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

STRAIGHT AHEAD ON SOUTH WEST FLORIDA'S *ONLY LOCAL NEWS AT NINE --

A NEW YORK COMMUNITY.

SHAKEN THIS CHRISTMAS MORNING.

AFTER A GUNMAN STARTED SHOOTING AT *FIREFIGHTERS.

KILLING TWO OF THEM.

AND POLICE OFFICERS SAY IT WAS ALL A TRAP.

LEIGH DOES A LIVE TEASE. SOUND TBA

AND -- A CONSUMER ALERT THIS MORNING.

GAS FIREPLACES HAVE A BRAND NEW DESIGN.

BUT IT'S PUTTING CHILDREN IN DANGER.

HL1) NY FIREFIGHTERS-VO-WIPE

HL2) SALVATION ARMY-LIVE-WIPE

HL3) GAS FIREPLACE DANGER-VOTOPS

WX HL-WX WALL

NEWS AT 9:00 OPEN-CLIPTOPS

TOSS TO WX-OC

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

AND GOOD MORNING, SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

I'M LINH BUI --

AND IT'S SHAPING UP TO BE A *BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS DAY FOR US--

BUT THAT'S NOT THE CASE EVERYWHERE.

STORM WARN 7 METOROLOGIST TYLER MAULDIN IS TRACKING THE LATEST WEATHER CONDITIONS,

CHRISTMAS WEATHER (NATIONAL)-WXWALL

We've got some magnificent weather on the way for Christmas Day across Southwest Florida!

We'll start things off this Christmas morning with a few passing clouds and lots of sunshine. Temperatures will be cool but slightly warmer than Christmas Eve morning as the warming trend continues for us today. After starting out with temperatures in the mid to upper 50s, we'll end up warmer then normal this afternoon with highs close to 80°.

Aside from Santa and his reindeer this morning, the only thing we'll be tracking in our sky is some thin clouds flowing in from the west. Overall, we'll call Christmas Day partly cloudy and dry with a nice supply of sunshine.

If you're going out tonight to check out some Christmas lights or to simply enjoy the beautiful weather, temperatures will settle into the low 70s just after sunrise, and we'll cool off into the low 60s overnight and into Wednesday morning.

Wednesday will be another warm day with higher humidity and a little more cloud cover. A weakening cool front will also be heading our way Wednesday afternoon and evening, so we'll see the potential for a few showers and perhaps a couple rumbles of thunder.

By Thursday, we'll clear out and cool off. Temperatures will struggle to get out of the 60s, and we'll enjoy wall to wall sunshine.

The chill returns to the air Friday morning as overnight lows dip into the low 50s and even upper 40s. Temperatures Friday afternoon will be quite pleasant as daytime highs reach the mid 70s.

The next chance of rain for us will be Saturday as the next storm system heads our way. Most of the rain will clear the area Sunday, leaving us with a partly cloudy sky and another cool down coming our way toward the end of the weekend.

Happy Holidays!

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.

NEW THIS MORNING CLIP-CLIP

FATAL CRASH-NAVI

NEW THIS MORNING --

F-H-P TROOPERS INVESTIGATE A FATAL ACCIDENT IN COLLIER COUNTY.

IT HAPPENED AROUND 5-30 THIS MORNING --

ON STATE ROAD 29,

NORTH OF OIL WELL ROAD.

TROOPERS SAY A VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE.

ONE PERSON DIED,

AND ANOTHER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL.

TRAFFIC SLOWED IN THAT AREA,

FIREFIGHTER VIGIL-VO

THIS MORNING, A NEW YORK COMMUNITY MOURNS THE DEATHS OF TWO FIREFIGHTERS.

WHO WERE KILLED WHILE RESPONDING TO A HOUSE FIRE.

WELL-WISHERS GATHERED LAST NIGHT --

TO HONOR THE TWO MEN.

POLICE SAY AN EX-CONVICT *INTENTIONALLY SET A FIRE --

TO LURE IN FIRST RESPONDERS.

THEN STARTED SHOOTING AT THEM.

TWO OTHER CREW MEMBERS WERE INJURED --

FIRE SCENE YESTERDAY-TRX-VOTOPS

HERE'S VIDEO OF THAT SCENE YESTERDAY --

YOU CAN SEE THE FIRE QUICKLY GREW OUT OF CONTROL.

BOTH FIREFIGHTERS WERE GUNNED DOWN --

RIGHT WHEN THEY GOT THERE.

AFTER AN EXCHANGE OF GUNFIRE,

FMB FIRE-VO

BACK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA --

AT LEAST THREE PEOPLE ARE HOMELESS THIS CHRISTMAS MORNING.

AFTER FLAMES TORCHED A FORT MYERS BEACH CONDO COMPLEX.

THIS WAS AT THE SPORTSMAN COVE YACHT AND RACQUET CLUB,

MONDAY MORNING.

NO ONE WAS HURT,

BUT THE BUILDING WAS EVACUATED.

THE RED CROSS IS NOW HELPING THE FAMILIES OUT.

FMB FIRE-SOTVO

vernon huntoon

0128 i got some of my stuff out. the christmas presents, different things

sot cindy

1618 just pray for everyone thats involved today, that they can get through this without too much worry and bless them all 16:26

THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.

NEIGHBORS SAY THEY PLAN TO HOLD A FUNDRAISER AFTER THE HOLIDAYS.

CHRISTMAS IN NEWTOWN-VO-WIPE

NOW TO NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT.

LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AGO --

A LONE GUNMAN OPENED FIRE IN AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

AND KILLED 26 PEOPLE.

THIS MORNING -- PEOPLE THERE ARE TRYING TO FIND *SOME CHRISTMAS JOY,

IN THE MIDDLE OF A SENSELESS TRAGEDY.

THE TOWN IS STILL REELING FROM THE SHOOTING AT SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY.

