTAN.

SOME IN THE MUSLIM WORLD ARE STILL FURIOUS ABOUT AN ANTI-ISLAMIC FILM PRODUCED IN THE UNITED STATES.

MUSLIMS ALSO MARCHED YESTERDAY IN AT LEAST A HALF-DOZEN OTHER COUNTRIES TO PROTEST THE FILM. Return to index of stories...


FGCU STUDENTS CRASH-VO


INVESTIGATORS SAY ALCOHOL IS LIKELY TO BLAME FOR A CAR CRASH THAT PUT TWO FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN THE HOSPITAL.

THE TWO ARE BOTH AT LEE MEMORIAL THIS MORNING.

19 YEAR-OLD CONNOR CEILLEY IS IN FAIR CONDITION AND 19 YEAR-OLD BRENT RACZKOWSKI IS IN CRITICAL.

ACCORDING TO OFFICERS, CEILLEY WAS DRIVING WHEN HE SLAMMED INTO A UTILITY POLE ON CORKSCREW ROAD.

INVESTIGATORS ARE WAITING FOR RESULTS OF CEILLEY'S BLOOD TEST.

THEY'RE ALSO CONSIDERING UNDERAGE DRINKING CHARGES. Return to index of stories...


AVE MARIA TO HONOR CLAY BURROUGHS-VIDBOX


THIS AFTERNOON.AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY WILL HONOR ONE OF THEIR OWN --

THE SCHOOL WILL PLAY TODAY'S FOOTBALL GAME AGAINST SOUTHERN VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY IN HONOR OF CLAY BURROUGHS.

THE FOOTBALL PLAYER FROM MARCO ISLAND DIED IN JULY WHEN HIS CAR VEERED OFF THE ROAD - THEN SLAMMED INTO A DITCH JUST OFF CAMPUS.

BEFORE THE GAME -- THE TEAM WILL HOLD A MOMENT OF SILENCE.

BURROUGHS MOTHER WILL TAKE PART IN THE COIN TOSS. Return to index of stories...


SEAT CHECK SATURDAY-VO BNR


SECURING THE SAFETY OF YOUR MOST PRECIOUS CARGO.

TODAY IS "NATIONAL SEAT CHECK SATURDAY"

A DAY TO DOUBLE CHECK YOUR CHILD'S CAR SEAT.

CHECK THE LABEL TO MAKE SURE IT'S THE RIGHT SIZE FOR YOUR CHILD.

AND GIVE IT A GOOD SHAKE.

A PROPERLY INSTALLED CAR SEAT SHOULDN'T MOVE MORE THAN AN INCH FRONT TO BACK OR SIDE TO SIDE.

FOR A PROFESSIONAL OPINION ON HOW TO INSTALL A SEAT CORRECTLY.

WE PUT A LINK ON OUR WEBSITE.

ABC-7.COM Return to index of stories...


TEASE ONE-OC


IF YOU'VE GOT THE NEW IPHONE.

DON'T LET GO.

A STUDY SAYS YOU ARE THE ONE WHO WILL MOST LIKELY DAMAGE YOUR PHONE.

COMING UP. WE RUN DOWN THE MOST COMMON WAYS PHONE USERS END UP LOOKING FOR A REPLACEMENT. Return to index of stories...


TZ1 A) I PHONE DAMAGES-VO-WIPE


Return to index of stories...

STORMWARN CLIP-CLIPTOPS


Return to index of stories...

WEATHER-WXWALL


THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.

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

We're sending off the summer season on a bit of a cloudy and wet note as rains are back in the forecast for your Saturday. The fall season or "Autumnal Equinox" officially occurs at 10:49am this morning, and it will feel more like summer rather than fall as we remain in a moist tropical airmass.

Skies will start of mostly cloudy with temperatures in the middle 70s, while the vast majority of Southwest Florida staying dry. With plenty of moisture in place, a couple of passing showers can't be ruled out through the late morning hours.

We'll more than likely see a few breaks in the clouds to reveal a few peeks of sunshine throughout the day, however that will help to crank up our shower and thunderstorm pattern through the afternoon and early evening hours.

Due to the abundance of cloud cover and scattered rain, temperatures will be held down a bit and most locations will stay a few degrees below the 90° mark.

Tonight, a few lingering downpours are possible with partial clearing overnight and lows settling into the mid 70s.

Sunday looks to be the better of the weekend days, as high pressure noses its way down the peninsula and dries our atmosphere out. This will mean more sunshine, less rain, and warmer temperatures as they rebound into the lower 90s.

Tropical moisture will return by the middle part of next week giving our rain prospects a bit of a boost through Thursday.

In the tropics, all is quiet with no threats to Southwest Florida. Return to index of stories...


SPORTS PKG-PKG


Return to index of stories...

IPHONE DAMAGES-VO


DO YOU HAVE A HOT NEW iPHONE 5 IN YOUR HANDS?

HOLD IT TIGHT.

AMERICANS HAVE SHELLED OUT NEARLY SIX BILLION DOLLARS FOR iPHONE DAMAGES SINCE THEY WERE INTRODUCED IN 2007.

ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE IS "TEN TIMES" MORE COMMON THAN LOSS OR THEFT.

THE TOP iPHONE INJURIES ARE PHONES DROPPED FROM USERS HANDS OR LAP.

OR PHONES FALL INTO A TOILET, POOL OR LAKE.

. Return to index of stories...


SCHOOL SAVINGS-VO


SO YOU MISSED THE BACK TO SCHOOL SALES ON LAPTOPS.

THERE'S STILL TIME TO SCORE SOME SAVINGS.

BUYING DURING THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF SEPTEMBER. AND DECEMBER.

CAN SAVE YOU AN AVERAGE OF TEN PERCENT. ABOUT 240 DOLLARS.

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A SPECIFIC MODEL--

ANALYSTS SUGGEST WAITING "50" DAYS UNTIL AFTER THE COMPUTER HITS THE MARKET.

YOU'LL HAVE A 33-PERCENT CHANCE OF PRICE DROP. Return to index of stories...


TEASE TWO-OC


YOU'RE TIME RIGHT NOW.

IT'S TAKING DRIVERS A COUPLE EXTRA TRIES TO GET THAT PERFECT MUG ON THEIR NEW DRIVER'S LICENSE.

NOW ONE STATE SAYS - STOP SMILING.

AND THEY'RE NOT THE FIRST - WHY THE SUDDEN CHANGE. Return to index of stories...


TZ2 A) NO SMILES IN NJ-VO-WIPE


Return to index of stories...

NO SMILES IN NJ-ON CAM


DON'T SAY CHEESE.

NEW JERSEY BANS DRIVERS FROM SMILING WHEN GET THEIR DRIVER'S LICENSE PICTURES TAKEN.

AND THEIR NOT THE FIRST ONE TO DO SO.

BO KOLTNOW EXPLAINS. Return to index of stories...


NO SMILES IN NJ-PKG


--REPORTER PKG-AS FOLLOWS --

Trying not to smile expression, not looking miserable.

IT DOESN'T HAVE TO RESEMBLE A MUG SHOT. BUT NEW JERSEY'S DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES WANT DRIVERS LIKE 22 YEAR OLD AMANDA SHEPHERD TO PARK THEIR SMILES. WHEN GETTING THEIR LICENSE.

This is brand new, I had a Pennsylvania license but they just took it back from me.

I'm not smiling didn't let me smile.

It looks like a mug shot.

I guess so New Jersey will be happy right.

AT HUNTERDON COUNTY'S DMV NEAR FLEMINGTON, WE DELVED DEEP INSIDE DRIVERS WALLETS TO DISCOVER IF THEIR MUG WOULD PASS THE NO SMILING TEST?

That's a frown.

That's a smile!

It does doesn't it? It looks like I'm happy.

NEW JERSEY OFFICIALS SAY A PICTURE LIKE THIS IS FINE. BUT SOMETHING MORE LIKE THIS. NOT SO MUCH.

THE GARDEN STATE'S DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES SAYS IT'S NOT ABOUT FOSTERING FROWNS. BUT ABOUT NOT DISRUPTING THE STATE'S NEW FACIAL RECOGNITION SOFTWARE PROGRAM. A BIG SMILE THEY SAY COULD RED FLAG YOUR LICENSE AND LEAD TO MORE WORK FOR THEM.

It would have been a smile just like this hahaha.

SO. SMILE AND THE WHOLE WORLD SMILES AT YOU. UNLESS YOU'RE AT A NEW JERSEY DMV. Return to index of stories...


NO SMILES IN NJ-OC


BO KOLTNOW REPORTING.

IT IS OKAY TO SMILE HERE IN FLORIDA.

LET'S HOPE THAT DOESN'T CHANGE ANYTIME SOON. Return to index of stories...


TEASE THREE-ON CAM


A WIFE'S STORY OF HER HUSBAND BRINGS A COURTROOM TO TEARS.

HE WAS ON TRIAL FOR TAKING MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS FOR HIMSELF.

FROM LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

COMING UP -- WE SHOW YOU WHY MANY WERE LEFT BEGGING THE JUDGE TO GO EASY ON HIM.

PLUS.

THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR TEENS -- MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO SEE WHERE THEY MIGHT BE PICKING UP BAD DRIVING HABITS. Return to index of stories...


TZ3 A)BENNETT SENTENCING-VO-WIPE


Return to index of stories...

TZ3 B) BAD DRIVING HABITS-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

NEWS OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

LIVE DOPPLER-DOPPLER


Return to index of stories...

TS 1) FM SHOOTING-MITTOTOPS


YOUR TIME RIGHT NOW -

LET'S RUN DOWN SOME OF THE TOP STORIES.

ONE PERSON IS IN THE HOSPITAL THIS MORNING AFTER AN OVERNIGHT SHOOTING IN FORT MYERS.

IT HAPPENED IN THE 38-HUNDRED BLOCK OF SEMINOLE AVENUE.

POLICE STILL HAVEN'T RELEASED THE VICTIM'S NAME.

AND SAY THEY ARE NOT SEARCHING FOR A SUSPECT. Return to index of stories...


