DIRECTORS PAGE

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

BREAKING NEW DETAILS AT 5 ABOUT THE FISCAL CLIFF.

WE JUST LEARNED CONGRESS WILL NOT MEET THE MIDNIGHT DEADLINE TO PREVENT TAX HIKES AND DEEP SPENDING CUTS FROM GOING INTO EFFECT.

A HEALTH SCARE FOR SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON.

SHE IS HOSPITALIZED TONIGHT WITH A BLOOD CLOT.

WHEN SHE COULD GET OUT OF THE HOSPITAL.

AND.

"It's a great view can't beat it."

CELEBRATING NEW YEAR'S EVE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

OUR SMART SHOPPER HAS A LIST OF PLACES WHERE YOU CAN RING IN THE NEW YEAR AND NOT SPEND A LOT OF MONEY.

PLUS.WE JUST LEARNED 20-13 WILL BE A BIG YEAR FOR KIM KARASHIAN AND KAYNE WEST.

THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE COUPLE.

HL1) FISCAL CLIFF DEADLINE-trxVOTOPS

HL 2) HILLARY CLINTON LATEST-trxVOTOPS

HL3) NYE SWFL-trxSOTVO

HL4) KIM K PREGGERS-trxVOTOPS

BREAKING NEWS OPEN-CLIP

FISCAL CLIFF DEADLINE-VOTOPS-OC

BREAKING NEWS, CONGRESS WILL MISS THE MIDNIGHT DEADLINE TO VOTE ON THE FISCAL CLIFF.

THE HOUSE WILL VOTE TONIGHT ON OTHER BILLS.

THEY SAY THAT WILL BE THEIR ONLY VOTES OF THE DAY.

IT'S UNCLEAR WHAT THE SENATE WILL DO TONIGHT.

THIS COMES AFTER PRESIDENT OBAMA SAID TODAY A DEAL TO AVOID WIDE-RANGING TAX INCREASES AND SPENDING CUTS IS NEAR.

FISCAL CLIFF DEADLINE-PKG

DON'T POP THE CHAMPAGNE JUST YET

BUT WITH ONLY A FEW HOURS UNTIL THE FISCAL CLIFF DEADLINE THERE ARE SIGNS OF

PROGRESS.

Now today it appears that an agreement to prevent this New Year's tax hike

is within sight. But it's not done. There are still issues left to resolve,

SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER MITCH MCCONNELL AND VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN HAVE TAKEN

THE LEAD ON NEGOTIATIONS.AND THEY'RE CLOSE TO A MINI-DEALNOT A DONE DEAL.

THE AGREEMENT WOULD:

EXTEND THE CURRENT TAX RATES FOR HOUSEHOLDS MAKING UP TO 450-THOUSAND - UP

FROM THE 250-THOUSAND LEVEL THE WHITE HOUSE WANTED

INCREASE THE ESTATE TAX RATE FROM 35 TO 40 PERCENT.

EXTEND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR ONE YEAR.

Let's pass the tax releif portion now - let's take what's been agreed to and

get moving.

BUT THE STICKING POINT - HOW LONG TO PUSH OFF THOSE MASSIVE MANDATORY

SPENDING CUTS TO THE PENTAGON AND DOMESTIC PROGRAMS THAT WOULD GO INTO

EFFECT IN THE NEW YEAR.

DEMOCRATS WANT A ONE YEAR EXTENSIONREPUBLICANS INSIST ON DEALING WITH IT

SOONER.

IF THERE'S NO OVERALL AGREEMENT.AMERICANS WILL FEEL THE IMPACT OF THE FISCAL

CLIFF VERY QUICKLY.

THE AVERAGE AMERICAN FAMILY WILL SEE A TAX INCREASE OF MORE THAN 34-HUNDRED

DOLLARS.

O/C CLOSE: IF THE SENATE IS ABLE TO PASS A DEALTOP HOUSE REPUBLICANS AREN'T

OPTIMISTIC THEY'LL HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO GET IT PASSED BEFORE MIDNIGHTWHICH

MEANS TAXES WILL GO UP. BUT THE HOUSE WILL VOTE TOMORROWAND THEN IT WILL BE

TEAM COVERAGE OPEN-CLIP

GAS PRICES & FISCAL CLIFF-VO-WIPE

WE HAVE A LOOK TONIGHT AT HOW THE FISCAL CLIFF COULD IMPACT GAS PRICES.

ANALYSTS WITH TRIPLE-A EXPECT PRICES AT THE PUMP TO GO DOWN WITH NO DEAL.

THEY POINT TO CONSUMER CONFIDENCE AS THE MAIN REASON.

SPECULATORS IN THE GLOBAL MARKET DRIVE PRICES HIGHER AS OPTIMISM IN THE ECONOMY GOES UP.

FUEL COSTS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ARE ALREADY ON THE RISE.

GAS PRICES & FISCAL CLIFF-SOTVO-WIPE

:22:18:45

I have a two kids, you've got to budget, i'm a high school teacher, so it's something you definitely have to be aware of." 54

MILK DEAL-VOTOPS

A DEAL HAS BEEN REACHED ON THE SO CALLED DAIRY CLIFF.

THE LEADERS ON THE HOUSE AND SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEES AGREED TO A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF THE 2008 FARM BILL THAT EXPIRED IN OCTOBER.

BUT, HOUSE LEADERS HAVE YET TO SAY WHETHER THEY WILL ALLOW A VOTE ON IT AS THEY CONSIDER TWO NARROWER EXTENSION BILLS.

DEVELOPING NEWS OPEN-CLIP

HILLARY CLINTON LATEST-ONCAM

DEVELOPING TONIGHT.

SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON WILL REMAIN HOSPITALIZED IN NEW YORK UNTIL AT LEAST TOMORROW.

SHE'S BEING TREATED FOR A BLOOD CLOT.

