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DEVELOPING NEWS THIS MORNING OUT OF ALABAMA.
THE WEEK-LONG HOSTAGE SITUATION INVOLVING A FIVE YEAR OLD BOY HELD IN AN UNDERGROUND BUNKER IS OVER AND HE HAS BEEN REUNITED WITH HIS MOTHER.
GOOD MORNING, I'M CHANCE SEALES.
AND I'M LINH BUI.
THANKS FOR WATCHING A-B-C 7.
WE HAVE PLENTY OF NEWS TO GET TO THIS HOUR.
AND WE BEGIN WITH THAT HOSTAGE STANDOFF IN MIDLAND CITY, ALABAMA WHERE INVESTIGATORS ARE COMBING THROUGH THE UNDERGROUND BUNKER LOOKING FOR ANY EXPLOSIVES.
SARA GANIM JOINS US NOW LIVE FROM MIDLAND CITY, ALABAMA WITH THE LATEST ON THIS SITUATION.
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You know, i'm a father. A lot of these men and women have sacrificed tireless hours, they're parents as well. You know, it's, it's a relief for us to be able to reunite a mother with her child.
A LITTLE BOY IS FINALLY SAFE THIS MORNING.
AFTER HIS *SEVEN DAY ORDEAL IN AN ALABAMA BUNKER.
HIS CAPTOR -- DEAD.
WE'RE FOLLOWING THE INVESTIGATION.
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PLUS, LEHIGH REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER --- IS READY TO GROW.
BUT LEE MEMORIAL IS RAISING CONCERNS.
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AND A RUNAWAY CAR. ROLLS THROUGH A HOSPITAL PARKING LOT.
INJURING *SEVERAL PEOPLE.
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The stretch of cool weather we've had in place for the last few days will start to fade away today, and it looks as though this will be the last morning with temperatures in the 40s for the remainder of the week.
Once temperatures start to climb after sunrise, we'll be on track to warm well into the 70s by the afternoon and even closing in on 80° in some spots; that's a warm up of about 5 degrees compared to yesterday's highs.
Like yesterday, our sky will stay mostly sunny from morning to afternoon, but now that our winds are coming in from the southeast, expect increasing humidity and a few more patchy clouds. Rain will not be in the forecast today, and rain chances are looking pretty slim for the remainder of the week as well.
Across northern parts of Florida, we're tracking as weak disturbance that will bring more cloud cover and a few showers to areas mostly north of Orlando and the I-4 corridor, so the bulk of this weather system will not have much of an influence on our local weather. We will, however, continue to see the wind flow become more southerly, which means the warmth and moisture keeps building in as we go through the rest of the week.
By Wednesday, humidity will keep creeping up, and temperatures will follow suit as we see daytime highs breaking into the 80s. More clouds will also develop during the day, but sunshine will continue to be our main weather player.
Signs point to the warm and sunny pattern holding into the upcoming weekend and likely into next week, which means most days will feature a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the low 80s and lows in the low to mid 60s.
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BREAKING RIGHT NOW IN FORT MYERS--
A ROBBERY INVESTIGATION IS UNDERWAY AT A FORT MYERS SHORES DUNKIN' DONUTS.
IT HAPPENED OVERNIGHT AT THE LOCATION ALONG PALM BEACH BOULEVARD NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF BUCKINGHAM ROAD.
OUR CREWS ARE ON SCENE, GETTING THE LATEST INFORMATION.
WE WILL BRING YOU A LIVE REPORT AS SOON AS WE CAN.
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DEVELOPING NEWS THIS MORNING OUT OF ALABAMA.
NEW DETAILS.
IN THE WEEK-LONG HOSTAGE SITUATION INVOLVING A FIVE YEAR OLD BOY.
ETHAN IS NOW -- WITH HIS MOTHER.
GOOD MORNING, I'M CHANCE SEALES.
AND I'M LINH BUI.
THANKS FOR WATCHING A-B-C 7.
WE HAVE PLENTY OF NEWS TO GET TO THIS MORNING.
AND WE BEGIN WITH THAT HOSTAGE STANDOFF IN MIDLAND CITY, ALABAMA.
RIGHT NOW A BOMB SQUAD -- IS GOING THROUGH THE UNDERGROUND BUNKER. LOOKING FOR EXPLOSIVE DEVICES.
THE F-B-I STORMED THAT BUNKER YESTERDAY -- AMID CONCERNS THAT 5-YEAR-OLD ETHAN WAS IN DANGER.
HIS CAPTOR, JIMMY DYKES --- DIED DURING THE RESCUE.
DYKES WAS A DECORATED WAR VET.
HE TOOK THE BOY FROM A SCHOOL BUS LAST WEEK -- AFTER KILLING THE BUS DRIVER.
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over the past 24 hours, our communications with the subject had deteriorated. We were certainly concerned for the safety of the child.
THERE ARE STILL A LOT OF UNANSWERED QUESTIONS.
OFFICIALS ARE PLANNING ANOTHER NEWS CONFERENCE -- ONCE MORE DETAILS CAN BE RELEASED.
WE WILL HAVE MORE *NEW INFORMATION -- IN A FEW MINUTES.
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THIS MORNING --
FRIENDS STILL MOURN THE LOSS OF 59-YEAR-OLD MARY WATKINS.
SHE WAS KILLED IN A CAR CRASH IN CAPE CORAL.
IT HAPPENED OFF ACADEMY BOULEVARD.
POLICE SAY THE CAR VEERED OFF THE ROAD,
AND HIT A UTILITY POLE.
WATKINS WAS PINNED INSIDE.
SHE WAS FOUND DEAD AT THE SCENE.
HER NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS ARE DEVASTATED.
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5:47 im very sad very sad because she was a very good friend to me
when i need a friend too 5:58
FRIENDS DON'T BELIEVE WATKINS WAS SPEEDING.
BECAUSE THEY SAY SHE ALWAYS DROVE SLOW.
THEY BELIEVE HEALTH PROBLEMS MAY HAVE BEEN A FACTOR.
INVESTIGATORS ARE STILL TRYING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF DEATH.
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WE HAVE MORE DETAILS THIS MORNING --- ABOUT HOW A TWO YEAR OLD GIRL.
WHO DIED INSIDE A FORT MYERS APARTMENT.
POLICE REPORTS RELEASED YESTERDAY --- GIVE US A BETTER IDEA OF WHAT HAPPENED TO BRIANNA ADDISON.
DERRIC JOHNSON IS CHARGED WITH CHILD ABUSE AND HOMICIDE.
HERE'S WHAT WE FOUND OUT.
HE WAS BABYSITTING THE GIRL AND HER SIBLINGS -- WHILE THEIR MOTHER WAS AT WORK.
INVESTIGATORS SAY JOHNSON HIT BRIANNA ---- WITH A BELT AND SHOE.
BECAUSE SHE WAS MISBEHAVING.
JOHNSON TOLD INVESTIGATORS THE GIRL HIT HER HEAD ON THE COUCH.
ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, WHEN JOHNSON COULDN'T WAKE BRIANNA THE NEXT MORNING --- HE CALLED HER MOTHER INSTEAD OF 9-1-1.
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FORT MYERS CITY LEADERS HAVE PASSED AN ORDINACE --
TO KEEP SEXUAL OFFENDERS *FARTHER AWAY FROM YOUR KIDS.
RIGHT NOW, SEX OFFENDERS HAVE TO LIVE.
AT LEAST A THOUSAND FEET AWAY FROM SCHOOLS.
BUT COUNCIL MEMBERS UNANIMOUSLY PASSED A *NEW MEASURE LAST NIGHT.
