ABC7 5PM HOUR

ABC7 5PM HOUR

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DIRECTORS PAGE BUMP SHOT-BUMP OUT
HEADLINES------------- NEWS AT 5:00 PM OPEN-CLIP
HL1A) PICTURE OF BRIANNA-trxSSTOPS TS FM DEATH INVESTIGATION-VID BOX
HL1) FM DEATH INVESTIGATION-trxSOTVO TS OPERATION BAD APPLE-VID BOX
HL2) OPERATION BAD APPLE-trxNATSVO TS LYNX BACK-VID BOX
HL3) ALASKA AIRLINES INCIDENT-trxSOTVO ALASKA AIRLINES INCIDENT-VOTOPS-2 SHOT
HL4) SUPERBOWL-trxNATSVO ALASKA AIRLINES INCIDENT-PKG
NEWS AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP AL HOSTAGE LATEST-VO.WIPE
FM DEATH INVESTIGATION-SOT-SS-SS-OC AL HOSTAGE LATEST-SOTVO
FM DEATH INVESTIGATION-LL PKG AZ SHOOTING UPDATE-VO
OPERATION BAD APPLE-SS-SS-OC NYC MAYOR ED KOCH DIES-VO
OPERATION BAD APPLE-LL PKG CONVICTED MURDER RELEASED-VO
NAPLES STRANGER DANGER FOLO-OC-VO-OC ROYAL HOAX DJS-VO
NAPLES STRANGER DANGER FOLO-PKG CAR INTO NURSING HOME-POP -VO
LEHIGH BRUSH FIRE-VO CHINA FROZEN RIVER RESCUE-VOTOPS
RED LIGHT CAMERAS-VO FL MISSING WOMAN RESCUE-NATSVO.WIPE
TURKEY US EMBASSY ATTACK-VO.WIPE FL MISSING WOMAN RESCUE-SOTVO
TURKEY US EMBASSY ATTACK-SOTVO CONTRACEPTIVE RULES-VO
DOW 14,000-NATSVO FLU LATEST-VID BOX REVEAL
JAN JOBS REPORT-VO FLU FLORIDA-VOTOPS
ECONOMY SWFL-VO HEALTHY SCHOOL SNACKS-VO
CHU STEPPING DOWN-VO GO RED IMPACT-OC
HILLARY CLINTON'S LAST DAY-VOTOPS GO RED IMPACT-PKG
CAPE LAWYER IN TROUBLE-OC GO RED IMPACT-OC
LYNX BACK-OC-VO-OC NEW AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP
LYNX BACK-LL PKG TEASE FOUR------------
HENDRY DEAD PANTHERS-OC TZ4 A TEENS AND ENERGY DRINKS-VO
PANTHER RELEASED-SS TZ4 B GAY DOG ADOPTION-SSTOPS
PYTHON CHALLENGE-VO VT ICE JAMS-VOTOPS
NEXT AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP STORM WARN JP OPEN-CLIP
TEASE ONE------------ CROSSTALK-WX EST
TZ1 A BOMB SNIFFING DOGS-VOTOPS FORECAST-PHC
TZ1 B MEDICINE RECALL-VOTOPS FORECAST-WXWALL
VA FLOODING-VOTOPS TEENS AND ENERGY DRINKS-TC MON
STORMWARN OPEN-CLIP TEENS AND ENERGY DRINKS-PKG
FORECAST-PHC ROBIN HOMECOMING-NATSVO
FORECAST-WXWALL RAVENS CHEERLEADER-SS
BOMB SNIFFING DOGS-VO IN TC MON GAY DOG ADOPTION-SS-WIPE
BOMB SNIFFING DOGS-PKG GAY DOG ADOPTION-SOT-SS
MEDICINE RECALL-VO APPLEBEE'S RECEIPT-SS-VO
FAKE ZEBRA ESCAPE-VO THINGS TO DO-CLIP
NEW AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP ART FEST-VO.WIPE
TEASE TWO------------ ART FEST-SOTVO
TZ2 A SUPERBOWL DEALS-VOTOPS-WIPE NEXT AT 5-CLIP
TZ2 B CONTRACEPTION-VOTOPS TEASE FIVE---
BUMP SHOT-BUMP IN TZ5 A DETROIT STOLEN CAR-SOTVO
TOSS TO NINA-OC BUMP SHOT-BUMP IN
SUPER BOWL DEALS-TC MON DETROIT STOLEN CAR-OC
SUPER BOWL DEALS-PKG DETROIT STOLEN CAR-PKG
SUPER BOWL DEALS-TC MON NEXT AT 6 OPEN-CLIP
SUPER BOWL FOOD-VO COMING UP AT 6PM
TEASE THREE-ONCAM TZ 6 1) DEADLY CHILD ABUSE-SOTVO
TZ3 A ALASKA AIRLINES-SOTVO TZ 6 2) CRACK HOUSE ARREST-SOTVO
TZ3 B FLORIDA WOMAN RESCUE-NATSVO TZ 6 3) FM BUSINESSES-VOTOPS
TZ3 C GO RED IMPACT-SOTVO CLOSE-2SHOT
FACEBOOK WOMAN OF THE DAY-SSTOPS  


DIRECTORS PAGE


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


WHO COULD HURT THIS TWO YEAR OLD.

SHE'S DEAD TONIGHT, BEATEN AND SHAKEN TO DEATH.

Anybody who commits child abuse on a toddler is a monster"

AND THIS IS THE MAN POLICE ARRESTED FOR THE CRIME.

HER MOM'S BOYFRIEND.

RIGHT NOW AT 5--

ABC 7 BREAKS NEW DETAILS IN THE DEATH OF FORT MYERS TODDLER,

BRIANNA ADDISON.

@ 5:31 "bring em out, bring em out we got em"

TONIGHT TWENTY NINE PEOPLE CHARGED--

AND THAT'S JUST THE BEGINNING OF OPERATION BAD APPLE.

CAMERAS ROLL AS SUSPECTED PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSERS ARE BUSTED.

PLUS--

came out of the cockpit and collapsed on the aisle

HIGH ANXIETY--

THE PILOT COLLAPSES WHILE THE PLANE'S IN THE AIR.

NOW AT 5, HOW THE JET LANDED SAFELY.

AND--

NAT Jim: Who's got it better than us?? No one!

THE NINERS!

THE RAVENS!

THE BIG EASY!

ARE YOU READY FOR SUPER BOWL 47?

ABC 7'S SMART SHOPPER SHOWS YOU WHERE TO GET THE BEST PARTY DEALS IN TOWN.

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


HL1A) PICTURE OF BRIANNA-trxSSTOPS


Return to index of stories...

HL1) FM DEATH INVESTIGATION-trxSOTVO


Return to index of stories...

HL2) OPERATION BAD APPLE-trxNATSVO


Return to index of stories...

HL3) ALASKA AIRLINES INCIDENT-trxSOTVO


Return to index of stories...

HL4) SUPERBOWL-trxNATSVO


Return to index of stories...

NEWS AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

FM DEATH INVESTIGATION-SOT-SS-SS-OC


Why did you do whatever you did to her? Why"

YOU JUST SAW A FATHER'S GRIEF --

AND HEARD HIS QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO HIS TWO YEAR OLD --

QUESTIONS THAT MAY NEVER BE ANSWERED.

TONIGHT THIS MAN IS IN JAIL!

POLICE SAY HE BEAT BRIANNA ADDISON.

HER LIFELESS BODY WAS PULLED FROM HER MOTHER'S FORT MYERS APARTMENT WEDNESDAY.

NEW AT 5 --

ABC7'S JOELLE PARKS TALKED WITH BRIANNA'S FATHER. Return to index of stories...


FM DEATH INVESTIGATION-LL PKG


on cam

Brendan addison tells me he loved his little girl Brianna, And even though derric Johnson, the man who lived with the baby's mother had a criminal past, He said he never thought he'd do anything to hurt his child.

Take vo

Now Brendan and the child's mother shawna hall are planning the 2 olds funeral.

