ABC7 5PM HOUR

ABC7 5PM HOUR

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DIRECTORS PAGE TS DANIELS BREAKDOWN-VID BOX
HEADLINES------------- TS LIBRARY BREAK IN-VID BOX
HL1) TRAFFIC TRIFECTA-trxVOTOPS TS MULCH FIRE CAUSE-VID BOX
HL2) PETRAEUS INVESTIGATION-trxVOTOPS PETRAEUS SCANDAL LATEST-VOTOPS
HL3) PHARM PARTIES-trxSOTVO FBI PETRAEUS INVESTIGATION-2 SHOT
HL4) WOMAN RUNS OVER HUSBAND FOR NOT VOTING-trxSOT FBI PETRAEUS INVESTIGATION-PKG
DEVELOPING-CLIP FISCAL CLIFF LATEST-VO
DANIELS BREAKDOWN-MAST CAM-OC MCAFEE MURDER-VO
DANIELS BREAKDOWN-LL PKG OHIO MURDER SUICIDE-VOTOPS
DEVELOPING-CLIP OK CHILD LOCKED IN DOG CAGE-VO.WIPE
I~75 CHASE-VOTOPS OK CHILD LOCKED IN DOG CAGE-SOTVO
41 CRASH-VOTOPS SANDY WORKER ATTACKED-(2)SOT.VO.WIPE
LIBRARY BREAK IN-VO.WIPE SANDY WORKER ATTACKED-SOTVO
LIBRARY BREAK IN-SOTVO FPL WORKERS HEADING BACK-VO
MULCH FIRE CAUSE-VO.WIPE PEPPERED ROBBERY-SOTVO
MULCH FIRE CAUSE-SOTVO DOG FIGHT CRIME-VO
PETRAEUS LATEST-OC-VO-OC AIRLINE AT PUNTA GORDA-VO
PETRAEUS LATEST-PKG SAILBOAT ON THE HIGHWAY-VO
BIGELOW INTERVIEW-VO.WIPE NATL ANTHEM BANNED FROM HOCKEY GAMES-NATS. VO.WIPE
BIGELOW INTERVIEW-SOTVO NATL ANTHEM BANNED FROM HOCKEY GAMES-(2) SOTVO
ROBERT DUNN LATEST-VO-SS SPANDEX BAN-SOTVO
YOUSEL RIVERA UPDATE-VOTOPS-SS DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS-VO
SANIBEL BIZ MODEL-VO HOLIDAY TRAVEL SEASON-OC
HIDEAWAY BEACH RENOURISHMENT-VO HOLIDAY TRAVEL SEASON-PKG
IMMOKALEE PLAZA-SS-BNR HOLIDAY TRAVEL SEASON-OC
H & M OPENING-VO NEW AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP
NEXT AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP TEASE FOUR------------
TEASE ONE------------ TZ4 A) PHARM PARTIES-SOTVO
TZ1 A HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS-VOTOPS TZ4 B THANKSGIVING SONG VIRAL-NATSVO
TZ1 B CLEVELAND IDIOT SIGN-VOTOPS CROSSTALK-WX EST
CA WATERMAIN BREAK MUDSLIDE-VOTOPS RICK SCOTT'S MOM DIES-OC-FDOT
STORMWARN OPEN-CLIP ELMO RECANTS-VO
FORECAST-PHC STORM WARN JP OPEN-CLIP
FORECAST-WXWALL FORECAST-PHC
TOSS TO NINA-OC FORECAST-WXWALL
HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS-TC MON PHARM PARTIES-OC
HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS-PKG PHARM PARTIES-PKG
HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS-TC MON PHARM PARTIES-OC
OUTSMARTING BLACK FRIDAY-VO.WIPE VICTORIA'S SECRET APOLOGY-SS
OUTSMARTING BLACK FRIDAY-SOTVO DWTS TONIGHT-NATSVO
BLACK FRIDAY PROTEST-OC THANKSGIVING SONG VIRAL-NATSVO
TYLENOL BABIES-VO HOLIDAY HEROES FOOD DRIVE-VO.WIPE
CLEVELAND IDIOT SIGN-VO HOLIDAY HEROES FOOD DRIVE-SOTVO
NEW AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP TEASE FIVE-ONCAM
TEASE TWO------------ TZ5 A WOMAN RUNS OVER HUSBAND FOR NOT VOTING-VO
TZ2 A HOMELESS MAN ARRESTED-VOTOPS-WIPE BUMP SHOT-BUMP IN
TZ2 B OK CHILD DOG CRATE-VOTOPS WOMAN RUNS OVER HUSBAND FOR NOT VOTING-OC
BUMP SHOT-BUMP IN WOMAN RUNS OVER HUSBAND FOR NOT VOTING-PKG
HOMELESS MAN ARRESTED FOR CHARGING PHONE-VO IN POP WOMAN RUNS OVER HUSBAND FOR NOT VOTING-OC
HOMELESS MAN ARRESTED FOR CHARGING PHONE-PKG ROMNEY UNLIKING-VOTOPS
TEASE THREE-ONCAM NEXT AT 6 OPEN-CLIP
TZ3 A PETRAEUS INVESTIGATION-VO COMING UP AT 6PM
TZ3 B NATIONAL ANTHEM AT HOCKEY GAME-NATSVO TZ 6 1) DOG ON DOG CRIME-SOTTOPS-VO
TZ3 C HOLIDAY TRAVEL SEASON-VO TZ 6 2) ELDERLY BURGLARY-VOTOPS
BUMP SHOT-BUMP OUT TZ 6 3) ALZHEIMERS ART THERAPY-VOTOPS
NEWS AT 5:00 PM OPEN-CLIP CLOSE-2SHOT


DIRECTORS PAGE


Return to index of stories...

HEADLINES-------------


TRAFFIC TRIFECTA--

TROUBLE ON THE ROADS IN LEE AND COLLIER COUNTIES TONIGHT--

TWO WRECKS INVOLVING DEPUTIES AND THE DANIELS PARKWAY BACKUP.

THE SPY SCANDAL INTENSIFIES.

TONIGHT TWO GENERALS AND TWO WOMEN ALL BEING INVESTIGATED.

AND WHAT PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS TO SAY.

PLUS--

"I tell parents treat narcotic medicine like it's a loaded gun

IT'S A NEW TREND AMONG TEENS AND IT'S KILLING THEM.

WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PHARM PARTIES.

he took off to try and get away and she ran into him."

ENRAGED!

A WOMAN SO MAD AT HER HUSBAND SHE RUNS HIM OVER WITH HER CAR--

AND HER MOTIVE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH CHEATING.

WEATHER IS COMING UP. Return to index of stories...


HL1) TRAFFIC TRIFECTA-trxVOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

HL2) PETRAEUS INVESTIGATION-trxVOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

HL3) PHARM PARTIES-trxSOTVO


Return to index of stories...

HL4) WOMAN RUNS OVER HUSBAND FOR NOT VOTING-trxSOT


Return to index of stories...

DEVELOPING-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

DANIELS BREAKDOWN-MAST CAM-OC


CONSTRUCTION AND LANE CLOSURES CONTINUE TONIGHT EAST-BOUND ON DANIELS PARKWAY AS CREWS WORK TO REPAIR DAMAGE DONE TO THE I-75 OVERPASS.

HERE'S A LIVE LOOK.

AND WE HAVE SOME GOOD NEWS TONIGHT.

ROAD CONDITIONS ARE STARTING TO IMPROVE.

ABC7'S ALEX BOYER TELLS US WHY. Return to index of stories...


DANIELS BREAKDOWN-LL PKG


two east-bound lanes are now open, which mean traffic is moving much more quickly then it did yesterday.

I talked to debbie tower - with the florida department of transportation - who assures drivers - the worst is behind them.

-cars driving by

From one lane to two. Traffic eastbound on daniels parkway is slow - but moving. A clear improvement from the traffic nightmare many drivers endured yesterday afternoon when only the shoulder was open. According to the florida department of transportation, there will be *no daytime detours for the next several days. Instead, construction crews will wait until nighttime to close or shift any lanes. Commuters we spoke to say that makes much more sense.

-Me & Kristen Froehlick/commuter-"yesterday they did a lot of work during the rush hour, do you think that was the wrong time to be doing that? Yes! I was late to work last week so its probably not good and then getting home is hectic as well."