NOW -- SEX OFFENDERS CAN'T EVEN *PHYSICALLY BE.
WITHIN 300 FEET OF SCHOOLS OR PARKS.
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MAYOR HENDERSON: its totally logical people who make these poor decision frankly suffer the consequences
ABDUL MUHAMMED, QUALITY LIFE: our first responsibility is to protect the innocent our children by whatever means we can
THERE ARE 315 REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS LIVING IN FORT MYERS.
VIOLATORS OF THE ORDINANCE FACE A 500 DOLLAR FINE,
AND POSSIBLE JAIL TIME.
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A TEEN WHO ADMITTED TO MAKING THREATS AGAINST THE PRESIDENT.
SAYS HE DID IT BECAUSE HE WAS AFRAID OF GETTING OUT OF JAIL.
LAST JULY, 19-YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER DAVIES -- WAS IN LOCK-UP IN THE LEE COUNTY JAIL.
THAT'S WHERE HE WROTE A LETTER, SAYING.
"WHEN I AM RELEASED FROM JAIL -- I AM GOING TO KILL PRESIDENT OBAMA".
YESTERDAY A JUDGE SENTENCED DAVIES TO THREE YEARS OF SUPERVISION -- AND SIX MONTHS IN A RE-ENTRY PROGRAM.
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SOME DRAMATIC VIDEO --
SHOWS A QUICK THINKING EMPLOYEE AT HEALTH PARK MEDICAL CENTER.
TAKE A LOOK!
AS SHE WAS WALKING A PATIENT OUTSIDE TO BE PICKED UP --
YOU CAN SEE A VEHICLE SLOWLY ROLLING BACKWARD.
KNOCKING PEOPLE DOWN.
THE DRIVER THOUGHT THE CAR WAS IN PARK.
BUT THE QUICK-THINKING WOMAN JUMPED IN THE CAR,
AND SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES.
THE PATIENT, HIS WIFE, AND A BYSTANDER.
SUFFERED SCRAPES AND BRUISES.
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THE LEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISCTRICT WILL VOTE TODAY.
ON HOW TO GET RID -- OF A COUPLE OF VACANT BUILDINGS.
THEY ARE THE 'ADAMS' ON CENTRAL AVENUE -- AND THE 'HIPPS' ON ALICIA STREET.
THE CONTRACT -- WOULD BE AWARDED TO FISCHER AUCTION COMPANY.
DETAILS LIKE A STARTING BID HAVEN'T BEEN WORKED OUT YET.
THE TWO BUILDINGS ARE LISTED FOR A COMBINED TWO MILLION DOLLARS.
AND AFTER TRYING TO SELL THEM FOR SEVERAL YEARS -- AN AUCTION IS A LAST RESORT.
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We've done our due diligence in trying to sell these properties and it just hasn't been successful because of the market. And you know people come in and have made offers but unfortunately funding is the issue.
WE'VE REPORTED ON A THIRD VACANT PROPERTY FOR SALE.
THE "R AND R BUILDING" ON CENTRAL AVENUE.
THE DISTRICT DECIDED TO KEEP IT -- FOR STORAGE.
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FOLLWING UP ON OUR TOP STORY.
THE WEEK-LONG HOSTAGE SITUATION IN ALABAMA.
INVOLVING A SIX-YEAR-OLD LITTLE BOY, ETHAN.
FBI SOURCES TOLD THE MEDIA.
THEY DECIDED TO LAUNCH A RESCUE.
WHEN JIMMY LEE DYKES' BEHAVIOR -- BECAME ERRATIC.
HE WAS HOLDING A GUN, DOWN IN THE BUNKER.
SO AUTHORITIES USED FLASH-BANGS TO DISTRACT HIM.
THEN WENT DOWN THE MAIN DOOR.
WE'RE STILL WAITING TO HEAR *HOW* DYKES KILLED.
BY SUICIDE OR AUTHORITITES.
THIS MORNING, FAMILY FRIENDS SAY LITTLE ETHAN -- IS LAUGHING AND JOKING IN THE HOSPITAL.
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BACK TO OUR TOP STORY NOW.
THE ALABAMA HOSTAGE CRISIS -- IS OVER.
AND THE END IS COMING INTO FOCUS.
SOURCES TELL ABC NEWS --
THEY INSERTED SECRET, HIGH-TECH VIDEO CAMERAS IN THE BUNKER.
TO WHERE THEY COULD WATCH JIMMY LEE DYKES. AND SIX-YEAR-OLD ETHAN.
WHEN THEY SAW DYKES CARRYING A GUN, THEY DECIDED TO GO IN.
IT'S A TECHNOLOGY USED BY THE MILITARY -- BUT THEY AREN'T GOING INTO DETAIL.
AFTER THAT, THEY SET OFF A DIVERSION BOMB -- AND STORMED THE SHELTER.
NOW, AUTHORITIES ARE GOING THROUGH THE PROPERTY.
LOOKING FOR BOMBS AND OTHER BOOBY TRAPS.
AND ETHAN IS RESTING COMFORTABLY.
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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.
The stretch of cool weather we've had in place for the last few days will start to fade away today, and it looks as though this will be the last morning with temperatures in the 40s for the remainder of the week.
Once temperatures start to climb after sunrise, we'll be on track to warm well into the 70s by the afternoon and even closing in on 80° in some spots; that's a warm up of about 5 degrees compared to yesterday's highs.
Like yesterday, our sky will stay mostly sunny from morning to afternoon, but now that our winds are coming in from the southeast, expect increasing humidity and a few more patchy clouds. Rain will not be in the forecast today, and rain chances are looking pretty slim for the remainder of the week as well.
Across northern parts of Florida, we're tracking as weak disturbance that will bring more cloud cover and a few showers to areas mostly north of Orlando and the I-4 corridor, so the bulk of this weather system will not have much of an influence on our local weather. We will, however, continue to see the wind flow become more southerly, which means the warmth and moisture keeps building in as we go through the rest of the week.
By Wednesday, humidity will keep creeping up, and temperatures will follow suit as we see daytime highs breaking into the 80s. More clouds will also develop during the day, but sunshine will continue to be our main weather player.
Signs point to the warm and sunny pattern holding into the upcoming weekend and likely into next week, which means most days will feature a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the low 80s and lows in the low to mid 60s.
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adlib current traffic
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PRESIDENT OBAMA WILL BE OUT TODAY -- PUSHING FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM.
HE WILL MEET WITH LEADERS OF LABOR UNIONS AND SOME C-E-OS.
ABOUT *HOW AN IMMIGRATION BILL -- COULD HELP THE ECONOMY.
LAST WEEK A BIPARTISAN GROUP OF SENATORS --- LAID OUT A PLAN THAT INCLUDES A PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN THE U-S.
THE PRESIDENT MOSTLY AGREES WITH THEIR PROPOSAL.
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BREAKING RIGHT NOW IN FORT MYERS--
A ROBBERY INVESTIGATION IS UNDERWAY AT A FORT MYERS SHORES DUNKIN' DONUTS.
IT HAPPENED OVERNIGHT AT THE LOCATION ALONG PALM BEACH BOULEVARD NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF BUCKINGHAM ROAD.
THAT'S WHERE A-B-C 7'S DANIELLE KOLENIAK IS AND SHE JOINS US NOW LIVE.
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IT'S ______
LET'S LOOK AT TODAY'S TOP STORIES.
THE HOSTAGE STANDOOFF IN ALABAMA.
IS FINALLY OVER THIS MORNING.