- fmpd says Johnson watched Brianna and her 2 siblings for about 10 hours Tuesday night into wed when mom was at work -mom, shawna hall, came home at 2 am wed and checked on her 3 children -she fell asleep

- she work up for an apt and left

-she got a phone call to come back home around 9 -finds baby Brianna bruised and blue, calls 911 -authorities respond -Brianna is transported to healthpark where she's pronounced dead -detectives observe multiple bruising to her head, torso and body consistent with shaking and beating -Johnson was arrested last night. and charged with cruelty toward a child/ aggravated child abuse and homicide Now-Brianna's father is reaching out to his daughter.

Sot-15 sec @:54

Brendan Addison

Victim's Father

" I talked to her last night, Im just talking to her in the sky and I told her that I wasn't going to stop until I knew what happened to her. I know she's smiling down on us right now I just want to say- I love you and just rest in peace."

Take live

-a 4 year old child is also transported to health park.

Tonight Dcf has custody of the mothers other 2 children

- tonight at 5- hewr the message Brianna's dad has for the man accused of killing his little girl.

Reporting live Jp. Return to index of stories...


OPERATION BAD APPLE-SS-SS-OC


A DRUG RING THAT SPANS THREE COUNTIES BUSTED.

29 PEOPLE ARE FACING CHARGES TONIGHT IN CONNECTION WITH THE RING.

THREEOF THOSE ARE FROM CHARLOTTE COUNTY.

THEY'RE ACCUSED OF BUYING AND SELLING PAIN PILLS ON THE BLACK MARKET.

ABC7's CHARLIE KEEGAN TELLS US HOW THE INVESTIGATION STARTED AND IS LINKED TO A BIG PHARAMACEUTICAL COMPANY. Return to index of stories...


OPERATION BAD APPLE-LL PKG


AUTHORITIES SAY THE INVESTIGATION INTO THIS DRUG RING STARTS HERE WHERE LUXOR INDUSTRIES PHYSICIANS GROUP WHICH USED TO BE.

THe people ARRESTED THIS WEEK ARE ACCUSED OF WRITNG FAKE PRESCRIPTIONS FOR OXYCODONE WITH A PAD WHICH WAS STOLEN FROM THIS OLD PAIN CLINIC.

VO

THE SARASOTA COUNTY SHERIFF SAYS THESE 29 PEOPLE WOULD TAJE THOSE FAKE PRESCRIPTIONS TO APPLE PHARMACY IN ENGLEWOOD.

OVER 2 MONTHS IN 2011 DETECTIVES SAY THE DRUG RIMG COLLECTED 7-THOUSAND OXYCODONE PILLS WHICH THEY THEN SOLD ON RHE STREETS.

AN ANONYMOUS TIP CLUED THE SHERIFFS OFFICE INTO THE ACTIVITY AND IT LAUNCHED OPERATION BAD APPLE WHICH LED TO THESE AREESTS.

THE SHERIFF SAYS THIS IS KEEPING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS OFF THE STEETS.

LIVE

27 ARRESTED,, AUTHORITIES ARE STILL LOOKING FOR 2.

THE RONG INCLUDED A FATHER AND DAUGHTER COMBINATION AND A HUSBAND AND WIFE.

THREE PEOPLE FROM CHATLOTTE COUNTY WERE ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH THIS.

IN NORTH FORT MYERS CK NBC-2. Return to index of stories...


NAPLES STRANGER DANGER FOLO-OC-VO-OC


A-B-C 7 WENT BACK TO AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN NAPLES TODAY --

AND SAW BIG CHANGES.

THAT'S BECAUSE YESTERDAY --

FOUR NINE YEAR OLD GIRLS SAY A STRANGER IN A BLACK S-U-V CREPT PASSED THEM THREE TIMES.

-- CAUSING THEM TO RUN.

ABC7'S RICK RITTER REPORTS ON WHAT'S DIFFERENT --

AT PARK LAKE ELEMENTARY. Return to index of stories...


NAPLES STRANGER DANGER FOLO-PKG


not on cam

STRANGER DANGER ALERT IN ONE NAPLES COMMUNITY - ALL BECAUSE OF A FRIGHTENING INCIDENT ON WEDNESDAY.

POLICE SAY A MAN DRIVING A BLACK, OLDER MODEL S-U-V - FOLLOWED A GROUP OF 9 YEAR OLD GIRLS AS THEY WALKED HOME FROM SCHOOL.

THE GIRLS WERE ABLE TO GET AWAY - RUNNING TO A FRIENDS HOUSE.

NAPLES POLICE INCREASED THEIR PRESCENSE OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS - BUT STILL HAVEN'T FOUND THE DRIVER - DESCRIBING HIM AS A WHITE MAN WITH A SHORT BUZZ CUT.

WHILE THE SUSPICIOUS STRANGER REMAINS ON THE LOOSE - PARENTS ARE PULLING IN THE REIGNS ON THEIR KIDS.

TAKE SOT

DURATION = 0:11

Deborah Quinn/Lake Park Elementary Parent

"It's really ill - he needs to leave because we're all watching our kids here."

James Quinn/Lake Park Elementary Parent

"It's a real close neighborhood so this isn't a neighborhood you want to drive around - there's too many eyes and everyone has each others back here."

RICK RITTER ABC7. Return to index of stories...


LEHIGH BRUSH FIRE-VO


A BRUSH FIRE IN LEHIGH ACRES IS OUT TONIGHT.

THE ONE ACRE FIRE STARTED IN AN FIRE PIT BEHIND HENRY AVENUE TODAY.

NO ONE WAS WATCHING THE PIT.

THE FIRE THREATENED THE HOUSE NEARBY, BUT FIREFIGHTERS WERE ABLE TO GET IT UNDER CONTROL BEFORE IT DAMAGED IT.

AUTHORITIES ARE INVESTIGATING.

CHARGES ARE POSSIBLE AGAINST THE HOMEOWNER. Return to index of stories...


RED LIGHT CAMERAS-VO


RED-LIGHT CAMERAS IN COLLIER COUNTY ARE SET TO COME DOWN BY THE END OF THE MONTH-

AFTER COMISSINERS VOTED TO REMOVE THEM.

BUT NEW TONIGHT AT FIVE.

ONE COMMISIONER IS ON A MISSION TO KEEP THEM UP.SNAPPING RED LIGHT RUNNERS.

DONA FIALA WANTS TO BRING THE ISSUE BACK FOR DISCUSSION AT THEIR NEXT MEETING.

SHE WANTS TO SHOW STATISTICS SHE SAYS PROVE THE CAMERAS ARE BENEIFICIAL FOR SAFETY.

IF COMMISSIONERS STILL DONT AGREE-- THE CAMERAS WILL BE TAKEN DOWN FEBRUARY 28TH. Return to index of stories...


TURKEY US EMBASSY ATTACK-VO.WIPE


THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS OUR COUNTRY WAS A VICTIM OF A TERROR ATTACK.

TODAY --

A SUICIDE BOMBER SET OFF AN EXPLOSION OUTSIDE THE U-S EMBASSY EMBASSY IN TURKEY.

HE KILLED HIMSELF AND A TURKISH GUARD.

NOBODY ELSE DIED BECAUSE HE DIDN'T GET PASSED THE INITIAL CHECKPOINT AND INSIDE THE EMBASSY COMPOUND.

AMERICAN OFFICIALS ARE WORKING CLOSELY WITH TURKISH AUTHORITIES DURING THE INVESTIGATION. Return to index of stories...


TURKEY US EMBASSY ATTACK-SOTVO


The act -- a suicide bombing on the perimeter of an embassy is by

definition an act of terror. It is a terrorist attack. However, we do not

know at this point who is responsible or the motivations behind the attack

THE EMBASSY IS HEAVILY FORTIFIED BUT TERRORISM EXPERTS SAY THERE IS VERY

LITTLE DEFENSE AGAINST A SUICIDE ATTACK. Return to index of stories...


DOW 14,000-NATSVO


WALL STREET ENDS THE WEEK ON A HIGH NOTE.

nats of closing bell

THE DOW CROSSED THE 14,000 MARK FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN 5 YEARS.

THE DOW GAINED 149 POINTS AND FINISHED THE DAY AT 14,009.

THE NASDAQ GAINED 15 POINTS. Return to index of stories...