WE JUST LEARNED CLINTON IS MAKING EXCELLENT PROGRESS AND DOCTORS PREDICT A FULL RECOVERY

HILLARY CLINTON LATEST-PKG

Doctors at New York Presbyterian Hospital say Secretary of State Hillary

Clinton will need to spend at least the next couple of days for

observationafter they discovered a blood clot that developed as a result of

a fall and concussion. She's currently receiving blood thinning medication

to dissolve the clot.

Physicians and her staff have not said where the clot is but ABC's Chief

Health and Medical Editor, Dr. Richard Besser says the treatment doesn't

suggest anything too serious.

SOT BESSER: If she had a clot in her head that's a very different situation

if you fallen and hit your head and you have bleeding in your head. you

wouldn't put someone on anti-coagulants for treatmentyou wouldn't be in a

hospital for 48 hours. and they said she would be in a hospital for 48

hours.

The 65-year old Clinton originally fell ill from a

stomach virus after a whirlwind trip to Europe at the beginning of the month

. The virus caused severe dehydration which resulted in her fainting and

suffering the concussion.

This is the second time Clinton has suffered a blood clot. In

1998 Clinton was hospitalized for a clot behind her knee, following a busy

travel schedule while campaigning as First Lady

DR. SAPNA PARIKH MD, MPH SOT: It's possible this is a blood clot in her leg.

. DVT. or Deep Venous Thrombosis two major risk factors are being

sedentary for a long period of time and dehydration. both apply to Clinton

Clinton's former colleagues in the Senate are sending their well-wishes.

SOT: "We just want to say how much Secretary Clinton is in our

prayers this morning and hope she recovers rapidly from this health problem"

Standup: "The State Department says it won't

comment any further on Mrs. Clinton's condition. Doctors say Clinton may

have been prone to additional blood clots because she already had one.

BENGHAZI REPROT-VO-WIPE

ANOTHER REPORT IS OUT TONIGHT ON THE ATTACK IN BENGHAZI, LIBYA.

U-S AMBASSADOR CHRIS STEVENS AND THREE OTHER AMERICANS WERE KILLED IN THE SEPTEMBER 11-TH ATTACK.

THE REPORT BY THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY BLAMES THE STATE DEPARTMENT.

BENGHAZI REPROT-SOTVO

"In the months leading up to the attack on the temporary mission facility in Benghazi, there was a rising crescendo of evidence from the US intelligence community and open sources to our government that Benghazi had become dangerous and unstable and that a significant attack against American personnel there was becoming more and more likely. The system was in fact, flashing red in Libya and Benghazi particularly."

FM HOMICIDE VICTIM-SS-VO-WIPE

WE NOW KNOW THE NAME OF THE MAN FOUND DEAD OVER THE WEEKEND IN FORT MYERS.

DAVID LAU'S BODY WAS DISCOVERED BY A NEIGHBOR ON LAFAYETTE STREET SUNDAY MORNING.

OUR CREWS WERE COVERING A HOUSE FIRE JUST 2 DOORS DOWN AT THE TIME.

A TENANT, WHO LOST EVERYTHING IN THAT FIRE, DISCOVERED THE BODY.

HE CAME OUT RUNNING AND ASKED OUR REPORTER TO CALL 911.

NO WORD IF THE FIRE AND MURDER ARE RELATED.

LEHIGH BONES FOUND FOLO-VOTOPS

LEE COUNTY DEPUTIES ARE STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT A HOMICIDE IN LEHIGH ACRES.

A PASERBY DISCOVERED THE HUMAN REMAINS OF 26-YEAR-OLD GREGORY MATHEWS LAST WEEK.

THEY WERE FOUND IN THE AREA OF HEDGEWOOD STREET AND MEADOW ROAD.

HIS DEATH IS CONSIDERED A HOMICIDE.

INVESTIGATORS NEED YOUR HELP IN THIS CASE.

FL SOLIDER DEATH-ONCAM

A FLORIDA SOLDIER HAS BEEN KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN.

MARKIE SIMS' UNIT WAS HIT WITH AN IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE.

HE DIED SATURDAY FROM WOUNDS SUFFERED IN THE ATTACK.

GLADES CO TRAILER THEFT-SS-OC

A THIEF IS CAUGHT IN THE ACT.

A PILOT SAYS HE WAS FLYING AN AIRPLANE OVER HIS HOME YESTERDAY AND SAW THIS MAN 59-YEAR-OLD GARY ROBERT HAINES STEALING HIS TRAILER FROM HIS PROPERTY.

GLADES CO TRAILER THEFT-LL PKG

Talk about being in the right place at the right time-- A glades county man caught a thief stealing from his home while he flew over it.

Because he was in a plane he was able to follow him and help authorities track him down.

Take vo

For pilot David Zehntner, he always flies over his home to check it before he lands his plane at the labelle airport. It's a good thing he does, because sunday afternoon he saw a truck parked in his driveway and then around the corner a man was peering into his windows. Zehntner dropped his Cessna to 300 feet so he could see exactly what the man was doing. He continued to circle his house-and watched as the man hooked up Zehntner's trailer to his truck and drove off.

Take sound

David Zehntner, Pilot

"The gentleman had a plane at several points circling him at close altitude and never nice thought I guess that somebody might be watching me."

Cont vo

Zehntner followed the man for a while, then landed and called 911. With the help of several agencies, 59 year old Gary Haines of Virginia was arrested on i75 about 40 minutes later. Detectives also found a loaded rifle in his truck.

Take live

BABCOCK RANCH POLAR GRID-VO

PLANS ARE MOVING FORWARD TO BUILD THE COUNTRY'S FIRST SOLAR CITY RIGHT HERE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

KITSON AND PARTNERS FIRST ANNOUNCED PLANS TO BUILD A BRAND NEW CITY IN 2006.

SINCE THEN, THE ECONOMY BROUGHT PLANS FOR BABCOCK RANCH TO A HALT.

