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Mobile Banking Apps:

Convenient Or Costly? newspaper May 4, 2012

Mobile banking may be the most convenient way to keep track of your money, but are you putting your personal information at risk every time you log in?

ALSO INSIDE: Principal, School Employees May Be Fired Over FCAT Tampering Parents Fight To Keep Children Out Of Nursing Homes CPSC Warns Of Portable Pool Dangers Prescription Mix-Up On Miami Beach Concerns Patient Summer Savings Pass Makes A Splash

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May 4, 2012

Mobile Banking Apps:

Convenient Or Costly? Reporting Jorge Estevez

MIAMI (CBS4) – Mobile banking may be the most convenient

way to keep track of your money, but are you putting your personal information at risk every time you log in?

Smartphone user April Tucker is one person who is used to losing her phone. “I have lost it traveling. I have put it down,” said April Tucker who is nervous about mobile banking. ”Just having it on your phone is just an additional way for someone to hack into your information.” A recent experiment gives her cause for concern. The computer software company Symantec intentionally lost 50 phones in four cities around the United States. Special software was installed to track the phones and what people did with them. In half the cases, the finder tried to return the cell but not before doing a little snooping “People looked at private pictures, they tried to access a banking account, logging into a person’s bank,” said Kevin Haley of Symantec. Forty three percent of people actually tried to access banking apps and 57% went into the saved password file.

“You don’t want people to be able to get right into the phone,” said Doug Johnson of the American Bankers Association’s Risk Management Unit who feels it is safe to bank on your phone as long as you take steps like setting up a password. Then, create different passwords for each mobile account that is tied to your phone. If all else fails, there are also a lot of new special software and apps to protect you if your phone goes missing. “There’s also some other great technology out there that would let you remotely wipe all your personal information and business information off that phone,” said Haley. There is even a feature called Scream. “The scream feature is going to make your phone let out a loud noise, a scream, so you can identify where you’ve left it,” said Haley. If you don’t have extras, Johnson offers advice in case you lose your phone. “You misplaced your phone, you believe you haven’t taken proper measures, contact your financial institution,” said Johnson. The ABA Points out the tech and financial industries have learned a great deal of phone safety by using the lessons they learned with on line banking protections.

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Reporting Al Sunshine

MIAMI (CBSMiami.COM) – It’s a year of firsts for

the Ramz Academy, a charter school in Little Havana.

It’s the school’s first year in operation and it’s the first time they are giving their students the FCATs. Another first – the school’s principal and two employees have been suspended pending termination, according to attorney Maria Del Carmen Calzon. Principal Julio Carrera is accused of tampering with the FCAT materials several days before the test was to be administered. “To cheat, to manipulate the scores of the FCAT testing, the principal was trying to disseminate the information that was on the test,” said Calzon. Investigators say a first year teacher at the school was the whistleblower. After she reportedly learned about the plan, she contacted the school’s Board of Directors. In letter sent to the parents, school officials said “the swift investigation found that several employees tried to manipulate the FCAT test to cause a change in the schools’ overall grade. The plan was foiled.” CBS4 News repeatedly tried to contact Carrera, but he was unavailable. The Florida Department of Education said any Ramz Academy employees involved in the incident could possibly lose their teaching certificates. Parents support the charter school’s staff suspensions. “I think it’s horrible, I don’t know what to say, but I think they should do away with the FCAT anyways,” said Christine Rivero, who has a child in kindergarten at the school. Both Miami-Dade Schools and Florida Department of Education are following this investigation. However, a charter school, the county’s school district doesn’t have much regulatory authority over how the school is run. There’s no word when Ramzs’ students may finally take their FCAT. That’s up to the Florida Department of Education.

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May 4, 2012

Parents Fight To

Keep Children Out Of Nursing Homes Reporting Michele Gillen

Miami (CBSMiami. com) – High above

the crowd – Anabell Schlosser beams with a smile – fit for any little girl.

However, riding a horse is an accomplishment and joy doctors never expected the 15-year-old girl to experience. Born premature, Anabell she weighed just 4 pounds at 2 months and because at birth -she lost oxygen to the brain – there were those who thought her future was a lost cause. But not her mom. “My child is not a problem. She’s an opportunity. She’s a sweet, loving soul and she’s been the biggest gift in my entire life,” said Janna Montgomery. Janna Montgomery raised Anabell at home infusing a regimen of therapies for Cerebral Palsy, with the most potent medicine in the world, she says, love. But now, she says she faces a long-feared nightmare: the state of Florida is leaving her little choice but to send her daughter to live in a nursing home. “She’s the love of my life,” Montgomery said. “The thought of her having to go into a facility like that would just – that would just tear my heart out. I couldn’t bear it.” Anabell is one of more than 3,000 children whose parents say cuts to home health care hours that they need to keep their children alive and healthy may force

them to place their children in nursing homes. Attorney Matt Dietz is leading the legal challenge representing families whose children are in nursing homes or at risk of being placed in them. “Nursing homes are not made for children. A parent should not have a gun placed to their head — take less care or your child’s going to go into a nursing home,” Dietz told CBS4’s Chief Investigator Michele Gillen. “And every 6 months it’s the same gun to their head saying we are going to reduce your hours and they have to fight.” Dietz filed the suit against the state on behalf of desperate parents of special needs children who want to keep them home, at a time when the numbers of such children headed to nursing home may rise. Dr. Lucy Cohen is a veteran special needs therapist who has treated Anabell. “If the nursing hours become more restrictive, what will that end up meaning?” Gillen asked Cohen. “You may see an upswing in the number of children going into nursing homes. Because families can’t physically emotionally provide the care that is required,” Cohen said. “What can be the downside of children in nursing homes?” Gillen asked. Cohen replied, “I don’t think that they get the same

love that they would get by being in a family unit.” Cuts have left Janna Montgomery with four hours of nursing care a day instead of 8. She continues to find help on weekends leaving Montgomery with the job of picking up Anabell alone. “I injured myself,” Montgomery said. “I have four collapsed discs in my neck.” A small price to pay, she says, when she pictures the alternative: her young daughter living among strangers. Florida nursing homes are not required to do criminal background checks of the residents living there. “I can barely stand it. One thing that you have to do when you have a child that’s disabled is of course protection — and for a female, for a girl, it’s so much more important,” Montgomery said. At least one central Florida nursing home markets itself online by boasting of having an integrated community of elderly and medically fragile children living there. Gillen asked Dietz, “Good idea in your opinion?” “Scary idea in my opinion,” Dietz said. Janna Montgomery says she wants the quality of her daughter’s life to be filled with beauty and love. “It may not be a long life, but it could be a good life. And that’s what’s important,” Montgomery said.