JAN JOBS REPORT-VO


PART OF THE REASON THE DOW JUMPED TODAY WAS A GOOD JOBS REPORT.

THE LABOR DEPARTMENT SAYS EMPLOYERS ADDED 157 THOUSAND JOBS LAST MONTH --

AND HIRING WAS STRONGER OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS THAN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT.

BUT -- THE OVERALL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE TICKED UP A HAIR --

FROM 7.9 PERCENT TO 7.8 PERCENT IN DECEMBER. Return to index of stories...


ECONOMY SWFL-VO


STAYING WITH THE ECONOMY,

IF YOU'VE NOTICED FEWER COMMERICAL "FOR LEASE" SIGNS AROUND TOWN. THERE'S GOOD REASON.

LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERS SAY BUSINESS IS GROWING - ESPECIALLY RESTAURANTS.

THE LATEST COMPANIES LOOKING TO COME TO SOUTHWEST FLORIDA. NATIONAL CHAINS ZAXBY'S AND CULVER'S.

POLLO TROPICALE AND CHEDDAR'S ARE ALSO LOOKING TO EXPAND HERE WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR. Return to index of stories...


CHU STEPPING DOWN-VO


ANOTHER MEMBER OF PRESIDENT OBAMA'S CABINET IS LEAVING.

ENERGY SECRETARY STEVEN CHU IS STEPPING DOWN.

THE ENERGY DEPARTMENT SAYS HE'S OFFERED HIS RESIGNATION TO PRESIDENT OBAMA.

CHU WON A NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS --

BUT FACED CRITICISM FOR HIS HANDLING OF A SOLAR ENERGY LOAN. Return to index of stories...


HILLARY CLINTON'S LAST DAY-VOTOPS


AFTER DECADES OF PUBLIC SERVICE.

THE LAST DAY ON THE JOB FOR SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON.

THE FORMER FIRST LADY, SENATOR, AND PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE LOGGED ALMOST A MILLION MILES IN THE AIR SINCE JOINING THE STATE DEPARTMENT FOUR YEARS AGO.

CLINTON PLANS TO GET MUCH REST FOLLOWING A BLOOD CLOT AND CONCUSSION.

FORMER MASSACHUSETTS SENATOR JOHN KERRY WILL TAKE HER PLACE.

THE SENATE CONFIRMED HIM EARLIER THIS WEEK. Return to index of stories...


CAPE LAWYER IN TROUBLE-OC


NEW AT 5

A LAWYER IS IN TROUBLE TONIGHT IN CAPE CORAL

THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT SUSPENDED KEITH BURGESS LOSE.

DOCUMENTS SHOW LOSEY AGREED TO A SETTLEMENT CHECK WORTH 20-THOUSAND DOLLARS.

BUT THE REPORT SHOWS HE DEPOSITED THAT MONEY INTO HIS OWN ACCOUNT --

NEVER PAID HIS CLIENTS, AND REFUSED TALKING TO THEM. Return to index of stories...


LYNX BACK-OC-VO-OC


THE REPLICA WAR OF 1812 SHIP MADE ITS OFFICIAL HOMECOMING TODAY.

THE LYNX SHIP ARRIVED BACK ON FORT MYERS BEACH.IT'S NEW WINTER HOME.

ABC7'S LAUREN DISPIRITO SPOKE WITH BUSINESS OWNERS ABOUT HOW THE NEW SHIP IS TURNING INTO DOLLARS ALL AROUND. Return to index of stories...


LYNX BACK-LL PKG


many of the business owners --like this restaurant here on the back bay side say the ship brings a different kind of tourist--

someone looking for an educational and cultural experience too, and here's why.

take vo

the ship is modeled after the baltimore clippers that defended this county in the war of 1812.

its maintained now for tours, sailing-- to teach people about its history.

they found fort myers beach while looking for a place to dock each winter.

and the partnership took off.

the island attracts people from around the world, but one restaurant owner says he's actually seen more locals coming to the island-- to check this out.

take sot

super= Rob DeGennaro, Nervous Nellie's Restaurant

runs =10 sec

01:32 we've got folks coming in from Punta Gorda Port Charlotte, down from Marco Island, across from Ft. Lauderdale, bus trips from Sarasota 01:42

based on the nearly 3 weeks this ship spent here last month, shop owners tell me they are getting more customers walking in, that is translating to increased sales.

here near the water, some say foot traffic alone is up 30 percent over this time last year.

if you want to check out the lynx, check our or website for times/tours.

on fmb ld ABC7. Return to index of stories...


HENDRY DEAD PANTHERS-OC


MORE PANTHERS HAVE DIED IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

FWC OFFICIALS FOUND

A FOUR-MONTH-OLD KITTEN IN HENDRY COUNTY.

IT WAS HIT BY CAR.

THEN, THIS MORNING A TWO- TO THREE-YEAR-OLD MALE PANTHER WAS FOUND DEAD IN THE FOREST IN HENDRY COUNTY.

IT'S UNCLEAR HOW THAT PANTHER DIED.

A NECROPSY WILL BE PEFORMED.

THERE HAVE BEEN FIVE PANTHER DEATHS SO FAR THIS YEAR. Return to index of stories...


PANTHER RELEASED-SS


A FEMALE PANTHER THAT WAS RESCUED BACK IN 2011 IS BACK IN THE WILD TONIGHT.

FWC RELEASED THE ANIMAL AT

THE PICAYUNE STRAND STATE FOREST YESTERDAY.

THE PANTHER AND ITS BROTHER WERE RAISED AT THE WHITE OAK CONSERVATION CENTER SINCE THEY WERE 5 MONTHS OLD.

THEY WERE RESCUED AS KITTENS

AFTER THEIR MOTHER WAS FOUND DEAD. Return to index of stories...


PYTHON CHALLENGE-VO


WE HAVE NEW NUMBERS IN THE PYTHON CHALLENGE TONIGHT.

SO FAR --

HUNTERS HAVE KILLED 41 BURMESE PYTHONS IN THE EVERGLADES.

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCHERS EXAMINE EACH SNAKE HOPING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ELUSIVE SPECIES.

MORE THAN 1,000 PEOPLE SIGNED UP FOR THE CHALLENGE IN THE HOPES OF WINNING CASH PRIZES.

IT ENDS FEBRUARY 10-TH. Return to index of stories...


NEXT AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP


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


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


YOU SEE THESE DOGS.

THEY'RE SNIFFING FOR BOMBS.AIRPORTS. BIG EVENTS.

BUT CAN THEY REALLY DETECT EXPLOSIVES?

ABC7 INVESTIGATES.

PLUS AN ABC7 MEDICAL ALERT.

THE RECALL OF HUNDREDS OF COUGH MEDICINES.

JUST AS LEE COUNTY HITS THE HEIGHT OF FLU SEASON.

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


TZ1 A BOMB SNIFFING DOGS-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

TZ1 B MEDICINE RECALL-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

VA FLOODING-VOTOPS


CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO OF FLOODING IN VIRGINIA

WATER FROM THE NEW RIVER SWEPT OVER A PARKING LOT AT RADFORD UNIVERSITY, AND FLOODED OUT 100 CARS.

THE RIVER'S WATERS BEGAN RISING RAPIDLY YESTERDAY. UP ALMOST TEN FEET IN LESS THAN AN HOUR.

METEOROLOGISTS SAY THE RIVER CRESTED AT 21 FEET. 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


NICE WEEKEND AHEAD

As promised, we certainly felt a drop in temperatures this morning and today. Lows were in the 40's along the coast and inland areas did manage to drop into the 30's this morning. Tonight will be another mainly clear evening with a light breeze from the northeast. Temperatures will fall into the 40's once again on Saturday morning - in the same places as last night. I also expect another round of mid and upper 30's in the colder inland spots again tomorrow morning.

The daytime high temperatures will recover to the mid and lower 70's on Saturday and there will be plenty of sunshine during the day. It looks like we will hold on to the pattern of chilly morning temperatures and mild, sunny days through the weekend and into next week.

A weak weather disturbance riding across Florida next Wednesday should increase the clouds on that day, but rain chances stay very low. All-in-all the weather forecast here in beautiful southwest Florida should stay very nice through next week. Return to index of stories...