THE DEVELOPERS HAVEN'T GIVEN UP ON THE PROJECT.

GOLDEN GATE FIRE CHIEF-VO

NEW DETAILS TONIGHT SURROUNDING THE SUDDEN RESIGNATION OF GOLDEN GATE'S FIRE CHIEF.

WE LEARNED TODAY ROBERT METZGER IS HEADING TO REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA TO TAKE OVER AS THE FIRE CHIEF THERE.

HE'LL START IN FEBRUARY.AND WILL ALSO SERVE AS THE CITY'S HARBOR MASTER.

MARCO RED TIDE-(2)SS-VO

DEAD FISH ARE WASHING ASHORE IN MARCO ISLAND FROM RED TIDE.

TAKE A LOOK AT THESE PHOTOS.

EVERY MORNING THE ISLAND PICKS UP FISH THAT WASH ASHORE.

BUT THERE WERE STILL SOME LEFT OVER TODAY.

DEAD FISH ARE ALSO WASHING ASHORE IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY.

NEXT AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP

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

WE'RE COUNTING DOWN TO 2013 --

AND IF YOU'VE PUT OFF PLANS TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR. OUR SMART SHOPPER HAS YOU COVERED.

THE BIG PLANS AT A SMALL PRICE.

LOOK AT THIS.

USING THEIR NECKS AS WEAPONS.

THE GIRAFFE FIGHT YOU HAVE TO SEE.

TZ1 A NYE SWFL-VOTOPS-WIPE

TZ1 B GIRAFFE FIGHT-VOTOPS

CHINA SWIMMING-VOTOPS

BELOW ZERO TEMPERATURES DIDN'T STOP SWIMMERS FROM JUMPING INTO A RIVER IN CHINA.

IT'S NATIONAL SWIMMING DAY THERE.

MORE THAN 200 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO DIVE IN THE SONGHUA RIVER THROUGHOUT THE DAY.FOR A POLAR PLUNGE.

STORMWARN OPEN-CLIP

FORECAST-PHC

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.

FORECAST-WXWALL

GREAT WEATHER FOR NEXT YEAR+

As we count down the final hours of 2012, the weather looks quiet and dry across Southwest Florida.

Temperatures will quickly drop into the 60s after sunset, and by midnight most spots will cool into the low 60s. We'll notice a partly cloudy sky early tonight, and the clouds should slowly fade as we progress through the overnight hours.

For the first day of the New Year, temperatures will continue to climb. We'll start the day with morning lows in the upper 50s, but temps will quickly warm into the upper 70s through the afternoon. Our sky will be partly sunny during the afternoon as some fair weather clouds build in from the southeast.

From Wednesday through Thursday, temperatures will be on the warmer side of average. Daytime highs will warm into the low 80s, and overnight lows will cool into the low 60s. Aside from some patchy clouds, our sky will stay fairly sunny.

The next weather system we're tracking won't approach Southwest Florida until Friday.

This system will likely bring in some scattered showers and perhaps a few thunderstorms. It'll be a slow mover, too, and we may see bleak conditions for the entire first weekend of 2013.

TOSS TO NIN A-ONCAM

ABC 7 HAS YOU COVERED FOR LAST-MINUTE NEW YEAR'S EVE PLANS.

NYE SWFL-TCMON

NYE SWFL-PKG

NATS - BUSY STREETS

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA IS IN THE THICK OF BUSY SEASON RIGHT NOW -

BUT MOST RESTAURANTS SAY THEY'VE BEEN BOOKED UP SINCE OCTOBER FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE.

NOT THE CASE AT THE FIRESTONE IN DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS - THE MULTI LEVEL RESTAURANT AND BAR JUST OPENED UP A COUPLE WEEKS AGO.

GENERAL MANAGER JON ROBERSON SAYS HE'S BEEN GEARING UP FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE EVER SINCE.

14:48:00 2

"It's a great view can't beat it."

THE FIRESTONE OVERLOOKS THE DOWNTOWN RIVERFRONT-

AS THE SUN SETS AND FIREWORKS BEGIN AROUND 7:30 - ROBERSON SAYS ANYONE CAN STILL PAY A 20 DOLLAR COVER CHARGE TO WATCH FROM THE ROOFTOP SKY BAR.

14:48:23 5

"I wouldn't discourage anyone from coming and checking it out people come and go."

THERE IS STILL ROOM TO MAKE DINNER RESERVATIONS FOR 30 DOLLARS INSIDE THE RESTAURANT - THAT'LL COST 30 DOLLARS.

IF YOU'RE EXCITED TO WATCH THE FIREWORKS FROM THE NAPLES PIER -

JANE'S café ON THIRD STREET IS JUST A COUPLE BLOCKS FROM THE FIREWORKS.

OWNER TONY WOOD SAYS HE ADDED AN EXTRA DINNER SEATING RECENTLY SINCE MOST PLACES ALONG THE POPULAR TOURIST STRIP ARE BOOKED.

14:49:07 5

Especially known for organic produce, salads and lunches."

THAT TYPE OF MEAL WILL COST AROUND 45 DOLLARS FOR TWO THAT EVENING.

WOOD SAYS THIRD STREETS SHOPS WILL BE LIT UP FOR THE EVENING AND THERE WILL EVEN BE SPECIAL SEASONAL TOUCHES.

14:50:15 5

"The area has snow machines so it is unique to anywhere so it is in season."

NYE SWFL-TCMON

IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO LEAVE EARLY TONIGHT - MOST OF THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN AROUND 6 OR 7 AND PARKING WILL BE TIGHT.

FOR A LIST OF EVENTS ACROSS SOUTHWEST FLORIDA GO TO ABC DASH SEVEN DOT COM.

RECESS STUDY-VO-WIPE

IN YOUR ABC7 HEALHTY LIVING TONIGHT.

THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS SAYS RECESS IS CRUCIAL FOR CHILDREN.