TS 2) FGCU CRASH-VOTOPS


TWO FGCU STUDENTS REMAIN IN THE HOSPITAL THIS MORNING AFTER A CRASH YESTERDAY AROUND ONE A-M.

WE'RE TOLD THE CRASH WAS ALCOHOL RELATED.

THE DRIVER.

19 YEAR-OLD CONNOR CEILLEY IS IN FAIR CONDITION

AND PASSENGER 19 YEAR-OLD BRENT RACZKOWSKI IS IN CRITICAL.

INVESTIGATORS ARE WAITING FOR RESULTS OF CEILLEY'S BLOOD TEST.

THEY'RE ALSO CONSIDERING UNDERAGE DRINKING CHARGES Return to index of stories...


TS 3) POST OFFICE-VOTOPS


THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE ISSUES A STERN REQUEST TO FLORIDA DRIVERS.

STOP RUNNING INTO THEIR BUILDINGS!

PUNTA GORDA IS THE MOST RECENT ON THE LIST OF 14 POST OFFICES IN FLORIDA HIT BY A CAR THIS YEAR. Return to index of stories...


WX TOSS-1 SHOT PUSH


GOOD MORNING SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

TODAY IS SATURDAY. SEPTEMBER 22ND.

BEFORE WE CONTINUE WITH ALL OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES.

LET'S GET RIGHT OVER TO METEOROLOGIST KIRA MINER WITH OUR STORMWARN 7 FORECAST. Return to index of stories...


WEATHER-WX CTR


THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.

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

We're sending off the summer season on a bit of a cloudy and wet note as rains are back in the forecast for your Saturday. The fall season or "Autumnal Equinox" officially occurs at 10:49am this morning, and it will feel more like summer rather than fall as we remain in a moist tropical airmass.

Skies will start of mostly cloudy with temperatures in the middle 70s, while the vast majority of Southwest Florida staying dry. With plenty of moisture in place, a couple of passing showers can't be ruled out through the late morning hours.

We'll more than likely see a few breaks in the clouds to reveal a few peeks of sunshine throughout the day, however that will help to crank up our shower and thunderstorm pattern through the afternoon and early evening hours.

Due to the abundance of cloud cover and scattered rain, temperatures will be held down a bit and most locations will stay a few degrees below the 90° mark.

Tonight, a few lingering downpours are possible with partial clearing overnight and lows settling into the mid 70s.

Sunday looks to be the better of the weekend days, as high pressure noses its way down the peninsula and dries our atmosphere out. This will mean more sunshine, less rain, and warmer temperatures as they rebound into the lower 90s.

Tropical moisture will return by the middle part of next week giving our rain prospects a bit of a boost through Thursday.

In the tropics, all is quiet with no threats to Southwest Florida. Return to index of stories...


BENNETT SENTENCING-TC MON


A BIZARRE TWIST INSIDE A LEE COUNTY COURTROOM.

50 PEOPLE PLEADED WITH A JUDGE TO GO EASY ON DISGRACED ACCOUNTANT PHIL BENNETT.

INCLUDING THOSE HE STOLE FROM.

THE ACCOUNTANT ADMITS TO PULLING OUT MORE THAN ONE MILLION DOLLARS FROM BANK ACCOUNTS OF THE ROTARY CLUB,

THE CITY OF MOORE HAVEN, AND LEE COUNTY COMMISSIONER FRANK MANN'S CAMPAIGN FUNDS.

STATE INVESTIGATORS CLAIM BENNETT DID IT BY WRITING CHECKS TO HIMSELF.

THE COURTROOM WAS BROUGHT TO TEARS WHEN BENNETT'S EX-WIFE SUSAN BENNETT TOLD THE COURTROOM --

BENNETT MADE A HORRIBLE DECISION IN A STATE OF DESPERATION. Return to index of stories...


BENNETT SENTENCING-SOT VO


0348 "there has been no question about it. He's suffered greatly."

"this is a horrible thing but he wasn't trying to steal it. He's tried to take responsibly for it."

"I've done everything I physically and emotionally can do to make things right."

BENNETT REPAID ALL THE MONEY EXCEPT FOR ABOUT 80-THOUSAND STILL OWED TO MOORE HAVEN.

THE JUDGE SENTENCED HIM TO FOUR YEARS IN PRISON FOLLOWED BY 20 YEARS OF PROBATION.

HIS EX-WIFE TESTIFED SHE DIVORCED HIM TO SAFEGUARD HER MONEY AND STILL STANDS BY BENNETT. Return to index of stories...


COOK SEX ARREST-SS


A COOK FOR THE GLADES COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS IN JAIL THIS MORNING.

AFTER AN NDERAGE GIRL TOLD DEPUTIES HE HAD SEX WITH HER MULTIPLE TIMES.

KEITH GARNETT REESE,

FACES LEWD OR LACIVIOUS BATTERY CHARGES.

THE GIRL -- WHO'S BETWEEN 12 AND 16 YEARS OLD -- CAME FORWARD AFTER HER MOTHER FOUND OUT.

ACCORDING TO A REPORT.

REESE AND THE TEEN HAD SEX MORE THAN 20-TIMES IN THREE DIFFERENT HOUSES.