BOMB SNIFFING DOGS-VO IN TC MON


A SHOCKING REPORT TONIGHT.

ABC7 HAS LEARNED THE TSA REALLY DOESN'T KNOW HOW GOOD BOMB SNIFFING DOGS ARE AT DETECTING EXPLOSIVES.

ABC'S KAREN TRAVERS HAS THE DETAILS. Return to index of stories...


BOMB SNIFFING DOGS-PKG


BUT WHAT IF THESE DOGS.DONT ACTUALLY SNIFF OUT BOMBS?

A NEW REPORT SAYS THE GOVERNMENT HAS WASTED ABOUT 100 MILLION DOLLARS -

WITHOUT KNOWING WHETHER A NEW PROGRAM WILL WORK!

AVIATION SECURITY EXPERTS SAY THAT DOGS ARE BEING USED IN AIRPORTS IN WAYS

THEY HAVE NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY USED.

most of the time, they're hitting luggage, stationary objects, known objects

. these passenger screening canines walk through a terminal and detect a

scent, then they follow the scent. this is new here in the US.

HERE'S AN EXAMPLE - THIS TSA VIDEO SHOWS A BOMB SNIFFING DOG LOCKING IN ON

AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE ON THIS MAN WHO IS POSING AS A PASSENGER. SUCCESS!

BUT THAT DOESNT HAPPEN WITH EVERY DOG.

IN ANOTHER TSA VIDEO - THE WOMAN ON THE LEFT IN PINK HAS AN EXPLOSIVE

TRAINING DEVICE IN HER BACKPACK.

BUT THE BOMB SNIFFING DOG WALKS RIGHT PAST HER - AND PURSUES A PASSENGER WHO

HAS NOTHING DANGEROUS.

THE REPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE FOUND THAT THE TSA ISN'

T SURE HOW GOOD THE DOGS ARE AT DETECTING EXPLOSIVES WHEN PEOPLE ARE MOVING

IN ALL DIRECTIONSAND THERE ARE MULTIPLE SCENTS THAT COULD CONFUSE THEM.

IT SAYS THAT MORE THAN 700 CANINE UNITS HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED - BUT EXPERTS SAY

THERE'S STILL MORE HOMEWORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE.

We burn a lot of time, we burn a lot of money but we're not sure if it's

effective.

O/C CLOSE: THE GAO REPORT ALSO FOUND THAT SOME BOMB SNIFFING DOGS ARENT

GETTING THEIR REQUIRED MONTHLY TRAINING - SO THEY MAY BE GETTING SENT TO

WORK UNPREPARED. KT ABC NEWS WASHINGTON. Return to index of stories...


MEDICINE RECALL-VO


AN ABC7 RECALL ALERT TONIGHT.

TWO-POINT-THREE MILLION BOTTLES OF COUGH AND COLD SYRUP ARE BEING PULLED OFF STORE SHELVES

THAT'S BECAUSE THE CHILD SAFETY CAPS COULD FAIL.

THE RECALL INVOLVES TRIAMINIC AND THERAFLU.

FOUR CHILDREN REPORTEDLY INGESTED THE MEDICINE AFTER THEY GOT PAST THE CHILD-RESISTANT CAPS.

THE RECALLED PRODUCTS WERE MANUFACTURED BEFORE JANUARY OF LAST YEAR.

CHECK YOUR MEDICINE CABINET. Return to index of stories...


FAKE ZEBRA ESCAPE-VO


A ZEBRA WAS ON THE LOOSE AT A ZOO IN TOKYO, BUT THERE WAS NO DANGER.

AS YOU CAN SEE IT WAS A FAKE ZEBRA.

IT WAS PART OF A DISASTER DRILL.

ARMED WITH NETS, STICKS, RADIOS AND A TRANQUILIZER GUN. ZOO STAFF RAN AFTER A ZOOKEEPER DRESSED AS A ZEBRA.

AS FOR THE EMPLOYEE WHO HAD TO DRESS UP AS THE ZEBRA. HE SAYS HE WAS HANDED THE TASK BECAUSE HE WAS ONE OF THE ZOO'S NEWEST EMPLOYEES. Return to index of stories...


NEW AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP


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


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


WHAT ARE YOU DOING SUNDAY?

HINT - THERE'S A BIG GAME ON T-V.

AND THERE'S A LOT HAPPENING IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

ABC7'S SMART SHOPPER SHOWS YOU THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN ON SUPERBOWL SUNDAY.

NEW RULES ON THE OBAMA BIRTH CONTROL MANDATE.

HOW IT AFFECTS RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS AND YOU.

ABC7 BREAKS DOWN THE GUIDELINES. Return to index of stories...


TZ2 A SUPERBOWL DEALS-VOTOPS-WIPE


Return to index of stories...

TZ2 B CONTRACEPTION-VOTOPS


Return to index of stories...

BUMP SHOT-BUMP IN


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


TOSS TO NINA-OC


WHAT ARE YOU DOING SUNDAY?

ARE YOU STILL LOOKING FOR WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO TO WATCH THE BALTIMORE RAVENS TAKE ON THE SAN FRANCISCO FORTY NINERS IN THE SUPERBOWL.

IF YOU'RE NOT HEADING TO NEW ORLEANS FOR THE BIG GAME.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA HAS YOU COVERED.

AND SO DOES ABC7 SMART SHOPPER NINA MOINI -

NINA THERE ARE SOME SPECIALS OUT THERE AT RESTAURANTS WHO WANT YOU TO COME IN AND WATCH. Return to index of stories...


SUPER BOWL DEALS-TC MON


THE COST OF A SUPERBOWL FAVORITE - CHICKEN WINGS ARE UP THIS YEAR MEANING YOU WON'T FIND MANY SPECIALS ON THOSE-

BUT I FOUND OUT ONCE YOU FACTOR IN THE COST OF DIFFERENT SAUCES AND OTHER FIXINGS - YOU COULD STILL SAVE WHILE DINING OUT. Return to index of stories...


SUPER BOWL DEALS-PKG


NATS - I'm rooting for the 49ers go 49ers!

NO MATTER WHERE YOUR ALLEGIANCE LIES-

NATS - Ravens!

EVERYONE AGREES SAVING MONEY ON FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT MEANS EVERYONE WINS.

06:19:42 2

"If your team wins get 15 percent off at end of game."

HURRICANE GRILL AND WINGS MANAGER CATHERINE FLYNN SAYS HER LOCATION OFF OF U-S 41 IN FORT MYERS IS OFFERING BUY ONE GET ONE HALF OFF DEALS ON APPETIZERS AND DRINK SPECIALS THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

SHE'S OFFERING A SUPERBOWL STAPLE - CHICKEN WINGS- AT ABOUT SIXTY CENTS A PIECE -

MEANING YOU COULD FEED 10 FOR ABOUT 60 BUCKS.

NATS - TABLE

CHICKEN WINGS ARE MORE THAN TWO DOLLARS A POUND AT THE STORE-

THAT'S WITHOUT ANY FLAVORING-

IN FACT, PRICES ARE UP 14 PERCENT FROM LAST YEAR ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL CHICKEN COUNCIL!

NATS - PHONE RING

06:24:29 2

"Superbowl biggest day of year."

AT WICKED WINGS N THINGS OFF OF ALICO ROAD IN FORT MYERS-

YOU WON'T FIND MANY SPECIALS ON WINGS EITHER - BUT OWNER TAMARA O'GILVIE SAYS OTHER SAVINGS WILL BE IN FULL SWING-

LEAVING YOU WITH A CHEAP TAB PER PERSON.

06:25:28 6

"Four people come in 10 wings a piece and pitcher 9 dollars a person." Return to index of stories...


SUPER BOWL DEALS-TC MON


IF YOU ORDER TAKEOUT - YOU SHOULD ORDER A FEW HOURS AHEAD OF TIME.

YOU CAN ALSO EXPECT TO PAY ABOUT 20 BUCKS MORE FOR TEAM JERSEYS THIS YEAR-

AND ANOTHER ESSENTIAL - BIG SCREEN TV'S- ARE EXPECTED TO DROP IN PRICE ON SUPERBOWL SUNDAY.