THE GROUP RELEASED A NEW POLICY STATEMENT ENCOURAGING SCHOOLS TO LET CHILDREN HAVE THEIR PLAYTIME.

THEY SAY IT OFFERS COGNITIVE, PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL BENEFITS TO YOUNG ONES.

GENERIC PILLS -VOTOPS

GENERIC MEDICATIONS MAY ACT THE SAME AS BRAND NAME DRUGS.

BUT, A TINY CHANGE IN APPEARANCE CAN DISSUADE MANY PATIENTS FROM TAKING THEM.

RESEARCHERS AT BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL IN BOSTON SAY SOME PATIENTS WHO RECEIVE GENERICS THAT LOOK DIFFERENT ARE MORE THAN 50-PERCENT MORE LIKELY TO STOP TAKING THEM.

TUBERCULOSIS DRUG-ONCAM

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOUR DECADES.

THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION HAS APPROVED A NEW DRUG TO TREAT TUBERCULOSIS.

IT'S CALLED SIRTURO.

IT'S USED WITH OTHER OLDER DRUGS TO FIGHT HARD-TO-TREAT TUBERCULOSIS

BANNED WORDS-(3)CG

YOU MIGHT WANT TO AVOID SAYING FISCAL CLIFF IN 2013.

IT TOPS THE LIST FOR WORDS THAT PEOPLE WANT BANNED FROM THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

THE ANNUAL LIST IS COMPRISED BY LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY.

IT ALSO INCLUDES "SPOILER ALERT", "KICK THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD," ''TRENDING" AND "BUCKET LIST."

GIFFAFE FIGHT-VO

VIDEO OF TWO GIRAFFES USING THEIR SIX-FOOT LONG NECKS AS WEAPONS IN A FIGHT IS NOW VIRAL.

TAKE A LOOK.

THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL SHOT THIS FIGHT VIDEO IN NAMIBIA.

BUT, EXPERTS SAY THEY'RE NOT TRYING TO HURT EACH OTHER.

THE TWO MALES ARE FIGHTING OVER TERRITORY AND LIKELY, A MATE.

NEW AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP

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

AS WE CLOSE THE DOOR ON 2012.

ABC7 HELPS YOU START 2013 -- STRESS-FREE.

THE THREE THINGS YOU CAN DO AT WORK TO GET A WEEKEND-STATE OF MIND MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

PLUS LIGHTS OUT.

TZ2 A DESTRESS YOUR LIFE-VOTOPS-WIPE

TZ2 B 75 WATT LIGHT BULB-VOTOPS

BUMP SHOT-BUMP IN

DESTRESS YOUR LIFE-POP

IN YOUR ABC7 HEALTHY LIVING TONIGHT.

MANY OF YOU MAY BE FEELING A LITTLE STRESSED OUT POST-HOLIDAY.

DESTRESS YOUR LIFE-PKG

A WHOLE LOT OF US HAVE A CASE OF THE MONDAYS.

"People are most stressed on Mondays."

A SOCIOLOGIST AT U-C BERKELEY -- DR. CHRISTINE CARTER RECENTLY PARTNERED WITH HAMPTON HOTELS FOR A SURVEY ON WHEN PEOPLE ARE HAPPIEST. AND WHEN THEY'RE MOST STRESSED OUT.

NOT SURPRISINGLY: MONDAYS ARE STRESSFUL. WEEKENDS MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY.

BUT WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM THIS -- IS HOW TO INJECT SOME OF THAT WEEKEND STATE OF MIND INTO OUR 9-TO-5 LIVES.

"We can have a little bit of Saturday on Wednesday night for example, and make pancakes for dinner."

BEFORE THE DREADED MONDAY MORNING ARRIVES, MAKE A LIST OF THINGS TO DO AND DECIDE -WHEN- YOU'LL DO THEM.

"You don't actually have to get them done -- you just have to tell your brain when you're going to do it, and that reduces a lot of anxiety."

DR. CARTER SAYS WE'RE HAPPIEST WHEN WE TAKE MULTIPLE MINI-VACATIONS, LIKE 3-DAY WEEKENDS, RATHER THAN FEWER EXTENDED HOLIDAYS.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT MINI-BREAKS THROUGHOUT THE WORK DAY.

DESTRESS YOUR LIFE-ONCAM

ERIKA EDWARDS REPORTING.

TEASE THREE-2SHOT

LESS THAN SEVEN HOURS UNTIL WE USHER IN 2013.

AND THERE'S NO SHORTAGE OF WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR RIGHT HERE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

FROM THE BALL DROP IN DOWNTOWN.

TO TIMES SQUARE ON THE BEACH.

WHAT YOU CAN DO AND WHAT TO EXPECT.

PLUS THIS.

"i was inside and then some guy came and made me go."

SHE CLAIMED A MAN KIDNAPPED HER. BUT OFFICERS SAY SHE LIED.

THE 9-1-1 CALL THAT SPARKED A MASSIVE MANHUNT AND WHY SHE MADE IT ALL UP.

30 MILES FROM WHERE A GUNMAN KILLED TWENTY CHILDREN.

LESS THAN TWO WEEKS LATER.

A SIMULATED SCHOOL SHOOTING.

TZ3 A FM CAPE CORAL COLLIER PREPS-SOTVO-WIPE

TZ3 B KIDNAPPING HOAX-NATVO-WIPE

TZ3 C SCHOOL SHOOTING SIMULATION-VOTOPS

BUMP SHOT-BUMP OUT

NEWS AT 5:00 PM OPEN-CLIP

TS FISCAL CLIFF-VIDBOX TOPS

MAKING NEWS RIGHT NOW,

CONGRESS WILL MISS THE MIDNIGHT DEADLINE TO VOTE ON THE FISCAL CLIFF.

THE HOUSE WILL VOTE TONIGHT ON OTHER BILLS.

THEY SAY THAT WILL BE THEIR ONLY VOTES TODAY.