THE F-B-I STORMED THE UNDERGROUND BUKER --
WHERE JIMMY DYKES WAS HOLED UP FOR A WEEK WITH A 5-YEAR-OLD BOY.
DYKES WAS KILLED.
AND THE BOY WAS RESCUED UNHARMED.
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59-YEAR-OLD MARY WATKINS -- WAS KILLED IN A CRASH IN CAPE CORAL.
POLICE SAY HER CAR VEERED OFF ACADEMY BOULEVARD AND HIT A UTILITY POLE.
FRIENDS SAY HEALTH PROBLEMS MAY HAVE BEEN A FACTOR.
INVESTIGATORS ARE STILL WORKING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF DEATH.
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FORT MYERS CITY LEADERS PASSED AN ORDINANCE --
TO KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE.
THE NEW MEASURE WILL KEEP KEEP SEXUAL OFFENDERS AND PREDATORS.
*FARTHER AWAY FROM CHILDREN.
SEX OFFENDERS CAN NO LONGER *PHYSICALLY BE.
WITHIN 300 FEET OF SCHOOLS OR PARKS.
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A TEEN WHO ADMITTED TO MAKING THREATS AGAINST THE PRESIDENT.
WAS SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS OF SUPERVISION -- AND SIX MONTHS IN A RE-ENTRY PROGRAM.
19-YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER DAVIES WAS IN LOCK-UP IN THE LEE COUNTY JAIL.
WHEN HE WROTE A LETTER STATING HE WAS GOING TO KILL PRESIDENT OBAMA.
DAVIES SAID HE WAS AFRAID OF GETTING OUT OF JAIL.
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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.
The stretch of cool weather we've had in place for the last few days will start to fade away today, and it looks as though this will be the last morning with temperatures in the 40s for the remainder of the week.
Once temperatures start to climb after sunrise, we'll be on track to warm well into the 70s by the afternoon and even closing in on 80° in some spots; that's a warm up of about 5 degrees compared to yesterday's highs.
Like yesterday, our sky will stay mostly sunny from morning to afternoon, but now that our winds are coming in from the southeast, expect increasing humidity and a few more patchy clouds. Rain will not be in the forecast today, and rain chances are looking pretty slim for the remainder of the week as well.
Across northern parts of Florida, we're tracking as weak disturbance that will bring more cloud cover and a few showers to areas mostly north of Orlando and the I-4 corridor, so the bulk of this weather system will not have much of an influence on our local weather. We will, however, continue to see the wind flow become more southerly, which means the warmth and moisture keeps building in as we go through the rest of the week.
By Wednesday, humidity will keep creeping up, and temperatures will follow suit as we see daytime highs breaking into the 80s. More clouds will also develop during the day, but sunshine will continue to be our main weather player.
Signs point to the warm and sunny pattern holding into the upcoming weekend and likely into next week, which means most days will feature a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the low 80s and lows in the low to mid 60s.
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ATTORNEYS IN THE GEORGE ZIMMERMAN MURDER CASE --
HEAD BACK TO COURT TODAY.
DEFENSE ATTORNEYS WILL ARGUE TO DELAY THE TRIAL.
AND PUSH IT FROM MID JUNE. TO NOVEMBER.
THEY SAY THE PROSECUTER HAS BEEN SLOW TO TURN OVER NEEDED EVIDENCE.
BUT THE STATE ATTORNEY HAS DENIED THAT ACCUSATION.
A JUDGE WILL LISTEN TO ARGUMENTS TODAY.
ZIMMERMAN FATALLY SHOT UNARMED 17-YEAR-OLD TRAYVON MARTIN LAST YEAR.
HE CLAIMS IT WAS SELF-DEFENSE.
AND WILL PLEAD "NOT GUILTY."
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THERE ARE PLANS FOR A NEW HOSPITAL IN LEE COUNTY.
AND A MAJOR MEDICAL ORGANIZATION DOESN'T SEEM ALL THAT THRILLED.
LEHIGH REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER -- PLANS TO EXPAND AND BUILD A NEW HOSPITAL IN SOUTH-EASTERN LEE COUNTY.
AND LEE MEMORIAL IS VOICING CONCERN.
OFFICIALS SAY ESSENTIAL MEDICAL SERVICES. LIKE AN E-R. WILL STAY IN THEIR LEHIGH LOCATION.
BUT THEY'RE TAKING AWAY 88 BEDS.
SOME VISITORS DON'T MIND A CHANGE -- BUT WANT THE SAME SERVICE.
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TRUDY DOUBET
2134 "I wouldn't trade it for anything they have been great, a lot of personal care, they know you by name they're wonderful."
LEHIGH REGIONAL OFFICIALS -- WOULDN'T GET INTO SPECIFICS ABOUT THE PLAN OR LOCATION.
OFFICIALS WITH LEE MEMORIAL SAY --- THEIR CONCERN IS THAT.
LESS BEDS, COULD HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE LEHIGH COMMUNITY.
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A COLLIER COUNTY MAN WILL TRANSFER TO CENTRAL FLORIDA,
AFTER LOSING HIS WIFE AND TWO YOUNG DAUGHTERS.
IN A CRASH ALONG ALLIGATOR ALLEY.
NATE DOUGLAS WORKS FOR THE FLORIDA WILDLIFE COMMISSION.
AND OFTEN PATROLS ALLIGATOR ALLEY.
LAST MONTH -- HIS WIFE AND TWO YOUNG DAUGTHERS CRASHED INTO A CANAL THERE,
AND DIED
DOUGLAS ARRIVED AT THE SCENE SOON AFTER.
WE FOUND OUT YESTERDAY --
HE WAS GRANTED A TRANSFER TO CENTRAL FLORIDA.
BECAUSE HE ASKED TO BE NEAR FAMILY.
A FRIEND TELLS US --
IT WOULD JUST BE *TOO HARD FOR HIM TO WORK.
AND HAVE TO DRIVE BY THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT EVERY DAY.
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FLORIDA ATTORNEY GENERAL PAM BONDI --- RELEASED THE FINAL REPORT OF THE STATEWIDE TASK FORCE.
ON PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE AND NEWBORNS.
SHE SAYS BABIES BORN TO DRUG-ADDICTED MOMS --- WILL HAVE A BETTER CHANCE OF SURVIVING.
*IF THE STATE MOVES AHEAD -- WITH PLANS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE.
THE REPORT OFFERS 15 RECOMMENDATIONS ON PREVENTION, INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT.
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A NEW ATTRACTION AT JETBLUE PARK --
COULD JUMP START ECONOMIC GROWTH.
AND IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH BASEBALL.
CHECK OUT THE FENWAY SOUTH FARMERS MARKET.
A TRIAL RUN KICKED OFF MONDAY AFTERNOON.
WHICH WILL LAST EIGHT WEEKS.
MORE THAN 40 VENDORS SOLD FRESH PRODUCE AND LOCALLY MADE CRAFTS.
THE MARKET CO-MANAGER BELIEVES --
IT COULD TURN INTO SOMETHING MUCH BIGGER FOR THE COUNTY.
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"More than 17% of people attending farmers markets will stop someplace else while they're out in their car anyway so it's really stimulating for the economy to have farmers markets in your neighborhood."
THERE ARE SEVERAL HUNDREDS OF ACRES OF LAND NEAR THE FACILITY.
WAITING TO BE DEVELOPED.
WE CHECKED WITH THE COUNTY.
AND FOUND A NEW RESTAURANT AND SPORTS BAR WANTS TO BUILD OFF BEN HILL GRIFFIN PARKWAY.