FOR MORE SUPERBOWL SAVINGS VISIT ABC DASH SEVEN DOT COM Return to index of stories...


SUPER BOWL FOOD-VO


DID YOU KNOW --

AMERICANS WILL EAT MORE ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY THAN ANY DAY OF THE ENTIRE YEAR EXCEPT ONE.

CAN YOU GUESS WHICH ONE?

THANKSGIVING.

BUT IF YOU WANT TO EAT HEALTHY SUNDAY, HERE'S SOME ADVICE --

WINGS ARE A PARTY FAVORITE!

NUTRITIONISTS SAY YOU DON'T HAVE TO AVOID THEM.

JUST BAKE THEM INSTEAD OF FRYING THEM.

LOAD YOUR PLATE WITH FRUITS AND VEGGIES.

TRY POPCORN INSTEAD OF CHEESE PUFFS --

AND WHOLE WHEAT PITA CHIPS INSTEAD OF FRIES.

ALSO GO WITH A LIGHT BEER, AND DRINK WATER IN BETWEEN.

IT WILL KEEP YOU HYDRATED AND CUT DOWN ON CALORIES. Return to index of stories...


TEASE THREE-ONCAM


TERROR IN THE SKY.

A PILOT COLLAPSES MID-FLIGHT.

AND THAT LEFT PASSENGERS STUCK THOUSANDS OF FEET IN THE AIR.

AND GROUND CONTROL -- FEARING THE WORST.

Liveatc.net AUDIO WITH GRAPHIC

"121 souls on board. And approximately 10,000 pounds of fuel."

"Copy that."

WHO TOOK CONTROL OF THIS FLIGHT,

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PILOT AND HOW IT ALL ENDED.

we got her down here!

FOUND. AND ALIVE!

THE TWO DAY SEARCH FOR A FLORIDA WOMAN. THAT ENDED WITH A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK FIND.

WE SHOW YOU. Return to index of stories...


TZ3 A ALASKA AIRLINES-SOTVO


Return to index of stories...

TZ3 B FLORIDA WOMAN RESCUE-NATSVO


Return to index of stories...

TZ3 C GO RED IMPACT-SOTVO


Return to index of stories...

FACEBOOK WOMAN OF THE DAY-SSTOPS


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 FM DEATH INVESTIGATION-VID BOX


MAKING NEWS RIGHT NOW,

A LIVE IN BOYFRIEND IS NOW CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH KILLING A TWO-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN FORT MYERS.

BRIANNA ADDISON DIED WEDNESDAY.

OFFICERS FOUND HER IN HER MOTHER'S APARTMENT.

THEY TELL US DERRICK JOHNSON WAS CARING FOR HER AT THE TIME.

ACCORING TO THE MEDICAL EXAMINER SHE DIED OF BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA TO HER HEAD. Return to index of stories...


TS OPERATION BAD APPLE-VID BOX


29 PEOPLE FACE CHARGES TONIGHT --

AFTER A 10-MONTH INVESTIGATION INTO A SUSPECTED PILL MILL IN NORTH FORT MYERS.

SEVERAL OF THOSE PEOPLE UNDER ARREST FOR FRAUDULENT PRESCRIPTIONS LIVE IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY.

DEPUTIES SAY THE FRAUDULENT PERSCRIPTIONS WERE STOLEN FROM A NORTH FORT MYERS PAIN CLINIC.

THEY WERE THEN FILLED AT APPLE PHARMACY IN ENGLEWOOD. Return to index of stories...


TS LYNX BACK-VID BOX


THE LYNX SHIP IS BACK ON FORT MYERS BEACH.

THE OWNERS OF THE REPLICA WAR OF 1812 SHIP WERE SO IMPRESSED WITH THE RECEPTION THEY GOT DURING A TEST RUN. THEY MADE THIS THE SHIP'S WINTER HOME.

IT OFFICIALLY RETURNED FROM A BRIEF VISIT TO SAINT PETE TODAY. Return to index of stories...


ALASKA AIRLINES INCIDENT-VOTOPS-2 SHOT


A FLIGHT FROM LOS ANGELES TO SEATTLE MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN PORTLAND.

AFTER THE PILOT COLLAPSED IN FRONT OF PASSENGERS.

HI I'M COURTNEY ROBINSON.

AND I'M JEFF BUTERA.

ABC'S DIANA PEREZ TALKED TO TERRIFIED PASSENGERS --

AND EXPLAINS WHO HELPED THE PILOT --

AND HOW THEY LANDED SAFELY. Return to index of stories...


ALASKA AIRLINES INCIDENT-PKG


Liveatc.net AUDIO WITH GRAPHIC

"121 souls on board. And approximately 10,000 pounds of fuel."

"Copy that."

121 TERRIFIED PASSENGERS WERE ON BOARD ALASKA AIRLINES FLIGHT 473 THURSDAY

NIGHT, HEADED FROM LOS ANGELES TO SEATTLE.

SOT HYLAND SLOBODKIN/PASSENGER: The captain had some problems when he was in

the cockpit and came out of the cockpit and collapsed on the aisle, hit his

head on something ---- It was a bit frightful.

A MOMENT OF HIGH ANXIETY FOR THE AIR TRAVELERS AND THEIR 5 PERSON CREW.

SOT RITA SLOBODKIN/PASSENGER: We didn't know who was flying the plane or if

it was going to land or if the computer technology was just going to take

over.

LUCKILY. MOMENTS OF MID-AIR PANIC RETURNED TO CALM.

FIRST IN THE COCKPIT. THE CO-PILOT, AN 11 YEAR ALASKA AIRLINES VETERAN

TOOK CONTROL OF THE PLANE.

SOT HYLAND SLOBODKIN/PASSENGER:Plane did not lunge. and everything seemed

fine so. we were OK

THEN IN THE AISLE WHERE THE PILOT HAD COLLAPSED.

SOT HYLAND SLOBODKIN/PASSENGER: fortunately a young woman who was a fourth

year medical student who ran to his aid

THE PLANE MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN PORTLAND, OREGON - PASSENGERS THEN

CONTINUED ON TO THEIR FINAL DESTINATION, SEATTLE.

THE PILOT WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL.

SOT HYLAND SLOBODKIN/PASSENGER: Captain was able to get up. and walk down

the stairs. got on a gurney himself.

THE PILOT IS EXPECTED TO BE OK. THE PASSENGERS? JUST HAPPY THE ORDEAL IS

OVER.

SOT RITA SLOBODKIN/PASSENGER: ---- I'm really glad to be on planet earth,

have my feet on the ground.

TAG: EARLIER THIS MONTH ANOTHER ALASKA AIRLINES FLIGHT FROM SEATTLE TO LOS

VEGAS HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING. THE CO-PILOT OF THAT AIRCRAFT.

FAINTING MID FLIGHT. DIANA PEREZ ABC NEWS NY. Return to index of stories...


AL HOSTAGE LATEST-VO.WIPE


FOR THE FIRST TIME TONIGHT --

WE HAVE JUST RECIEVED THE FIRST PICTURE OF THE SUSPECT IN THE ONGOING HOSTAGE SITUATION IN ALABAMA -- AND WE ARE ALSO HEARING FROM THE FAMILY OF THE BUS DRIVER KILLED WHEN IT ALL BEGAN.

THIS IS OUR FIRST LOOK AT JIMMY LEE DYKES.

IT'S DAY FOUR OF THE STANDOFF TODAY.

THIS STARTED TUESDAY WHEN OFFICERS SAY DYKES BOARDED A SCHOOL BUS, SHOT AND KILLED THE DRIVER, THEN KIDNAPPED A FIVE-YEAR-OLD BOY.

THEY'VE BEEN HOLED UP IN AN UNDERGROUND BUNKER EVER SINCE.

THE BUS DRIVER'S CHILDREN ARE HURTING TONIGHT. Return to index of stories...


AL HOSTAGE LATEST-SOTVO


Sot: Aaron Poland / Driver's Son

"Everytime a child got on my dad's bus they were no longer their parents, they were his. he considered them his children. And I know that's the reason my dad took those shots for his children just like he would do for me and my sister."

Sot: Lydia Hancock / Driver's Daughter

"My daddy was not just a hero on Tuesday, my daddy wa a hero my whole life he was my hero!"