IT'S UNCLEAR WHAT THE SENATE WILL DO TONIGHT.

TS HILLARY BLOOD CLOT-VIDBOX TOPS

DOCTORS PLAN TO KEEP SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON IN A NEW YORK HOSPITAL UNTIL AT LEAST TOMORROW.

SHE'S BEING TREATED FOR A BLOOD CLOT LOCATED IN HER HEAD.

IT APPARENTLY DEVELOPED WHEN SHE FELL EARLIER THIS MONTH AND SUFFERED A CONCUSSION.

TS FM HOMICIDE-VIDBOX TOPS

FORT MYERS POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING THE 24-TH MURDER OF THE YEAR.

A NEIGHBOR FOUND THE BODY OF DAVID LAU ON LAFAYETTE STREET YESTERDAY MORNING.

OUR CREWS WERE COVERING A HOUSE FIRE NEARBY AT THE TIME.

A TENANT, WHO LOST EVERYTHING IN THAT FIRE, DISCOVERED LAU.

DOWNTOWN FM PREPS-trxVOTOPS-2SH

THOUSANDS ARE EXPECTED TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR IN DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS TONIGHT.

THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.

HI AND GOOD EVENING. I'M COURTNEY ROBINSON.

AND I'M JOE ROETZ.

IF YOU'RE HEADED DOWNTOWN, THERE ARE SOME TRAFFIC ALERTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT.

DOWNTOWN FM PREPS-LL PKG

COLLIER NYE PREPS-VOTOPS-WIPE

COLLIER COUNTY IS ALSO GETTING READY FOR ITS OWN NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION.

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WILL BE AT THE NAPLES PIER--CATCHING THE CITY'S ANNUAL FIREWORKS SHOW.

PARKING AND TRAFFIC WILL CERTAINLY BE CONGESTED.

THAT ALSO CARRIES OVER TO THE WATER WITH BOAT OWNERS LOOKING FOR THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE.

MOST BOATS WILL HAVE TO MANEUVER THROUGH NAPLES BAY AND GORDON'S PASS TO GET TO AND FROM THE FIREWORKS SHOW.

COLLIER NYE PREPS-SOTVO-WIPE

"We'd like all boats to keep a 600 foot buffer around the end of the pier. When you come in at night, you should light up all your lights. With 10-20 boats all passing at the same time, visibility will be bad at that time."

OFFICIALS ARE ALSO REMINDING BOATERS TO BE CAUTIOUS WITH THE STRONG OUTGOING TIDE AROUND 9 tonight.

CAPE CORAL NYE PREPS-VOTOPS-WIPE

SOUTH CAPE CORAL BUSINESSES ARE BATTLING TO DRAW PEOPLE DOWNTOWN TONIGHT --- AWAY FROM SOME OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S BIGGER CELEBRATIONS.

STAFF AT RESTAURANTS AND BARS ALONG SOUTHWEST 47TH TERRACE -- ARE ADDING THE FINISHING TOUCHES FOR TONIGHT'S NEW YEAR'S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA.

CAPE CORAL NYE PREPS-SOTVO

3203 "we have a lot of great fun stuff going on and I encourage everyone to come check it out."

1519 "if you live in the Cape, you might as well party in the Cape."

THOUSANDS ARE EXPECTED IN DOWNTOWN CAPE CORAL WITH BARS AND RESTAURANTS OFFERING UP THEIR OWN TAKE ON COUNTDOWN.

NEW FL LAWS-ONCAM

THERE'S SOME NEW LAWS GOING TO EFFECT IN THE NEW YEAR HERE IN FLORIDA.

FLASHING YOUR HEADLIGHTS TO ALERT ONCOMING DRIVERS THAT POLICE ARE LURKING ON THE ROADSIDE AHEAD WILL SOON BE LEGAL.

BUT, EXPERTS SAY THIS LAW STILL HAS LOOPHOLES.

ADAM LANZA'S BODY-VO

THE FATHER OF THE GUNMAN IN THE CONNECTICUT SCHOOL SHOOTING HAS CLAIMED HIS SON'S BODY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FAMILY SAID TODAY PETER LANZA CLAIMED THE REMAINS OF ADAM LANZA.

NO WORD ON WHEN THE FAMILY PLANS TO HAVE A FUNERAL.

LANZA KILLED 20 FIRST-GRADERS AND SIX STAFFERS AT SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY BEFORE ENDING HIS OWN LIFE.

SCHOOL SHOOTING SIMULATION-ONCAM

SOME ARE QUESTIONING THE TIMING AND NECESSITY OF A SIMULATED SCHOOL SHOOTING.

IT WAS HELD AT A DEFENSE TRAINING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT ABOUT 30 MILES FROM SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

SCHOOL SHOOTING SIMULATION-PKG

SINCE THE NEWTOWN SHOOTING, MANY HAVE BEEN QUESTIONING WHAT CAN BE DONE TO BETTER PROTECT CHILDREN OR PREVENT ANOTHER MASS SHOOTING LIKE THE ONE WE SAW 2 WEEKS AGO.

IS ARMING TEACHERS OR SECURITY STAFF AT SCHOOLS THE WAY TO GO?

THAT'S WHAT THESE PEOPLE IN SOUTHINGTON WERE TRYING TO FIND OUT --- DURING A SIMULATED SCHOOL SHOOTING.

"You know, when you want the police, they're five, ten minutes away. The SWAT team could be 20, 40 minutes away."

CHRIS FIELDS HOSTED THE SIMULATION, AND SAYS PEOPLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROTECT THEMSELVES WHEN THEY'RE IN DANGER.

"We're obviously vulnerable walking around. and we should be safe. We should feel safe."

SAFETY ASIDE, SOME ARE TAKING ISSUE WITH THE TIMING OF THIS EVENT, AND WHETHER IT WAS HELD TOO SOON AFTER THE SANDY HOOK SHOOTING.