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May 4, 2012

Fill The Boot

“

”

Fills The Heart Of Local Firefighter Reporting Cynthia Demos

MIAMI (CBS4) – South Florida firefighters have kicked off their ‘Fill The Boot’ campaign to benefit the the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Firefighters are appearing on street corners right now asking for donations. This as My TV33 prepares to air the annual MDA Telethon. The ‘Fill The Boot’ collection is an annual tradition for firefighters that has a particularly special meeting for one Broward Sheriff’s firefighter CBS4’s Cynthia Demos met up with. Mike Bufalo walked the street corners with Demos asking people to donate. His father, Edward Bufalo was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy twenty years ago. “This brings me a sense of accomplishment, to help those who were able to help us,” said Bufalo. Edward Bufalo passed away 12 years ago. Bufalo said he knows just how important the annual drive is because the MDA helped his family through the toughest time in their lives. Also hitting the streets with Bufalo is Lt. Fred Drusselt. He too has a special connection. He’s been collecting for 27 years. He said, “it’s so satisfying to be out here every year making a difference.” It’s not just satisfying for the firefighters but for those who donate too. Demos spoke to people as they dropped money in the boots. She asked why they gave. They said they too are hoping for a cure and respect the firefighters for taking their time to chip in. Last year BSO Firefighters raised $17,000. This year their goal is $25,000. The ultimate goal for the firefighters of course is to help find a cure. Lt. Pam Mueller, who is organizing the MDA drive for BSO Firefighters, said “it’s my hope that in my lifetime that we find a cure for it and then firefighters will have to find another tradition.” Until then, Bufalo shouts on the street corner, “we take pennies quarters nickels dimes. We take anything, what you got for me today.” For the firefighters, it’s a mission, it’s a purpose, and for Mike Bufalo, it’s a passion. He said, “even though people who drive by don’t know, I know in my heart and it’s something special for me.”

May 4, 2012

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cbs4 Newspaper May 4, 2012

Best

Floral Shops

Floral arrangements can often say a lot about how much you care about a person. From sending a bouquet of roses to a sweetheart on Valentine’s Day to an embarrassingly large array of flowers to the woman who gave you life on Mother’s Day, a batch of flowers can often lift spirits and improve their scenery. South Florida has a number of floral shops that offer everything from a Prom-must boutonniere to a large bouquet of roses.

Brigitte’s Flower Shop Fort Lauderdale, FL brigittesflowershop.com

Brigitte’s Flower Shop has been serving customers in the Fort Lauderdale area for 25 years and offers everything from real petals to silk and artificial flowers. The shop also offers a variety of plants and gift baskets that can be doled out for any occasion. All their flowers are professionally arranged and can be delivered directly to the special people in your life.

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Abbott Florist

Field of Flowers

Miami Beach, FL abbottfloristmiami.com

Davie, FL fieldofflowers.com Field of Flowers has long roots in the South Florida community. It sprouted in 1990 with Donn Flipse, a third-generation florist. Donn’s grandfather worked in Scotland as a greenhouse apprentice. Flowers have been part of the family business ever since. The 10,000 square foot locale features a beautiful oasis of 150 varieties of fresh cut flowers – offered by stem or by the bunch. Deliveries are offered to a large geographic region from North Miami to Delray Beach.

Categories of floral arrangements at the Abbott Florist include “Just Because” or “Make Someone Smile” and the variety of arrangements range from pink and yellow roses in a gift box to stems featuring a tall bamboo and birds of paradise complemented by a stunning mix of tropical orange flowers. The shop has been in the heart of North Beach for a number of years and offers delivery service. They do ask customers place orders ahead of time before the major flower-giving holidays such as Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day.

Flower Bar Miami Shores, FL - flowerbardesign.com

The Flower Bar is more than just a floral shop, and while there’s no alcohol served at this bar, there are plenty of floral scents to keep your senses entertained. The shop delivers a batch of blossoms along with gourmet sweets. It has delivered flowers to the trendiest locales in South Beach including The Tides hotel and Table 8 restaurant. It also offers floral arrangement classes to the public Saturday mornings.

Trias Flowers and Gifts Miami, FL - triasflowers.com

From roses to tulips and orchids to daisies – Trias Flowers and Gifts offers a variety of popular petals sure to please the people in your life. Trias Flowers first opened in Cuba in 1912 and it has remained with the family ever since. They opened their first store in South Florida in 1967, which is now run by the fourth generation of Trias. You can shop for arrangements by flowers, colors, and occasions. Best part? If you don’t have time to stop by the store, you can place your order online.

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Volunteers Rebuild Homes For Needy In South Dade Reporting Jawan Strader

MIAMI (CBS4) – It’s been years

since the Colliers have been able to live comfortably.

“I talked to my husband and said ‘Well, we got to pay the house payment or have the bathroom fixed’ and I know when you get behind in your house payment, one payment, you never catch up,” Lillie Collier, a homeowner in Leisure City, shared with Neighbors 4 Neighbors’ Nicole Maristany. With their home in disrepair, they needed to make modifications to accommodate their disabilities but it was too costly for the elderly couple. “We’d never be able to do it on our own,” explained Lillie’s husband, Bradie Collier. But in the past month volunteer teams from Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade worked to repair the Collier’s home and 18 others in Leisure City, Naranja and Homestead. “We have elderly like Ms. Collier, we have blind like her husband, we have disabled veterans, we help folks that just can’t make ends meet,” said, James McCants with Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade. The home received a makeover both inside and out. “We put in grab bars, commodes and area where she can come in with ease. We’ll donate the carpet and the labor, the landscaping, we’re going to clean it up for them,” explained, Alex Nieves, a contractor from Landmark/First Florida who volunteered to head up the project at the Collier house.

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May 4, 2012

It’s a cause that’s close to his heart. “I lived through it, I got a son that was injured so I’m very happy to help anybody in that situation, I know what they’re going through,” said Nieves. And the Colliers are grateful to have their house feel like home again. . “I’m very excited and very happy because I have seen my bedroom go where I couldn’t enter into and now I can go in with my wheelchair,” said Lillie. Bradie felt the same way, “It’s a blessing from God, a blessing from God.” Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade and Broward are still looking for volunteers to join their teams. For more information on how you can help, call Neighbors 4 Neighbors at 305-597-4404 or visit, www.neighbors4neighbors.org.

Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade and Broward are still looking for volunteers to join their teams. For more information on how you can help, call Neighbors 4 Neighbors at 305-597-4404 or visit, www.neighbors4neighbors.org

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Company Makes

Artwork Personal With Client’s DNA Reporting Jorge Estevez

MIAMI (CBS4) – Artwork isn’t the only made by

hand. Now it can be made from your saliva.