I asked F-DOT why they chose to do most of the heavy work yesterday during rush hour. Debbie Tower says its because that's the time the new beams arrived and needed to be put it. Construction is expected to be complete by early december - weather permitting.

IN LEE COUNTY ALEX BOYER ABC7 Return to index of stories...


DEVELOPING-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

I~75 CHASE-VOTOPS


ALSO DEVELOPING AT 5--

DEPUTIES FROM TWO SOUTHWEST COUNTIES ARE INVOLVED IN CRASHES.

A HIGH CHASE DOWN I-75 ENDED WITH A DEPUTY SMASHING HIS K-9 VEHICLE.

DEPUTIES STARTED CHASING BURGLARY SUSPECTS IN LEE COUNTY SOUTH INTO COLLIER COUNTY.

THE CHASE CLIMAXED AT MILE MARKER 86 ON ALLIGATOR ALLEY.

BOTH THE BURGLAR'S CAR AND THE DEPUTY'S CAR WRECKED.

NO ONE WAS HURT IN THE CRASH --

ALTHOUGH ONE OF THE BURGLARY SUSPECTS DID GO TO THE HOSPITAL.

HE WAS HURT BEFORE THE CHASE. Return to index of stories...


41 CRASH-VOTOPS


IN FORT MYERS--

A LEE COUNTY DEPUTY CRASHED HIS CRUISER NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF U-S 41 AND GULF VIEW BLVD.

AN UNMARKED POLICE CAR WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN THE CRASH.

THREE PEOPLE WERE HURT. Return to index of stories...


LIBRARY BREAK IN-VO.WIPE


DEPUTIES ARE INVESTIGATING A BREAK IN AT LAKES REGIONAL LIBRARY.

THAT'S ON GLADIOLUS DRIVE IN FORT MYERS.

A CLEANING CREW GOT TO THE LIBRARY AROUND 6-30 THIS MORNING AND NOTICED SOMEONE BROKE INTO IT.

WORKERS CALLED LIBRARY MANAGERS WHO CALLED DEPUTIES.

IT'S UNCLEAR HOW THE SUSPECT OR SUSPECTS GOT INTO THE LIBRARY.

ABC7 IS TOLD THEY STOLE SEVERAL THINGS INCLUDING A FLAT SCREEN TV. Return to index of stories...


LIBRARY BREAK IN-SOTVO


Marilyn Graham, Manager of Public Services for Library System "It was obvious that things had been gone through and so forth and there were drawers open and so forth."

THE LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL DEPUTIES FINISH INVESTIGATING.

FOR NOW, YOU CAN RETURN BOOKS AT THE OUTSIDE DROP OFF. Return to index of stories...


MULCH FIRE CAUSE-VO.WIPE


IT'S CONFIRMED.

A-B-C 7 NOW KNOWS WHAT SPARKED THAT MULCH FIRE BURNING IN LEE COUNTY.

FIRE CREWS SAY DECAYING PLANTS CAUGHT FIRE.

IT IGNITED SUNDAY OFF OLD U-S 41 NEAR ALICO ROAD.

IT'S BURNED THREE DAYS NOW AT THAT COMPOSTING FACILITY.

FIRE CREWS ARE TRYING TO SNUFF IT OUT.

THEY TOSSED THOUSANDS OF GALLONS OF WATER ON THE BURNING PILE ---

WHICH NOW STRETCHES AS WIDE AS A FOOTBALL FIELD.

BUT WHILE THE SMOKE HAS SUBSIDED, THE DANGER HAS NOT. Return to index of stories...


MULCH FIRE CAUSE-SOTVO


"Folks need just be aware, because it could flare up, could get some pockets and mulch fires can sometimes be unpredictable in terms of what material is on fire inside of the pile.""

A-B-C 7 HAS LEARNED -- AS LONG AS EVERYTHING GOES WELL -- CREWS HOPE TO HAVE THIS FIRE OUT BY TOMORROW NIGHT. Return to index of stories...


PETRAEUS LATEST-OC-VO-OC


TWO OF AMERICA'S TOP MILITARY BRASS--ARE NOW AT THE CENTER OF A SEX SCANDAL.

WE ALREADY KNOW GENERAL DAVID PETRAEUS RESIGNED AS DIRECTOR OF THE C-I-A AFTER REVELATIONS OF HIS INFIDELITY WITH BIOGRAPHER PAULA BROADWELL.

GENERAL JOHN ALLEN IS NOW UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR HIS COMMUNICATIONS WITH JILL KELLEY.

SHE'S THE WOMAN WHO THE F-B-I SAYS SPARKED THE INVESTIGATION AFTER GETTING THREATENING EMAILS FROM BROADWELL.

AS ABC'S KAREN TRAVERS REPORTS--THERE WILL LIKELY BE MORE FALLOUT--AS NEW DETAILS OF THIS MESSY AFFAIR EMERGE. Return to index of stories...


PETRAEUS LATEST-PKG


THE SCANDAL THAT STARTED WITH FORMER CIA DIRECTOR DAVID PETRAEUS' AFFAIR HAS

WIDENED.

GENERAL JOHN ALLEN - THE TOP US COMMANDER IN AFGHANISTAN - IS UNDER

INVESTIGATION FOR "POTENTIALLY INAPPROPRIATE" EMAILS WITH JILL KELLEYTHE

PETRAEUS FAMILY FRIEND AT THE CENTER OF THIS BIZARRE STORY.

A DEFENSE OFFICIAL TELLS ABC NEWS THAT UNDER REVIEW ARE ABOUT 20-TO-30

THOUSAND EMAILS FROM THE LAST TWO YEARS THAT INCLUDE BOTH ALLEN AND KELLEY'S

NAMES.

SOME ARE CHARACTERIZED AS INAPPROPRIATE AND FLIRTATIOUS BUT ANOTHER US

OFFICIAL SAID 95 PERCENT OF THE EMAILS IN QUESTION ARE ROUTINE.AND

HARMLESS.

ALLEN DENIES ANY WRONGDOING - AND FOR NOW, HE'LL REMAIN THE TOP US COMMANDER

IN AFGHANISTAN.

CARNEY SOT:

The president thinks very highly of General Allen and his service to his

country, as well as the job he has done in Afghanistan.

BUT AS FOR ALLEN'S NEXT MOVE.

CARNEY SOT:

At the request of the secretary of defense, the president has put on hold

General Allen's nomination as Supreme Allied Commander Europe

THE WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PRESIDENT WAS SURPRISED WHEN HE WAS

INFORMED LAST THURSDAY ABOUT THE PETRAEUS SITUATION.

ASKED WHETHER THE SCANDALS WERE A DISTRACTION SO SOON AFTER HIS RE-ELECTION

CARNEY SOT:

Well, I'd certainly, I think, wouldn't call it welcome.

AN OFFICIAL TOLD ABC NEWS THE FBI UNCOVERED "HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF

EMAILS BETWEEN PETRAEUS AND HIS BIOGRAPHER, PAULA BROADWELL" - MANY OF THEM

SALACIOUS IN NATURE.

O/C CLOSE: JILL KELLEY RECEIVED ANONYMOUS, THREATENING EMAILS THAT WERE

TRACED BACK TO BROADWELL. GENERAL ALLEN ALSO RECEIVED ONE EMAIL TRACED TO

BROADWELL. HE FOUND IT ALARMING AND TOLD JILL KELLEY ABOUT IT VIA EMAIL.

WHICH MAY HAVE TRIGGERED THIS ENTIRE INVESTIGATION. KT ABC NEWS WASHINGTON. Return to index of stories...


BIGELOW INTERVIEW-VO.WIPE


TODAY --

A-B-C-7 SPOKE TO LEE COUNTY COMMISSIONER BRIAN BIGELOW AT HIS LAST PUBLIC MEETING.

BIGELOW RESIGNED TO RUN FOR CLERK OF COURTS.

HE LOST THAT POSITION.

NOW --

HE'S EMBROILED IN CONTROVERSY --

AFTER DEPUTIES SAY THEY PULLED HIM OVER WITH AN UNLICENSED TEENAGER DRIVING HIS CAR, CARRYING MARIJUANA AND COCAINE.

WHEN A-B-C 7 CONFRONTED BIGELOW --

HE SAID HE NEEDS TO KEEP HIS PERSONAL AND PUBLIC LIFE SEPERATE. Return to index of stories...