"It was such a tragedy of such magnitude, that it's hard to figure out what's right."

OTHERS ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE IDEA OF GUNS OR OTHER VIOLENT WEAPONS AT SCHOOLS.

"I think it's actually very scary that it's come to that point."

EVEN THOSE LIKE JAMES WARD, WHO ARE IN FAVOR OF INCREASED SECURITY AROUND SCHOOLS, QUESTION WHETHER THE SIMULATION IS AN ACCURATE REPRESENTATION OF WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF YOU'RE ARMED DURING A SHOOTING, SIMPLY BECAUSE IN TODAY'S CASE, PEOPLE KNEW WHAT TO EXPECT.

WEBSTER FIREFIGHTER FUNERAL-NATVO

ONE OF THE FIREFIGHTERS KILLED IN A CHRISTMAS EVE AMBUSH IN WEBSTER, NEW YORK WAS LAID TO REST TODAY.

pause for funeral nats

FUNERAL SERVICES ARE WERE HELD IN ROCHESTER FOR 19-YEAR-OLD TOMASZ KACZOWKA TOH'-MAHZ KAH-CHOOV'-SKAH.

HE'S ONE OF TWO VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS SHOT AND KILLED BY 62

WILLIAM SPENGLER.

AUTHORITIES SAY SPENGLER DELIBERATELY SET FIRES TO SET A TRAP FOR FIRST RESPONDERS.

2 OTHER FIREFIGHTERS WERE WOUNDED IN THE SHOOTING.

OR FATAL BUS CRASH-VO

OREGON POLICE SAY AN INTERSTATE WAS CAKED WITH ICE WHEN A TOUR BUS FELL 100 FEET DOWN AN EMBANKMENT.

9 PEOPLE WERE KILLED IN THAT CRASH AND MORE THAN 20 HURT.

IT HAPPENED YESTERDAY MORNING

ON I-84 IN RURAL OREGON.

THE BUS WAS HEADED FROM LAS VEGAS TO VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA.

ABOUT 40 PEOPLE WERE ON BOARD.

MISSING GA KIDS-VO-WIPE

TWO MISSING GEORGIA BOYS ARE SAFE AND BACK WITH THEIR MOTHER TONIGHT.

AN AMBER ALERT WAS ISSUED AFTER BEN AND HENRY CLEARY'S FATHER DIDN'T BRING THEM HOME FOR CHRISTMAS AS PLANNED.

THEY WERE FOUND WITH HIM AT A MOTEL IN AUSTIN, TEXAS OVER THE WEEKEND.

MISSING GA KIDS-SOTVO

I got a call and I'm answering every call. It was a gentleman, hello my name is. I'm sitting here with your sons Ben and Henry and they would like to talk to you.

DANIEL CLEARLY WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AND FACES CHARGES OF INTERFERING WITH CHILD CUSTODY.

KIDNAPPING HOAX 911 CALL-OC-SOTVO-WIPE

TONIGHT, WE HAVE THE 9-1-1 CALL FROM A NEW JERSEY TEEN WHO SAID SHE WAS KIDNAPPED.

BUT POLICE NOW BELIEVE IT MAY BE A HOAX.

i was inside and then some guy came and made me go

and what did he, force you out of the house?

yeah

IN SEPTEMBER POLICE IN NEW JERSEY LAUNCHED A MASSIVE SEARCH FOR 16 YEAR OLD KARA ALONGI.

SHE TWEETED THAT THERE WAS SOMEONE IN HER HOUSE.

THE TWEET WAS SOON RE-TWEETED MORE THAN 32-THOUSAND TIMES.

KIDNAPPING HOAX 911 CALL-SOTVO

do you have any description of him or a name?

i don't know his name but he was black and he said he was like 28

and then he told me i have to, if ui try and get away or call someone that

he was gonna' come and get me

OFFICERS LATER DISCOVERED ALONGI HAD LEFT HOME VOLUNTARILY.

MA ROBBERY ON TAPE-VO

A LIQUOR STORE CLERK IN BOSTON DECIDES TO FIGHT OFF A ROBBER WITH A BOTTLE OF VODKA.

CHECK OUT THIS SURVEILLANCE VIDEO.

POLICE SAY A MAN ENTERED THE STORE, IMPLIED HE HAD A GUN AND DEMANDED CASH.

WHILE THE CASHIER STUFFED A BAG WITH MONEY, ANOTHER CO-WORKER SNUCK UP AND TOOK A FEW SWINGS AT THE ROBBER WITH A FULL BOTTLE OF VODKA.

THE OTHER EMPLOYEE JOINED IN THE FIGHT.

THE CLERKS WERE ABLE TO FORCE THE ROBBER OUT THE DOOR.

POLICE FOUND HIM LATER IN A NEARBY NEIGHBORHOOD WITH SOME SERIOUS CUTS AND BRUISES.

TAXI DRIVER RETURNS MONEY-VO

A BANGKOK TAXI DRIVER IS BEING PRAISED FOR HIS ACTIONS.

HE TURNED IN A MISSING MONEY BAG WITH 67-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN IT.

THE CASH BAG APPARENTLY FELL OFF AN ARMORED TRUCK AS IT WAS DRIVING THROUGH BANGKOK.

THE TAXI DRIVER SAID HIS FIRST THOUGHT WAS TO GET THE LARGE BAG OUT OF THE ROAD SO IT WOULDN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

HE THEN FOUND THAT IT CONTAINED MONEY - SO HE CALLED A RADIO STATION FOR HELP TO FIND ITS OWNER.

75 WATT INCANDESCENT LIGHT BULB-VO-WIPE

AS THE NATION RINGS IN THE NEW YEAR. IT'S "LIGHTS OUT" FOR THE 75-WATT INCANDESCENT LIGHT BULB.

UNDER FEDERAL LAW, 75-WATT BULBS CAN NO LONGER BE PRODUCED OR IMPORTED AS OF JANUARY 1ST.