DNA portraits are gaining popularity. So much so, they have been featured on the CBS hit series “CSI”. This kind of art is literally inside the eye of the beholder. “The DNA portrait idea evolved into any kind of personalized art including fingerprints, and even art made from your lips, what we call Kiss Portraits,” said Adrian Salamunovic, Co-founder of DNA11 and Canvas Pop. ”The first step is our customers come to our website, DNA11.com and they choose the size and the color of the artwork. The company then ship the customer a DNA collection kit which consists of a mouth swap and a DNA collection card. Their customers swab their mouth, transfer it over to this collection card, which they then ship back to the company. “We then take that DNA collection card, isolate the DNA through doing a series of washes,” said Nazim Ahmed , Co-founder of DNA11 and Canvas Pop. They then use that DNA and zero in on eight specific sequences that are unique to all individuals. “We then replicate those sequences and separate then through a process called gel electrical,” said Ahmed. The final result is a completely unique DNA image for every individual. “The final stage is to take the DNA and strain it and then photograph it using a digital camera. That’s the image that our designers use as a basis to create our customers artwork,” said Ahmed. Their designers then use these raw images and apply a series of different filters on it that turn them into worthy pieces of artwork. “We then print the pieces on canvas, frame them and ship them to our customers,” said Ahmed. The artwork was even featured on an episode of CSI New York. Canvas Pop was started in 2009 in response to actual customers wanting to see if they could print other things than just photographs. The artwork starts at $200.

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May 4, 2012

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) –

Report:

More Americans Dining at

Full Service Restaurants Reporting Carey Codd

A recent report in The New York Times says more and more Americans are choosing to eat at full service, or sit down, restaurants. The report cites the data as an indicator that the economy is improving.

time since the strong economy of the late 1990’s” “At Duffy’s they’ve seen an increase in customers — maybe not as fast as the Times report sees nationwide — but an increase, nonetheless.” “Go in, get waited on, a little more service,” said Duffy’s General Manager Mark Wampole. “I think that for sure — it’s one of the indicators we’re seeing At Duffy’s Sports Grill in Fort Lauderdale, it was busy Friday night. You a big turnaround.” would expect that during NCAA March Madness. For some the economy may not be imBut management at the restaurant says they are seeing more proving enough for a sit down family meal customers like the Dittmeier family. The New York Times at a restaurant. But Annette Dittmeier says “Our budget is built up a little bit,” said Mike Dittmeier. “So, we it’s a priority for her family when they can report says the 12 tend to find we come out a little bit more.” afford it. month increase is The New York Times report says the 12 month increase is a clear “We have a little bit more so it’s worth it,” indicator that people believe the economy is improving. Duffy’s a clear indicator said Annette Dittmeier. “We need that time.” customer Maureen Doherty is in that camp. that people believe South Florida tourism experts tell CBS “I think people are feeling more confident now,” Maureen Doherty 4 News that they are seeing significant the economy is said. increase in business at family restaurants improving. “The report says the percentage of Americans choosing restauand high end restaurants. rants were they will be waited on is growing at a faster clip than any

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May 4, 2012

CPSC Warns Of

Portable Pool

Dangers Reporting Al Sunshine

MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – Summer is just around the corner and that means pool season will be here before you know it. But the Consumer Product Safety Commission has a warning for parents considering a portable pool for their kids.

The portable pools can range in size from a typical inflatable kiddie pool to much larger models. They typically require less maintenance, but they pose risks. “Portable pools have become more affordable, but they hold thousands of gallons of water,” said CPSC Chairwoman Inez Tenenbaum. “And so parents need to know they need to take the same type of steps to save lives if they’re going to use a portable pool.”

The CPSC said owners need to plan to do the following: • Empty small kiddie pools after every use, and have a place to store them out of the child’s reach. • Larger portable pools should be equipped with a cover and the ladder on the pool should not be attached when the pool isn’t in use. • Parents should learn CPR and other life-saving skills in case of an emergency “Children can drown in a very small amount of water,” Chairwoman Tenenbaum said. “That’s why children should never be unattended in a pool, no matter how small.” The CPSC also advised that parents should warn neighbors if they are planning on installing a portable pool this summer.

“Children can drown in a very small amount of water,” Chairwoman Tenenbaum said. “That’s why children should never be unattended in a pool, no matter how small.”

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May 4, 2012

S. Florida Mothers Raising Awareness About

Reporting Cynthia Demos

Fragile X Syndrome MIAMI (CBS4) – Two South Florida

mothers are on a mission to educate the public about a syndrome that is often confused with autism.

Little is known about Fragile X syndrome, but Michelle Kaplan, mother to Matthew, 7, and 5 year old Calentcito’s mom Vanessa Chartouni de la Serna have teamed up to make a difference. Their sons are both at a special school for kids with Fragile X syndrome. “It absolutely affect every single day,” said Kaplan. Fragile X is a neuro-developmental disorder that affects cognitive skills, a child’s behavior, speech, and senses. It’s the only known genetic cause of autism.

Thirty percent of kids with Fragile X have autism. Calencito was diagnosed at 15 months, and Matthew at 13 months. The big signs for them were developmental and speech delay. “At first I was devastated, scarred, confused and anxious to learn more,” Vanessa Chartouni de la Serna said. “Everywhere I turned there were no answers just more and more questions,” Kaplan said. Women who carry the disorder can be tested before or while they’re pregnant. Symptoms include early menopause and problems with fertility. If you are pregnant you often have to make a special request for the testing. The goal of Chartouni de la Serna and Kaplan is to raise awareness for more research and a better life

for their children. Four years ago, they started an organization for families affected by Fragile X syndrome. There are now 60 families in the group. “One day I won’t be here and need to know he can be cared for,” Kaplan said. For more information visit www.familiesforfragilex.org.

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May 4, 2012

e i P e m i L Best Key Ah, Key Lime pie. It’s traditional in Florida because it’s made with the fruit of the Key Lime tree, which is yellow and about the size of a marble, and grows in people’s back-yards. If it’s made w ith the juice of the traditional green Persian limes you can buy anywhere, it’s not quite the same. Your pie should be yellowgreen, not lime green, and tart enough to make you pucker. Virtually every restaurant in South Florida offers it, and most markets sell it. Each of these pies is recommended, but the fun is trying each one to make your own choice.

Joe’s Stone Crab Miami Beach, FL - Joesstonecrab.com Joe’s is one of the most famous restaurants in South Florida, and, of course, it’s known for its stone crabs, meaty claws, served chilled, with a mustard sauce. Many believe you haven’t truly dined in Miami unless you’ve eaten at Joe’s. But we do not live by claws alone; almost as famous as the crabs is Joe’s Key Lime pie. Many consider it the best of breed, and it certainly does live up to that claim. Baked for Joe’s using the restaurant’s traditional recipe, it offers a decadent graham cracker crust, a very tart filling, and a dollop of whipped cream to finish. Delicious. Let everyone wait in that long, long line of people waiting for your table while you indulge. You can order a pie online, or make it yourself; find the recipe here.

a d i r o l F h t u o S n i

Ice Box Cafe Miami Beach, FL - iceboxcafe.com Most Key Lime pies are not what you’d call thick; they are so rich, you really can’t eat a huge piece without dismissing your diet, but at the Ice Box Cafe, their bakers believe you can’t get enough of a good thing. That’s why they serve their creamy, tart Key Lime pie deep-dish style. The crust is graham cracker, and robust, and the custard-like filling never seems to end. It’s an outstanding slice, if not a bit pricey; you can buy a while pie at the market for what you pay for a slice here. However, it’s well worth a try, and the other baked goods at the Cafe are worth a look. Indulgent.

Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory 6 Locations - blondgiraffe.com A true Key Lime pie is rich and creamy, almost like custard, not like a lemon meringue pie, where the filling is almost gooey. Purists cover their Key Lime pie with whipped cream, but there is a school that thinks meringue is fine as well, and that’s what you find at the Blond Giraffe. They have shops dotting Key West and one in Marathon, and they serve a tasty tart pie capped with meringue, with something unique: a crust made of crushed vanilla cookies. It’s not the traditional graham cracker you find in most Key Lime pies, but it works. The pies are not made on site; they’re shipped from a factory about 100 miles to the north, but taste one and you won’t care where they were made. Want something unique? Try the Key Lime pie dipped in chocolate, on a stick. It’s almost a sin.

Terry’s Key Lime Pies Davie, FL - newrivergroves.com A trip to this iconic center for South Florida citrus is a two-for-one deal; not only can you get the Key Lime pie that was instrumental in having that dessert declared the official Pie of the state of Florida, you can get oranges (in season) and other citrus products from the only remaining orange grove in South Florida. The Key Lime pie is just one of a host of pies house-made at the grove, and they taste like you made them at home. Creamy, tart filling in a luscious graham cracker crust, topped with a more-than generous slathering of whipped cream, they are a great dessert. But while key lime purists frown at people who mess with the traditional formula, Terry’s offers variations, some seasonally. They include a Pumpkin Key Lime pie and, in a combination of two of Florida’s favorite flavors, an Orange Key Lime pie. You can get traditional Key Lime in smaller tarts, and if you fall in love with them but don’t want to drive, Bob will deliver, though it’s not cheap. Take note: pies do run out, so come early for the best chance of satisfying your sweet tooth.

Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe Key West, FL - keylimeshop.com It’s almost a reason in itself to travel from Miami to the Keys. Kermit’s Key Lime pies have been praised on nationally broadcast TVfood shows, and there’s a reason. This is a truly traditional pie, with a rich graham cracker crust, smooth, tart filling, and dotted with whipped cream. The filling will make your lips pucker about, but that’s the best part of a great Key Lime pie. If you like the lime, this shop is for you. You can find jelly, marinades, honey, and even wing sauce made with the juice of the Key lime. You could create a whole Key lime-themed meal with what you find here. You can even order online!

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May 4, 2012

Prescription Mix-Up

On Miami Beach Concerns Patient Reporting Cynthia Demos

MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami.com) — Prescription mix-ups cost the health care system 2 billion dollars a year. Every year thousands of people die because

they were given the wrong prescription and as the number of prescriptions increase and the number of pharmacists decrease which makes the problem just get worse. One Miami Beach woman experienced the problem first hand when she reached for her prescription in the middle of the night and realized it wasn’t hers. Tatiana Alder was recently diagnosed with asthma. She’s uses an inhaler so she can breathe. “I went to CVS to get my inhaler,” explained Tatiana. She left her prescription in the bag and put it near her bed. “The next day during the night I had an attack during the night. I reached to get the inhaler and then when I opened it I got a packet that supposed to go to another person.” She woke up her husband Nate. “I went to get the bag with the medication in there from the pharmacy, and instead of an inhaler we find a bottle of pills with somebody else’s name on it,”

exclaimed Nate who was terrified. Finding the miscellaneous pills instead of her inhaler made him furious. Tatiana was gasping for air. “I was like okay, I need to breath and I don’t have my medication what do I need to do,” said Tatiana. Nate called the pharmacy and asked them to bring over the right medication. They said they don’t offer that service. Hours later, the Adlers were able to get the inhaler from a different location and Tatiana was okay. “Thankfully she’s ok, but I was terrified for my life at that point,” her husband said. CBS4 News contacted the CVS on Harding in Surfside just south of the shops at Bal Harbor. They admitted to the mistake and offered this statement: “The health and safety of our customers is our number one priority and we sincerely apologize for giving Mrs. Alder a prescription that did not belong to her. When we were alerted to this mistake our pharmacist contacted her immediately to apologize, check on her health condition, and make arrangements for her to receive a new asthma inhaler, free of charge.” “My husband was the one who called them up.

They didn’t call because they realized anything,” said Tatiana. The statement goes on to say: “It appears that our procedures to verify the identity of a patient before dispensing their prescription were not properly followed during the checkout process we have followed up with our staff to prevent this from happening again.” As of last year the state of Florida put new measures in place to require more training of pharmacy technicians and more procedures to prevent mix ups yet the standards are not an assurance and the problem is not just in Florida. Just last month the State Attorneys general office in New Jersey began a preliminary investigation into a CVS pharmacy in that state. Reports show kids who were suppose to get fluoride pills were given tamoxifen pills to treat breast cancer. These serious mix ups with serious consequences troubled Tatiana. “That’s pretty scary they make mistakes like that.” The Alders hope everyone will learn to double check their prescriptions when they pick them up. As far as the CVS on Harding is concerned, the Adlers said they won’t use that pharmacy anymore.

cbs4 Newspaper May 4, 2012

Exclusive:

Teen Tells Tale

Being Shot In Bed Of

Reporting Peter D’Oench

MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – For the first time since

she was shot while sleeping in her home, Emreon Branford, 15, is speaking about the horrific night just a few weeks ago.