BIGELOW INTERVIEW-SOTVO


Roetz - I know you don't want to talk about it on county property - we're glad to step outside. It's feet away where we could talk to you for a brief moment.

Bigelow - Let me say this because I am getting emotional and I am not sure why. I have the highest regard for for the media and the public's right to know and it pains me I can't talk more about my personal stuff.

BIGELOW WAS ONLY CITED FOR LETTING THE TEEN DRIVE HIS CAR UNLICENSED.

HE'S SCHEDULED TO MAKE A COURT APPEARANCE LATER THIS MONTH.

MEANWHILE - HIS SUCCESSOR, CECIL PENDERGRASS, WILL BE SWORN IN AT NEXT TUESDAY'S MEETING. Return to index of stories...


ROBERT DUNN LATEST-VO-SS


THE LONGEST JURY SELECTION IN LEE COUNTY HISTORY COULD FINALLY WRAP UP TODAY OR TOMORROW.

AFTER FIVE WEEKS, JURY SELECTION IS NOW IN IT'S FINAL STAGE FOR THE ROBERT DUNN CASE.

TODAY ATTORNEYS QUESTIONED 64 POTENTIAL JURORS.

THE STATE AND DEFENSE ARE WORKING TO PICK A PANEL OF 12 JURORS AND 3 ALTERNATES.

MORE THAN 400 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SUMMONED AS POTENTIAL JURORS.

PRETRIAL PUBLICITY AND JUROR'S OPINIONS OF THE DEATH PENALTY HAVE CAUSED DIFFICULTY IN PICKING A JURY.

DUNN IS ACCUSED IF SHOOTING HIS ESTRANGED WIFE IN A CAPE CORAL DAYCARE NEARLY FIVE YEARS AGO. Return to index of stories...


YOUSEL RIVERA UPDATE-VOTOPS-SS


THAT CASE IS DELAYING ANOTHER HIGH-PROFILE CASE.

YOUSEL RIVERA'S MURDER TRIAL WAS SUPPOSED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER.

NOW IT WON'T START UNTIL FEBRUARY.

THAT'S BECAUSE LAWYERS FOR BOTH THE STATE AND THE DEFENSE ARE TIED UP WITH THE CAPE CORAL DAYCARE SHOOTING CASE.

RIVERA IS ACCUSED OF TRYING TO KILL A CAPE CORAL POLICE OFFICER.

PROSECUTORS SAY HE SHOT OFFICER DAVID WAGONER THREE TIMES AT POINT BLANK RANGE IN APRIL OF 2011. Return to index of stories...


SANIBEL BIZ MODEL-VO


SANIBEL LEADERS WILL MOVE FORWARD WITH A PLAN TO HELP ISLAND BUSINESSES REACH MORE CUSTOMERS.

THIS MORNING, PLANNING MEMBERS VOTED IN FAVOR OF CHANGES--

THOSE CHANGES INCLUDE NEARLY DOUBLING THE TIME FOR OUTDOOR SIDEWALK SALES.

BUSINESS OWNERS TELL ABC7 THE EVENTS BOOST SALES AT LEAST 20 PERCENT.

CITY COUNCIL WILL NOW VOTE ON THE PROPOSED PLAN. Return to index of stories...


HIDEAWAY BEACH RENOURISHMENT-VO


IT'S DONE.

A PROJECT TO RENOURISH HIDEWAY BEACH WILL HAPPEN.

COLLIER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGREED TO IT TODAY -- DECIDING NOT TO RECONSIDER USING TOURIST TAX DOLLARS TO DO IT.

IT WAS ACTUALLY A STRATEGIC MOVE BY COMMISSIONER DONNA FIALA.

SHE WANTS THE RENOURISHMENT PROJECT --

AND DIDN'T WANT THE INCOMING BATCH OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO VOTE ON THIS DOWN THE ROAD, SO SHE MADE IT HAPPEN TODAY. Return to index of stories...


IMMOKALEE PLAZA-SS-BNR


COLLIER COUNTY COMISSIONERS ARE ALSO GIVING THE GO AHEAD FOR A PUBLIC PLAZA IN IMMOKALEE.

THE PLAZA WILL BE BUILT AT MAIN AND FIRST STREET-- IT'S MEANT TO REVAMP DOWNTOWN IMMOKALEE.

THE FINAL DESIGN IS STILL IN THE WORKS--

THE PUBLIC CAN VOICE THEIR OPINION AT A MEETING TOMORROW.

FOR INFORMATION ON THE MEETING, HEAD TO OUR WEBSITE ABC-7.COM AND CLICK ON SITES ON 7. Return to index of stories...


H & M OPENING-VO


THE WAIT'S ALMOST OVER.

THE CLOTHING STORE H-AND-M OPENS AT COASTLAND CENTER MALL IN NAPLES ON THURSDAY.

THIS IS THE COMPANY'S THIRD LOCATION IN FLORIDA.

TO CELEBRATE OPENING DAY--

H-AND-M WILL GIVE THE FIRST 200 SHOPPERS IN LINE A FREE T-SHIRT AND GIFT CARDS VALUED AT TEN TO 300 DOLLARS. Return to index of stories...


NEXT AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP


NEXT AT 5 OPEN Return to index of stories...


TEASE ONE------------


IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO GIVE GIFT CARDS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON--

ABC7'S SMART SHOPPER COMPARES CARDS FROM STORES TO THOSE FROM CREDIT CARD COMPANIES AND BANKS.

WHICH IS BEST FOR YOUR POCKETBOOK.

PLUS.

DAY **ONE** OF PUNISHMENT.

WHY THIS GROWN WOMAN IS WEARING A SIGN CALLING HERSELF AN IDIOT.

WEATHER IS COMING UP. Return to index of stories...


TZ1 A HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

TZ1 B CLEVELAND IDIOT SIGN-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

CA WATERMAIN BREAK MUDSLIDE-VOTOPS


CHECK THIS OUT.

DOZENS OF PEOPLE WERE EVACUATED FROM THEIR HOMES TODAY AFTER A WATER MAIN BROKE IN DALY CITY, CALIFORNIA.

SEVERAL BLOCKS WERE FLOODED.

THE WATER MAIN BREAK ALSO CAUSED A RIVER OF MUD TO FLOW DOWN TO THE STREETS.

EIGHT HOMES AND ABOUT FORTY PEOPLE WERE EVACUATED TO A NEARBY LOCATION. Return to index of stories...


STORMWARN OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

FORECAST-PHC


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. Return to index of stories...


FORECAST-WXWALL


WARM WEATHER CONTINUES

Variable clouds will become mostly clear later tonight as we continue to track a front in northern Florida. The cold front up there still doesn't look like it's headed this way with cooler weather and will continue to slowly die off over the next few days. That means we will continue to see a few clouds mixed with some sunshine and warm weather in the afternoon on Wednesday. The average high for this time of year is 82 degrees and we will hit that number again tomorrow. Rain chances stay pretty low for Wednesday, but not down to 'zero'. It looks like there could be an isolated shower tomorrow covering roughly 20%, or less, of the area. Overnight lows this evening will drop back into the 60's and a little fog could form east of the interstate on Wednesday morning.

The extended outlook calls for fairly quiet weather on Thursday and Friday with another chance for a shower on Saturday. By Sunday, the winds will become a bit more northerly and our temperatures will begin to cool as we head into next week. Our temperatures this week have averaged a few degrees above normal and next week looks to be a few degrees below normal as Thanksgiving approaches. Return to index of stories...


TOSS TO NINA-OC


IT'S THE GO-TO GIFT.

A SURE THING.

BUT GETTING AND GIVING A GIFT CARD CAN COME WITH SOME HIDDEN FEES FOR YOU.

ABC 7'S SMART SHOPPER NINA MOINI JOINS US LIVE.

NINA HOW MUCH MORE ARE WE PAYING AND HOW CAN WE AVOID THE ADDED EXPENSE. Return to index of stories...


HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS-TC MON


IT TURNS OUT BANKS ARE CHARGING UP TO 6 DOLLARS EXTRA TO ISSUE GIFT CARDS.

I FOUND OUT YOU CAN AVOID THOSE FEES IF YOU BUY GIFT CARDS STRAIGHT FROM THE STORES. Return to index of stories...


HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS-PKG


NATS -

06:13:00 5

"Could always use a laptop new gym bag, clothes are always good."

THE WISH LISTS ARE LONG.