SHE CLAIMS HE NEVER THREATENED HER -- BUT TOLD HER NOT TO TELL ANYONE.

REESE IS IN JAIL ON 100 THOUSAND DOLLARS BOND. Return to index of stories...


GWENDOLYN'S CAFE HELPING SURVIVORS OF ADDICTION-OC


A DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS BUSINESS OWNER IS TAKING A CHANCE.

BY GIVING JOBS TO PEOPLE WHO COULD USE A SECOND CHANCE.

ABC-7'S SARA MILES HAS MORE ON THE REMARKABLE STORY OF GWENDOLYN'S CAFÉ. Return to index of stories...


GWENDOLYN'S CAFE HELPING SURVIVORS OF ADDICTION-PK


FOR MORE THAN FIVE YEARS WENDIE HOWARD STRUGGLED THROUGH LIFE.

10:23:07 - 12 there is nothing i didnt take pretty much, if i could get high off of it i took it

BUT FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS SHE HAS BEEN DRUG FREE.

24:41-46 i would never go back to my old life - ever. this is a new life for me

HER NEW LIFE INCLUDES A JOB AT GWENDOLYN'S CAFE IN DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS.

THANKS TO OWNER GWENDOLYN HOWARD --

WHO HAS A TWO YEAR HISTORY OF HIRING PEOPLE WHO ARE RECOVERING ADDICTS.

:42 they are hard working they like having food in their belly and cash in their pocket:49 trying to make amends to family friends and to society:56

IT'S A FITTING PLACE TO HOLD LEE COUNTY'S CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH.

nats

ACCORDING TO STATS, LAST YEAR IN FLORIDA, ROUGHLY 82 THOUSAND PEOPLE WERE ADMITTED TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ADDICITION SERVICES C-E-O KEVIN LEWIS SAYS FOR THEM FINDING A JOB IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES

RECOVERY CAN BE THE EASY PART.

34:38 people do recover we watch it everyday:40

34:05 50 percent of people with their first treatment experience will benefit from it:10

AN EXPERIENCE GWENDOLYN HERSELF KNOWS A BIT ABOUT.

SHE HASN'T HAD A DRINK OF ALCOHOL IN NEARLY FIVE YEARS.

29:15 there is a motto in recovery you gotta give it away to keep it:18

A MOTTO SHE HOPES WILL CATCH ON WITH OTHER BUSINESSES IN THE AREA.

31:08 if we all keep trying to help each other thats giving someone another opportunity to do the right thing:16

IN FORT MYERS, SM, abc-7 Return to index of stories...


COLORADO THEATER REOPEN-VO


THE SITE OF JULY'S DEADLY MASS SHOOTING IN AURORA COLORADO WILL RE-OPEN NEXT YEAR.

THE ALLEGED SHOOTER, JAMES HOLMES, KILLED 12 AND INJURED 58.

THE THEATER'S OWNER, CINEMARK, SAYS IT WILL WORK WITH THE COMMUNITY TO FIND THE BEST WAY TO RE-OPEN.

THE CITY'S MAYOR WANTS TO ENSURE WHEN THE THEATER DOES RE-OPEN --

THERE WILL BE SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR SURVIVORS AND THE VICTIMS' FAMILY MEMBERS. Return to index of stories...


CHAD JOHNSON PLEA-VO


FORMER N-F-L STAR CHAD JOHNSON PLEADS NO CONTEST TO CHARGES THAT HE HEAD BUTTED HIS THEN-WIFE EVELYN LOZADA.

JOHNSON WAS CUT FROM THE MIAMI DOLPHINS LAST MONTH AFTER HE WAS ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE.

HIS ATTORNEY SAYS JOHNSON WAS NOT CONVICTED,

BUT WILL SERVE 12 MONTHS PROBATION AND MUST ATTEND COUNSELING.

THAT ORDER COULD BE CUT TO ABOUT FOUR MONTHS IF JOHNSON UNDERGOES PRIVATE COUNSELING. Return to index of stories...


GATOR FEEDING VIDEO-VO-SS


NEW UNDERCOVER VIDEO SHOWS AN EVERGLADES AIRBOAT CAPTAIN WHO LOST HIS JOB FOR FEEDING ALLIGATORS.

ACCORDING TO FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE OFFICERS WHO POSED AS TOURISTS--

ROBERT GOSS KEPT DOG TREATS IN HIS SHIRT POCKET TO ENTICE THE GATORS.

HE WAS FIRED FROM SAWGRASS RECREATION PARK.

HE NOW FACES A FINE OF 500 DOLLARS AND UP TO 60 DAYS IN JAIL.

EARLIER THIS YEAR --

AIRBOAT CAPTAIN WALLY WEATHERHOLT LOST HIS HAND

AFTER FEEDING A GATOR IN THE EVERGLADES.

HE FACES SIX MONTHS IN JAIL IF CONVICTED. Return to index of stories...


HORIZON COUNCIL-VO


A BIG HONOR FOR SOME LOCAL BUSINESSES AND THEIR PERFORMANCE IN THE JOB MARKET.

THOSE HONORED AT YESTERDAY'S HORIZON COUNCIL.