Emreon was in bed when some person or persons pumped more than a dozen bullets into the home. She was left with wounds all over her arms and face. The bullet holes still remain on the home. For Emreon, she’s just glad she was able to survive the shooting. “I’m feeling happy, I’m feeling good that I’m alive,” said Branford. “It didn’t hurt or nothing until I woke up and then it did hurt. At first I thought I was going to die. What it could have been, well it could have been worse.” Branford detailed the events of the night to CBS4’s Peter D’Oench Friday. “I was sleeping in my bed with my little sister,” Branford said. “My sister started screaming and after that my mom and dad came into the room, turned on the light and they seen all this blood all over my arm in my eye and on my head.” She said two bullets pierced her left arm and another bullet grazed the left side of her head. Emreon’s five-year-old sister Kiara, who was sleeping in the same bed with her, and her 9-year-old brother Joseph, who was sleeping in a bed nearby, were not wounded. “It feels kinda sad, but at the same time I should be happy that I’m still alive,” Branford said. “I never thought this sort of thing would happen to me.” “I’m hurting for her,” Emreon’s mother Joslyn Plunkett said. “I wish I could take her pain. It just breaks my heart that I have to see my daughter

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go through this.” “We found 15 shell casings outside the home,” she said. “We think 15 bullets were fired. We found a total of 21 bullets holes in the house from the 15 shots that were fired. Someone could have been killed.” “It puzzles me because we don’t have any problems with anybody,” Plunkett said. “I can’t understand why anyone would want to come and do things like that.” The main thing the family wants is for the shooter or shooters to be arrested. “I would love for someone to come forward and say they saw something or heard something,” said Plunkett. “This person should regret it right now,” Emreon said. “They should go to jail.” “Right now, I feel angry. But I feel good that my Mom and Dad are here to support me.” If you can help police, call Miami-Dade Crimestoppers at (305) 471TIPS (8477). Emreon told D’Oench that she and her family could never return to the bullet-riddled home. They have found temporary shelter at an apartment building in Southwest Broward. They say they are trying to find permanent housing somewhere in Broward or Miami-Dade.

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May 4, 2012 M I A M I ( C B S 4 miami . c o m )

Miami Tourism

Booming In Tough Times R e p o r t i n g D av id S u t ta

I f y o u l o o k at t h e l at e s t t o u r i s m n u mb e r s y o u m ay f i n d y o u r s e l f s ay i n g “ w h a t r e c e s s i o n ? ” Miami is defying the odds of the economy, going through what appears to be a tourism renaissance setting records. On a Monday afternoon Miami Seaquarium’s new ropes course is packed with tourists. Attendance is climbing, new attractions are opening, and Seaquarium President Andrew Hertz is hiring. “Anytime you can give someone a job. Any chance you have to give someone an opportunity to wear the uniform with pride, it’s a wonderful thing.” Hertz said. The surge in tourism at the Seaquarium is not isolated. It can be seen across South Florida. Port Miami is booming, collecting four million passengers a year. That’s the most of any port anywhere in the world. “I think it quite simply has to do with the Miami brand. People want to be in Miami,” Paula Musto with Port Miami explained. Before cruising Monday, Sheila McNulty spent $800 over the weekend to be here. “The kids were egging me on to stay here just because it’s a fun place.” McNulty said. With three new cruise lines and three brand new ships arriving later this year the port is headed for a record year. “Record expenditures, record number of visitors, record satisfaction levels,” said Bill Talbert of Miami’s Greater Convention and Visitor Bureau. Records is all Talbert talks about these days. The numbers don’t lie; for 20 months tourist taxes have been rising, and it’s not chump change.

Tourist taxes are up 16% for February over last year. It also appears to be speeding up. Miami International traffic for February was up nearly 10%. “We are very bullish on the future; very bullish,” Talbert told CBS4. “Travel and tourism is going to keep increasing.” So what changed? The weather? The sand? CSI Miami viewership? Talbert believes it’s simply Miami’s brand. “The world can’t get enough of Miami…right now,” Talbert said. Some would call that a bubble. Even if it is though, it appears to be just beginning. “Miami is on the forefront. Miami is the ice cutter going through the glaciers. We are clearing the path for the rest of Florida to follow,” Hertz said. How hot is Miami? New York’s Kennedy Airport is the busiest airport in the nation for international flights. Predictions are Miami will surpass it this year though. It means the future looks bright if the trend continues. So you are probably wondering where is everyone coming from? According to the Department of Transportation our number one visitor comes from New York. That’s followed by Atlanta, Brazil, Chicago and Dallas.

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May 4, 2012

Summer Savings Pass Makes A

Splash MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; This summer you can get up close and personal with a lion at the Lion Country Safari, watch Lolita the Killer Whale make a splash at the Miami Seaquarium, explore dinosaur bones at the Museum of Science and Discovery and have a close encounter with a rhino at Zoo Miami all for one low price.

For more than 100 days this summer, the Summer Savings Pass will give parents and kids the chance to enjoy four main South Florida attractions for $55 for

adults and $45 for children ages three through 12. The pass includes unlimited visits from May 14 through September 30 to the Lion Country Safari, Miami Seaquarium, Museum of Science and Discovery and Zoo Miami. With only one price, you can go on unlimited safaris at the Lion Country Safari and explore the wildlife of the Gir Forest in India and the Serengeti Plains in east Africa without ever leaving South Florida. If the sea is more of your thing, you can learn about the stingrays, manatees and dolphins and watch them make a splash in their natural habitat at the Miami Seaquarium.

You can explore the wonders of science at the Museum of Science and Discovery at their mineral, rocket, and aviation exhibits. At Zoo Miami you can watch monkeys swing from branch to branch and gaze at giraffes as they stretch their necks out to reach for leaves on the trees. With regular tickets ringing in at almost $40 for adults and $30 for kids at some of the attractions, the Summer Savings Pass is an affordable way to enjoy the summer. Ticket holders can upgrade to a season pass at these attractions for an additional $30 for adults and $20 for children ages three through 12.

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May 4, 2012

Best

Scuba Diving Spots

While the Florida Keys may be known for their fishing and scuba

diving locations, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have some of the best spots to scuba dive in the nation. From natural reefs to sunken ships, it’s amazing what can be found off our shores. Some of the

best reefs and wrecks can be found in 60 to 80 feet of water, making it perfect for beginners through advanced divers to check them out. Here are some of our top picks.

Jay Scutti

Hammerhead Reef

Off Ft. Lauderdale

Sunk in Sept. 1986, this 95 foot harbor tugboat was confiscated in a drug smuggling operation. It was bought at auction by a man who renamed it the Jay Scutti after his son. The wreck sits in 70 feet of water and is the centered between a 45 foot wreck named the Moonshot and a 95 foot sailboat Pride; the wrecks are tethered together by a cable. Divers can usually explore two of the wrecks in one dive. Lots of fish inhabit the Jay Scutti and it’s possible to enter the wreck through various openings.

Beginning just south of Port Everglades and running to the Dania Pier, this two and a half mile reef is famous for its sharks, rays and large grouper. The front side of the reef is at about 60 feet while the back side plunges to 80 feet; the reef rises to nearly 20 feet in some spots. This is a great reef dive with tons of marine life.