AND IT'S TOUGH TO GET THE PERFECT GIFT IF YOU'RE GUESSING.

THAT'S WHY SOME SMART SHOPPERS GO WITH A GIFT CARD.

06:09:59 6

I think they're good to give we've given them before that way they can get what they like.

ELAINE MOTE SAYS GIFT CARDS ARE A LIFE-SAVER, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE EIGHT GRANDCHILDREN.

IN FACT - FOR THE PAST SIX YEARS IN A ROW - GIFT CARDS ARE THE NUMBER ONE GIFT PEOPLE WANT ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION.

BUT A NEW SURVEY FROM BANKRATE DOT COM LOOKS AT GENERAL PURCHASE CARDS YOU WOULD BUY FROM THE BANK VERSUS STORE-BRANDED CARDS FROM PLACES LIKE GAS STATIONS, RESTAURANTS AND CLOTHING STORES.

00:12:55 10

"Of the 55 store branded cards only 5 charged a fee, all 8 general purpose cards like MasterCard or Visa came with fee 3-6 dollars."

NEW-YORK BASED BANKRATE ANALYST JANNA HERON BREAKS DOWN WHY BANKS CHARGE THESE FEES MORE OFTEN THAN STORES.

00:13:33 15

100 dollars gap gift card go to gap purchase fees gen purpose not goes back to then so purchase fee make money." Return to index of stories...


HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS-TC MON


ONE ADVANTAGE HERON SAYS COMES WITH THE GENERAL PURPOSE CARDS IS FREEDOM TO SPEND ANYWHERE.

SO HER ADVICE - NARROW DOWN WHERE THE PEOPLE YOU'RE SHOPPING FOR WANT TO BUY - THAT'S A GOOD WAY TO AVOID FEES. Return to index of stories...


OUTSMARTING BLACK FRIDAY-VO.WIPE


ALSO IN YOUR ABC7 SMART SHOPPER --

WE'VE BEEN TELLING YOU ABOUT STORES OPENING THEIR DOORS EARLIER AND EARLIER THIS BLACK FRIDAY.

NOW SEARS IS GOING EVEN EARLIER.

THEY'RE STARTING "BLACK FRIDAY" THIS SUNDAY AT FIVE.

CUSTOMERS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE "SHOP YOUR WAY CLUB" CAN SHOP ONLINE, GET GREAT DEALS, AND THEN PICK-UP WHAT THEY BOUGHT IN THE STORE.

ANALYSTS WONDER IF OTHER STORES WILL NOW TRY TO MATCH SEARS. Return to index of stories...


OUTSMARTING BLACK FRIDAY-SOTVO


I think the big box stores are coming out this year and trying

something different. They're trying to extend the opportunities of shopping.

And give the customer as many times to shop as they can.

SEARS SAYS IT IS JUST MOVING THE SAME DIRECTION AS ITS

CUSTOMERS ONLINE. Return to index of stories...


BLACK FRIDAY PROTEST-OC


NOT EVERYONE IS HAPPY ABOUT BLACK FRIDAY STARTING SO EARLY, ESPECIALLY ON THANKSGIVING.

SOME EMPLOYEES AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE FRUSTRATED WITH THE OPENING TIMES, SAYING IT CUTS INTO HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS WITH THEIR FAMILIES.

THE SISTER OF A TARGET EMPLOYEE IN ILLINOIS STARTED A PETITION ON CHANGE-DOT-ORG IN PROTEST.

THE WEBSITE ALSO HAS ABOUT 40 SIMILAR PETITIONS AGAINST OTHER RETAILERS, INCLUDING BEST BUY, SEARS AND TOYS "R" US. Return to index of stories...


TYLENOL BABIES-VO


IN YOUR ABC7 HEALTHY LIVING.

A NEW STUDY FINDS GIVING YOUR BABY TYLENOL COULD INCREASE THEIR RISK FOR ASTHMA.

DANISH RESEARCHERS FOUND THAT THE MORE ACETAMINOPHEN CHILDREN TOOK AS INFANTS, THE MORE LIKELY THEY WERE TO DEVELOP ASTHMA-LIKE SYMPTOMS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD.

BUT RESEARCHERS ALSO SAY THE LINK ALONE DOES NOT PROVE THAT ACETAMINOPHEN CAUSES AIRWAY TROUBLE. Return to index of stories...


CLEVELAND IDIOT SIGN-VO


THE PUNISHMENT MIGHT MAKE YOU LAUGH.

THE CRIME.NOT SO MUCH.

TAKE A LOOK.

THAT'S SHENA HARDIN.

SHE'S STANDING AT AN INTERSECTION HOLDING A SIGN THAT READS."ONLY AN IDIOT WOULD DRIVE ON THE SIDEWALK TO AVOID A SCHOOL BUS."

TODAY CAMERAS CAUGHT HARDIN CRYING AS SHE STOOD HOLDING THE SIGN.

A JUDGE ORDERED HER TO STAND THERE WITH THE SIGN TODAY AND TOMORROW. AFTER A SCHOOL BUS DRIVER RECORDED HER DRIVING ON THE SIDEWALK.TO AVOID STOPPING. Return to index of stories...


NEW AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP


NEXT AT 5 OPEN Return to index of stories...


TEASE TWO------------


CHARGED FOR CHARGING.

A HOMELESS MAN ARRESTED--

ACCUSED OF STEALING POWER WHILE CHARGING HIS CELL PHONE.

MOST OF US DO IT IN PUBLIC PLACES, IS IT REALLY A CRIME.

A TODDLER LOCKED UP LIKE A DOG.

HER BROTHER NAKED IN THE COLD.

WHAT AUTHORITIES SAY THEIR FATHER WAS DOING. Return to index of stories...


TZ2 A HOMELESS MAN ARRESTED-VOTOPS-WIPE


Return to index of stories...

TZ2 B OK CHILD DOG CRATE-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

BUMP SHOT-BUMP IN


BUMP IN W/ ANCHOR MICS Return to index of stories...


HOMELESS MAN ARRESTED FOR CHARGING PHONE-VO IN POP


HE'S CHARGED. WITH CHARGING.

A HOMELESS MAN SPENT THE NIGHT IN JAIL IN SARASOTA.

AFTER A POLICE OFFICER ACCUSED HIM OF STEALING.

WHAT WAS HE DOING?

CHARGING HIS CELL PHONE AT A PUBLIC PARK.

AMBER STIDHAM REPORTS. Return to index of stories...


HOMELESS MAN ARRESTED FOR CHARGING PHONE-PKG


A homeless man spent the night in a Florida jail after charging his cell phone in a Sarasota public park.

Police officers charged 29-year-old Darren Kersey with "theft of utilities".

Kersey, who could not afford the $500 bond, spent Sunday night in jail.

He was released Monday morning when a judge dropped the charges against him, saying the arresting officer didn't have probable cause to make an arrest. Return to index of stories...


TEASE THREE-ONCAM


THE PLOT SEEMS STRAIGHT OUT OF A SOAP OPERA.

TONIGHT THE NEWEST CHARACTERS ENSNARED IN THE SCANDULOUS AFFAIR BETWEEN THE SPY CHIEF AND HIS MISTRESS.

AND HOW IT WILL AFFECT THE NEARLY 70-THOUSAND SOLDIERS STILL IN AFGHANISTAN.

PLUS -

"Oh say can you see."

A TRADITION WIPED OUT.

WHY THE NATIONAL ANTHEM COULD BE ELIMINATED AT HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY GAMES.

AND CARVING THE TURKEY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS BEATS PINCHING PENNIES.

WITH MILLIONS EXPECTED TO TRAVEL THIS HOLIDAY.

ABC7 BRINGS YOU THE RULES OF THE HOLIDAY ROAD. Return to index of stories...


TZ3 A PETRAEUS INVESTIGATION-VO


Return to index of stories...

TZ3 B NATIONAL ANTHEM AT HOCKEY GAME-NATSVO


Return to index of stories...

TZ3 C HOLIDAY TRAVEL SEASON-VO


Return to index of stories...

BUMP SHOT-BUMP OUT


BUMP OUT W/ MUSIC Return to index of stories...


NEWS AT 5:00 PM OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

TS DANIELS BREAKDOWN-VID BOX


MAKING NEWS RIGHT NOW AT 5-30 --

EXPECT MORE DELAYS IF YOU HEAD EAST ON DANIELS PARKWAY NEAR I-75.