RETAILERS CAN STILL CLEAR REMAINING STOCK.

75 WATT INCANDESCENT LIGHT BULB-SOTVO

"90 percent of the energy the bulb uses is wasted, so what they replaced them with are much more energy-efficient bulbs which as just as bright, just as good and will actually save you money over the long run."

MOST "SCREW-IN" BULBS -MUST- USE AT LEAST 27 PERCENT LESS ENERGY BY 2014.

NEW AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP

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

EVERY NEW YEARS. IT'S THE PLACE TO BE.

A MILLION PEOPLE. ALL GATHERED IN TIMES SQUARE TO WATCH A DAZZLING DISPLAY.

STRAIGHT AHEAD - WE TAKE YOU BEHIND THE SCENES

AND IN 2013. KIM KARDASHIAN WILL TAKE ON A NEW ROLE.

THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FROM HER AND KANYE.

TZ4 A NYE FESTIVITIES-VOTOPS-WIPE

TZ4 B KIM KARDASHIAN PREGGER-VOTOPS

HONG KONG NYE-NATVOTOPS

3, 2, 1 happy new year

IT'S ALREADY 20-13 in HONG KONG.

CELEBRATIONS INCLUDED A MASSIVE FIREWORKS DISPLAY.

IT REPORTEDLY COST ONE POINT-SIX MILLION DOLLARS.

STORM WARN JP OPEN-CLIP

CROSSTALK-WX EST

FORECAST-PHC

THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.

FORECAST-WXWALL

GREAT WEATHER FOR NEXT YEAR+

As we count down the final hours of 2012, the weather looks quiet and dry across Southwest Florida.

Temperatures will quickly drop into the 60s after sunset, and by midnight most spots will cool into the low 60s. We'll notice a partly cloudy sky early tonight, and the clouds should slowly fade as we progress through the overnight hours.

For the first day of the New Year, temperatures will continue to climb. We'll start the day with morning lows in the upper 50s, but temps will quickly warm into the upper 70s through the afternoon. Our sky will be partly sunny during the afternoon as some fair weather clouds build in from the southeast.

From Wednesday through Thursday, temperatures will be on the warmer side of average. Daytime highs will warm into the low 80s, and overnight lows will cool into the low 60s. Aside from some patchy clouds, our sky will stay fairly sunny.

The next weather system we're tracking won't approach Southwest Florida until Friday.

This system will likely bring in some scattered showers and perhaps a few thunderstorms. It'll be a slow mover, too, and we may see bleak conditions for the entire first weekend of 2013.

NYE FESTIVITIES-ONCAM

PEOPLE ARE ALREADY GATHERING IN NEW YORK'S TIMES SQUARE FOR THE

BIGGEST NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY ON THE PLANET.

HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED THERE WITH MILLIONS WATCHING THE BALL DROP ON T-V.

NYE FESTIVITIES-PKG

NATS/ Up then under testing confetti

THE CONFETTI'S BEEN TESTED.

NATS/ raising numbers

THE NUMBERS AND CRYSTAL BALL HAVE BEEN HOISTED INTO PLACE.

COUPLES HAVE EVEN PRACTICED THEIR MIDNIGHT KISSES.

NATS/ ambiance times square

TIMES SQUARE HAS WAITED 364 DAYS FOR THIS.

WHILE SOME OF THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS WHO WILL PACK THIS GLOWING. GLITTERING PATCH OF MANHATTAN. HAVE WAITED A LIFETIME.

"It's magic, everyone in the world wants to come to New York for New Year's."

QUICK POP nats of girls singing and dancing

IT IS THE BIGGEST NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY ON THE PLANET.

AND AN ARMY OF NEW YORK CITY POLICE OFFICERS WANT TO MAKE SURE IT'S THE SAFEST.

"We use our helicopters in the air. We have observation posts. We have chemical-radiological detectors that are the deployed. We deploy our mounted unit-- our horses. We have officers on the scooters. So, it is a major commitment on the part of the department."

AND A MAJOR PILGRIMAGE. FOR PARTIERS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE.

"It's on my bucket list, I might as well check of the list quickly when you're still able to."

NATS/ pop Dick Clark

FOR 40-YEARS DICK CLARK WAS THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES. SHARING NEW YEAR'S FROM TIMES SQUARE WITH THE WORLD.

THE ICON IS GONE NOW. BUT WILL BE HONORED TONIGHT WITH A SPECIALLY ENGRAVED PANEL ON THE WATERFORD CRYSTAL BALL THAT DROPS AT MIDNIGHT.

"I know he'd be very appreciative of this, and never expect the panel to be in the ball. So, he'll be part of the celebration again. It's really amazing."

PART OF WHAT PROMISES TO BE AN AMAZING START TO 20-13.

NYE FESTIVITIES-ONCAM

JAY GRAY REPORTING.

IT WILL BE A COLD NIGHT IN NEW YORK CITY.

TEMPERATURES AT MIDNIGHT WILL BE IN THE 30'S.

KIM KARDASHAIN PREGGERS-VO-WIPE

RAPPER KANYE WEST AND GIRLFRIEND KIM KARDASHIAN WILL BECOME PARENTS IN 2013.

WEST ANNOUNCED THE COUPLE IS EXPECTING THEIR FIRST CHILD LAST NIGHT AT A CONCERT IN ATLANTIC CITY.

IT'S BELIEVED KARDASHIAN IS ABOUT 12-WEEKS PREGNANT.

THE REALITY STAR IS STILL MARRIED.

HUGH HEFNER NYE WEDDING-VOTOPS

HUGH HEFNER IS EXPECTED TO TIE THE KNOT TONIGHT.

THE PLAYBOY FOUNDER WILL REPORTEDLY MARRY HIS FIANCÉE 26 YEAR OLD CRYSTAL HARRIS AT THE PLAYBOY MANSION.