CHRISTMAS IN NEWTOWN-SOTVO

"Fortunately we have many, many kids that are still here. It's all about the kids and being with family."

--BUTTED WITH--

"We take one hour at a time, one minute at a time."

DOZENS ARE PITCHING IN AND HELPING COMFORT THE COMMUNITY.

MONDAY -- A GROUP PASSED OUT FREE HOT CHOCOLATE, DONUTS AND PANDA BEARS.

AND ALL POLICE OFFICERS IN NEWTOWN HAVE TODAY OFF.

STABBING LATEST-VO

A SUSPECT IS ON THE RUN THIS MORNING --

AFTER LEE COUNTY DEPUTIES SAY HE *STABBED A WOMAN AT A LOCAL PARK.

IT HAPPENED AT CHARLESTON PARK IN ALVA.

DEPUTIES TELL US THE ATTACKER IS STILL OUT THERE.

THE WOMAN WAS TAKEN TO LEE MEMORIAL --

BUT HER INJURIES ARE *NOT LIFE THREATENING.

IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION --

FMB BOIL WATER NOTICE-SS VO

FOR THE SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN A WEEK -

A BOIL WATER NOTICE IS IN EFFECT FOR PART OF FORT MYERS BEACH.

PEOPLE WHO LIVE FROM ALBATROSS STREET TO THE SOUTH END OF ESTERO ISLAND.

SHOULD BOIL THEIR WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE BEFORE USING.

THE WATER STATION IN THIS AREA HAS A PRESSURE ISSUE.

TOWN OFFICIALS HOPE TO HAVE LAB RESULTS ON THE WATER.

BACK SOMETIME TODAY.

FREE CHRISTMAS MEALS-OC-CG(2)

FOR FAMILIES IN NEED --

ABC-7 HAS TWO LOCATIONS OFFERING FREE CHRISTMAS DINNERS.

IF YOU'RE IN LEHIGH ACRES AREA --

YOU CAN GET A FREE MEAL FROM 11 A-M UNTIL TWO P-M.

IT'S ALL HAPPENING AT RAPHAEL'S CHURCH --

ON LEE BOULEVARD.

AND DOWN IN NAPLES -

- THE SAINT MATTHEWS HOUSE IS COOKING UP CHRISTMAS MEALS.

THEY'LL START SERVING FOOD FOR THOSE IN NEED --

FISCAL CLIFF HOLIDAY-OC

IN WASHINGTION -- THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ARE ABSENT.

ENJOYING THEIR CHRISTMAS VACTIONS.

MEANWHILE -- NEGOTIATIONS WERE LEFT *ON THE TABLE.

AND WE'RE JUST SEVEN-DAYS AWAY FROM THAT FISCAL CLIFF.

FISCAL CLIFF HOLIDAY-PKG

WITH CONGRESS GONE. AND THE PRESIDENT OUT OF TOWN. WASHINGTON LOOKS A

LITTLE LIKE A GHOST TOWN TODAY.

. BUT THANKS TO THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF OUR POLITICAL LEADERS TO AGREE ON

A DEFICIT DEAL, AMERICANS OF ALL STRIPES ARE ABOUT TO BE CLOBBERED WITH A

BIG TAX HIKE.

VIRTUALLY EVERYBODY WILL TAKE A HIT --

A SCHOOL TEACHER WITH TWO KIDS AND A SALARY OF $43,000, FOR EXAMPLE, WILL

FACE A TAX HIKE OF MORE THAN $3000.

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS HELPED GET US IN THIS MESS, AND THEY'LL PAY TOO --WITH

AN INCOME OF $174,000 --- THEY'LL PAY $7500 MORE IN TAXES.

AND SUPER RICH -- WELL CONSIDER BASKETBALL PHENOM LEBRON JAMES -- HE MAKES

ABOUT $53 MILLION A YEAR -- BUT WOULD SEE HIS TAXES GO UP MORE THAN $2.4

MILLION NEXT YEAR ALONE.

THAT WOULD BE REAL MONEY FROM LEBRON -- ENOUGH TO PAY FOR THE FLIGHT

PRESIDENT OBAMA TOOK FRIDAY ON AIR FORCE ONE TO HAWAII -- BUT NOT ENOUGH TO

FLY HIM BACK.

AND THE FISCALL CLIFF IS ABOUT MORE THAN TAXES.

WITHOUT A DEAL, WE ARE ALSO LIKELY TO SEE FEDERAL WORKERS FURLOUGHED BECAUSE

OF ACROSS THE BOARD CUTS. AND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS EXPIRE ON JANUARY 1

FOR SOME 2 MILLION PEOPLE LOOKING FOR WORK.

WHAT'S BEING DONE TO STOP THIS? CONGRESS IS MIA AND SO THIS PRESIDENT.

ABC'S REENA NINAN IS TRAVELING WITH HIM IN HAWAII:

NINAN BRIDGE: THIS IS AS CLOSE AS SECRET SERVICE WILL LET US GET TO

PRESIDENT OBAMA WHERE HE'S STAYING HERE ON KAILUA BEACH.A FAVORITE SPOT

FOR WIND SURFERS. HE'LL BE SPENDING CHRISTMAS WITH HIS FAMILY. NO PUBLIC

EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR CHRISTMAS EVE OR CHRISTMAS DAY.

THE PRESIDENT WILL LIKELY RETURN SOON. AND CONGRESS IS DUE BACK THURSDAY

. LEAVING JUST FOUR DAYS BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR AND THE BEGINNING OF

THE FISCAL CLIFF.

THERE ALSO DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE MUCH GOING ON BEHIND THE SCENES. AIDES TO

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE JOHN BOEHNER SAY HE HAS NOT SPOKEN TO THE PRESIDENT

FISCAL CLIFF AND STOCKS-VO

THAT WAS JONATHAN KARL REPORTING --

AND THIS MORNING, INVESTORS ASK FOR A *DEAL FOR CHRISTMAS.