BUT -- IT HAS IMPROVED.

IT'S WIDENED TO TWO LANES RATHER THAN JUST ONE.

A SEMI-TRUCK STARTED THE PROBLEM WHEN IT SMACKED THE I-75 OVERPASS LAST WEEK.

TODAY --

WE LEARNED THE COMPANY WHOSE TRUCK HIT THE OVERPASS IS THE SAME CREW FIXING THE OVERPASS.

BUT --

IT WILL NOT COST TAXPAYERS ANY MONEY. Return to index of stories...


TS LIBRARY BREAK IN-VID BOX


LAKES REGIONAL LIBRARY IS CLOSED AFTER A BREAK-IN.

EARLY THIS MORNING A CLEANING CREW NOTICED SOMEONE BROKE INTO THE THE LIBRARY.

IT'S UNCLEAR HOW THE SUSPECT OR SUSPECTS GOT INSIDE.

BUT, SEVERAL THINGS ARE MISSING INCLUDING A FLAT SCREEN TV. Return to index of stories...


TS MULCH FIRE CAUSE-VID BOX


WE ALSO LEARNED TODAY --

NATURAL COMBUSTION FROM DECAYING PLANTS IGNITED THAT MULCH FIRE IN LEE COUNTY.

IT BROKE OUT SUNDAY OFF OLD U-S 41 NEAR ALICO ROAD.

IT'S BURNED EVER SINCE AT A COMPOSTING FACILITY.

BUT A-B-C 7 FOUND OUT --

CREWS COULD FINALLY SNUFF IT OUT BY TOMORROW NIGHT. Return to index of stories...


PETRAEUS SCANDAL LATEST-VOTOPS


RIGHT NOW, INVESTIGATORS ARE COMBING THROUGH THOUSANDS OF PAGES OF DOCUMENTS AND EMAILS.

TOP U-S COMMANDER IN AFGHANISTAN AND A TAMPA WOMAN SENT THEM BACK-AND-FORTH.

GENERAL JOHN ALLEN IS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR HIS COMMUNICATIONS WITH JILL KELLEY.

SHE'S THE WOMAN WHO THE F-B-I SAYS GOT THREATENING EMAILS FROM PAULA BROADWELL.

BROADWELL HAD A TEN MONTH LONG AFFAIR WITH FORMER C-I-A DIRECTOR DAVID PETRAEUS. Return to index of stories...


FBI PETRAEUS INVESTIGATION-2 SHOT


THE SEX SCANDAL FORCED PETRAEUS TO RESIGN.

HI AND GOOD EVENING I'M COURTNEY ROBINSON.

AND I'M JEFF BUTERA.

TONIGHT, QUESTIONS ARE ALSO SURFACING ABOUT HOW THE F-B-I HANDLED THIS.

ABC'S MARK GREENBLATT HAS THE LATEST ON THIS STRANGER AND STRANGER SITUATION. Return to index of stories...


FBI PETRAEUS INVESTIGATION-PKG


REP PELOSI:

The honorable thing was done, the general has resigned.

CONGRESSIONAL REACTION TODAY.

AS THE FALLOUT FROM THE DAVID PATRAEUS SEX SCANDAL WIDENS.

AN FBI INVESTIGATION THAT FIRST FOCUSED SOLELY ON PETRAEUS'S AFFAIR WITH HIS

BIOGRAPHER PAULA BROADWELL.

HAS NOW EXPANDED TO INVOLVE A SECOND 4-STAR GENERAL JOHN ALLEN WHO IS

ACCUSED OF EXCHANGING HIS OWN INAPPROPRIATE COMMUNICATIONS WITH JILL KELLEY.

KELLEY IS THE WOMAN WHO SPARKED THE FBI INVESTIGATION THAT LED PETRAEUS TO

RESIGN AS CIA DIRECTOR.

TODAY, HOUSE MINORITY LEADER NANCY PELOSI WAS BRIEFED BY PETRAEUS'S

REPLACEMENT MIKE MORRELL.

PELOSI SOT/COVER WITH VO OF BROADWELL:

This was a personal indiscretion as far as we know.

PELOSI O/C:

I don't have any reason to think there are national security issues.

MANY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ARE UPSET THEY WEREN'T TOLD ABOUT PETRAEUS, BUT

SOME EXPERTS SAY THE FBI DID THE RIGHT THING.

GARRETT SOT

BUT THE SEX SCANDAL IS IMPACTING THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE MILITANT ATTACK

ON THE AMERICAN CONSULATE IN BENGHAZI.

PETRAEUS -- WHO RECENTLY INTERVIEWED KEY PEOPLE ON THE GROUND THERE -- WAS

SUPPOSED TO TESTIFY, BUT NO LONGER WANTS TO.

SUSAN COLLINS:

"He visited Libya after the attack, he has a great deal of information that

we need."

OC CLOSE:

AS FOR THE DEBATE ABOUT IF THE FBI SHOULD HAVE TOLD MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

ABOUT THE BREWING SCANDAL SOONER

PELOSI SAID TODAY THE AGENCY IS ONLY REQUIRED TO NOTIFY INTELLIGENCE

COMMITTEES IF NATIONAL SECURITY IS AT RISK. NOT JUST FOR AN AFFAIR. MARK

GREENBLATT, ABC NEWS , NEW YORK. Return to index of stories...


FISCAL CLIFF LATEST-VO


LAWMAKERS ARE BACK ON THE HILL AND FACE THE PRESSING PROBLEM OF AVOIDING THE FISCAL CLIFF.

TAX INCREASES AND AUTOMATIC SPENDING CUTS ARE SET TO KICK IN AFTER JANUARY FIRST.

PRESIDENT OBAMA REMAINS COMMITTED TO PRESERVING TAX CUTS FOR MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES AND ENSURING THAT THE WEALTHIEST AMERICANS PAY MORE IN TAXES.

TOMORROW, THE PRESIDENT WILL MEET WITH C-E-OS FROM COMPANIES INCLUDING GENERAL ELECTRIC, WALMART, FORD AND CHEVRON.

SOME OF THEM ARE INVOLVED WITH THE CAMPAIGN TO FIX THE DEBT AND ARE PUSHING FOR A LONG-TERM PLAN TO FIX THE NATION'S DEBT. Return to index of stories...


MCAFEE MURDER-VO


A SOFTWARE BILLIONAIRE SAYS HE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE DEATH OF HIS NEIGHBOR ON A CARIBBEAN ISLAND.

BUT POLICE STILL WANT TO QUESTION JOHN MCAFEE ABOUT THE DEATH OF GREG FAULL IN BELIZE.

MCAFEE CREATED MCAFFEE ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE.

HE SAYS HE'S HIDING FROM POLICE AND FEARS FOR HIS LIFE.

MCAFEE IS CONSIDERED A "PERSON OF INTEREST" BUT IS NOT FORMALLY A SUSPECT.

HE TELLS "WIRED" MAGAZINE HE BELIEVES POLICE POISONED HIS DOGS AND THAT THEY KILLED FAULL -- INSISTING HE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE DEATH. Return to index of stories...


OHIO MURDER SUICIDE-VOTOPS


INVESTIGATORS SAY A TRAGIC SCENE IN TOLEDO WHERE THEY FOUND THREE CHILDREN, THEIR UNCLE, AND THEIR GRANDMOTHER DEAD.IS A MURDER-SUICIDE.

OFFICERS FOUND THE BODIES IN THE GARAGE YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.

54 YEAR OLD SANDY FORD, 32 YEAR OLD ANDY FORD, 10 YEAR OLD PAIGE HAYES, SIX YEAR OLD LOGAN HAYES AND FIVE YEAR OLD MADALYN HAYES DIED FROM CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.

ACCORDING TO OFFICERS THE GRANDMOTHER WAS UPSET THAT HER DAUGHTER AND SON-IN-LAW TOOK STEPS TO REGAIN FULL CUSTODY OF THE CHILDREN. Return to index of stories...


OK CHILD LOCKED IN DOG CAGE-VO.WIPE


COPS IN OKLAHOMA SAY THEY FOUND A FOUR-YEAR-OLD BOY, NAKED IN THE COLD,

HIS EIGHTEEN-MONTH-OLD SISTER LOCKED IN A DOG CRATE, AND THEIR FATHER PASSED OUT DRUNK.