TO CATCH THE AIRPORT AND SPRING TRAINING TRAFFIC.
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COUNTY LEADERS ARE TRYING TO DECIDE --- WHAT TO DO WITH THE EMPTY BALLPARK IN THE COUNTY, CITY OF PALMS.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SAY THEY WON'T CLOSE THE DOOR -- ON TRYING TO LURE IN THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS.
BUT THE TEAM WANTS 36 MILLION DOLLARS IN RENOVATIONS.
AFTER BUILDING A BRAND NEW SPRING TRAINING STADIUM FOR THE BOSTON RED SOX.
AND COMMITTING TO A 45 MILLION DOLLAR RENOVATION TO THE MINNESOTA TWINS STADIUM.
THE COUNTY SAYS IT SIMPLY DOESN'T HAVE THE MONEY.
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It's impossible to use our traditional revenues.
Based on the way we've treated MLB we do not have revenues to make those improvements.
I would love to see another team go into city of palms park.
COMMISSIONERS INSTRUCTED THE INTERIM COUNTY MANAGER -- TO KEEP TALKS WITH THE NATIONALS OPEN.
WHILE THEY WORK ON FUDNING IDEAS.
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THE SUPERDOME BLACK-OUT.
STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.
BUT DON'T BLAME BEYONCE!
A SUPERDOME SPOKESPERSON CONFIRMS --
HER ELECTRIFYING PERFORMANCE RAN OFF ITS OWN GENERATOR.
WHAT WE *DO KNOW --
THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH A LINE.
THAT FEEDS CURRENT FROM THE LOCAL POWER COMPANY.
BUT WHO'S AT FAULT?
THE UTILITY COMPANY OR THE SUPERDOME?
IT COULD TAKE DAYS TO FIGURE OUT.
MEANTIME, SPORTS MUST GO ON.
YOUR ABC7 SPORTS WRAP IS NEXT.
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A BIG HEALTH STORY WE'VE BEEN COVERING -
THE FLU OUTBREAK.
WORST FLU SEASON IN A DECADE.
NOW WE'RE LEARNING --
IT COULD COST 75 MILLION FOR ADDED HEALTHCARE SERVICES,
LIKE HOSPITALIZATIONS.
BUT THERE'S ONE COMPANY PROFITTING OFF THE FLU.
WITH *VERY STRONG SALES.
CAN YOU GUESS WHAT IT IS?
FIND OUT NEXT IN AMERICA'S MONEY.
PLUS -- BAD NEWS ABOUT GAS PRICES.
GOING *WAY UP.
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THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.
IT IS NOT A VERBATIM OF WHAT IS BEING SAID, BUT IS TH
E FORECAST FOR OUR AREA.The stretch of cool weather we've had in place for the last few days will start to fade away today, and it looks as though this will be the last morning with temperatures in the 40s for the remainder of the week.
Once temperatures start to climb after sunrise, we'll be on track to warm well into the 70s by the afternoon and even closing in on 80° in some spots; that's a warm up of about 5 degrees compared to yesterday's highs.
Like yesterday, our sky will stay mostly sunny from morning to afternoon, but now that our winds are coming in from the southeast, expect increasing humidity and a few more patchy clouds. Rain will not be in the forecast today, and rain chances are looking pretty slim for the remainder of the week as well.
Across northern parts of Florida, we're tracking as weak disturbance that will bring more cloud cover and a few showers to areas mostly north of Orlando and the I-4 corridor, so the bulk of this weather system will not have much of an influence on our local weather. We will, however, continue to see the wind flow become more southerly, which means the warmth and moisture keeps building in as we go through the rest of the week.
By Wednesday, humidity will keep creeping up, and temperatures will follow suit as we see daytime highs breaking into the 80s. More clouds will also develop during the day, but sunshine will continue to be our main weather player.
Signs point to the warm and sunny pattern holding into the upcoming weekend and likely into next week, which means most days will feature a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the low 80s and lows in the low to mid 60s.
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adlib current traffic
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SPONSORSHIP SHOULD WIPE TO MONEY SCOPE/ TECH BYTES REPORT
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AFTER WINNING THE SUPER BOWL AND TAKING HOME M-V-P HONORS --
BALTIMORE RAVENS QUARTERBACK JOE FLACCO LEFT THE BIG EASY.
AND HE HEADED TO DISNEY WORLD.
FLACCO MADE THE ANNUAL TRADITION --
THE SUPER BOWL M-V-P TAKES A TRIP TO DISNEY.
AND GETS HONORED AT A TICKER-TAPE PARADE.
SOME BALTIMORE RAVENS FANS EVEN MADE IT TO THE MAGIC KINGDOM --
TO CELEBRATE WITH FLACCO.
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PANCAKE LOVERS, TODAY IS YOUR DAY.
IT'S NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY.
AND IN HONOR OF THIS BREAKFAST TREAT --- I-HOP IS OFFERING UP *FREE PANCAKES.
7 THIS MORNING. TO 10 TONIGHT.
GUESTS GET A STACK OF BUTTERMILK PANCAKES.
IN RETURN, YOU'RE ASKED TO DONATE --- TO THE CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK.
IN THE PAST EIGHT YEARS, I-HOP HAS RAISED MORE THAN 3 MILLION DOLLARS --- FOR THE CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK AND OTHER CHARITIES.
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WE WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT AND RECOGNIZE A MEMBER OF THE ABC7 MORNING TEAM.
TODAY IS NATIONAL WEATHERPERSON'S DAY.
SO WE WANT TO OFFER A SPECIAL THANKS TO ABC7 METEOROLOGIST ALLYSON RAE FOR WAKING UP WITH US.
YOU DO AN EXCELLENT JOB GETTING US IN THE KNOW ABOUT THE WORLD OF WEATHER AND WHAT TO EXPECT IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.
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BREAKING RIGHT NOW IN FORT MYERS--
A ROBBERY INVESTIGATION IS UNDERWAY AT A FORT MYERS SHORES DUNKIN' DONUTS.
IT HAPPENED OVERNIGHT AT THE LOCATION ALONG PALM BEACH BOULEVARD NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF BUCKINGHAM ROAD.
OUR CREWS ARE ON SCENE, GETTING THE LATEST INFORMATION.
WE WILL BRING YOU A LIVE REPORT IN ABOUT 15 MINUTES.
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"At approximately 3:12 this afternoon, FBI agents safely recovered the child who's been held hostage for nearly a week.
THOSE WORDS FORM THE F-B-I ---- SHORTLY AFTER THE ALABAMA HOSTAGE STANDOFF ENDED.
THE 5-YEAR-OLD BOY IS SAFE THIS MORNING.
AND HIS CAPTOR IS DEAD.
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PLUS, EXPECT SOME BIG CHANGES --
TO HOW YOU VOTE.
SOME SOLUTIONS MIGHT HELP AVOID LAST YEAR'S ELECTION DAY PROBLEMS.
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mcknight 31:23 "I can provide for him- I can give him a nice happy life."
AND, THE FATHER OF COUNTRY SINGER MINDY MCCREADY'S SON.
CONTINUES HIS FIGHT.
FOR THE 6-YEAR-OLD HE HASN'T SEEN SINCE JULY.
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The stretch of cool weather we've had in place for the last few days will start to fade away today, and it looks as though this will be the last morning with temperatures in the 40s for the remainder of the week.
Once temperatures start to climb after sunrise, we'll be on track to warm well into the 70s by the afternoon and even closing in on 80° in some spots; that's a warm up of about 5 degrees compared to yesterday's highs.