THE THREAT OF AUTOMATIC TAX HIKES AND SPENDING CUTS.

WEIGHED DOWN STOCKS ON MONDAY.

THE DOW FELL 51 POINTS--

ENDING THE DAY AT 13-THOUSAND 139.

TRADING ENDED EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS EVE.

MISSING BOATERS FOUND-SS VO WIPE

TWO MEN ARE BACK ON DRY LAND THIS MORNING ---

AFTER GETTING STRANDED OVERNIGHT IN THE GULF OF MEXICO.

THE PAIR WAS 30-MILES OFF SHORE,

WHEN THEIR BOAT'S BATTERY DIED.

A COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN SPOTTED THEIR BOAT,

NEAR THE MOHAWK REEF.

AND SEA TOW GAVE THEM ENOUGH POWER TO MAKE IT BACK.

THEY LEFT PINE ISLAND ON SUNDAY AROUND NOON.

BUT FINALLY GOT BACK MONDAY.

MISSING BOATERS FOUND-SOTVO

:10:36:24

I thought it was the end of the life. you know, whew. That was really tough. That was tough." 32

IT WAS SO COLD --

THEY USED FISHING NETS AND LIFE JACKETS AS BLANKETS.

JACK KLUGMAN DIES-VO

IT'S A SAD CHRISTMAS DAY FOR CLASSIC TELEVISION FANS.

ACTOR JACK KLUGMAN DIED YESTERDAY --

AT THE AGE OF 90.

HE PLAYED A VARIETY OF ROLES.

BUT HIS SIGNATURE ROLE IN "THE ODD COUPLE".

MADE HIM FAMOUS.

HE WAS THE MESSY "OSCAR MADISON" --

IN THE CLASSIC '70S SITCOM.

HE LATER PLAYED A TOUGH MEDICAL EXAMINER FOR SEVEN SEASONS --

COLD & MANATEES-VO

TEMPERATURES ARE WARMING UP --

AFTER A CHILLY WEEKEND.

BUT IT WAS COLD ENOUGH TO SEND DOZENS OF MANATEES.

SEARCHING FOR WARMER WATERS.

MORE THAN 100 MANATEES MIGRATED --

FROM THE 64 DEGREE WATERS IN THE GULF.

TO THE 77 DEGREE WATERS AT LEE COUNTY'S MANATEE PARK.

BUT IF THEY WANT TO EAT, THEY'LL HAVE TO VENTURE BACK OUT TO THE GULF.

AND THIS YEAR ALONE -- IN LEE COUNTY --

RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN-VO

THE BELLS WILL KEEP RINGING.

EVEN AFTER CHRISTMAS.

THE SALVATION ARMY TELLS US --

ITS ANNUAL RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN IS AT 70 PERCENT OF ITS GOAL.

SO BELL RINGERS WILL STAY OUT AT SELECT STORES,

UNTIL AS LATE AS NEW YEAR'S EVE.

THE ORGANIZATION HOPES TO COLLECT MORE MONEY IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS,

TEASE ONE-OC

ALTHOUGH IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY --

SOME SHOPPING LIST ARE *STILL IN-COMPLETE.

WE'LL SHOW WHAT STORES ARE OPEN --

FOR YOUR LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY NEEDS.

PLUS, IF YOU DON'T WANT TO COOK.

TZ1 WHAT'S OPEN TODAY-VOTOPS

WEATHER TEASE-WX ID

BLOOMBERG TEASE-SOT

BLOOMBERG BUSINESS REPORT-PKG TOPS

STORMWARN GENERIC CLIP-CLIP

CROSSTALK-CAM 9 WX EST

FORECAST-WXWALL

We've got some magnificent weather on the way for Christmas Day across Southwest Florida!

We'll start things off this Christmas morning with a few passing clouds and lots of sunshine. Temperatures will be cool but slightly warmer than Christmas Eve morning as the warming trend continues for us today. After starting out with temperatures in the mid to upper 50s, we'll end up warmer then normal this afternoon with highs close to 80°.

Aside from Santa and his reindeer this morning, the only thing we'll be tracking in our sky is some thin clouds flowing in from the west. Overall, we'll call Christmas Day partly cloudy and dry with a nice supply of sunshine.

If you're going out tonight to check out some Christmas lights or to simply enjoy the beautiful weather, temperatures will settle into the low 70s just after sunrise, and we'll cool off into the low 60s overnight and into Wednesday morning.

Wednesday will be another warm day with higher humidity and a little more cloud cover. A weakening cool front will also be heading our way Wednesday afternoon and evening, so we'll see the potential for a few showers and perhaps a couple rumbles of thunder.

By Thursday, we'll clear out and cool off. Temperatures will struggle to get out of the 60s, and we'll enjoy wall to wall sunshine.

The chill returns to the air Friday morning as overnight lows dip into the low 50s and even upper 40s. Temperatures Friday afternoon will be quite pleasant as daytime highs reach the mid 70s.

The next chance of rain for us will be Saturday as the next storm system heads our way. Most of the rain will clear the area Sunday, leaving us with a partly cloudy sky and another cool down coming our way toward the end of the weekend.

Happy Holidays!

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.

STORES OPEN TODAY-OC-SS

BELIEVE IT OR NOT ---

SOME STORES *ARE OPEN TODAY.

SO YOU CAN GET THOSE *REALLY LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFTS.

BUT YOU DON'T HAVE A TON OF OPTIONS.

WALGREEN'S DOES HAVE 24-HOUR LOCATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS DAY.

AND C-V-S PHARMACY STORES ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN OPEN.

RESTAURANTS OPEN TODAY-SSTOPS-OC

AND HERE'S A LIST OF EATING DESTINATIONS --

OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY.

YOU CAN GET YOU BREAKFAST FIX AT I-HOP THIS MORNING.

ALSO -- DENNY'S OR WAFFLE HOUSE.

FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A CAFFEINE RUSH --

STARBUCKS IS OPEN ON CHRISTMAS.

AND FINALLY --

FAST FOOD GIANT MCDONALD'S WILL SERVE THOSE FAMOUS BURGERS AND FRIES TODAY.

BUT NOT *EVERY LOCATION IS OPEN.

CHECK WITH EACH COMPANY --

GAS FIREPLACE DANGER-OC

IF YOU'RE FIRING UP A GAS FIREPLACE THIS MORNING.

ABC7 HAS A WARNING.

THERE ARE A FEW HIDDEN DANGERS,

BEHIND THE PEACEFUL FLAME.

PUTTING YOUR CHILDREN AT RISK FOR SERIOUS BURNS.

GAS FIREPLACE DANGER-PKG

THIS IS SIGNEE WHELAN. SHE SUFFERED THIRD DEGREE BURNS TO HER HANDS WHEN SHE WAS JUST LEARNING TO STAND UP.

"We were scared, we were really scared. We realized this was something that wasn't going to go away."

SEAN WHELAN SAYS HIS DAUGHTER WAS ELEVEN MOTHS OLD WHEN SHE SCORCHED HER PALMS ON THE GAS FIREPLACE IN HER HOME.

A GAS FIREPLACE LIKE THIS ONE. IT'S A NEW DESIGN, WHERE THERE ARE GAS FLAMES, BUT NO DOORS. A SOLID GLASS PANEL SEPARATES THE FLAMES FROM THE ROOM. CLEAR AND BEAUTIFUL, BUT WHAT MANY PARENTS DON'T REALIZE IS JUST HOW HOT THE GLASS GETS. IN FACT THE SURFACE OF THE GLASS CAN EXCEED 500 DEGREES.

"Her entire palms and fingers were burned.

"We're put into an ambulance and then they took my daughter and I to the burn center."

SIGNE UNDERWENT NUMEROUS SURGERIES. AND SKIN GRAFTS.

"I was in view of the kids. We had gates on everything and I would have done the same thing with this appliance had I had a clue how dangerous it actually was."

PARENTS HAVE HAD TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM FIREPLACE BURNS FOR GENERATIONS. BUT THESE GLASS FRONT GAS FIREPLACES MAY APPEAR SAFER BECAUSE OF THE GLASS BARRIER. BUT JUST THE OPPOSITE. SIGNE IS NOT THE ONLY CHILD TO BE INJURED.

TEN-MONTH OLD LILA STEPHENS BURNED HER SMALL HANDS ON THE SAME KIND OF FIREPLACE, THIS ONE AT A RESORT IN WISCONSIN. SHE TOO UNDERWENT SKIN GRAFTS TO BOTH HANDS.

THE ONLINE PUBLICATION "FAIR WARNING" HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING INJURIES ASSOCIATED WITH THESE AND HAS BEEN PUSHING GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY FOR A FIX. REGULATORS HAVE TAKEN NOTICE.

"These gas fireplaces are becoming ever more popular. We're seeing them both in the residential setting as well as hotels and motels."

THE U-S CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION SAYS IT KNOWS OF DOZENS OF CHILDREN SERIOUSLY BURNED.

"Serious enough that action was required and the industry has taken the action."

THE FIREPLACE INDUSTRY SAYS THERE ARE ABOUT ELEVEN MILLION OF THESE GLASS FRONT GAS FIREPLACES IN HOMES ACROSS THE U-S. AND AGREES ANYONE WHO USES THEM NEEDS TO KNOW THE DANGER.

GAS FIREPLACE DANGER-OC

THAT WAS LIZ CRENSHAW REPORTING --

BEGINNING IN 2015, THE INDUSTRY WILL MANUFACTURE FIREPLACES WITH PROTECTIVE BARRIERS.

BUT FOR NOW --

CONSUMERS CAN LOOK FOR A RETRO-FIT SCREEN.

TEASE TWO-VO

A MONTANA FAMILY LIVES BY THE SAYING --

BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER.

AND THEIR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TRADITION.

TZ2 XMAS BLOOD DONATION-VO

CHRISTMAS BLOOD DONATION-OC

FOR MANY OF US --

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS ABOUT THE SPIRIT OF GIVING.

AND ONE MONTANA FAMILY HAS A STORY TO TELL --

ABOUT *THEIR TRADITION.

THEY GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE.

CHRISTMAS BLOOD DONATION-PKG

THEY SAY BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER -- AN ADAGE THE LANCASTER FAMILY SHOULD KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT.

TODAY MARKS A DECADE OF PARTAKING IN A CHARITABLE FAMILY TRADITION -- DONATING BLOOD TOGETHER AT THE RED CROSS.

"We just decided a little over ten years ago or so we've been donating as a family at Christmas."

THE MAN WHO STARTED THE TRADITION -- BRAD LANCASTER -- SAYS NEEDING DONATED BLOOD IS A PROBLEM THAT AFFECTED THEIR FAMILY.

"A few years ago it really became apparent how important that was because my wife barb's mother had a need, a very severe need for blood that really reenforced the family tradition, made it very personal."

THE FAMILY DONATES IN RECORD BREAKING PROPORTION.

MARK LANCASTER DID NOT KNOW BEFORE HE GOT TO THE RED CROSS THAT HE WAS HITTING A THREE GALLON MILESTONE.

"I honestly did not know so I am pleasantly surprised so it's a nice little Christmas present."

AND EVEN THOUGH SOME OF THEM GET NERVOUS WAITING FOR THE INITIAL STICK -- THE FAMILY TRIES TO LIGHTEN THE MOOD -- RACING TO SEE WHO FINISHES FIRST.

Brad Lancaster "four thirty four"

Mark Lancaster "four fifty, but it's not a race"

Brad lancaster " Yes, it is a race. I'm the champ"

DONOR RECRUITMENT REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE RED CROSS -- SHARI HUNTER BROWNLEE -- SAYS DONATING BLOOD IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE THERE A NEED FOR IT IN THE COMMUNITY.