THIS WILL BE THE 86-YEAR-OLD'S THIRD MARRIAGE.

THE COUPLE WAS SET TO MARRY BEFORE, UNTIL HARRIS CALLED THE WEDDING OFF LESS THAN A WEEK BEFORE THE BIG DAY.

MOST ADMIRED LIST-VO

WHO DID YOU ADMIRE THIS YEAR?

TONIGHT WE HAVE A LIST OF THE MOST ADMIRED WOMEN AND MEN IN 2012.

FOR THE 11TH YEAR IN A ROW, SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON IS THE MOST ADMIRED WOMAN.ACCORDING TO THE GALLUP POLL.

AND FOR A FIFTH CONSECUTIVE TIME, PRESIDENT OBAMA IS THE MOST ADMIRED MAN.

FOLLOWING CLINTON CLOSELY ON THE WOMEN'S LIST.FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA, OPRAH WINFREY AND CONDOLEEZZA RICE.

TEASE FIVE----------

BEFORE WE START 2013. WE LOOK BACK AT 2012.

TZ5 A NEWS YEAR ENDER-trxVOTOPS

BUMP SHOT-BUMP IN

NEWS YEAR ENDER-ONCAM

FROM MOTHER NATURE TO DEADLY SHOOTINGS. THERE WERE LOTS OF MAJOR NEWS STORIES THIS YEAR.

NEWS YEAR ENDER-PKG

There was no end.in 20-12.to the tragedy and suffering in Afghanistan.

NATS Combat Gunfire

While more than 2 thousand U.S. troops have now been killed in the Nation's

longest war.the President pledged 20-13 would end differently.

SOT PRESIDENT OBAMA, BAGRAM, AFGHANISTAN

This time of war began in Afghanistan and this is where it will end.

In addition to the ultimate sacrifice by American soldiers.

There were man-made tragedies.such as the Costa Concordia sinking.

SOT KAREN CAMACHO AMERICAN SURVIVOR

People were screaming, yelling. pushing.

And natural disasters.including tornadoes and Western Wildfires.

Still, no act of nature was as massive or devastating as Super Storm Sandy.

.

SOT KETURAH GRAY, ABC NEWS PRODUCER BREEZY POINT, NY

Breezy point is destroyed it feel like/ it is like the apocalypse

.inundating New York City.

New Jersey was hit especially hard.

SOT GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE, R-NJ

The roller coaster is in the ocean.

---------------------------------------------------------

CUT HERE

NATS WALL STREET BELL Ding Ding Ding!!!

The Economy of 20-12 took us on an unforgettable ride.

From big bets gone wrong.

SOT DAVID MUIR, ABC NEWS/WORLD NEWS

J-P Morgan Chase/just lost *two billion dollars* in six weeks.

To IPOs gone haywire.

SOT MARK ZUCKERBERG, FACEBOOK FOUNDER AND CEO

The performance of the stock has obviously been disappointing.

---------------------------------------------------------

START HERE

Of course, there was a Presidential race taking shape.

SOT GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS, ABC NEWS/GOOD MORNING AMERICA

Mitt Romney went over the top clinching the nomination

As the political conventions provided some unscripted drama.

SOT CLINT EASTWOOD, ACTOR/RNC SPEAKER

What? What do you want me to tell Romney? I can't tell him to do that.

Mitt Romney's troubles were highlighted by a secret video tape.

SOT MITT ROMNEY, R-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter

what.

Still, President Obama helped his opponent by a forgettable debate

performance.

SOT PRESIDENT OBAMA

I had five seconds before you interrupted me.

He would return to form in debates two and three.

SOT DIANNE SAWYER, ABC NEWS SPECIAL ELECTION COVERAGE

Barack Obama has been re-elected, the 44th president.

.eventually trouncing Romney in every important battleground state.

SOT PRESIDENT OBAMA

For the United States of America, the best is yet to come.

His second biggest victory of the year?

Obamacare.

SOT GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS, SPECIAL REPORT

The Supreme Court has upheld the requirement that everyone in America buy

health insurance.

And the President didn't back down from other potential controversies.

SOT PRESIDENT OBAMA, ABC NEWS EXCLUSIVE

I think same sex couples should be able to get married.

Gun control was a hot debate in the wake of two deadly mass shootings.

One at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin.

NATS 911 CALL They're saying someone's shooting in the auditorium.

.the other during a midnight movie in Aurora Colorado.

PATRICIA AURORA VICTIM

I just remember thinking, I am not going to die in here.

But nothing rocked the country more than the shooting deaths of 20 little

children and 6 faculty at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown,

Connecticut.

KAITLIN ROIG TEACHER SOT

I said to them I need you to know that I love you all very much and that's

it's going to be ok because I thought that was the last thing they were ever

going to hear

OBAMA SOT:

For those of us who remain, let us find the strength to carry on and make

our country worthy of their memory.

NEWS YEAR ENDER-ONCAM

OTHER BIG STORIES THIS YEAR INCLUDE THE TRAVYON MARTIN SHOOTING CASE,

NEXT AT 6 OPEN-CLIP

COMING UP AT 6PM-------------

TIME IS RUNNING OUT AS THE NATION PREPARES TO RUN OVER THE FISCAL CLIFF.

AT SIX -- WHAT MISSING THE MIDNIGHT DEADLINE WILL MEAN FOR YOU.

ROWS OF CARS PARKED ON AN AIRPORT RUNWAY.

THE LATEST LOOK AT THE RECOVERY EFFORTS FOLLOWING SUPERSTORM SANDY --

FIND OUT WHAT"S GOING TO HAPPEN TO THEM ALL.

AND,

GET READY FOR 20-13.

TZ 6 1) FISCAL CLIFF-VOTOPS

TZ 6 2) CARNAGE NA36M-VOTOPS

TZ 6 3) FORT MYERS NEW YEARS-VOTOPS

CLOSE-2SHOT