DYKES HAS SHOWN NO INDICATION HE'S GOING TO GIVE UP.

AND HOSTAGE NEGOTIATORS HAVE ADMITTED THIS COULD GO ON FOR DAYS. Return to index of stories...


AZ SHOOTING UPDATE-VO


A LAWYER INJURED IN A PHOENIX OFFICE SHOOTING DIED LATE LAST NIGHT.

MARK HUMMELS WAS ON LIFE SUPPORT FOLLOWING WEDNESDAY'S SHOOTING THAT ALSO KILLED A COMPANY C-E-O.

THE GUNMAN ALSO SHOT A WOMAN.

SHE'S EXPECTED TO BE OKAY.

OFFICERS FOUND THE BODY OF THE SHOOTER YESTERDAY.

THEY SAY HE KILLED HIMSELF.

INVESTIGATORS BELIEVE HE OPENED FIRE AFTER A MEDIATION SESSION OVER A LAWSUIT BETWEEN HIM AND THE COMPANY. Return to index of stories...


NYC MAYOR ED KOCH DIES-VO


TONIGHT --

NEW YORK CITY IS REMEMBERING THEIR FORMER MAYOR.

THE VERY COLORFUL AND SOMETIMES CONTROVERSIAL ED KOCH DIED THIS MORNING.

HE WAS 88.

HIS HEART GAVE OUT.

KOCH IS BEST KNOWN FOR LEADING THE CITY OUT OF BANKRUPTCY IN THE 70S. Return to index of stories...


CONVICTED MURDER RELEASED-VO


A FRANTIC SEARCH IS UNDERWAY IN CHICHAGO AFTER GUARDS RELEASED A CONVICTED MURDERER BY MISTAKE.

STEPHEN ROBBINS WAS SERVING A 60-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE IN INDIANA,

HE WAS SENT TO ILLINOIS TO FACE A DRUG CHARGE.

THE JUDGE DROPPED THAT CHARGE AND OFFICERS RELEASED ROBBINS INSTEAD OF SENDING HIM BACK TO INDIANA.

THE F-B-I HAS JOINED THE SEARCH TO FIND THE FUGITIVE. HE'S BEEN ON THE RUN ALMOST THREE DAYS. Return to index of stories...


ROYAL HOAX DJS-VO


WE FOUND OUT TODAY --

THE AUSTRALIAN RADIO D-J'S WHOSE "ROYAL PHONE PRANK" LED TO A NURSE COMMITTING SUICIDE --

WILL *NOT* FACE CHARGES.

THE D-J'S IMPERSONATED QUEEN ELIZABETH AND PRINCE CHARLES --

CALLING A BRITISH HOSPITAL WHERE THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE WAS BEING TREATED.

A NURSE PUT THE CALL THROUGH.

THREE DAYS LATER, SHE HUNG HERSELF.

THE D-J'S HAVE NOT BEEN ON THE AIR SINCE.

AND TODAY --

THEY OFFICIALLY LOST THEIR RADIO PROGRAM. Return to index of stories...


CAR INTO NURSING HOME-POP -VO


ABC7 HAS A SERIES OF UNBELIEVABLE VIDEOS TO SHOW YOU TONIGHT AT 5:30.

LET'S START IN TEXAS.

LOOK AT THIS. THIS WAS A CAR.

IT CRASHED INTO A NURSING HOME AFTER THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL.

THE CRASH KILLED HER.

ACCORDING TO OFFICERS SHE HIT A POLE. AND FLIPPED THE CAR INTO THE AWNING OF THE BUILDING.

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


CHINA FROZEN RIVER RESCUE-VOTOPS


A-B-C-7 CAN ALSO SHOW YOU A DRAMATIC RESCUE TONIGHT --

CAUGHT ON CAMERA IN CHINA!

TWO CHILDREN FELL THROUGH THE ICE.

PEOPLE LIVING NEARBY HEARD A 7-YEAR-OLD BOY AND A 6 YEAR OLD GIRL SCREAMING.

ONE MAN IMMEDIATELY RAN OUT AND JUMPED INTO THE RIVER TO HELP THE CHILDREN.

EMERGENCY WORKERS HELPED HIM PULL THAT OFF.

THE KIDS WILL BE FINE. Return to index of stories...


FL MISSING WOMAN RESCUE-NATSVO.WIPE


AND OFFICERS HERE IN FLORIDA FOUND A MISSING WOMAN --

WITH A CAMERA AROUND TO CAPTURE THE HAPPY-BUT-FRANTIC ENDING!

we got her down here!

DEPUTIES SPENT HOURS SEARCHING THE WOODS IN SARASOTA.

THEY WERE LOOKING FOR DIEDRE FIG-LEE-OLA.

AND JUST WHEN DEPUTIES WERE ABOUT TO LOOK SOMEWHERE ELSE --

SOMETHING CAUGHT ONE OFFICER'S EYE. Return to index of stories...


FL MISSING WOMAN RESCUE-SOTVO


The minute I arrived here, they said 'I found her!' And they found her deep in this thicket. It is more than a needle in a haystack.

FIG-LEE-OLA WAS WEAK, BUT SHE ABLE TO RESPOND TO PEOPLE.

SHE WENT TO THE HOSPITAL.

IT'S NOT CLEAR HOW SHE ENDED UP IN THE WOODS.

BUT HER HUSBAND PRAISED THE SARASOTA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR THEIR HARD WORK. Return to index of stories...


CONTRACEPTIVE RULES-VO


THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ANNOUNCED PROPOSED RULES FOR

RELIGIOUS GROUPS. AIMED AT THE BIRTH CONTROL MANDATE.

THOSE WHO DON'T WANT TO OFFER FREE CONTRACEPTIVE AS PART OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT. WILL HAVE TO FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES.

WOMEN WHO WORK FOR RELIGIOUS-AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS CAN GET CONTRACEPTIVE SERVICES THROUGH A THIRD PARTY INSURER AT NO COST TO THEM OR THEIR EMPLOYER.

SOME RELIGIOUS GROUPS TOOK ISSUE WITH THE MANDATE TO PROVIDE A SERVICE THAT GOES AGAINST THEIR BELIEFS. Return to index of stories...


FLU LATEST-VID BOX REVEAL


TONIGHT, WE CAN TELL YOU THE FLU OUTBREAK IS SHRINKING.

WE CHECKED.

AND THE LATEST NUMBERS FROM THE C-D-C --

SHOW 42 STATES EXPERIENCING WIDESPREAD FLU ACTIVITY.

THAT'S DOWN FROM 47 LAST WEEK.

CASES ON THE EAST COAST ARE DWINDLING.

THEY'RE WORSENING IN THE MIDWEST AND ON THE WEST COAST.

WE DO KNOW THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE SEEING THEIR DOCTORS AND GOING TO THE HOSPITAL BECAUSE OF THE FLU --

IS STILL HIGHER THAN AVERAGE. Return to index of stories...


FLU FLORIDA-VOTOPS


HERE IN FLORIDA, THE FLU AND COMPLICATIONS FROM IT HAS KILLED MORE THAN ONE THOUSAND PEOPLE SINCE CHRISTMAS.

ONE MAN DIED IN LEE COUNTY.

NEARLY 250 PEOPLE DIED IN JUST ONE WEEK IN MID-JANUARY AS A RESULT OF FLU OR PNEUMONIA.

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAYS MOST OF THE DEATHS ARE AMONG PEOPLE 75 AND OLDER.

FIVE FLORIDA CHILDREN HAVE ALSO DIED SINCE OCTOBER. Return to index of stories...


HEALTHY SCHOOL SNACKS-VO


THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WANTS TO BAN CANDY, CHIPS AND SODA FROM PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

IT'S AN EFFORT TO COMBAT CHILDHOOD OBESITY.

THE NEW GUIDELINES WOULD OUTLAW SELLING ALMOST ALL CANDY, HIGH-CALORIE SPORTS DRINKS AND GREASY FOODS AT SCHOOL.

INSTEAD, SCHOOLS WOULD PROVIDE VENDING MACHINES OFFERING BOTTLED WATER, DIET SODAS AND BAKED CHIPS.