Like yesterday, our sky will stay mostly sunny from morning to afternoon, but now that our winds are coming in from the southeast, expect increasing humidity and a few more patchy clouds. Rain will not be in the forecast today, and rain chances are looking pretty slim for the remainder of the week as well.
Across northern parts of Florida, we're tracking as weak disturbance that will bring more cloud cover and a few showers to areas mostly north of Orlando and the I-4 corridor, so the bulk of this weather system will not have much of an influence on our local weather. We will, however, continue to see the wind flow become more southerly, which means the warmth and moisture keeps building in as we go through the rest of the week.
By Wednesday, humidity will keep creeping up, and temperatures will follow suit as we see daytime highs breaking into the 80s. More clouds will also develop during the day, but sunshine will continue to be our main weather player.
Signs point to the warm and sunny pattern holding into the upcoming weekend and likely into next week, which means most days will feature a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the low 80s and lows in the low to mid 60s.
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THIS MORNING, ABC7 CONTINUES FOLLOWING DEVELOPING NEWS OUT OF ALABAMA.
A FIVE-YEAR-OLD BOY IS FINALLY SAFE AND SOUND.
AFTER BEING HELD HOSTAGE FOR *SEVEN DAYS.
INVESTIGATORS SAY THE BOY IS SAFE THIS MORNING.
AND HAS BEEN REUNITED WITH HIS MOTHER.
HIS CAPTOR, JIMMY DYKES, IS DEAD.
THIS MORNING -- A BOMB SQUAD IS GOING THROUGH THE UNDERGROUND BUNKER.
WHERE DYKES HELD LITTLE ETHAN HOSTAGE.
THEY'RE LOOKING FOR EXPLOSIVES.
THE F-B-I SAYS NEGOTIATIONS BROKE DOWN WITH DYKES YESTERDAY.
AND THAT'S WHEN THEY DECIDED TO STORM THE BUNKER.
THEY WERE CONCERNED ABOUT ETHAN'S SAFETY.
DYKES DIED DURING THE RESCUE.
HE WAS A DECORATED WAR VET.
WHO SNATCHED THE BOY FROM A SCHOOL BUS LAST WEEK,
AFTER SHOOTING AND KILLING THE BUS DRIVER.
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"The resolution of this matter is a result of extraordinary collaboration between law enforcement on all levels. The exhaustive and dedication of this community's law enforcement is truly exemplary. I want to thank everyone in this community that has supported us in the past few days."
BUT THERE ARE STILL MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS.
OFFICIALS ARE PLANNING ANOTHER NEWS CONFERENCE,
ONCE MORE DETAILS CAN BE RELEASED.
AND WE WILL HAVE NEW INFORMATION ON THIS DEVLOPING STORY,
WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.
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A CLOSE CALL FOR STUDENTS --- ON BOARD A SCHOOL BUS IN FORT MYERS.
THE BUS WAS REAR ENDED BY A CAR --- AT THE CORNER OF EVANS AND M-L-K ON MONDAY AFTERNOON.
47 KIDS WERE ON THE BUS.
IT WAS STOPPED AT THE RAILROAD TRACKS AT THE TIME.
POLICE THINK THE DRIVER -- MAY HAVE BEEN DISTRACTED BY ANOTHER CRASH. THAT HAPPENED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.
NO ONE ON THE BUS WAS HURT.
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CAMERAS ARE COMING -- TO LEE COUNTY SCHOOL BUSES.
A COMPANY CALLED RED FLEX --- IS USING LEE COUNTY AS A TEST MARKET -- FOR ITS NEW BUS CAMERAS.
IT'S A TEMPORARY THING --- AND IS *FREE FOR THE DISTRICT.
THE CAMERAS GO -- ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE BUS.
AND RECORD LICENSE PLATES OF DRIVERS WHO DON'T STOP.
THE DISTRICT PLANS TO HAND OVER WHATEVER THE CAMERAS PICK UP --- TO THE SHERIFFS OFFICE AND THEY COULD ISSUE A WARNING.
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It's a deterrent more than anything. And at this point that's what we have is a deterrent. It's no secret that these buses are out there. We see them all the time.
LEE COUNTY HAS ABOUT 700 BUSES.
THEY AREN'T SURE HOW MANY WILL BE INSTALLED YET.
BUT THEY'LL BE RECORDING NEXT MONTH.
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FLROIDA'S SECRETARY OF STATE --
RECOMMENDS SOME BIG CHANGES IN THE WAY YOU VOTE.
IT MAY BE CONSIDERED A "HOW TO" --
WHEN IT COMES TO AVOIDING ANOTHER ELECTION FIASCO,
LIKE THE ONE WE SAW LAST YEAR.
PEOPLE WAITING IN LINE FOR UP TO FIVE HOURS TO VOTE.
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SECRETARY OF STATE KEN DETZNER SUGGESTS --
AT LEAST EIGHT DAYS OF EARLY VOTING.
BUT SUPERVISORS CAN DO 14 DAYS, IF NEEDED.
*MORE EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS --
INCLUDING CITY HALL, COURTHOUSES, PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND EVEN CIVIC CENTERS.
SETTING A WORD LIMIT ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.
AND REQUIRING ABSENTEE BALLOTS BE MAILED IN.
*10 DAYS BEFORE THE ELECTION,
INSTEAD OF SIX.
BUT THESE CHANGES WON'T BE CHEAP.
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37:39 it's about a little over $3-million dollars, but we're also looking at additional equipment at the polling locations. We're going to need to replace our ada equipment too. 37:48
SHARON HARRINGTON TELLS A-B-C 7 --
THAT'S JUST A ROUGH ESTIMATE.
AS FOR DETZNER'S RECOMMENDATIONS --
STATE LAWMAKERS MUST DECIDE WHETHER TO CHANGE FLORIDA'S ELECTION LAWS.
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TROUBLED COUNTRY SINGER MINDY MCCREADY -- IS BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT.
HER SON'S FATHER - BILLY MCKNIGHT -- TELLS A-B-C SEVEN.
HE DOESN'T THINK THEIR 6 YEAR-OLD SON, ZANDER IS SAFE WITH MINDY.
HE FEELS LIKE SHE IS UNSTABLE.
MCKNIGHT SAT DOWN WITH US -- AT HIS TAMPA HOUSE.
HE TOLD US HE FEARS FOR ZANDER'S WELL-BEING.
HE SAYS THOSE FEARS WERE HEIGHTENED -- WITH THE DEATH OF MCCREADY'S LIVE-IN FIANCE.
SHE CLAIMS DAVID WILSON KILLED HIMSELF.
ARKANSAS OFFICERS ARE STILL INVESTIGATING.
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31:06 why are you scared for your son?" mcknight "Who in their right mind would want their child with mindy right now. Her life is spinning out of control- it's been that way.
RIGHT NOW, ZANDER LIVES WITH MCCREADY IN ARKANSAS.
THERE'S BEEN AN ONGOING CUSTODY BATTLE -- SINCE THE COUNTRY SINGER TOOK ZANDER FROM HER PARENTS' HOUSE IN CAPE CORAL.
WE TRIED CONTACTING MCCREADY -- BUT HER PUBLICIST NEVER RETURNED OUR CALLS.
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YOU NEED TOUGH SKIN TO WORK IN POLITICS.
AND THIS MORNING --
WE KNOW WHICH LAWMAKERS ARE THE *TOUGHEST ON CAPITOL HILL.
A NEW LIST PUTS SENATOR BILL NELSON AT THE TOP!
THE REASON?