WHEN POLICE BROKE IN, THEY SAY WILLIAM LEWALLEN ADMITTED HE TOOK DRUGS AND DRANK BEFORE HE PASSED OUT.

AUTHORITIES SAY THEY FOUND A THIRD CHILD, WHO IS THREE, NAKED IN BED WITH HIM.

INVESTIGATORS SAY THE LITTLE BOY'S LIPS WERE PURPLE AND THE MESSY HOUSE WAS AS COLD INSIDE AS IT WAS OUTSIDE.

THE SCREAMS OF THE LITTLE BOY ALERTED NEIGHBORS THE CHILDREN

NEEDED HELP. Return to index of stories...


OK CHILD LOCKED IN DOG CAGE-SOTVO


TESTERMAN says: "I could see him crawling up the stairs banging on the back

door and then I saw, 'Oh my God, come here, you're naked.' And I said come

here, and he didn't want to, but I said come here, you're freezing." 10

ALL THREE CHILDREN ARE NOW IN STATE CUSTODY.

THE FATHER IS NOW IN JAIL ON CHILD NEGLECT CHARGES. Return to index of stories...


SANDY WORKER ATTACKED-(2)SOT.VO.WIPE


HE WENT TO NEW YORK TO HELP RESTORE POWER TO VICTIMS OF SUPERSTORM SANDY.NOW A CENTRAL FLORIDA MAN IS IN A HOSPITAL BED WITH SERIOUS INJURIES.

SOT Applewhite:"Just as soon as I got within arm's reach of him, he decked me."

SOT Applewhite:"Course, my heart went thumpety-thump and I thought

oh boy, maybe this is it." 8

LAKELAND ELECTRIC LINEMAN JOHN APPLEWHITE CANNOT EAT.

HIS JAW IS BROKEN, HIS LEFT CHEEKBONE CRACKED AFTER OFFICERS SAY HE SOMEONE BEAT HIM UP IN THE PARKING LOT NEAR A TEXAS ROADHOUSE.

ACCORDING TO APPLEWHITE HE WENT TO GET DINNER AFTER WORKING A 13 HOUR DAY ON FRIDAY. THAT'S WHEN HE SAYS A RESIDENT ATTACKED HIM WITHOUT A WARNING. Return to index of stories...


SANDY WORKER ATTACKED-SOTVO


SOT Applewhite:" "I'm not gonna let it get me down, I enjoy what I

do and I'm not gonna let one person spoil that for me, I enjoy helping people

out." 6

APPLEWHITE'S FATHER SAYS INITIALLY HE THOUGHT HIS SON HAD BEEN ELECTROCUTED.

HE BLAMES FRUSTRATION OVER THE CONTINUING LACK OF POWER IN SOME AREAS. Return to index of stories...


FPL WORKERS HEADING BACK-VO


AS HIS SON STAYS IN THE HOSPITAL --

HUNDREDS OF OTHER FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT WORKERS ARE HEADING HOME.

THEY SPENT THE PAST TWO WEEKS HELPING RESTORE POWER IN NEW JERSEY.

THEY'RE RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING THE LIGHTS BACK ON AT ABOUT 50-THOUSAND HOMES AND BUSINESSES.

THEY'LL GET HOME LATER THIS WEEK. Return to index of stories...


PEPPERED ROBBERY-SOTVO


FACE TO FACE WITH AN ARMED ROBBER.

A STORE OWNER FOUGHT BACK. GRABBING THE FIRST THING HE COULD. CHILLI POWDER. TO TRY AND STOP THE THIEF.

Saadat Khan/"Peppered" robber :06

"Yeah, I used 1/8the chili powder 3/8 for my food. So I just threw it on him, maybe he got something into his eyes."

AND IT WORKED.

TAKE A LOOK A THIS VIDEO.

YOU CAN SEE THE ROBBER POINTING THE GUN AT THE MAN AND DEMANDING MONEY.

INSTEAD OF OPENING THE REGISTER, THE OWNER PUNCHED THE ROBBER AND THREW CHILI POWDER AT HIM.

THE ROBBER RAN AWAY. Return to index of stories...


DOG FIGHT CRIME-VO


A CAPE CORAL WOMAN IS GRIEVING TONIGHT AFTER TWO ROAMING DOGS ATTACKED AND KILLED HER CHIWEENIE IN HER FRONT YARD.

THE ATTACK HAPPENED LAST WEEK AT HER HOUSE ALONG SOUTHEAST 29TH STREET.

TODAY, A-B-C 7 CHECKED AND WE LEARNED ONE OF THE ANIMALS IS BACK WITH ITS OWNER AND WON'T BE LISTED AS A "DANGEROUS DOG."

ANIMAL SERVICES TELLS US, UNDER FLORIDA LAW, THE BLACK LAB MUST ATTACK TWICE BEFORE IT QUALIFIES AS A DANGEROUS DOG.

THE LAB'S OWNER WAS ISSUED TICKETS FOR HER DOG ROAMING AND ACTING IN A MENANCING MANNER. Return to index of stories...


AIRLINE AT PUNTA GORDA-VO


A NEW AIRLINE IS EXPANDING INTO FLORIDA AND IS CONSIDERING MAKING PUNTA GORDA ONE OF ITS DESTINATIONS.

ELITE AIRWAYS ANNOUNCED PLANS TO OFFER NON-STOP FLIGHTS FROM THE MID-WEST AND NEW ENGLAND TO FLORIDA.

OFFICIALS AT THE PUNTA GORDA AIRPORT SAY THEY HAVEN'T STARTED TALKS WITH ELITE AIRWAYS YET, BUT WOULD WELCOME ADDING MORE FLIGHTS AT THE AIRPORT.

THERE IS NO TIME TABLE ON WHEN SERVICE MIGHT BE BEGIN. Return to index of stories...


SAILBOAT ON THE HIGHWAY-VO


A SAILBOAT CAUSED QUITE A HEADACHE FOR DRIVERS.

YES, A SAILBOAT.

LOOK AT THIS.

LAST NIGHT IN VERMONT, THIS BOAT CAME RIGHT OFF ITS TRAILER AS IT WAS BEING HAULED ON INTERSTATE 89 DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC.

THE BOAT SLID RIGHT DOWN THE FREEWAY. BLOCKING BOTH LANES.

LUCKILY IT DIDN'T HIT ANY CARS.

NO ONE WAS HURT. Return to index of stories...


NATL ANTHEM BANNED FROM HOCKEY GAMES-NATS. VO.WIPE


IT'S A TRADITIONAL PART OF **ANY SPORTING EVENT.

"Oh say can you see."

NOW, THE HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY TEAM ORGANIZATION IN PENNSYLVANIA IS SUGGESTING SKIPPING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AT GAMES TO SAVE TIME.

HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY MUST RENT TIME ON THE ICE.

EVERY GAME IS CAREFULLY TIMED TO GET IN AS MANY PLAYS AS POSSIBLE IN THE SHORTEST AMOUNT OF TIME.

THE COMMISSIONER SAYS TEAMS AREN'T PROHIBITED FROM PLAYING THE ANTHEM, JUST DISCOURAGED. Return to index of stories...


NATL ANTHEM BANNED FROM HOCKEY GAMES-(2) SOTVO


"The National Anthem should not be played only because of the time constraints.okay? It's not that we're not patriotic, that's the furthest from the truth." 7

"I go back to the 1960s with high school hockey, and we've always played the national anthem. So, I think that it's absolutely part of the game.

BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE BACKLASH. THE COMMISSIONER AND ORGANIZERS PLAN TO MEET TO SEE IF THEY CAN ALLOT TIME FOR THE ANTHEM. Return to index of stories...


SPANDEX BAN-SOTVO


A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL IN MINNEAPOLIS HAS HAD ENOUGH WITH LEGGINGS.

If you choose to wear it because it's more relaxing I

understand it but lets wear something a little longer that covers up a

little bit more of the body."

HE SENT AN EMAIL TO PARENTS, URGING THEM TO TALK TO THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT THE POPULAR, TIGHT, SPANDEX LEGGINGS AND HOW THEY'RE BEING WORN.

THE PRINCIPAL SAYS HE ISN'T TRYING TO BAN THEM, BUT SAYS THERE IS GROWING CONCERN ABOUT HOW MUCH BOTTOM IS SHOWING. Return to index of stories...


DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS-VO


CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS ARE ALREADY GOING UP IN DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS.

IT'S ALL PART OF THE CITY'S HOLIDAY STROLL EVENT.