IN SCHOOL LUNCH ROOMS --

GONE WOULD BE MENU ITEMS LIKE MOZZARELLA STICKS AND NACHOS.

IN THEIR PLACE --

HEALTHIER FOODS LIKE FRUITS AND YOGURT. Return to index of stories...


GO RED IMPACT-OC


BOTH JEFF AND I ARE WEARING OUR RED PINS TODAY TO MARK THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION'S GO RED FOR WOMEN CAMPAIGN.

THAT'S TO RAISE AWARENESS OF HEART DISEASE IN WOMEN.

TONIGHT LEANNE GREGG TELLS US ABOUT THE IMPACT IT'S HAVING ON WOMEN'S LIVES. Return to index of stories...


GO RED IMPACT-PKG


SPENDING TIME WITH HER TWENTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER IS SOMETHING MICHELLE BURKE WAS TOLD WOULD NEVER HAPPEN.

FIFTEEN YEARS AGO SHE WAS A BUSY MOTHER OF THREE. HER USUALLY PERKY PERSONALITY WAS BOGGED DOWN BY EXTREME FATIGUE.

KNOWING HER SISTER HAD DIED AT AGE NINETEEN FROM A HEART CONDITION, SHE FELT IT WAS TIME TO SEE IF SHE ALSO HAD A TROUBLED HEART.

"I went to actually 2 different doctors and they said to me, it's just because you have young children, it's your season in life, when they grow up you won't be tired anymore."

MONTHS LATER A DIFFERENT DOCTOR AGREED TO TAKE A LOOK AT MICHELLE'S HEART, AND WHEN THEY CALLED WITH THE RESULTS -- SHE WAS TOLD SHE HAD ONLY A HANDFUL OF YEARS LEFT.

"My doctor called and said Michelle, your heart is in terrible shape. You need to go to the hospital tomorrow at 7 am and be prepared to stay a while."

IN THE TIME SINCE MICHELLE'S DIAGNOSIS THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION'S GO RED FOR WOMEN CAMPAIGN HAS MADE GREAT STRIDES IN RAISING AWARENESS OF WOMEN'S HEART PROBLEMS, FOR BOTH WOMEN AND THEIR DOCTORS.

THAT INCREASED AWARENESS LIKELY SAVED MARY LEAH'S LIFE.

"I think I would have been a 30 year old mom pushing a stroller, and they would have found out post-mortum that I had heart disease."

LIKE MICHELLE, MARY LEAH WAS ALSO A BUSY MOTHER WHO WAS CONSTANTLY TIRED. BUT WHEN SHE TOLD HER DOCTOR ABOUT HER MOTHER'S HEART CONDITION, HE TOOK HER FAMILY HISTORY SERIOUSLY AND IMMEDIATELY ORDERED ADDITIONAL TESTS.

"It was pretty world shattering and life altering to find my heart was functioning at 10% of what it should be."

BOTH WOMEN ARE LIVING WITH THEIR CONDITION RATHER THAN SUCCUMBING TO IT -- SOMETHING THEY SAY WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE AWARENESS AND RESEARCH GO RED HAS CREATED. Return to index of stories...


GO RED IMPACT-OC


TO SEE A LIST OF LIFESTYLE CHANGES FROM THE GO RED CAMPAIGN FOR HEART DISEASE PREVENTION.

HEAD TO ABC-7 DOT COM AND CLICK ON SITES ON 7. Return to index of stories...


NEW AT 5:00 OPEN-CLIP


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


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


DANGER FOR TEENS - AND IT COMES IN A CAN.

RED BULL. MONSTER ENERGY. THEY'RE THE BRANDS -- BUT ABC7 TELLS YOU HOW THE PRODUCT CAN KILL.

THE RISKS OF ENERGY DRINKS FOR CHILDREN.

LOOK AT THIS DOG.

DOES HE LOOK GAY?

HIS OWNER GAVE HIM UP JUST FOR THAT.

HOW HE WAS SPARED BEFORE HE NEARLY GOT THE NEEDLE.

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


TZ4 A TEENS AND ENERGY DRINKS-VO


Return to index of stories...

TZ4 B GAY DOG ADOPTION-SSTOPS


Return to index of stories...

VT ICE JAMS-VOTOPS


POSSIBLE ICE JAMS ARE A CONCERN IN VERMONT TONIGHT.

RIGHT NOW, EMERGENCY CREWS ARE MONITORING THE STATE'S WATERWAYS.

UNSEASONABLY WARM TEMPERATURES AND HEAVY RAIN ARE THREATENING TO CAUSE ICE JAMS.

THE FEAR IS THAT RISING WATERS WILL LEAD TO FLOODING. Return to index of stories...


STORM WARN JP OPEN-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

CROSSTALK-WX EST


AD-LIB WEATHER CHAT 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


NICE WEEKEND AHEAD

As promised, we certainly felt a drop in temperatures this morning and today. Lows were in the 40's along the coast and inland areas did manage to drop into the 30's this morning. Tonight will be another mainly clear evening with a light breeze from the northeast. Temperatures will fall into the 40's once again on Saturday morning - in the same places as last night. I also expect another round of mid and upper 30's in the colder inland spots again tomorrow morning.

The daytime high temperatures will recover to the mid and lower 70's on Saturday and there will be plenty of sunshine during the day. It looks like we will hold on to the pattern of chilly morning temperatures and mild, sunny days through the weekend and into next week.

A weak weather disturbance riding across Florida next Wednesday should increase the clouds on that day, but rain chances stay very low. All-in-all the weather forecast here in beautiful southwest Florida should stay very nice through next week. Return to index of stories...


TEENS AND ENERGY DRINKS-TC MON


IN YOUR ABC7 HEALTHY LIVING,

ENERGY DRINKS AND THE DANGER FOR TEENS.

THERE'S A NEW STUDY SHOWING JUST HOW BAD THEY ARE. AND HOW MORE TEENS ARE DOWNING THEM. Return to index of stories...


TEENS AND ENERGY DRINKS-PKG


TEENS ARE DRIVING THE FIVE-BILLION-DOLLAR-A-YEAR ENERGY DRINK MARKET.

THEY INCREASED THEIR CONSUMPTION OF THE HEAVILY CAFFEINATED DRINKS BY 16-

PERCENT FROM 2003 TO 2008. 35-PERCENT OF TEENAGERS NOW REGULARLY CONSUME

THEM AND THEY DON'T KNOW ABOUT THEIR POTENTIAL DANGERS.

A NEW STUDY RELEASED BY THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PEDIATRICS SAYS HIGH

DOSES OF CAFFEINE INSIDE THE ENERGY DRINKS COULD CAUSE PALPITATIONS, ANXIETY

, INSOMNIA, ELEVATED BLOOD PRESSURE AND DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS-- PLUS ENERGY

DRINKS CONTAIN HIGH AMOUNTS OF SUGAR.

BUT THE STUDY POINTS TO EVEN GREATER RISKS.

ONE-QUARTER OF COLLEGE STUDENTS SAY THEY MIX ENERGY DRINKS WITH ALCOHOL,

WITH BAD CONSEQUENCES. THE CAFFEINE-INDUCED HIGH CAN LURE THEM INTO A FALSE

SENSE OF SECURITY, BECAUSE THEY DON'T REALIZE HOW DRUNK THEY REALLY ARE. AND

THAT INCREASES THE RISK OF ALCOHOL-RELATED ACCIDENTS.

DOCTORS ARE THEREFORE URGED TO DISCUSS THE DANGERS OF ENERGY DRINKS WITH

THEIR TEENAGE PATIENTS, ESPECIALLY WHEN MIXED WITH ALCOHOL. Return to index of stories...


ROBIN HOMECOMING-NATSVO


GOOD MORNING AMERICA HOST ROBIN ROBERTS MADE HER FIRST HOMECOMING TO NEW ORLEANS SINCE HER

RECOVERY.

nats of cheering

STUDENTS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL WHERE SHE WENT --

GREETED HER WHEN SHE GOT OFF THE PLANE.

SHE CAME HOME TO VISIT HER FAMILY FOR SUPER BOWL WEEKEND

ROBERTS HAS BEEN TAKING A MEDICAL LEAVE FOR A BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT.