HIS EXPLOITS HUNTING PYTHONS IN THE EVERGLADES.
HE'S ALSO FLOWN IN SPACE.
OTHER TOUGH POLITICIANS --
TAMMY DUCKWORTH -- A BLACK HAWK PILOT WHO LOST BOTH HER LEGS IN COMBAT.
AND JOHN MCCAIN -- A PRISONER OF WAR WHO SURVIVED TORTURE.
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A CONTROVERSIAL OBAMA POLICY.
HAS FOLKS IN AN UPROAR THIS MORNING.
A CONFIDENTIAL REPORT.
LAYS OUT THE ADMINISTRATION'S POLICY -- ON KILLING AL QAEDA MEMBERS.
AND *SUSPECTED MEMBERS.
THE DAILY MAIL REPORTS -- THAT INCLUDES *AMERICANS.
AND EVEN THOSE WHO AREN'T PART -- OF AN *ACTIVE PLAN TO ATTACK.
WHAT'S MORE. THE MAIL REPORTS, THIS COULD EVEN HAPPEN ON U.S. SOIL.
THE DOCUMENT LEAKED TO NBC.
AND THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT IS NOT COMMENTING.
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*GMA*
THIS MORNING ON GMA -- A LIVE REPORT FROM ALABAMA.
GIO BENITEZ IS GETTING INSIDE DETAILS.
FROM THE AGENTS WHO SPIED ON JIMMY LEE DYKES -- FOR THE LAST WEEK.
AND HOW THEY RESCUED 6-YEAR-OLD ETHAN.
FOR 7 DAYS, HE ONLY HAD CHEEZ-ITS, COLORING BOOKS AND A RED HOT-WHEELS.
THIS MORNING, AN UPDATE ON HIS CONDITION.
AND MORE INSIGHT -- ON THE MAN WHO STOLE HIM. FROM A SCHOOL BUS.
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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.
The stretch of cool weather we've had in place for the last few days will start to fade away today, and it looks as though this will be the last morning with temperatures in the 40s for the remainder of the week.
Once temperatures start to climb after sunrise, we'll be on track to warm well into the 70s by the afternoon and even closing in on 80° in some spots; that's a warm up of about 5 degrees compared to yesterday's highs.
Like yesterday, our sky will stay mostly sunny from morning to afternoon, but now that our winds are coming in from the southeast, expect increasing humidity and a few more patchy clouds. Rain will not be in the forecast today, and rain chances are looking pretty slim for the remainder of the week as well.
Across northern parts of Florida, we're tracking as weak disturbance that will bring more cloud cover and a few showers to areas mostly north of Orlando and the I-4 corridor, so the bulk of this weather system will not have much of an influence on our local weather. We will, however, continue to see the wind flow become more southerly, which means the warmth and moisture keeps building in as we go through the rest of the week.
By Wednesday, humidity will keep creeping up, and temperatures will follow suit as we see daytime highs breaking into the 80s. More clouds will also develop during the day, but sunshine will continue to be our main weather player.
Signs point to the warm and sunny pattern holding into the upcoming weekend and likely into next week, which means most days will feature a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the low 80s and lows in the low to mid 60s.
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adlib current traffic
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NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR CHRIS CHRISTIE.
WILL HOLD SEVERAL HEARINGS THIS WEEK.
TALKING ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE.
THE GOVERNOR RECENTLY-FORMED A TASK FORCE --
ON MENTAL HEALTH, SCHOOL SAFETY, AND FIREARMS.
IT WILL MEET WITH PEOPLE ACROSS THE STATE --
TO DISCUSS THESE ISSUES.
THE GROUP INCLUDES FORMER ATTORNEY GENERALS, A SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE EXPERTS.
THEY WILL EXPLORE THE ROOT CAUSES OF VIOLENCE.
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A WELL KNOWN COLLIER COUNTY FARMER.
HAS PASSED AWAY.
FRANK OAKES WAS THE FOUNDER OF OAKES FARMS.
HE DIED IN HIS SLEEP YESTERDAY.
WE HAVE DONE MANY STORIES ABOUT OAKES AND HIS FARM --
ESPECIALLY DURING THE COLD WEATHER MONTHS.
WHEN HIS STRAWBERRIES ARE ALMOST READY TO PICK.
FRANK WAS WELL KNOWN IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, ESPECIALLY NAPLES.
FOR HIS FRESH PRODUCE AND ORGANIC FOOD SHOP.
HE LEAVES BEHIND HIS WIFE, TWO SONS AND SEVERAL GRANDCHILDREN.
HE WAS 66 YEARS OLD.
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A THIEF CHOSE THE WRONG TARGET --- WHEN HE TRIED TO ROB A FORT MYERS BAR AFTER THE SUPER BOWL!
49:35 im a marine im not about to be robbed by somebody
COREY SEKERAK --- SERVED IN THE MARINES.
HE SAYS A MAN WEARING A MASK WALKED IN TO "BRYBILL'S TAVERN" -- OFF METRO PARKWAY AND STARTED FIRING A GUN.
THEN SEKERAK SAYS THE SHOOTER PUT A GUN TO HIS HEAD.
BUT, WHEN THE SHOOTER RAN OUT OF THE BAR -- THE MARINE CHASED HIM.
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49:47 50:00 i was like 'stop drop my wallet' i kept screaming it because everything i own is in that --50:07 my identity my military id my VA card my state id everything was in there 50:12
ONE CUSTOMER AT THE BAR -- WAS HIT BY A BULLET BUT IS OKAY.
THE SHOOTER'S STILL ON THE LOOSE.
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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.
The stretch of cool weather we've had in place for the last few days will start to fade away today, and it looks as though this will be the last morning with temperatures in the 40s for the remainder of the week.
Once temperatures start to climb after sunrise, we'll be on track to warm well into the 70s by the afternoon and even closing in on 80° in some spots; that's a warm up of about 5 degrees compared to yesterday's highs.
Like yesterday, our sky will stay mostly sunny from morning to afternoon, but now that our winds are coming in from the southeast, expect increasing humidity and a few more patchy clouds. Rain will not be in the forecast today, and rain chances are looking pretty slim for the remainder of the week as well.
Across northern parts of Florida, we're tracking as weak disturbance that will bring more cloud cover and a few showers to areas mostly north of Orlando and the I-4 corridor, so the bulk of this weather system will not have much of an influence on our local weather. We will, however, continue to see the wind flow become more southerly, which means the warmth and moisture keeps building in as we go through the rest of the week.
By Wednesday, humidity will keep creeping up, and temperatures will follow suit as we see daytime highs breaking into the 80s. More clouds will also develop during the day, but sunshine will continue to be our main weather player.
Signs point to the warm and sunny pattern holding into the upcoming weekend and likely into next week, which means most days will feature a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the low 80s and lows in the low to mid 60s.
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ABC7 FOLLOWS BREAKING NEWS IN FORT MYERS.
AN EARLY MORNING ROBBERY AT A DUNKIN DONUTS.
WE HAVE CONFIRMED --
ONE PERSON WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL.
AND THE SUSPECTS HAVE *NOT BEEN CAUGHT.
ABC7'S DANIELLE KOLENIAK IS LIVE AT THE CRIME SCENE --
ALONGSIDE INVESTIGATORS.
DANIELLE -- ANY UPDATES FROM DETECTIVES?
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THERE ARE PLANS FOR A NEW HOSPITAL IN LEHIGH ACRES.
LEHIGH REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER PLANS TO EXPAND AND BUILD A NEW HOSPITAL IN SOUTH EASTERN LEE COUNTY.