"There are just so many hospital patients, cancer patients, accident victims, people who need blood transfusions who rely on blood donors."

FOR EVERY PINT DONATED THREE LIVES CAN POTENTIALLY BE SAVED. THE LANCASTER'S DONATED NINE PINTS JUST LIKE THE ONES YOU SEE BEHIND ME. THAT MEANS AFTER THEIR DONATION TODAY THE FAMILY COULD POTENTIALLY SAVE TWENTY SEVEN LIVES.

CHRISTMAS BLOOD DONATION-OC

THAT WAS KELLEY SMITH REPORTING.

THE LANCASTERS URGE OTHERS TO GIVE BLOOD.

TEASE THREE-OC

A HOLIDAY HEAD-ACHE --

FOR MILLIONS ACROSS THE NATION THIS MORNING.

A SECOND ROUND OF STORMS.

WILL ROLL IN AFTER CHRISTMAS.

HOW THIS WILL AFFECT YOUR POST-HOLIDAY TRAVEL PLANS.

PLUS -- RE-THINK THAT GLASS OF MILK FOR SANTA.

THIS TIME *NEXT YEAR --

YOU WON'T BELIEVE HOW MUCH IT WILL COST!

TZ3 HOLIDAY STORMS-VOTOPS

TZ3 MILK PRICES-VOTOPS

NEWS AT 9:00 OPEN-CLIP

TS1) NY FIREFIGHTERS-VOTOPS

A NEW YORK COMMUNITY MOURNS TODAY --

AFTER TWO FIREFIGHTERS WERE KILLED ON CHRISTMAS EVE.

POLICE SAY AN EX-CONVICT SET HIS HOUSE ON FIRE,

TO LURE IN FIRST RESPONDERS.

THEN STARTED SHOOTING AT CREWS ON THE SCENE.

THE SHOOTER THEN KILLED HIMSELF.

WELL-WISHERS GATHERED LAST NIGHT --

TS2) MISSING BOATERS-VOTOPS

TWO MISSING BOATERS. ARE BACK ON DRY LAND THIS MORNING --

THEY WERE STRANDED IN THE GULF OF MEXICO OVERNIGHT.

AFTER LEAVING PINE ISLAND ON SUNDAY AT NOON.

THEIR BOAT BATTERY DIED.

TS3) FMB BOIL WATER NOTICE-VOTOPS

THIS MORNING -- THERE'S A BOIL WATER NOTICE ON FORT MYERS BEACH.

IT AFFECTS PEOPLE FROM ALBATROSS STREET TO THE SOUTH END OF ESTERO ISLAND.

YOU SHOULD BOIL YOUR WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE BEFORE USING IS.

LAB RESULTS SHOULD COME BACK TODAY.

TOSS TO WX-TRX-OC

GOOD TUESDAY MORNING!

AND MERRY CHRISTMAS, SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

I'M LINH BUI.

MOVE YOUR HOLIDAY PLANS. *OUTSIDE TODAY!

WE'RE EXPECTING SOME BEAUTIFUL WEATHER IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

LET'S CHECK IN WITH STORM WARN 7 METEOROLOGIST TYLER MAULDIN --

CHRISTMAS WEATHER (LOCAL)-WXWALL

We've got some magnificent weather on the way for Christmas Day across Southwest Florida!

We'll start things off this Christmas morning with a few passing clouds and lots of sunshine. Temperatures will be cool but slightly warmer than Christmas Eve morning as the warming trend continues for us today. After starting out with temperatures in the mid to upper 50s, we'll end up warmer then normal this afternoon with highs close to 80°.

Aside from Santa and his reindeer this morning, the only thing we'll be tracking in our sky is some thin clouds flowing in from the west. Overall, we'll call Christmas Day partly cloudy and dry with a nice supply of sunshine.

If you're going out tonight to check out some Christmas lights or to simply enjoy the beautiful weather, temperatures will settle into the low 70s just after sunrise, and we'll cool off into the low 60s overnight and into Wednesday morning.

Wednesday will be another warm day with higher humidity and a little more cloud cover. A weakening cool front will also be heading our way Wednesday afternoon and evening, so we'll see the potential for a few showers and perhaps a couple rumbles of thunder.

By Thursday, we'll clear out and cool off. Temperatures will struggle to get out of the 60s, and we'll enjoy wall to wall sunshine.

The chill returns to the air Friday morning as overnight lows dip into the low 50s and even upper 40s. Temperatures Friday afternoon will be quite pleasant as daytime highs reach the mid 70s.

The next chance of rain for us will be Saturday as the next storm system heads our way. Most of the rain will clear the area Sunday, leaving us with a partly cloudy sky and another cool down coming our way toward the end of the weekend.

Happy Holidays!

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.

HOLIDAY STORMS-OC

MEANWHILE -- SOME STATES WAKE UP TO EXTREME WEATHER THIS MORNING.

WHICH COULD CAUSE A TRAVEL NIGHTMARE FOR MILLIONS HEADING HOME AFTER CHRISTMAS.

CHRISTMAS EVE STORMS LEFT TRAVLERES STRANDED --

AT AIRPORTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

HOLIDAY STORMS-PKG

FORECASTERS ARE PREDICATING A WHITE CHRISTMAS FOR SOME PARTS OF THE

NORTHEAST.

FOR RESIDENTS OF SYRACUSE, NEW YORK.THAT'S NOT NECESSARILY GREAT NEWS.

PLOWS WORKING OVERTIME AND FRUSTRATED DRIVERS STUCK, WITH NO PLACE TO GO

SOT

BOB WILSON

Driver

"the weather was bad the winds were fierce it was blowing the cars around

and you could see the semi's were swerving"

YES, THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, BUT THE WEATHER ISN'T

MAKING IT EASY TO GET THERE.