Miami Beach Wreck Trek

Belzona Trio Off Miami Beach

This trio of sunken tug boats makes up their own mini-wreck trek. The Belzona How cool is this not one wreck but several Ona, an 85 foot ocean tug, was sunk linked together by a guide cable. The in May 1990. About 75 feet away is the Miami Beach Wreck trek is a relative shallow second tug Belzona Two in 60 feet of dive, 50-60 feet of water, which begins with water. The deepest of the trio, the Belzona a pair of army tanks on its southern end. As Three is a 100 foot tug in 85 feet of water. divers move north, the encounter several Not far away is the Belcher Barge #27, a tons of limestone boulders and more wrecks 195 foot steel barge that was sunk in 1985. like the Rio Miami; a 105 foot tug which sits The barge flipped on its way to the bottom upright in about 65 feet of water. but experienced divers can penetrate it and swim the ships entire length. All of the wrecks can be visited in one wreck trek.

Off Miami Beach

Sea Emperor Wreck Off Boca Raton

About a mile south of the Boca Inlet, some have termed this wreck an “Aqua-Zoo” because of all of the sea life including sharks and rays that call it home. The 171 foot Sea Emperor, a hopper barge, lies upside down in about 70 feet of water. Surrounding the wreck are tons of drainage pipes and concrete pilings which were supposed to rest on the barge’s deck. Unfortunately, when it was sunk, the ship rolled spilling the load.

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May 4, 2012

Reporting Vanessa Borge

MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) — Dream Water, an all natural product, promises to make all those sleepless nights drift away.

Vincent Porpiglia, the inventor of Dream Water, said it was his own sleepless nights that gave him his eureka moment. “I was just thinking about energy drinks and how successful they were becoming and there’s tons of sleeping pills but there is no sleeping drinks, so that sparked an idea,” said Porpiglia. Dream Water advertises itself as an answer to those restless souls who have trouble shutting down at the end of the day. “It’s the first water that helps you relax and go to sleep,” explained Porpiglia. “It’s a product that’s relevant for today’s world where everyone is going 100 miles an hour. Work hours are getting even longer. People are stressed out from the economy and a million other things.” We asked a local police officer, a mother and an investigator who suffered from insomnia to test Dream Water for three nights. The results were mixed.

Sgt. Henry Guzman said, ”It immediately relaxed me. Next day, I felt refreshed no issues at all.” Karen Guzman, a mother of four and a dental hygenist, also tried it. “I took it not expecting anything at all because it didn’t taste like it would do anything. Within a half an hour I was feeling just nice and relaxed and like I could fall asleep.” Babette Rox, an investigator for local law enforcement had something different to say about Dream Water. ”I did notice on the evenings that I drank the Dream Water that I was restless.” While this product may promise to cut the sheep out of sleepless nights, others like Florida sleep specialist, Dr. James Kraisen, believe this product to be a temporary fix to a bigger problem. He told CBS4′s Vanessa Borge, “Most sleep supplements people take without evaluating their sleep and that’s a problem. If someone has a specific problem with their sleep, sleep supplements do not overcome that problem.” According to Dr. Krainsen, the way our body reacts at night is due to what we put into it during the day. “Someone has a bad night’s sleep which can happen

to any of us. What do they do the next day? They drink a half a pot of coffee. Well they suddenly have a lot of caffeine so they don’t fall asleep that night. So they’re tired the next day. They drink more coffee,” explained Krainsen. To Dr. Krainsen, a sleep supplement like Dream Water is not the first think to look to for more sleep. “If the underlying problem is that you’re taking too many energy drinks, you should probably cut down. If the underlying problem is you’re not getting enough sleep at night, you should probably get more sleep. If the underlying problem is your sleep is of poor quality, you should see someone,” said Krainsen. Vanessa, who said she likes to exercise at night, only a couple of hours before bedtime said she’s seen an increase in her sleepless nights because her body hasn’t had time to relax, post workout. She said changing her schedule would help her get a good nights sleep. You should always check your daily grind before taking something for those treasured “Zs.”

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Florida’s “Big O”

Ranked Second In Nation For

Bass Fishing

MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – If you’re itchin’ to go freshwater fishin’

this summer and wonder where you’ll have the best luck? Just head to the “Big O”. Lake Okeechobee came in second on Bassmaster magazine’s 2012 list of “100 Best Bass Lakes.” Falcon Lake in Texas came in first. In order to come up with their list, the magazine asked each state’s Department of Natural Resources to rank their best lakes for bass fishing. They then asked the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation state presidents to rank the lakes in their states based on tournament results. Federation Nation conservation directors were asked to rank their state’s lakes based on access, stocking practices and current health of the fish. Finally, they asked outdoor writers, fishermen and fishing industry leaders for their top picks. Those at the the top of the list, according to the magazine, are lakes where you will catch giant bass,

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May 4, 2012

and plenty of ’em, in a beautiful setting. A top spot for Lake Okeechobee was no surprise for those in the know because of the size and quantity of bass in the lake which covers 730 square miles (it’s the second biggest freshwater lake contained entirely in the lower 48 states). Other Florida lakes which made the list are: Kissimmee Chain Of Lakes (21) Florida Everglades (36) Lake Seminole on the Georgia/Florida border (40) Lake Tarpon (57) Harris Chain Of Lakes in Central Florida (73)

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Grieving Mother Asks Public For

Help Finding Son’s Killer

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May 4, 2012

Reporting Peter D’Oench

MIAMI (CBS4) – A Miami mother has appealed for the public’s help in finding the man who took the life of her son.

Forty-one-year-old Henry Fagg was shot and killed on February 7th while closing up his business at Northwest 15th Avenue and 67th Street. “I miss my baby. He was a Valentine’s baby and his life was taken from him. It has really changed my life. I can’t get over this. My nerves are so bad, I have nightmares,” said a grieving Dolly Leverson. “He used to love to play basketball in school. His teachers loved him. He was a straight A student. He always liked to please everyone.” Leverson said her life took a dramatic turn when she learned that her son had been shot and killed. “Mr. Fagg was getting some items at the store,” said Miami Police detective Jermaine Douglas. “Our investigation revealed that while Mr. Fagg was inside the store closing up, the offender was by the bus stop casing out our victim.” “He exited the business and jumped on his bicycle and he only got four feet before the offender moved at him at the stop sign. He shot him several times,” said Douglas. “Mr. Fagg got off his bike and ran into the store. He collapsed on the floor.” Fagg was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital but doctors could not save him. Police describe his killer as a “light-skinned black male” who was wearing a black hoodie and who fled west on Northwest 67th Street towards Northwest 17th Avenue. “I just need someone to come forward and speak,” said Leverson. “Because if it was one of your children, or one of your brothers, you would want someone to help out. I need to get some closure on this.” Detective Douglas said he knew Fagg and described him as a person who would “give you the shirt off his back.” He said he had no idea why someone would take his life. If you can help solve this case or have information about it, call Detective Douglas or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).

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Reset Your Life With

Wellness Coaching Reporting Cynthia Demos

MIAMI (CBS4) – Christine Silva was stressed trying to balance work and family, with no time left over for herself.