GARTNER - A GLOBAL I-T RESEARCH COMPANY - LOCATED IN GATEWAY

IT PLANS TO HIRE 300 MORE EMPLOYEES.

ARTHREX - A MANUFACTURER OF ORTHEPDIC SURGICAL DEVICES --WITH OFFICES IN LEE AND COLLIER COUNTIES.

ARTHREX PLANS TO BRING IN 50 MORE BY 2013.

THE COUNCIL AWARDED BOTH COMPANIES WITH INDUSTRY APPRECIATION AWARDS FOR HELPING IMPROVE THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT. Return to index of stories...


HORIZON COUNCIL-SOT VO


jennifer berg/ fort myers regional partners

23:41 our vision moving forward in economic development is that we can continue to partner with the education community. So as we're creating jobs in the IT industry like Gartner and in manufacturing like Arthrex that we have the people to go into those jobs so we don't have attract employees from another area."

SPOKESWOMAN JENNIFER BERG SAYS WHILE LOCAL UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS REMAIN HIGH -- SHE'S OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE UPCOMING JOB OPPORTUNTIES. Return to index of stories...


CHARCO FIRE UNION ISSUES-VO


PARAMEDICS AND FIREFIGHTERS IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY SAY THEY'RE WILLING TO FORGO PAY RAISES IN A NEW CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY.

BUT THE UNION AND COUNTY HAVE FAILED TO NEGOTIATE THE TERMS OF A NEW CONTRACT, AND THEY'RE AT AN IMPASS.

COMMISSIONERS WILL HOLD A HEARING IN OCTOBER TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO NEXT. Return to index of stories...


CHARCO FIRE UNION ISSUES-SOT VO


"I think it probably, potentially crosses some boundaries with the rules of engagement of where we are in this process."

THE UNION ARGUES IT'S FOLLOWING THE RULES BY CONTACTING STAFF, NOT COMMISSIONERS.

THE COUNTY IS STILL CONSIDERING WHETHER IT WILL RESPOND TO THE PROPOSAL OR WAIT UNTIL THE OCTOBER HEARING TO SOLVE THE ISSUE. Return to index of stories...


NAPLES AIRPORT WEIGHT WAIVER-VO WIPE


WHILE AMERICAN AIRLINES HAS CANCELLED FLIGHTS OUT OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT --

THE NAPLES MUNICIPAL AIRPORT IS LOOKING TO PICK UP FLIGHTS.

COMMISSIONERS WITH THE NAPLES AIRPORT ARE IN TALKS WITH JETBLUE TO BRING ITS SERVICES TO COLLIER COUNTY.

THE AIRPORT CURRENTLY ENFORCES A 75-THOUSAND POUND WEIGHT RESTRICTION FOR ITS RUNWAYS.

NOW IT'S LOOKING TO WORK WITH THE F-A-A TO ALLOW FLIGHTS OF UP TO 115-THOUSAND POUNDS. Return to index of stories...


NAPLES AIRPORT WEIGHT WAIVER-SOT OC


Ted Soliday City of Naples Airport Authority

DURATION: 0:11 "It's economics, it brings more people to our community, brings people in that we have lost. It puts people in our hotels, bedrooms and on our beaches and it really is a positive situation for that."

IF APPROVED -- THE AIRPORT WILL LOOK TO EXPAND THEIR TERMINAL -- WITH JETBLUE POTENTIALLY FLYING OUT OF NAPLES AIRPORT BY NOVEMBER OF NEXT YEAR. Return to index of stories...


FGCU CONCEALED CARRY UPDATE VO-VO


A COUPLE OF F-G-C-U STUDENTS ARE PUSHING TO MAKE CONCEALED CARRY LEGAL ON CAMPUS.

THEY JUST SUBMITTED THEIR APPLICATION TO THE SCHOOL TO BE CONSIDERED AN OFFICIAL STUDENT GROUP.

IT'S PART OF A NATIONAL EFFORT CALLED 'STUDENTS FOR CONCEALED CARRY'.

SOME F-G-C-U STUDENTS ARE TRYING TO START A LOCAL CHAPTER FOR CURRENT PERMIT HOLDERS.

IN FLORIDA, GUNS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN PLACES LIKE COURTHOUSES, POLICE STATIONS AND SCHOOLS. Return to index of stories...


BAD DRIVING HABITS FROM PARENTS-VO


PARENTS. UPSET WITH YOUR TEEN BECAUSE OF THEIR BAD DRIVING HABITS ?

A NEW STUDY SAYS. THEY MAY HAVE PICKED THEM UP FROM YOU.

THE STUDY SAYS MORE THE MAJORITY OF TEENS SURVEYED ADMITTED TO MAKING POOR DECISIONS WHILE DRIVING.

AND THEY MOST LIKELY GOT THE HABITS FROM MOM OR DAD.

9 OUT OF TEN TEENS ADMIT TO USING A PHONE OR SPEEDING.

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES ARE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG TEENAGERS. Return to index of stories...


TEASE FOUR-OC


WE FIRST TOLD YOU ABOUT THIS LAST NIGHT.

A MAN AT THE BRONX ZOO.