HEAVY SNOW AND TORRENTIAL RAINS HAVE DELAYED AND STRANDED MILLLIONS OF

TRAVELLERS.

SOT

ANDY CHAPEL

CAL TRANS WORKER

"the roads are really bad. a lot of spinouts further east. there's

definitely gonna be chain control for next 2 days going into christmas."

A HUGE SNOW STORM ON THE WEST COAST CONTINUES TO HIT NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

HARD -- CAUSING HUNDREDS OF DELAYS AND CANCELED FLIGHTS IN AND OUT OF SAN

FRANCISCO, WITH THE AVERAGE DELAY LASTING OVER 2 HOURS

THE HIGH WINDS AND SEVERE CONDITIONS HAVE LEFT MANY DRIVERS IN THE SIERRA'S

UNABLE TO EVEN STAY ON THE ROAD.

NATS CALIFORNIA ROADS

OKLAHOMA IS EXPECTED TO GET HIT HARD WITH SNOW TONIGHT INTO CHRISTMAS

MORNING -- COMPLICATING TRAVEL FOR THE SOONER STATE JUST THREE

YEARS AFTER SANTA BROUGHT A RECORD BREAKING 14 INCHES OF SNOW ON CHRISTMAS

EVE, SHUTTING THE ROADWAY DOWN FOR THE EVENING.

ACCORDING TO TRIPLE AAA.MORE THAN ONE IN FOUR AMERICANS WILL TAKE A ROAD

TRIP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

HOW FESTIVE THAT TRIP IS.ALL DEPENDS ON IF MOTHER NATURE.AND FATHER

CHRISTMAS.CAN GET ALONG.

SHOOTING LUMINARIES-VO

THAT WAS T-J WINICK REPORTING.

NOW HEADING TO NEWTOWN --

WHERE THOUSANDS OF LUMINARIES LIT UP THE STREETS LAST NIGHT.

A TRIBBUTE TO THE 26 VICTIMS --

OF THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING.

30-THOUSAND BAGS AND CANDLES WERE HANDED OUT.

AND NEARLY EVERYONE *ALSO ADE A CASH DONATION--

FMB CONDO FIRE-SS VO

THIS MORNING -- AT LEAST THREE PEOPLE ARE HOMELESS.

AFTER A FIRE NEAR FORT MYERS BEACH YESTERDAY.

IT HAPPENED AT THE "SPORTSMAN COVE YACHT AND RACQUET CLUB."

THAT'S JUST BEFORE THE BRIDGE ON SAN CARLOS BOULEVARD.

INVESTIGATORS SAY THE FIRE WAS AN ACCIDENT,

SPARKED BY A SECOND STORY BATHROOM FAN.

SOME RESIDENTS WOKE UP TO LOUD BANGS ON THEIR WINDOWS --

IT WAS PEOPLE TELLING THEM TO GET OUT IMMEDIATELY.

GOOD NEWS --

PHOENIX PLANE FIRE-TRX-VOTOPS

MEANWHILE -- A SMALL FIRE BROKE OUT IN THE BACK OF A PLANE,

THAT WAS HEADED FROM PHOENIX TO VANCOUVER.

IT CAUSED A TRAVEL DELAY MONDAY.

FIVE CREW MEMBERS WERE ON BOARD THE AIRCRAFT,

WHEN THE FIRE STARTED.

BUT THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS.

THE FIRE WAS QUICKLY PUT OUT.

HOME ALONE FIRE ARRESTS-VOTOPS

POLICE IN ILLINOIS HAVE CHARGED TWO ADULTS --

AFTER TWO TODDLERS DIED IN A HOUSE FIRE OVER THE WEEKEND.

OFFICERS SAY THE MOTHER AND AN AUNT.

LEFT THE THE TWO-AND-THREE-YEAR-OLDS ALONE.

WHILE THEY WENT TO A PARTY.

BOTH FACE TWO COUNTS OF FELONY CHILD ENDANGERMENT --

CENTRAL FLORIDA SHOOTOUT-VO

DRIVERS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA WERE PUT IN DANGER MONDAY.

WHEN TWO DRIVERS STARTED A WILD-WEST STYLE SHOOT-OUT.

IT HAPPENED RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF EYE-4.

LAKE MARY POLICE SAY --

TWO CARS WERE INVOLVED IN A GUN BATTLE,

THAT ENDED IN AN ACCIDENT.

EMERGENCY CREWS RESPONDED TO THE WRECK.

AND FOUND A MUSTANG WITH *TONS OF BULLET HOLES.

THE DRIVER HAD MULTIPLE GUN SHOT WOUNDS.

PARAMEDICS TOOK THE DRIVER AND A PASSENGER TO THE HOSPITAL.

AMAZINGLY-- BOTH ARE EXPECTED TO SURVIVE.

FISCAL MORTGAGE TAX-VO

NO FISCAL CLIFF TALKS TODAY.

BUT THERE'S ANOTHER HOUSING RELATED TAX CUT.

THAT SOME SAY *NEEDS CONGRESS' ATTENTION.

A TAX BREAK IS DAYS AWAY FROM EXPIRING.

BUT IT'S BEEN SAVING STRUGGLING HOMEOWNERS FROM PAYING THOUSANDS TO THE I-R-S.

DURING THE FORECLOSURE CRISIS IN 2007 --

THE MORTGAGE FORGIVENESS DEBT RELIEF ACT WAS ESTABLISHED.

IF CONGRESS DOES NOT EXTEND IT SOON --

HOMEOWNERS WILL START PAYING INCOME TAXES.

MILK COULD BE $7 A GALLON-TRX-VOTOPS

SANTA MIGHT NOT GET A GLASS OF MILK NEXT YEAR.

BECAUSE IT'S GONNA COST YOU A LOT MORE.

ANALYSTS PREDICT --

AS MUCH AS *SEVEN DOLLARS A GALLON!

THE SENATE PASSED A NEW FARM BILL --

BUT THE HOUSE HAS *NOT.