“I was constantly exhausted. I felt like I was never able to keep up,” said Silva. So she tried something new. She hired a Wellness Coach to help her regain control of her life. “Within the very first session, I realized this is not about just getting exercise. It was about how do I see myself and where do I want to be,” explained Silva. A Wellness Coach takes a holistic approach, focusing the body and the mind. They meet clients one-on-one and create an individualized health plan. Margaret Moore is CEO of Wellcoaches Corporation. “The coach is really trained to help you take a bigger picture of you, over all aspects of your health and wellness and then come up with a formula that combines all of these things together.” Wellness coaching used to focus on helping individuals cope with one particular disease. And Life coaching was reserved for busy executives. But now it’s more mainstream for anyone, and it’s endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine. Christina’s been working with her coach for two years and says her life has changed “I’m more relaxed almost on a almost daily basis,” Christina explained. Of course hiring the right coach is key. So ask a lot of questions about fees, what’s offered, communication, and how many times you meet. Wellness coaches can come from a variety of backgrounds such as fitness, psychology, physical therapy, nursing and others. A national certification is underway.

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May 4, 2012

Best

Kayak Tours

In SouthÂ Florida

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May 4, 2012

Want to get in tune with your wild side? A kayak tour in one of South Florida’s many scenic waterways is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with nature. Take a relaxing day trip or go crazy with a multi-day tour. Whatever you preference, be sure to get your paddling arms ready! Eco-Adventures

4000 Crandon Blvd.  Key Biscayne, FL (305) 365-3018 - miamidade.gov/ ecoadventures The easiest way to get a tour of a Miami-Dade County Parks’ waterways is through EcoAdventures, a tour and adventure program put together by the county. Explore Key Biscayne, Matheson Bay, Indian Key and others with one of their many affordable tours. Be sure to pack your own meal and bring plenty of sunscreen and water!

Everglades Area Tours Chokoloskee Island, FL (800) 860-1476 evergladesareatours.com

Discover the vast marshes of the Everglades with a guided tour by some of the most knowledgeable naturalists. Try an Eco tour for a leisurely family trip and some good opportunities for animal watching. If you love nature or just want to test your limits, they also have multi-day kayak camping tours for between two and seven days.

Florida Bay Outfitters

Key Largo (305) 451-3018 - kayakfloridakeys.com Florida Bay Outfitters offers many different tours in the Key Largo area; day tours, multi-day tours, full moon tours and even paddle boarding tours. Plus, if you’re looking to improve your kayaking skills they offer lessons for every skill level.

Blue Moon Miami (305) 957-3040 bluemoonmiami.com

Blue Moon is the place to go if you’re looking for a leisurely beginner’s tour. Most of their tours are two to three hours long and explore Oleta Park and the Intercoastal Waterway. If you want a bit more of a thrill, try their nighttime Full Moon Kayak tour which includes a beach bonfire. Howling at the moon is optional.

Kayak Dave

(305) 395-0355 - kayaktoursflorida.com Kayak Dave will take you anywhere your heart desires. Just call him up and he can put together any trip you want. From down in the Keys to up in Fort Lauderdale, the life-long South Florida resident knows his way around.

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May 4, 2012

“Get On Track” Plan

Reporting Jawan Strader

Helps Jawan Strader & Others

Get In Shape MIAMI (CBS4) — A South Florida man bullied as a kid for being overweight changed his life and now he’s working to change the lives of others.

He created a unique health and fitness plan that helps people struggling with weight to get back on track. But the big question is does it work? Mother of three Jill O’Malley wanted to make a change to her health and lifestyle so she decided to try the www.Getontrackfitness. com plan created by David DiPlasquale out of Coconut Creek. The lifestyle and nutrition coach knows all too well about losing weight and changing your life. He was once obese as a child and even bullied for his appearance. So, he dedicated his life to health and fitness. Not only did he transform his body, but he has now transformed the lives of thousands across South Florida. “I’ve always had a little to lose; nothing that I thought was any major weight loss. I never have been extremely obese,” said Jill O’Malley. DiPlasquale said following his plan can lead to success, “There’s no plateau in this plan. It’s learning how to eat the rest of your life, keeping your metabolism alive. But we are brainwashed in this country to eat less and exercise more.” His Get On Track Fitness plan requires that you workout only one hour a day on the treadmill. “We have to monitor our heart rate which our heart is the most important muscle in the body. If we monitor these basic principles, we will be successful,” said DiPlasquale. In his plan, he lays everything out for you and snaps a picture of you every eight weeks to show your progress. Jill wasn’t too happy with her first pictures. “It wasn’t true, no, I thought that wasn’t me,” said Jill when she first saw her pictures. CBS4’s Jawan Strader could totally relate to Jill

O’Malley. In his first pictures, his gut was hanging over his shorts that barely fit and he had love han-

dles popping out everywhere. Jawan never imagined that he could look this bad. He, like millions of Americans, struggled with his weight and needed help, so he decided to try the Get On Track Fitness program as well. Following Jill O’Malley’s journey, her starting weight was 140 pounds at 50 percent body fat. Her goal, to lose 30 pounds and gain muscle. The program requires you eat every two to three hours. “When I looked at it, I thought you have to eat three hours a day, every three hours you’re eating and he said it’s going to speed up your metabolism and I thought, I just like to eat two times a day, I don’t need to eat five times a day,” said O’Malley. After following the plan for almost a year, Jill is barely recognizable to her friends and family. She has lost 52 pounds of total fat and gained 29 pounds of muscle by using a treadmill and eating right. “It’s been the best thing I’ve ever done. I’ve never felt better in my life,” said O’Malley. Jawan agrees, “I’ve lost more than 70 pounds of total fat and gained close to 50 pounds of muscle thanks to a unique plan by this South Floridian bullied for being obese as a child,” said Jawan. DiPlasquale said, “That’s what I live for. I live for the fact that I’m changing people’s lives.”

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May 4, 2012

HOMESTEAD (CBS4)

Homestead High Athlete

Achieving His Goals After Overcoming Adversity Reporting Maggie Newland

On the basketball court he’s a star shooter, but Homestead High basketball player Steven Claunch hasn’t had an easy time getting to this point. Steven was born with no fingers on his right hand, three toes on his right foot and a right leg that was several inches shorter than his left leg. “From the very beginning everything he did was different,” explained father Scott Claunch. “He learned to tie his shoe with one hand he learned to take a shower with only one hand.” He also learned to play basketball with one hand. His parents noticed his talent early on. Lynn Claunch recalled, “his grandfather gave him a basketball hoop when he was about two years old… he just threw the ball up and it went in his first shot.” His passion for basketball became a form of stress relief for Steven. He says he likes to “surprise people” when they realize how good he is at the sport. He had to sit out a season while undergoing surgery to correct the difference in the

length of his legs. He said the pain of the surgery and recovery wasn’t as bad as the emotional pain of watching the team play without him. Tuesday, Steven shot hoops with Dwyane Wade Sr., the father of the Heat star who admires Steven’s skill, his story and his attitude. Steven also helps out with Wade’s non-profit organization. Steven Claunch is headed for an Ivy League education at the University of Pennsylvania. One day he hopes to be a sports broadcaster and although it’s not an easy career path, that’s never stopped Steven. “I’ve done a lot of things that people thought I couldn’t do and even I thought I couldn’t do,” said Claunch. “Never say never,” he said.