SHE PLANS TO RETURN TO THE ANCHOR CHAIR SOON. Return to index of stories...


RAVENS CHEERLEADER-SS


A BALTIMORE RAVENS CHEERLEADER WON'T BE ON THE SIDELINES AT THE SUPER BOWL AND SHE SAYS IT'S BECAUSE OF HER WEIGHT.

COURTNEY LENZ HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE RAVENS' CHEERLEADING SQUAD FOR FIVE YEARS.

SHE SAYS SHE IS THE ONLY VETERAN OF THREE OR MORE YEARS WHO DID NOT MAKE THE SUPER BOWL ROSTER.

THE RAVENS DID NOT SAY WHY.

THEY JUST SAID SHE HAD A ROUGH YEAR.

LENZ BELIEVES SHE GOT BENCHED EARLIER IN THE SEASON FOR GAINING JUST SHY OF TWO POUNDS.

HER FRIENDS ARE NOW PETITIONING TO GET HER TO THE SUPERBOWL.

WE HAVE A LINK TO THAT PETITION ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE -- ABC7SOUTHWESTFLORIDA.

LENZ SAYS THIS WAS HER LAST SEASON. Return to index of stories...


GAY DOG ADOPTION-SS-WIPE


AN UNBELIEVABLE STORY TO TELL YOU ABOUT TONIGHT --

A DOG OWNER TURNED HIS PITBULL OVER TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER --

BECAUSE HE THOUGHT THE DOG WAS GAY.

ELTON'S STORY HAS NOW MADE HEADLINES ACROSS THE WORLD.

ELTON'S OWNER SAW HIM HUMPING ANOTHER MALE DOG.

AND ELTON COULD HAVE BEEN EUTHANIZED AT THE SHELTER IN TENNESSEE.

BUT --

PEOPLE FLOODED THE SHELTHER WITH PHONE CALLS, ALL WANTING TO ADOPT ELTON.

YESTERDAY --

HE WENT WITH A NEW FAMILY --

HOURS BEFORE HE WOULD HAVE BEEN EUTHANIZED. Return to index of stories...


GAY DOG ADOPTION-SOT-SS


SOT Fryns -"It's just a natural instinct for a dog. It doesn't mean anything about his gender, anything of that nature, you know. It's just, dogs are dogs. It's a dominance thing. 9

WE'RE HEARING ELTON IS ADAPTING WELL TO HIS NEW HOME. Return to index of stories...


APPLEBEE'S RECEIPT-SS-VO


YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS.

IT INVOLVES GOD AND APPLEBEES.

ANOTHER WAITRESS POSTEED THIS ONLINE.

HER COLLEAGUE CROSS OUT THE 18 PERCENT AUTOMATIC GRATUITY BECAUSE HER PARTY WAS LARGER THAN SIX PEOPLE.

IN THAT PARTY. A PASTOR.

ON THE RECEIPT THE PASTOR WROTE, "I GIVE GOD TEN PERCENT, WHY DO YOU GET 18?"

THE PHOTO IS VIRAL ONLINE.

APPLEBEES MANAGERS FIRED THE SERVER WHO POSTED IT BECAUSE GUESTS PERSONAL INFORMATION IS TO BE KEPT PRIVATE. Return to index of stories...


THINGS TO DO-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

ART FEST-VO.WIPE


THIS A BIG BOOST FOR OUR LOCAL ECONOMY --

TONIGHT ARTFEST OPENS IN DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS.

MORE THAN 200 ARTISTS SET UP THEIR BOOTHS TODAY AROUND THE NEW RIVER BASIN.

ART FESTIVALS LIKE THIS ONE HELP PUMP MILLIONS OF DOLLARS BACK INTO LOCAL BUSINESSES FROM HOTELS TO RESTAURANTS.

ACCORDING TO A RECENT STUDY, LEE COUNTY'S NON PROFIT ARTS AND CULTURAL EVENTS BROUGHT IN MORE THAN 68 MILLION DOLLARS IN 2010.

IT SUPPORTS MORE THAN TWO THOUSAND JOBS.

ARTFEST RUNS TONIGHT FROM 6-T-10

AND 10-TO-5 SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.

IT'S FREE TO GET IN Return to index of stories...


ART FEST-SOTVO


Take sound

Lydia black

Exec director alliance for the arts

33:58 as we get more folks coming to our arts as cultural events the more we spur the economy. The more we help on the road to recovery = 8 sec

ARTFEST RUNS TONIGHT FROM 6-T-10

AND 10-TO-5 SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.

IT'S FREE TO GET IN Return to index of stories...


NEXT AT 5-CLIP


Return to index of stories...

TEASE FIVE---


she goes thank you babe and she walked out.

AND LOOK AT YOUR SCREEN.

THAT WOMAN ROLLS OUT OF A LUXURY DEALERSHIP.

TONIGHT SHE'S STILL ROLLING IN STYLE.IN A STOLEN CAR.

HOW SHE GOT THE KEYS. Return to index of stories...


TZ5 A DETROIT STOLEN CAR-SOTVO


Return to index of stories...

BUMP SHOT-BUMP IN


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


DETROIT STOLEN CAR-OC


IT'S CLEVER --

AND CRIMINAL.

CAUGHT ON A CAMERA --

A WOMAN WALKED INTO A CAR DEALERSHIP AND DROVE OFF IN A LUXURY S-U-V WITHOUT PAYING.

BISI OH-NIL-EE-AIR-EE REPORTS. Return to index of stories...


DETROIT STOLEN CAR-PKG


KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE WOMAN AT THE CENTER OF YOUR SCREEN. SHE ARRIVES AT THIS DEARBORN HEIGHTS CAR DEALERSHIP ON FOOT BUT SHE'S ABOUT TO ROLL OUT IN A LUXURY VEHICLE AND NEVER LOOK BACK.

She goes, I'm here to see the Range Rover. I go which one? She goes, the silver one. She goes, can I check it out? I go sure. A few words, nothing crazy then she goes thank you babe and she walked out.

AT WEST FINANCIAL AUTO THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NO TEST DRIVES ALLOWED UNLESS THREE PIECES OF ID ARE SHOWN UP FRONT. IT WAS BUSY HERE TUESDAY NIGHT AND THE OWNER SAYS THE WOMAN WAS GOING FROM ONE SALESPERSON TO ANOTHER. TRYING TO DISTRACT THEM AND IT WORKED.

The sales guy, he also handed her a key thinking that I already took her licenses from her and other IDs.

THE PROBLEM IS, SHE LEFT NOTHING BEHIND. AND ONCE SHE HAD THE KEY SHE WAS OUT THE DOOR AND RIDING AWAY IN WHAT IS NOW A STOLEN LUXURY SUV.

I don't know what they're doing with these vehicles. Whether they're selling them, retagging em, chopping them, selling for parts. I don't know what's going on. I mean whatever it is its hurting us. It's hurting our insurance.

POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING. AUTHORITIES HAVEN'T PUT OUT A REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO AN ARREST BUT HE IS.

I will out up a three thousand dollar cash reward if somebody would turn this lady in or even find the truck for us. When things like this happen it ruins it for everybody. It's crazy. Return to index of stories...


NEXT AT 6 OPEN-CLIP


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COMING UP AT 6PM


I basically lost it- I never thought it would be me

MOURNING THE DEVASTATING DEATH OF HIS DAUGHTER.

A FATHER'S MESSAGE TO THE MAN WHO IS ACCUSED

OF BEATING HIS 2-YEAR OLD GIRL TO DEATH.

--PLUS--

15:46 its terrible and disgusting whats happening in these neighborhoods where ppl deal drugs like this:52

TEAM WORK TAKES DOWN A SUSPECTED DRUG DEALER.

NEW AT SIX-

WHERE RESIDENTS BANDED TOGETHER TO CLEAN UP THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD. Return to index of stories...


TZ 6 1) DEADLY CHILD ABUSE-SOTVO


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TZ 6 2) CRACK HOUSE ARREST-SOTVO


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TZ 6 3) FM BUSINESSES-VOTOPS


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CLOSE-2SHOT


AD LIB GOODBYE Return to index of stories...