AND IF REPRESENTATIVES CAN'T MAKE A DEAL,

THE DAIRY SUBSIDY WILL EXPIRE JANUARY FIRST.

THAT WOULD FORCE THE GOVERNMENT TO BUY MILK AT INFLATED PRICES --

TOSS TO LEIGH-OC

A HOT MEAL ON CHRISTMAS --

FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT THE MOST.

THIS MORNING SALVATION ARMY VOLUNTEERS ARE IN THE KITCHEN.

PREPARING TO FEED MORE THAN 600 PEOPLE.

ABC7'S LEIGH DANA IS LIVE IN FORT MYERS.

SALVATION ARMY-REM-LIVE

- THE SALVATION ARMY EXPECTS 600 PEOPLE HERE TODAY.

- THAT'S UP 15 PERCENT FROM LAST YEAR.

- RIGHT NOW -- VOLUNTEERS ARE SPENDING THEIR MORNING HERE DOING.

- MORE THAN -- POUNDS OF FOD WILL BE SERVED.

SALVATION ARMY-PKG

SALVATION ARMY-REM-LIVE

TODAY'S CHRISTMAS MEAL IS OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY.

IT'S FROM 11AM - NOON

2400 EDISON AVENUE

FORT MYERS

FREE CHRISTMAS MEALS-TRX-CGTOPS(2)

AND THERE ARE TWO LOCATIONS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA --

OFFERING A FREE CHRISTMAS DINNER TODAY.

IF YOU'RE IN LEHIGH ACRES --

HEAD TO RAPHAEL'S CHURCH.

THEY'RE OFFERING FREE MEALS FROM 11 A-M UNTIL TWO P-M.

DOWN IN NAPLES -- T

HE SAINT MATTHEWS HOUSE IS COOKING UP CHRISTMAS MEALS.

THEY'LL START SERVING FOOD FOR THOSE IN NEED --

TEASE FOUR-OC

THE YEAR WENT BY QUICKLY!

AND IT'S ALREADY TIME TO MAKE NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS.

IF GETTING IN SHAPE IS ON YOUR LIST.

ABC7 HAS YOUR COVERED.

SOME SIMPLE CHANGES CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.

SO 2013 IS YOUR HEALTHIEST YEAR EVER.

PLUS --

TZ4 HEARTY 2013-VO

TZ5 SPORTS PUSH-VOTOPS

WEATHER TEASE-WX ID

LAST MINUTE SHOPPERS-VOTOPS

YOU MIGHT HAVE SPENT CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE MALL.

LAST MINUTE SHOPPERS WERE OUT IN FULL FORCE MONDAY.

AN ESTIMATED 17-MILLION SHOPPERS WERE IN A HURRY TO COMPLETE THEIR LISTS.

RETAILERS OFFERED SHARP DISCOUNTS.

WIGS FOR KIDS-OC

NEARLY TWO YEARS LATER.

AND AFTER A GOOD AMOUNT OF EFFORT.

AN 11-YEAR-OLD BOY FINISHES HIS PERSONAL MISSION.

WIGS FOR KIDS-PKG

ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD COLE GRIESMAN HAS BEEN GROWING HIS HAIR FOR OVER A YEAR AND A HALF.

"I like it because it help keeps you warm in the winter."

BUT FOR EVERY POSITIVE-- THE HARSH REALITY IS NEGATIVE A LOT, TOO.

"They call me a girl and stuff and it's really disrespectful to me and my family."

THE KIDS AT SCHOOL PICK ON COLE FOR HIS LONG HAIR-- BUT NOTHING SEEMS TO WAIVER HIM FROM HIS MISSION.

"Last chance to back out-- no."

NO MATTER WHAT PEOPLE SAY- COLE HAS BEEN PERSISTENTLY GROWING HIS HAIR TO DONATE IT TO A CHARITY THAT MAKES HAIRPIECES FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER CALLED WIGS FOR KIDS.

TODAY IS HIS BIG HAIRCUT.

HIS DAD, STANDING BY PROUD AND TAKING PHOTOS TO DOCUMENT THE BIG MOMENT.

THE WHOLE REASON FOR THE DONATION.

"two years worth of work."

TO HONOR COLE'S MOTHER, JOAN.

SHE DIED OF COLON CANCER WHEN HE WAS JUST THREE MONTHS OLD.

"I see a lot of her in him every day."

AFTER SEVERAL SNIPS AND CUTS.

Allright, you ready?

Oh jeeze, I look weird.

STORM WARN GENERIC CLIP-CLIP

CROSSTALK-CAM 9 WX EST

FORECAST-WX WALL

We've got some magnificent weather on the way for Christmas Day across Southwest Florida!

We'll start things off this Christmas morning with a few passing clouds and lots of sunshine. Temperatures will be cool but slightly warmer than Christmas Eve morning as the warming trend continues for us today. After starting out with temperatures in the mid to upper 50s, we'll end up warmer then normal this afternoon with highs close to 80°.

Aside from Santa and his reindeer this morning, the only thing we'll be tracking in our sky is some thin clouds flowing in from the west. Overall, we'll call Christmas Day partly cloudy and dry with a nice supply of sunshine.

If you're going out tonight to check out some Christmas lights or to simply enjoy the beautiful weather, temperatures will settle into the low 70s just after sunrise, and we'll cool off into the low 60s overnight and into Wednesday morning.

Wednesday will be another warm day with higher humidity and a little more cloud cover. A weakening cool front will also be heading our way Wednesday afternoon and evening, so we'll see the potential for a few showers and perhaps a couple rumbles of thunder.

By Thursday, we'll clear out and cool off. Temperatures will struggle to get out of the 60s, and we'll enjoy wall to wall sunshine.

The chill returns to the air Friday morning as overnight lows dip into the low 50s and even upper 40s. Temperatures Friday afternoon will be quite pleasant as daytime highs reach the mid 70s.