THAT'S WHEN BUSINESSES PUT UP DECORATIONS TIMED OUT TO MUSIC AND LIGHTS

THAT'S NEXT SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7-15. Return to index of stories...


HOLIDAY TRAVEL SEASON-OC


MANY OF YOU ARE FINISHING UP TRAVEL PLANS FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

WE'VE LEARNED --

EXPECT TO BE CRAMMED IN WHEN YOU FLY.

HERE'S JAY GRAY. Return to index of stories...


HOLIDAY TRAVEL SEASON-PKG


FOR MANY. THE HOLIDAYS ARE A TIME TO.

Natural Sound

HIT THE ROAD.

Natural Sound

OR TAKE TO THE SKY.

MORE THAN 43-MILLION WILL TRAVEL THIS THANKSGIVING, ACCORDING TO TRIPLE-A.

Sound Robert Darbelnet - President & CEO, AAA President & CEO :12-:19

That is up a little less than 1% than last year, but it is the 4th consecutive year of increase.

MOST WILL MAKE THAT TRIP, IN THE FAMILY TRUCKSTER.

DRIVING AN AVERAGE OF 588 MILES. DOWN FROM MORE THAN 700 MILES LAST YEAR. ONE MAIN REASON - THE COST OF A FILL-UP.

Sound Robert Darbelnet - President & CEO, AAA President & CEO :30-:36

"It peaked in September and it's been declining since, but this will probably a record year in terms of average gas prices."

FOR THOSE WHO FLY. TRIPLE-A SAYS ON AVERAGE, TICKET PRICES ARE DOWN JUST A BIT.

AND SO ARE THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS. STILL, THERE WILL BE MORE THAN 3-MILLION MOVING THROUGH AIRPORTS OVER THE HOLIDAY.

Natural Sound crowded airport

IF YOU WANT TO KEEP THINGS AS EASY. AS. WELL, PIE.

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY OFFICERS HAVE A FEW TIPS ON WHAT TO DO WITH ANY HOLIDAY GOODIES.

Sound NO I.D. - TSA Agent :58 - 1:10

"Jellies, Jams and preserves - anything like that, even cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving being around the corner. These objects can go through in your checked luggage but they cannot go through the check point in your carry-on luggage."

WHETHER LOADING THAT LUGGAGE ON A PLANE.

OR PUTTING YOUR SUITCASE IN A CAR.

THE DATA SHOWS TRAVELERS MAY NOT BE GOING AS FAR. OR SPENDING AS MUCH.

BUT MOST THIS SEASON, ARE TRAVELING FOR THE SAME REASON.

Sound Robert Darbelnet - President & CEO, AAA President & CEO 1:22-1:28

Carving Turkey with family and friends still trumps pinching pennies, pennies

WHICH MEANS FOR MANY CROWDED ROADWAYS AND AIRPORTS WILL AGAIN BE A PART OF THEIR HOLIDAY TRADITION. Return to index of stories...


HOLIDAY TRAVEL SEASON-OC


JAY GRAY REPORTING.

YOU MAY WANT TO KEEP THIS IN MIND, --

PEAK TRAVEL DAYS ARE THE WEDNESDAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING, AND THE SUNDAY AND MONDAY AFTER. Return to index of stories...


NEW AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP


NEXT AT 5 OPEN Return to index of stories...


TEASE FOUR------------


"It's extremely dangerous. I mean, it's like literally playing Russian roulette,"

RUSSIAN ROULETTE WITH PRESCRIPTION PILLS.

THE NEW.**DEADLY** TREND FOR TEENS.

A LOOK INSIDE PHARM PARTIES.

AND

NATS OF SONG

THE THANKSGIVING SONG.

THE VIRAL HIT YOU'LL BE HEARING OVER AND OVER.

WEATHER IS COMING UP. Return to index of stories...


TZ4 A) PHARM PARTIES-SOTVO


Return to index of stories...

TZ4 B THANKSGIVING SONG VIRAL-NATSVO


Return to index of stories...

CROSSTALK-WX EST


AD-LIB WEATHER CHAT Return to index of stories...


RICK SCOTT'S MOM DIES-OC-FDOT


BREAKING NEWS --

RICK SCOTT'S MOTHER HAS PASSED AWAY.

THE GOVERNOR'S MOM WAS 84.

FLORIDA VOTERS GOT TO KNOW HER IN 2010 --

WHEN SHE APPEARED IN A CAMPAIGN AD FOR HER SON, CALLING HIM A "GOOD BOY."

SHE BECAME ILL LAST MONTH AND COULDN'T FIGHT OFF AN INFECTION. Return to index of stories...


ELMO RECANTS-VO


BREAKING NEWS --

THE PERSON WHO ACCUSED THE MAN BEHIND ELMO OF AN INAPPROPRIATE RELATIONSHIP IS NOW RECANTING.

THE ACCUSER ORIGINALLY SAID KEVIN CLASH -- THE ACTOR WHO VOICED ELMO FOR 28 YEARS -- HAD A SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM WHEN HE WAS 16 AND UNDERAGE.

NOW, HE SAYS THAT'S NOT TRUE.

CLASH TOOK A LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM SEASAME STREET. Return to index of stories...


STORM WARN JP OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

FORECAST-PHC


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. Return to index of stories...


FORECAST-WXWALL


WARM WEATHER CONTINUES

Variable clouds will become mostly clear later tonight as we continue to track a front in northern Florida. The cold front up there still doesn't look like it's headed this way with cooler weather and will continue to slowly die off over the next few days. That means we will continue to see a few clouds mixed with some sunshine and warm weather in the afternoon on Wednesday. The average high for this time of year is 82 degrees and we will hit that number again tomorrow. Rain chances stay pretty low for Wednesday, but not down to 'zero'. It looks like there could be an isolated shower tomorrow covering roughly 20%, or less, of the area. Overnight lows this evening will drop back into the 60's and a little fog could form east of the interstate on Wednesday morning.

The extended outlook calls for fairly quiet weather on Thursday and Friday with another chance for a shower on Saturday. By Sunday, the winds will become a bit more northerly and our temperatures will begin to cool as we head into next week. Our temperatures this week have averaged a few degrees above normal and next week looks to be a few degrees below normal as Thanksgiving approaches. Return to index of stories...


PHARM PARTIES-OC


ONE DOCTOR SAYS TEENS ARE PLAYING A NEW BRAND OF RUSSIAN ROULETTE.

PHARM PARTIES' ARE BECOMING A NEW, DEADLY TREND AMONG TEENS.

THE "PHARM" IS SHORT FOR PHARMACEUTICALS.

JENNIFER ABNEY TELLS US ABOUT THE DANGERS. Return to index of stories...


PHARM PARTIES-PKG


"A Pharm party is when a bunch of kids, you know either buy whatever kind of pills you can get your hands on. It's similar to any other party, your going to find other drugs like alcohol and marijuana and stuff."

"It's extremely dangerous. I mean, it's like literally playing Russian roulette."

IT'S NOT A NEW TERM-- BUT IT'S ONE THAT DR. NEIL CAPRETTO IS STARTING TO HEAR MORE OFTEN.

HE SAYS WHEN YOU START MIXING DRUGS, YOU CAN GET A LETHAL COMBINATION

"There was a young girl in our community recently was at a party and took two pills, didn't know what they were. They were two 80 mg of oxycontin. that's equal to 36 percocets at one time."

A RECENT STUDY SHOWED 20 PERCENT OF TEENS WILL HAVE TRIED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS BEFORE THEY GRADUATE.

THIS PATIENT POPPED HIS FIRST PAINKILLER WHEN WAS JUST 14 YEARS OLD.

"My mom was in surgery and we had some pills around the house so I took those. For Opiates I used to do a Perk 30 or an Oxy 5. I was doing that at least once a day."

"I tell parents treat narcotic medicine like it's a loaded gun bc actually more people die in your community from OD from Rx medicines than homicides and traffic fatalities."

ADDICTION DOESN'T DISCRIMINATE.

THE PATIENT WE INTERVIEWED GREW UP IN AN AFFLUENT SUBURB.

THAT'S WHY DR. CAPRETTO SAYS PARENT NEED TO BE INVOLVED IN THEIR CHILD'S LIFE.

"Keep your radar on. This is too important. The life of your child depends on this." Return to index of stories...