JUMPED TWO FENCES.

AND ENDED UP GETTING MAULED BY A TIGER.

THIS MORNING. WE HAVE THE LATEST DETAILS.

BUT FIRST. HERE'S A CHECK OF THIS MORNING'S WINNING LOTTERY NUMBERS. Return to index of stories...


TZ4 A) TIGER MAULING-VO-WIPE


Return to index of stories...

LOTTERY NUMBERS-CG


Return to index of stories...

STORMWARN OPEN-CLIPTOPS


Return to index of stories...

MAIN WEATHER-2SHOT


Return to index of stories...

MAIN WEATHER-WXWALL


THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.

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

We're sending off the summer season on a bit of a cloudy and wet note as rains are back in the forecast for your Saturday. The fall season or "Autumnal Equinox" officially occurs at 10:49am this morning, and it will feel more like summer rather than fall as we remain in a moist tropical airmass.

Skies will start of mostly cloudy with temperatures in the middle 70s, while the vast majority of Southwest Florida staying dry. With plenty of moisture in place, a couple of passing showers can't be ruled out through the late morning hours.

We'll more than likely see a few breaks in the clouds to reveal a few peeks of sunshine throughout the day, however that will help to crank up our shower and thunderstorm pattern through the afternoon and early evening hours.

Due to the abundance of cloud cover and scattered rain, temperatures will be held down a bit and most locations will stay a few degrees below the 90° mark.

Tonight, a few lingering downpours are possible with partial clearing overnight and lows settling into the mid 70s.

Sunday looks to be the better of the weekend days, as high pressure noses its way down the peninsula and dries our atmosphere out. This will mean more sunshine, less rain, and warmer temperatures as they rebound into the lower 90s.

Tropical moisture will return by the middle part of next week giving our rain prospects a bit of a boost through Thursday.

In the tropics, all is quiet with no threats to Southwest Florida. Return to index of stories...


BYSTANDERS TACKLE ROBBER-CLIP VOTOPS


LET'S SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE IT TAKES TO TAKE DOWN A SUSPECTED CRIMINAL.

A GROUP OF INNOCENT BYSTANDERS KEPT A MAN FROM LEAVING A CRIME SCENE IN SEATTLE.

HE WAS SUSPECTED OF ROBBING A JEWELRY STORE.

A NEWS PHOTOGRAPHER WHO WAS COVERING A STORY NEARBY CAUGHT IT ALL ON VIDEO.

AUTHORITIES SAY ROBERTO SANDOVAL, A VALET AND DOORMAN AT THE NEARBY MAYFLOWER HOTEL CHASED AND TACKLED THE ROBBER.

HE WAS SHOT IN THE ARM DURING ALL THE COMMOTION.BUT IS OKAY.

SEVERAL OTHER MEN STEPPED IN. AND PILED ON THE SUSPECT UNTIL POLICE ARRIVED. Return to index of stories...


TIGER MAULING-POP VO


POLICE SAY A MAN JUMPED TWO FENCES AT THE BRONX ZOO AND WAS THEN MAULED BY A TIGER!

THE DIRECTOR OF THE BRONX ZOO SAYS A 400-POUND SIBERIAN TIGER DID NOT BITE TO KILL WHEN A MAN JUMPED INTO ITS ENCLOSURE.

ANDREW SIFF HAS MORE. Return to index of stories...


TIGER MAULING-PKG


THE SIBERIAN TIGER YOU SEE HERE IS ONE OF SEVERAL THAT ROTATES IN AND OUT OF THE WILD ASIA EXHIBIT --- ONLY VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC BY MONORAIL. AND THAT'S WHERE 25-YEAR OLD DAVID VILLALOBOS WAS-- IN THE LAST CAR OF THE POPULAR RIDE AT 3PM ON FRIDAY, WHEN SUDDENLY, HE JUMPED.

"He made a deliberate effort to get over the fence. It was not by accident."

ZOO DIRECTOR JIM BREHENY SAID VILLALOBOS HURDLED THE MONORAIL BAR AND THE TIGER EXHIBIT FENCE 17 FEET BELOW.

"The tiger did nothing wrong."

THE 11-YEAR OLD TIGER BIT VILLALOBOS ON HIS ARMS AND LEGS AND BACK BUT SOMEHOW, SPARED HIS LIFE.

"I think it's safe to say that if the tiger really wanted to do harm to this individual he certainly would have had the time to do that."

ZOO STAFF ALSO HELPED SAVE THE MAN'S LIFE BY RACING TO THE SCENE AND USING AN UNEXPECTED TOOL ON THE 400-POUND CAT: A FIRE EXTINGUISHER.

"It would be a plume of white that would come out and it would make a loud shushing noise and often that's just what you need to break the animal's concentration."

NOW, INVESTIGATORS ARE TRYING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT APPEARS TO BE A HIGHLY UNUSUAL SUICIDE ATTEMPT. ZOO OFFICIALS PLEDGE THE MONORAIL IS SAFE. THIS JUMP IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE 35-YEAR HISTORY OF THE RIDE.

"It was a really good day here at the Bronx Zoo because. we have the cat which is still alive, and we have this guy that we pulled out of this exhibit and he's still alive." Return to index of stories...