The next chance of rain for us will be Saturday as the next storm system heads our way. Most of the rain will clear the area Sunday, leaving us with a partly cloudy sky and another cool down coming our way toward the end of the weekend.

Happy Holidays!

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.

HEARTY 2013-ON CAM

IT'S ABOUT TIME FOR THOSE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS TO START ROLLING IN.

AND A COMMON PROMISE EVERY YEAR?

BECOME A HEALTHIER ADULT.

HOLLY FIRFER HAS A FEW SIMPLE WAYS --

HEARTY 2013-PKG

--REPORTER PKG-AS FOLLOWS --

IS 2013 THE YEAR YOU ARE GOING TO IMPROVE THE WAY YOU FEEL? DOCTORS SAY IT REALLY DOESN'T TAKE MUCH. TRY THESE.

LAUGH- STUDIES SHOW THAT LAUGHING HAS A DRAMATIC EFFECT ON OUR HEARTS. DOCTORS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND STUDIED WHAT LAUGHTER DOES TO OUR CIRCULATION AND FOUND WHEN PEOPLE LAUGHED THEIR BLOOD VESSELS EXPANDED, CAUSING HEALTHY BLOOD FLOW.

LOVE YOUR PET: ACCORDING TO RESEARCHERS PETS CAN WARD OFF MENTAL ILLNESS AND OTHER DISEASES AND HELP CUT OUT OUR STRESS. AND SOME ANIMALS ARE BETTER THAN A TREADMILL. UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA RESEARCHERS FOUND WHEN OBESE AND SEDENTARY PEOPLE WERE GIVEN A DOG. THEY LOST AN AVERAGE OF 14 POUNDS A YEAR, WITHOUT DIETING.

MOVE: NO, THAT DOESN'T MEAN A MARATHON. IT MEANS TAKING THE STAIRS, GOING OUT FOR A A MORNING STROLL. ALL THINGS THAT GET YOU OFF THAT COUCH. THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL SAYS 30 MINUTES OF LIGHT EXERCISE, 5 TIMES A WEEK, CAN FIGHT DIABETES, BACK PAIN, HEART PROBLEMS, EVEN CANCER AND HELP YOU FEEL YOUNGER.

LISTEN TO TUNES - RESEARCHERS AT MCGILL UNIVERSITY IN MONTREAL FOUND THAT LISTENING TO PLEASURABLE MUSIC BROUGHT ON 'MUSICAL CHILLS', WHICH TRIGGERED THE RELEASE OF THE FEEL-GOOD CHEMICAL DOPAMINE, WHICH CUTS DOWN ON STRESS. SO CUE UP BEETHOVEN -- OR BON JOVI -- AND ENJOY.

AND GET SOME SHUT EYE. - THE NATIONAL HEART LUNG AND BLOOD INSTITUTE SAYS A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP CAN FIGHT OFF INFECTION, HELP YOUR MEMORY, AND REGULATE YOUR SUGAR LEVELS. SLEEP EXPERTS SAY NOT ENOUGH SLEEP CAN RAISE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE, AND LEAD TO OBESITY AS WELL AS DIABETES.

SPORTS-PKG

MOVIES OUT TODAY-CG VIDBOX

IF YOUR CHRISTMAS INVOLVES A TRIP TO THE MOVIE THEATER --

*THREE NEW FILMS OPEN *TODAY.

FIRST -- "LES MIS."

PEOPLE ARE EXCITED FOR THIS STAR-STUDDED MUSICAL.

HUGH JACKMAN, ANNE HATHAWAY AND RUSSELL CROWE ARE ALL IN THE MOVIE,

WHICH TAKES PLACE DURING THE FRENCH REVOLUTION.

QUENTIN TARANTINO'S LATEST PROJECT IS CALLED "DJANGO UNCHAINED."

IT'S SET IN THE DEEP SOUTH.

AND STARS JAMIE FOXX AS A BOUNTY HUNTER.

HE'S ON A MISSION TO FREE HIS WIFE FROM A RUTHLESS PLANTATION OWNER.

PLUS -- BILLY CRYSTAL AND BETTE MIDLER STAR IN THE COMEDY "PARENTAL GUIDANCE."

THEY AGREE TO WATCH THEIR GRANDKIDS.

BUT THEY'LL NEED TO "GET WITH THE TIMES" --

TOP STORIES OPEN-CLIPTOPS

TS1) NY FIREFIGHTERS-VOTOPS

A NEW YORK COMMUNITY MOURNS TODAY --

AFTER TWO FIREFIGHTERS WERE KILLED ON CHRISTMAS EVE.

POLICE SAY AN EX-CONVICT SET HIS HOUSE ON FIRE,

TO LURE IN FIRST RESPONDERS.

THEN STARTED SHOOTING AT CREWS ON THE SCENE.

THE SHOOTER THEN KILLED HIMSELF.

TS2) WILD WINTER WEATHER-VOTOPS

ACROSS THE COUNTRY --

THERE'S WILD WINTER WEATHER. ON THIS CHRISTMAS DAY.

THE CONDITIONS CAUSED PROBLEMS FOR PEOPLE TRAVELING, LAST NIGHT.

MANY AIRLINE PASSENGERS WERE STRANDED OVERNIGHT.

TS3) FMB BOIL WATER NOTICE-VOTOPS

THIS MORNING -- THERE'S A BOIL WATER NOTICE ON FORT MYERS BEACH.

IT AFFECTS PEOPLE WHO LIVE FROM ALBATROSS STREET TO THE SOUTH END OF ESTERO ISLAND.

PEOPLE THERE SHOULD BOIL THE WATER FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE BEFORE USING IT.

LAB RESULTS WILL COME BACK TODAY.

CLOSE-2SH-AWS ANI

AD LIB GOODBYE

please be sure to tease our next newscast

JOIN US FOR ABC 7 NEWS AT 5, RIGHT AFTER ELLEN.