A-B-C 7'S CLIFTON FRENCH JOINS US NOW LIVE AT LEHIGH REGIONAL WITH MORE ON THE PLAN, CLIFTON.
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LEHIGH REGIONAL OFFICIALS WOULDN'T GET INTO SPECIFICS ABOUT EXACTLY WHERE THIS NEW HOSPITAL WOULD BE, BUT IT WOULD CHANGE THEIR CURRENT SYSTEM.
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OFFICIALS SAY ESSENTIAL MEDICAL SERVICES LIKE AN E-R WILL REMAIN IN THEIR LEHIGH LOCATION BUT THEY'RE TAKING AWAY 88 BEDS.
SOME VISITORS SAY THEY WOULDN'T MIND
A CHANGE AS LONG AS THE SERVICE DOESN'T CHANGE
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TRUDY DOUBET
2134 "I wouldn't trade it for anything they have been great, a lot of personal care, they know you by name they're wonderful."
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OFFICIALS WITH THE LARGEST MEDICAL HOLD IN THE COUNTY, LEE MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEMS, AREN'T THRILLED WITH THE PROPOSAL SAYING THEIR CONCERN IS THE REDUCTION OF BEDS COULD HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE LEHIGH COMMUNITY.
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SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN HAD SOME *SHARP CRITICISM --
OF DEFENSE SECRETARY NOMINEE CHUCK HAGEL.
BUT HE SAYS HE WOULD OPPOSE *ANY EFFORT BY HIS COLLEAGUES --
TO BLOCK THE CONFIRMATION.
SENATOR MCCAIN ALSO SAID --
HE DOES *NOT SUPPORT A FILIBUSTER.
CALLING SUCH A MOVE INAPPROPIATE.
MCCAIN IS A LONG-TIME MEMBER OF THE SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE.
AND CONSIDERED AN INFLUENTIAL VOICE ON MILITARY ISSUES.
HIS DECISION ON HAGEL COULD SWAY HIS COLLEAGUES.
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THE PENTAGON IS LAYING OFF -- UP TO 46-THOUSAND TEMPORARY WORKERS.
IT'S BRACING FOR AUTOMATIC BUDGET CUTS TO KICK-IN NEXT MONTH.
THE SO-CALLED "SEQUESTRATION" --- IS FORCING AUTOMATIC 10-PERCENT CUTS ACROSS THE BOARD.
LAWMAKERS MADE A LAST MINUTE DEAL IN JANUARY -- TO POSTPONE THE CUTS UNTIL MARCH FIRST.
THE CUTS ARE EXPECTED TO HIT DEFENSE, PARTICULARLY HARD,
IT COULD LOSE UP TO 500-BILLION DOLLARS OVER THE NEXT DECADE.
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FIREFIGHTERS BATTLED A FOUR-ALARM BLAZE IN WEST BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.
THE FIRE BROKE OUT JUST BEFORE SIX P-M LAST NIGHT --
IN A THREE STORY BUILDING.
IT QUICKLY SPREAD TO SEVERAL OTHER STRUCTURES.
DOZENS OF FIREFIGHTERS ON SCENE WERE ORDERED *OUT OF THE BUILDING,
BECAUSE OF THE INTENSITY OF THE FLAMES.
AND ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, A PORTION OF ONE BUILDING COLLAPSED.
TRAPPING SEVERAL FIREFIGHTERS AND INJURING AT LEAST ONE.
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THE F-B-I HAS NOW GOTTEN INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION --- INTO THE DEATH OF A NEW YORK CITY WOMAN MURDERED IN TURKEY.
TURKISH AUTHORITIES ASKED U-S INVESTIGATORS -- TO HELP THEM FIND OUT WHO KILLED SARAI SIERRA.
THE 33-YEAR OLD MOTHER OF TWO -- WENT MISSING JANUARY 21ST.
POLICE FOUND HER BODY LATE LAST WEEK.
THE F-B-I IS GETTING BLOOD AND D-N-A SAMPLES --- FROM THE 23 PEOPLE BEING *HELD* BY TURKISH POLICE.
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FAMOUS FASHION DESIGNER JOHN GALLIANO --
TAKES LEGAL ACTION AGAINST HIS FORMER EMPLOYER.
FASHION HOUSE CHRISTIAN DIOR FIRED GALLIANO --
AFTER HE WAS CONVICTED OF RACIAL ABUSE IN 2011.
BUT HIS LAWYER SAYS GALLIANO SHOULD *NOT HAVE BEEN FIRED,
BECAUSE HE SUFFERED MULTIPLE ADDICTIONS.
THAT'S DEEMED AN ILLNESS IN FRANCE.
AND IS INSUFFICIENT GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION.
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IN TECHNOLOGY NEWS --
YOU PUT A LOT OF INFORMATION ON FACEBOOK, RIGHT?
WHAT YOU'RE DOING, EATING, WEARING, ETC.
NOW YOUR FRIENDS CAN KNOW EVEN MORE!
FACEBOOK IS WORKING ON A NEW MOBILE APP.
SO THAT FRIENDS CAN *ALWAYS TRACK YOUR LOCATION.
EVEN WHEN YOU'RE NOT USING YOUR PHONE.
SO NO MORE CHECKING IN.
THEY COULD TRACK YOU ALL THE TIME.
GOOD IDEA?
MORE DETAILS NEXT IN TECH BYTES.
PLUS - SEE THE BRAND NEW I-PAD ON SALE TODAY!
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THIS MORNING --
A BREAKOUT STAR.
YOU'VE PROBABLY SEEN THIS SUPERBOWL COMMERCIAL.
FOR CALVIN KLEIN UNDERWEAR.
LOVE IT?
HATE IT?
WELL, MODEL MATTHEW TERRY IS GETTING PLENTY OF ATTENTION.
NOW AN INTERNET SENSATION.
HOW DOES THE 6-FOOT-1 MODEL LOOK LIKE THIS?
HE IS LIVE ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA.
SHOWING OFF HIS BUFF PHYSIQUE.
AND TALKING ABOUT HOW HE STAYS FIT.
DON'T MISS IT!
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THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.
IT IS NOT A VERBATIM OF WHAT IS BEING SAID, BUT IS TH
E FORECAST FOR OUR AREA.
The stretch of cool weather we've had in place for the last few days will start to fade away today, and it looks as though this will be the last morning with temperatures in the 40s for the remainder of the week.
Once temperatures start to climb after sunrise, we'll be on track to warm well into the 70s by the afternoon and even closing in on 80° in some spots; that's a warm up of about 5 degrees compared to yesterday's highs.
Like yesterday, our sky will stay mostly sunny from morning to afternoon, but now that our winds are coming in from the southeast, expect increasing humidity and a few more patchy clouds. Rain will not be in the forecast today, and rain chances are looking pretty slim for the remainder of the week as well.
Across northern parts of Florida, we're tracking as weak disturbance that will bring more cloud cover and a few showers to areas mostly north of Orlando and the I-4 corridor, so the bulk of this weather system will not have much of an influence on our local weather. We will, however, continue to see the wind flow become more southerly, which means the warmth and moisture keeps building in as we go through the rest of the week.
By Wednesday, humidity will keep creeping up, and temperatures will follow suit as we see daytime highs breaking into the 80s. More clouds will also develop during the day, but sunshine will continue to be our main weather player.
Signs point to the warm and sunny pattern holding into the upcoming weekend and likely into next week, which means most days will feature a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the low 80s and lows in the low to mid 60s.