TIGER MAULING-OC


ANDREW SIFF REPORTING.

THAT MAN IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION THIS MORNING. Return to index of stories...


SNAKE ON CAPTIVA-VOTOPS


TAKE A LOOK AT THIS ENDANGERED SNAKE FOUND ON CAPTIVA.

IT'S AN EASTERN INDIGO.

THEY ARE NATIVE TO THE SANIBEL-CAPTIVA AREA.

BUT THIS IS THE FIRST ONE SPOTTED IN MORE THAN 20 YEARS.

THEY ARE CONSIDERED DOCILE SNAKES, AND THEY ARE NOT VENOMOUS.

THE PEOPLE AT THE SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION TAGGED IT, NOW THEY'RE TRACKING IT. Return to index of stories...


EMMY TEASE-SSTOPS


THIS WEEKEND,

CATCH ALL THE GLITZ. GLAMOUR AND STARS AT THE 64TH PRIME TIME EMMY AWARDS --

IT'S LIVE RIGHT HERE ON A-B-C SEVEN.

GOOD MORNING AMERICA'S JOSH ELLIOT AND LARA SPENCER WILL HOST THE RED CARPET PRE-SHOW. Return to index of stories...


THINGS TO DO-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

THINGS TO DO-VOTOPS CG OC BNR


LET'S RUN DOWN YOUR THINGS TO DO.

THE GROUP WANTING TO TURN THE MATLACHA BRIDGE INTO AN

ARTIFICIAL REEF MAKES A MAJOR PUSH FOR MONEY THIS WEEKEND.

TODAY THE GROUP WILL HOST A FUNDRAISER AT THE OLD FISHE HOUSE MARINA IN MATLACHA.

WHILE CONSTRUCTION NEARS AN END ON THE NEW BRIDGE FROM MATLACHA TO PINE ISLAND -

NEIGHBORS WANT TO SINK THE OLD ONE 3 MILES OFF THE COAST OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY.

THE PROBLEM - IT WILL COST AT LEAST 30 THOUSAND DOLLARS.

SO TODAY'S FUNDRAISER ALSO SERVES AS A FISH FRY.

TICKETS ARE JUST TEN DOLLARS.

THERE'S A SILENT AUCTION AS WELL AS A SEAFOOD RAFFLE.

THAT'S FROM THREE TO SIX TODAY. IN MATLACHA.

ALSO.SUMMER JAZZ ON THE GULF WRAPS UP ANOTHER SEASON TONIGHT.

'EIGHT TO THE BAR' TAKES THE STAGE AT THE NAPLES BEACH HOTEL.

GRAB YOUR BLANKETS AND LAWN CHAIRS.

THE CONCERT STARTS AT 7:30.

FOR MORE THINGS TO DO. HEAD TO OUR WEBSITE.

ABC-7.COM Return to index of stories...


TEASE FIVE-OC VO


THERE'S PROMISING TREATMENT THIS MORNING IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER.

WE'LL TELL YOU ABOUT A MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGH COMING UP. Return to index of stories...


TZ5 A CANCER BREAKTHROUGH-VO


Return to index of stories...

NAPLES PIER CLEANUP-OC BOXES


CLEANING UP A POPULAR COLLIER COUNTY DESTINATION.

THIS MORNING-- VOLUNTEERS ARE DIVING INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO TO FISH OUT TRASH FROM UNDERNEATH THE NAPLES PIER.

ABC-7S LEIGH DANA IS LIVE IN NAPLES THIS MORNING.

LEIGH I UNDERSTAND DIVERS HAVE FOUND SOME INTERESTING THINGS IN THE PAST. Return to index of stories...


NAPLES PIER CLEANUP-REM-LIVE


Return to index of stories...

CANCER BREAKTHROUGH-OC SOTVO


THERE IS A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER.

HOUSTON'S "M-D ANDERSON CANCER CENTER" ANNOUNCED IT'S "MOON SHOTS PROGRAM YESTERDAY.

DOCTORS THINK THIS GROUNDBREAKING PROGRAM WILL CUT DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY ON THE NUMBER OF DEATHS.

Gupta: You're saying if we do everything right. In five years from now, there will be far fewer people dying from cancer, right?

With existing knowledge and the application of what we now know. We could begin to see dramatic declines in mortality that would accelerate in years five through ten and beyond set the stage for ultimate control of the disease..

THE TYPES OF CANCERS THAT WILL LIKELY SEE AN IMPACT ARE MELANOMA, LUNG CANCERS, PROSTATE CANCER, SOME TYPES OF LEUKEMIA AND TRIPLE-NEGATIVE BREAST AND OVARIAN CANCER. Return to index of stories...


SHOTS FOR TOTS CUTBACKS-VO


HERE'S AN IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PARENTS IN LEE COUNTY--

THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS CUTTING BACK ITS 'SHOTS FOR TOTS' CLINICS.

STARTING NEXT MONTH, THEY'LL CLOSE THE LEHIGH ACRES CLINIC AND THEIR LOCATION IN NORTH FORT MYERS.