“Never say never”

May 4, 2012

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MIAMI (CBSMiami.com)

Miami’s Airport Lands On Travel Magazine’s

Ten Best List

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May 4, 2012

The readers of Travel and Leisure magazine have named Miami International Airport as one of the ten best in the nation. The magazine used ratings on location, food, shopping, cleanliness, staff communication, check in, baggage handling and Wi-Fi rank each airport. MIA came in 10th. In describing the airport’s best features, the magazine wrote “If you’re landing here to party at South Beach, you won’t have to travel too far; the airport is ranked sixth for location. And after those late nights, you can recover with a treatment at one of the airport’s No. 3-rated spas before heading home.” The airport, however, got dinged for baggage handling, check in and the security process. Airport officials said they had a record-breaking year for passenger traffic in 2011 and surged to a new record in the first quarter of 2012 with the most passengers ever during that period. More than 10.2 million travelers passed through MIA in the first three months of the year for an increase of 9.5 percent over the same period last year. In the last two quarters, MIA has overtaken New York’s JFK Airport as the U.S. airport with the most international flights. According to a preliminary report from Airports Council International, MIA was also the 18th busiest passenger airport worldwide for the month of January, moving up from 26th in calendar year 2011.

Rounding out Travel and Leisure’s Top Ten:

9. Denver International Airport (Colorado)  8. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Washington)  7. McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas)  6. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Maryland)  5. San Francisco International Airport (California)  4. Orlando International Airport (Florida)  3. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Michigan)  2. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (North Carolina) 1. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (Minnesota)

“

If you’re landing here to party at South Beach, you won’t have to travel too far; the airport is ranked sixth for location. And after those late nights, you can recover with a treatment at one of the airport’s No. 3-rated spas before heading home.

”

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May 4, 2012

MIAMI (CBS4) –

Student Loan Debate May Determine

Presidential Youth Vote Reporting Al Sunshine

Millions of students like the University of Miami’s Joseph LeDonne could graduate with even more debt if Congress allows the interest rate on federal student loans to double on July 1st. The college sophomore is looking at almost $100,000 in debt come graduation time. “My parents both lost their jobs before I went to school, so I needed the loans and in some cases I think that it’s necessary,” said LeDonne. Unless rates are frozen, today’s 3.4% loans will climb to 6.8% in about 9 weeks. That’s expected to boost borrowers’ costs by about $1000. But canceling the rate hike will cost the U.S. Treasury about $6-billion dollars. During campus visits this week, President Obama pushed lawmakers to take action. And early Friday afternoon, House lawmakers did. The Republican lead bill passed almost along party lines, 215-195. It freezes rates and pays for the cuts by eliminating a preventive care fund in President Obama’s health care law. Rep. James Langevin, D-RI, opposes the bill. “It is unconscionable that Republican leadership is forcing us to choose between education and health care,” said Lengevin. The president warned he’d veto the GOP bill saying it will hurt women who need preventative care. The house speaker accused Democrats of picking a campaign fight. “Nobody wants to see student loan interest rates go up. People want to politicize this because it’s an election year, but my God, do we have to fight about everything?” said Speaker of the House John Boehner. Campaign watchers say the real battle may be for the youth vote which was a key to the President’s election back in 2008. “Money is money and it’s very tight right now so hopefully… Congress gets it right,” said Calise Belin, a Howard University freshman. Freezing student loans is expected to remain a major campaign issue for both parties. The Senate is expected to debate the issue early next month, where the democratic majority wants to pay for a rate freeze by raising taxes on anyone making more than $250,000 a year. That’s expected to be bitterly opposed by House Republicans as the July 1st deadline gets closer every day.

“It is unconscionable that Republican leadership is forcing us to choose between education and health care”

cbs4 Newspaper May 4, 2012 MIAMI (CBS4) –

CBS4’s Jawan Strader Sits Down With

Rev. Jesse Jackson Well known civil rights leader, and sometimes controversial activist, Rev. Jesse Jackson is not one known for holding his tongue. On Monday, he was in South Florida to attend a rally at Miami Central High School which encouraged students to register and vote. Before leaving he sat down and spoke exclusively to CBS4’s Jawan Strader about the death of Trayvon Martin, the 20th Anniversary of the LA Riots, Haiti and President Barack Obama. Martin, a Miami Gardens teen, was shot and killed last February by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman as he walked through a gated town home community in Sanford. Initially police did not charge Zimmerman saying he acted in self-defense. The lack of charges led to protests and rallies nationwide. Earlier this month a special prosecutor brought in by the governor brought a second degree murder charge against Zimmerman after a review of the police investigation. Jackson said there are parallels between what happened to him and the beating of Rodney King in Los Angeles. “It was not that he was just beaten. But when those four police walked away free, it was the humiliating act of them being free in spite of what they had done and everybody created a rage riot,” said Jackson. “Well here we are to Rodney King to Trayvon. Here’s a kid going home, with Skittles and tea, profiled, followed against the advice of the dispatcher and left in the morgue for three days. And the killer walks free. It’s a humiliating act. It touched something deep to people all around the world.” When asked if he thought the people would turn to violence if Zimmerman was acquitted, Jackson said he hoped for the best. “I hope that does not happen. So far there has been discipline and restraint. I don’t know how people will act if the guy who profiled Trayvon and pursued him and killed him walks away free. I don’t know how they will react. I hope they have discipline,” said Jackson. Jackson also discussed his relationship with President Barack Obama. In the past, he’s been caught on camera making unflattering comments about the president. Jackson said despite what we may have heard or seen, their relationship is good. “We support him very much and I feel good about supporting him. One because of what he accomplished and two because of the alternative,” said Jackson. When the topic of conversation turned to Haiti, Jackson said it’s time to really help out. “You can’t build Haiti tent by tent,” said Jackson. “We have some moral obligation and really some, a matter of hemispheric security in order to be better neighbors and to be better caretakers to our brothers and sisters in Haiti. That’s why I’ve been there so many times across the years and I’ll keep going until something more happens.” One of Jackson’s mission right now is to challenge the youth to register and vote in order to determine their life options. During the rally at Central High, Jackson told the students that voting will give them power and it’s that power that will help them determine their destination in life.

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cbs4 newspaper May 4, 2012

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