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adlib current traffic
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SPONSORSHIP SHOULD WIPE TO MONEY SCOPE/ TECH BYTES REPORT
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IT WAS A WHO'S WHO
OF HOLLYWOOD'S ELITE.
THE ANNUAL OSCAR CLASS PHOTO WAS TAKEN YESTERDAY,
RIGHT AFTER THE OSCAR LUNCHEON.
ALL THE NOMINEES GATHERED --
FOR THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME PHOTO OP AT THE BEVERLY HILTON.
OR COURSE, THE 85TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS WILL AIR LIVE --
RIGHT HERE ON A-B-C 7.
ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH.
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SHAKESPEARE WROTE RICHARD THE THIRD --- HAD A CURVED SPINE AND A WICKED HEART.
WE NOW KNOW -- AT LEAST ONE OF THOSE WAS TRUE.
RESEARCHERS IN ENGLAND FOUND THE REMAINS OF RICHARD THE THIRD -- UNDER A PARKING LOT.
THE MONARCH'S BODY WAS MISSING FOR MORE THAN 500-YEARS.
D-N-A FROM THE SKELETON -- MATCHED A SAMPLE TAKEN FROM A DISTANT LIVING RELATIVE.
THE SKELETON HAD HEAD WOUNDS --- CONSISTENT WITH REPORTS OF HOW THE TYRANT DIED, IN BATTLE.
THERE'S ALSO A CURVED SPINE -- SINCE ONE OF HIS SHOULDERS WAS HIGHER THAN THE OTHER.
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YOU CAN SAY GOOD-BYE --
TO THE CANADIAN PENNY.
THE COINS FEATURE TWO MAPLE LEAVES,
AND A PICTURE OF QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND.
CANADA HAS STARTED PHASING OUT ITS PENNY.
BECAUSE OFFICIALS SAY IT COSTS MORE THAN ONE-CENT TO MAKE THEM.
A SIMILAR PLAN HAS BEEN DISCUSSED HERE IN THE U-S --
WHERE IT ALSO COSTS MORE THAN A CENT TO MAKE THE PENNY.
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AN AUBURN FOOTBALL TRADITION --- MAY BE GONE FOREVER.
AUBURN UNIVERSITY SAYS THE ICONIC OAK TREES AT TOOMER'S CORNER --- WILL LIKELY BE REMOVED AT THE END OF APRIL.
THE TREES WERE POISONED WITH HERBICIDE IN 2010.
ALLEGEDLY BY A FAN OF ARCH-RIVAL ALABAMA.
THE OAK TREES ARE UNLIKELY TO SURVIVE.
TOOMER'S CORNER IS WHERE AUBURN FANS -- TRADITIONALLY GATHER TO CELEBRATE VICTORIES.
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IT'S ______
LET'S LOOK AT TODAY'S TOP STORIES.
A ROBBERY INVESTIGATION IS UNDERWAY AT A FORT MYERS SHORES DUNKIN' DONUTS.
IT HAPPENED OVERNIGHT AT THE LOCATION ALONG PALM BEACH BOULEVARD NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF BUCKINGHAM ROAD.
THE SUSPECTS GOT AWAY WITH MANAGERS CELL PHONE AND AN UNDISCLOSED AMOUNT OF CASH.
ONE PERSON HAS BEEN INJURED AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO LEE MEMORIAL
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THE HOSTAGE STANDOOFF IN ALABAMA.
IS OVER THIS MORNING AND THE 5-YEAR-OLD BOY THAT WAS BEING HELD IS SAFE.
THE F-B-I STORMED THE UNDERGROUND BUNKER --
WHERE JIMMY DYKES WAS HOLED UP FOR A WEEK WITHT THE BOY.
DYKES WAS KILLED.
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59-YEAR-OLD MARY WATKINS -- WAS KILLED IN A CRASH IN CAPE CORAL.
POLICE SAY HER CAR VEERED OFF ACADEMY BOULEVARD -- AND HIT A UTILITY POLE.
FRIENDS SAY HEALTH PROBLEMS MAY HAVE BEEN A FACTOR.
INVESTIGATORS ARE STILL WORKING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF DEATH.
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A TEEN WHO ADMITTED TO MAKING THREATS AGAINST THE PRESIDENT.
WAS SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS OF SUPERVISION -- AND SIX MONTHS IN A RE-ENTRY PROGRAM.
19-YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER DAVIES WAS IN LOCK-UP IN THE LEE COUNTY JAIL.
WHEN HE WROTE A LETTER STATING HE WAS GOING TO KILL PRESIDENT OBAMA.
DAVIES SAID HE WAS AFRAID OF GETTING OUT OF JAIL.
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THE FATHER OF COUNTRY SINGER MINDY MCCREADY'S SON --- SONTINUES TO FIGHT FOR CUSTODY THIS MORNING.
BILLY MCKNIGHT HASN'T SEEN THE 6-YEAR-OLD SINCE JULY.
WHEN MCCREADY TOOK THE BOY FROM PARENT'S HOUSE IN CAPE CORAL.
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LEHIGH REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS PLANNING TO EXPAND IN LEE COUNTY BUT THEY WILL BE TAKING AWAY 88 BEDS.
BUT LEE MEMORIAL IS CONCERNED THAT LESS BEDS COULD HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE LEHIGH ACRES COMMUNITY.
LEHIGH REGIONAL OFFICIALS -- WOULDN'T GET INTO SPECIFICS ABOUT THE PLAN OR EXACT LOCATION
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AND, LEE COUNTY OFFICIALS -- HOPE A NEW ATTRACTION AT JETBLUE PARK.
WILL SPUR SOME ECONOMIC GROWTH.
ON MONDAYS FOR THE NEXT 8 WEEKS --- MORE THEN 40 VENDORS WILL BE SELLING PRODUCE AND LOCALLY MADE CRAFTS AT THE FENWAY SOUTH FARMERS MARKET.
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The stretch of cool weather we've had in place for the last few days will start to fade away today, and it looks as though this will be the last morning with temperatures in the 40s for the remainder of the week.
Once temperatures start to climb after sunrise, we'll be on track to warm well into the 70s by the afternoon and even closing in on 80° in some spots; that's a warm up of about 5 degrees compared to yesterday's highs.
Like yesterday, our sky will stay mostly sunny from morning to afternoon, but now that our winds are coming in from the southeast, expect increasing humidity and a few more patchy clouds. Rain will not be in the forecast today, and rain chances are looking pretty slim for the remainder of the week as well.
Across northern parts of Florida, we're tracking as weak disturbance that will bring more cloud cover and a few showers to areas mostly north of Orlando and the I-4 corridor, so the bulk of this weather system will not have much of an influence on our local weather. We will, however, continue to see the wind flow become more southerly, which means the warmth and moisture keeps building in as we go through the rest of the week.
By Wednesday, humidity will keep creeping up, and temperatures will follow suit as we see daytime highs breaking into the 80s. More clouds will also develop during the day, but sunshine will continue to be our main weather player.
Signs point to the warm and sunny pattern holding into the upcoming weekend and likely into next week, which means most days will feature a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the low 80s and lows in the low to mid 60s.
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COVERAGE PROMISE OF THE BIGGEST STORY OF THE DAY ON WEB
" WHEN EVER YOU NEED A NEWS OR WEATHER UPDATE - WE ARE LOGGED ON AND UPDATING ABC-7.COM "
-WHAT IS COMING UP ON GMA - BIG STORY COVERAGE OF THE MORNING.
-LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO - IN JUST:30 SECONDS WE HAVE A LOOK AT ALL OF THE THINGS TO DO TODAY IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.
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