BOTH HAD BEEN OPEN ONCE A MONTH AT NIGHT.

STAFFING SHORTAGES FORCED THE SHUT DOWN, ACCORDING TO THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

THEY EXPECT TO SEE 50 MORE PATIENTS EACH MONTH AT THEIR MICHIGAN AVENUE LOCATION.

SPOKESWOMAN DIANE HOLM SAYS IF YOU NEED TO COME IN, PLAN AHEAD. Return to index of stories...


SHOTS FOR TOTS CUTBACKS-SOT VO


there are no appointments which mean it's totally unpredictable they might come in one day and be able to breeze right through and another day they might have to wait for an hour or so

THE CLOSURES AREN'T PERMANENT.

BUT THEY'LL NEED TO FILL FOUR VACANT POSITIONS BEFORE THEY CAN RE-OPEN THE NORTH FORT MYERS AND LEHIGH ACRES CLINICS.

HOLM SAYS THEY HOPE TO DO THAT BY THE NEW YEAR. Return to index of stories...


TOP STORIES-CLIPTOPS


Return to index of stories...

TS1) FM SHOOTING MITTO TOPS-MITTOTOPS


LET'S RUN DOWN SOME OF THE TOP STORIES IN THE NEWS AT THIS HOUR.

ONE PERSON IS IN THE HOSPITAL THIS MORNING AFTER AN OVERNIGHT SHOOTING IN FORT MYERS.

IT HAPPENED AT THE 38-HUNDRED BLOCK OF SEMINOLE AVENUE.

POLICE STILL HAVEN'T RELEASED THE VICTIM'S NAME.

AND SAY AT THIS TIME THERE IS NO SEARCH FOR A SUSPECT.

WHEN NEW DETAILS EMERGE.

WE'LL PASS THEM ALONG TO YOU. Return to index of stories...


TS2) FGCU CRASH-VOTOPS


TWO FGCU STUDENTS REMAIN IN THE HOSPITAL THIS MORNING AFTER A CRASH YESTERDAY AROUND ONE A-M.

WE'RE TOLD THE CRASH WAS ALCOHOL RELATED.

THE DRIVER.

19 YEAR-OLD CONNOR CEILLEY IS IN FAIR CONDITION

AND PASSENGER 19 YEAR-OLD BRENT RACZKOWSKI IS IN CRITICAL.

INVESTIGATORS ARE WAITING FOR RESULTS OF CEILLEY'S BLOOD TEST.

THEY'RE ALSO CONSIDERING UNDERAGE DRINKING CHARGES Return to index of stories...


TS3) POST OFFICE-VOTOPS


THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE ISSUES A STERN REQUEST TO FLORIDA DRIVERS.

STOP RUNNING INTO THEIR BUILDINGS!

PUNTA GORDA IS THE MOST RECENT ON THE LIST OF 14 POST OFFICES IN FLORIDA HIT BY A CAR THIS YEAR. Return to index of stories...


TS4) COLORADO THEATER-VOTOPS


WE NOW KNOW THE SITE OF JULY'S DEADLY MASS SHOOTING IN COLORADO WILL, IN FACT, RE-OPEN NEXT YEAR.

THE SHOOTER KILLED 12 AND INJURED 58.

THE THEATER'S OWNER, CINEMARK, SAYS THEY WILL WORK WITH THE COMMUNITY TO FIND THE BEST WAY TO RE-OPEN.

THE CITY'S MAYOR WANTS TO ENSURE THAT WHEN THE THEATER DOES RE-OPEN --

THERE WILL BE SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR SURVIVORS AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF VICTIMS. Return to index of stories...


FINAL WEATHER-WXCOMP


THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.

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

We're sending off the summer season on a bit of a cloudy and wet note as rains are back in the forecast for your Saturday. The fall season or "Autumnal Equinox" officially occurs at 10:49am this morning, and it will feel more like summer rather than fall as we remain in a moist tropical airmass.

Skies will start of mostly cloudy with temperatures in the middle 70s, while the vast majority of Southwest Florida staying dry. With plenty of moisture in place, a couple of passing showers can't be ruled out through the late morning hours.

We'll more than likely see a few breaks in the clouds to reveal a few peeks of sunshine throughout the day, however that will help to crank up our shower and thunderstorm pattern through the afternoon and early evening hours.

Due to the abundance of cloud cover and scattered rain, temperatures will be held down a bit and most locations will stay a few degrees below the 90° mark.

Tonight, a few lingering downpours are possible with partial clearing overnight and lows settling into the mid 70s.

Sunday looks to be the better of the weekend days, as high pressure noses its way down the peninsula and dries our atmosphere out. This will mean more sunshine, less rain, and warmer temperatures as they rebound into the lower 90s.

Tropical moisture will return by the middle part of next week giving our rain prospects a bit of a boost through Thursday.

In the tropics, all is quiet with no threats to Southwest Florida. Return to index of stories...


CLOSE-OC-WEB ANI


AD LIB GOODBYE

THANKS FOR JOINING US--

MORE LOCAL NEWS IN 30 MINUTES.

GOOD MORNING AMERICA IS NEXT. Return to index of stories...


END TIME


Return to index of stories...