PHARM PARTIES-OC


JENNIFER ABNEY REPORTING.

DOCTORS SAY IT'S IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS TO BE INVOLVED IN THEIR CHILDREN'S LIVES AND PAY ATTENTION TO THEIR BEHAVIOR. Return to index of stories...


VICTORIA'S SECRET APOLOGY-SS


VICTORIA'S SECRET IS APOLOGIZING FOR ONE OF IT'S MODEL WEARING A NATIVE AMERICAN-STYLE HEADDRESS DURING ITS ANNUAL FASHION SHOW.

KARLIE KLOSS SPORTED THE FLOOR-LENGTH HEADDRESS ON THE RUNWAY LAST WEEK IN NEW YORK.

SOME SAW IT AS ART.

OTHERS AS A DISPLAY OF IGNORANCE TOWARD NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES.

VICTORIA'S SECRET SAYS IT'S TAKING THE OUTFIT OUT OF THE BROADCAST.

HEADDRESSES ARE HISTORICALLY A SYMBOL OF RESPECT, WORN BY NATIVE AMERICAN WAR CHIEFS AND WARRIORS, NOT BY FEMALES. Return to index of stories...


DWTS TONIGHT-NATSVO


A CELEBRITY EARNED ANOTHER PERFECT SCORE LAST NIGHT ON DANCING WITH THE STARS -- ALL STARS.

nats of Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani dancing.

IN THE FIRST ROUND MELISSA RYCROFT AND HER PARTNER PERFORMED A QUICKSTEP.

THAT PERFORMANCE EARNED A STANDING OVATION AND 30 POINTS FROM THE JUDGES.

SHAWN JOHNSON AND HER PARTNER EARNED 29.5 POINTS IN THE FIRST ROUND.

TWO COUPLES WILL BE ELIMINATED TONIGHT.

YOU CAN SEE WHO GETS KICKED OFF RIGHT HERE ON ABC7 STARTING AT 8. Return to index of stories...


THANKSGIVING SONG VIRAL-NATSVO


IT'S BEING CALLED THE WORST SONG EVER AND THE VIDEO IS NOW VIRAL.

nats from the video

SINCE NICOLE WESTBROOK POSTED THIS THANKSGIVING VIDEO ON YOUTUBE LAST WEDNESDAY.IT'S RACKED UP 4- MILLION VIEWS.

THE GUY WHO WROTE THE SONG AND PRODUCED THE VIDEO IS THE SAME MAN RESPONSIBLE FOR LAST YEAR'S TEEN VIRAL VIDEO SENSATION - 13 YEAR OLD REBECCA BLACK.

YOU PROBABLY REMEMBER HER HIT "FRIDAY." Return to index of stories...


HOLIDAY HEROES FOOD DRIVE-VO.WIPE


CAPE COPS TOOK AIM AT HUNGER TODAY IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S LARGEST CITY.

POLICE OFFICERS SET UP SHOP OUTSIDE TWO CAPE CORAL WALMARTS THIS AFTERNOON -- INCLUDING THIS ONE ON DEL PRADO BOULEVARD.

THEY'RE TEAMED UP WITH THE HARRY CHAPIN FOOD BANK FOR "HOLIDAY HEROES FOOD DRIVE."

CAPE POLICE HOPE TO RAISE MORE THAN TWO TONS -- FOUR THOUSAND POUNDS OF FOOD -- A LITTLE OVER A WEEK BEFORE THANKSGIVING. Return to index of stories...


HOLIDAY HEROES FOOD DRIVE-SOTVO


1931 "there are still a lot of people hungry here in Cape Coral. Especially the most vulnerable our children and our senior citizens."

IF YOU DIDN'T GET A CATCH TO STOP BY THIS AFTERNOON -- YOU CAN ALWAYS DONATE DIRECTLY TO THE HARRY CHAPIN FOOD BANK. Return to index of stories...


TEASE FIVE-ONCAM


ONE WOMAN ISN'T HAPPY ABOUT THE PRESIDENT WINNING RE-ELECTION.

AND IN PART SHE BLAMERS HER HUSBAND.

WHAT HE DIDN'T DO.AND WHAT SHE DID DO TO LAND IN JAIL. Return to index of stories...


TZ5 A WOMAN RUNS OVER HUSBAND FOR NOT VOTING-VO


Return to index of stories...

BUMP SHOT-BUMP IN


BUMP IN W/ ANCHOR MICS Return to index of stories...


WOMAN RUNS OVER HUSBAND FOR NOT VOTING-OC


OFFICERS SAY AN ARIZONA WOMAN FURIOUS ABOUT PRESIDENT OBAMA'S RE-ELECTION, TOOK IT OUT ON HER HUSBAND.AND PUT HIM IN THE HOSPITAL.

AS BRIAN WEBB REPORTS, IT ALL BEGAN OVER AN ARGUMENT ABOUT WHAT THE MAN DIDN'T DO ON ELECTION DAY. Return to index of stories...


WOMAN RUNS OVER HUSBAND FOR NOT VOTING-PKG


Caller: "This woman just ran down her boyfriend or husband in the parking lot here in Gilbert. We saw it."

Operator: "Okay, hang on just a second."

Caller: "He needs help."

A FRANTIC WITNESS CALLED 9-1-1 AFTER POLICE SAY HOLLY SOLOMON USED HER CAR TO RUN OVER HER HUSBAND AFTER SHE GOT MAD AT HIM FOR NOT VOTING.

Caller: "He got out of the car and she was screaming at him, and he started walking away and she started driving in circles around him and she wouldn't let him go. So finally, he took off to try and get away and she ran into him."

ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE HUSBAND TOLD POLICE HIS WIFE, QUOTE, "JUST HATES OBAMA AND SHE FOUND OUT HE WON."

SHE ALSO FOUND OUT HER HUSBAND DID NOT VOTE IN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, WHICH IS WHAT SET HER OFF, BECAUSE SHE BLAMED THE PRESIDENT FOR PROBLEMS HER FAMILY WAS GOING THROUGH.

"I just think it's completely silly that a marriage can get broken up by something political. Families should be able to stay stronger than what's going on in the government right now."

SOLOMON FACES ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON CHARGES RIGHT NOW, WHILE HER HUSBAND IS RECOVERING IN THE HOSPITAL WITH SERIOUS INTERNAL INJURIES.

"Hitting your husband with a car, your spouse with a car.total over reaction over not voting." Return to index of stories...


WOMAN RUNS OVER HUSBAND FOR NOT VOTING-OC


BRIAN WEBB REPORTING.

OFFICERS SAY THERE ARE NO INDICATIONS THAT THE WIFE WAS IMPAIRED BY ALCOHOL OR DRUGS DURING THE INCIDENT. Return to index of stories...


ROMNEY UNLIKING-VOTOPS


THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE UNLIKING MITT ROMNEY ON FACEBOOK SINCE THE ELECTION.

ON FRIDAY THE G-O-P PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE'S PAGE WAS LOSING 593-"LIKES" AN HOUR.

YESTERDAY HE WAS LOSING AROUND 11-"LIKES" EVERY MINUTE.

BUT, HE STILL HAS MORE THAN 12-MILLION FACEBOOK FANS AND 1 POINT 7-MILLION FOLLOWERS ON TWITTER. Return to index of stories...


NEXT AT 6 OPEN-CLIP


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COMING UP AT 6PM


1047 It's like losing my family.""

A WOMAN SAYS THE DEATH OF HER BELOVED DOG KILLED IN HER FRONT YARD COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED.

THE MUST SEE STORY FOR ANYONE WHO OWNS A PET.

A 73-YEAR OLD WOMAN IS HOME ALONE WHEN AN INTRUDER BREAKS IN.

NEW AT 6--

THE HUNT FOR THE MAN WHO MAY BE BEHIND SEVERAL OTHER BURGLARIES IN LEHIGH.

SOMETIMES ALL YOU NEED IS A LITTLE ART!

NEW AT SIX - HOW PAINTBRUSHES ARE HELPING OUT ALZHEIMERS PATIENTS RIGHT HERE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA. Return to index of stories...


TZ 6 1) DOG ON DOG CRIME-SOTTOPS-VO


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TZ 6 2) ELDERLY BURGLARY-VOTOPS


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TZ 6 3) ALZHEIMERS ART THERAPY-VOTOPS


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CLOSE-2SHOT


AD LIB GOODBYE Return to index of stories...