THIS IS SOUTHWEST FLORIDA IN FOCUS.

COMING UP, AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FORT MYERS, MAYOR KEVIN ANDERSON.

>> WE ALL KNOW I'VE DONE NOTHING WRONG AND NOT STEP DOWN FROM THE MARES.

>> WE LEARN ABOUT HIS THOUGHTS ON RECENT ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT MADE AGAINST HIM AND IT WILL IMPACT HIS CHANCES FOR REELECTION.

THE SAGA OF MISSING MONEY IS BECOMING A MAJOR TALKING POINT IN THE RACE FOR FLORIDA'S GOVERNOR AND ATTORNEY GENERAL WITH CANDIDATES FROM BOTH SIDES REACTING TO A RECENT CONTROVERSIAL COURT ORDER AND PROVIDING HOPE WITH SOME SIMPLE BODY ART.

A TATTOO ARTIST IS HELPING WOMEN RECLAIM THEIR BODY AFTER KICKING CANCER TO THE CURB.

HELLO, I'M JENNIFER CRAWFORD.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

THE MAYOR OF FORT MYERS, KEVIN ANDERSON, HAS REPEATEDLY DENIED ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT SINCE 2 MEN ACCUSED HIM PUBLICLY HAD A CITY COUNCIL MEETING IN SEPTEMBER.

THE MAYOR CALLS THE ACCUSATIONS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED AS HE IS RUNNING FOR REELECTION SINCE THAT SEPTEMBER MEETING, MAYOR ANDERSON HAS RESIGNED FROM FOR BOARD POSITIONS, INCLUDING ONE WITH THE FGCU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WGC THE HARVESTER SPOKE EXCLUSIVELY WITH THE MAYOR ABOUT THE ALLEGATIONS AND HIS CAMPAIGN EFFORTS.

>> WHAT WILL YOUR PRIORITIES BE FOR A SECOND TERM AND HOW DO THEY DIFFER FROM THE FIRST TERM?

>> AND CONTINUE BUILDING ON THE FIRST TERM WHERE IT'S THE SAFETY OF FORT MYERS.

YOU KNOW, I ONE POINT WHERE THE 17TH MOST DANGEROUS CITY OF OUR SIZE AND NOW WE'RE THE 3RD SAFEST.

SO WE'RE GOING CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON KEEPING THIS COMMUNITY SAFE, IMPROVED A CONTRIBUTOR AND HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE, MAKING SURE THIS AREA IS A GOOD PLACE TO WORK LIVE, PLAY IN, RAISE A FAMILY.

WE'RE GOING CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE WORKING ON BUILDING A A ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS OUR AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM AND CONTINUE TO MAKE SURE WE'RE GOOD STEWARDS OF THE TAX ACT.

YOU KNOW, THAT'S ONE THING OVER THE LAST 6 YEARS.

WE HAVE REDUCED THE TAX RATE BY 18%.

>> ON TO THE SPECTER OF AMENDMENT 3 POSSIBLY PASSING.

HOW CONCERNED ARE YOU ABOUT THAT AND WHAT EFFECT THAT WILL HAVE?

>> I THINK FOR MARS AS POSITION TO HANDLE THIS, SHOULD IT PASS?

FIRST OF ALL, I DON'T BELIEVE IT'S GOING TO PASS.

I THINK THE CONCEPT OF LOWER PROPERTY TAXES OR EVEN ELIMINATING PROPERTY TAXES IS A GOOD CONCEPT.

BUT THERE'S NO REAL SOLID PLAN AS TO HOW MUNICIPALITIES AND COUNTIES CAN FUND THEMSELVES.

AND IT'S A SIMPLE THING OF IF OUR REVENUES DROP AND WE CAN AND THAT MEANS OUR EXPENDITURES HAVE TO GO DOWN AND TYPICALLY IN GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES EQUATE TOO SERVICES.

SO I THINK THE PEOPLE RECOGNIZE THAT AND I'M HOPEFUL THAT THE NEXT ADMINISTRATION WILL COME UP WITH A SOLID PLAN AS TO HOW TO IMPLEMENT GOOD TAX REFORM.

NOW, SHOULD IT PASS?

WE ARE PREPARED TO LOOK AT DIFFERENT WAYS OF REVENUE, AN INCREASE IN REVENUE AND ALSO TRENDING EXPENSES AS MUCH AS WE CAN.

NOW, I SAID FORT MYERS IS NOT IN A BAD POSITION BECAUSE WE HAVE A LOT OF A GOOD BASE OF COMMERCIAL AND MIGHT INDUSTRY SO THAT THAT HELPS IF WE WERE A COMMUNITY THAT WAS PRIMARILY.

RESIDENTIAL WITH HOMESTEAD PROPERTIES, THAT'S A GREATER IMPACT.

LUCKILY, WE'RE NOT IN THAT POSITION.

>> SEVERAL PROJECTS HAVE SEEMED TO FALL BY THE WAYSIDE IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.

NAMELY MCCALLUM HALL, THE STARS COMPLEX, A POLICE STATION AND OTHERS.

HOW COME THE CITY MOVE FORWARD ON THESE?

>> SO SAYING THEY FELT BY THE WAYSIDE IS IT'S NOT REALLY TO PUT IT.

THESE ARE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.

WHILE THEY MAY BE IMPROVED ONE YEAR, THEY'RE TYPICALLY SPREAD.

ALTHOUGH OVER MULTIPLE YEARS AND THERE ARE SUBJECT TO BEING DELAYED OR POSTPONED DUE TO OTHER PRIORITIES, POPPING UPPER STRUGGLES WITH FUNDING SOURCES.

SO ALL THESE PROJECTS ARE MOVING THERE.

THEY'RE OBVIOUSLY NOT MOVING AT THE RATE.

WE WOULD LIKE THEM TO, YOU KNOW, THE POLICE HEADQUARTERS.

WE JUST DID THE GROUNDBREAKING.

THE LOT THE LANES BEEN CLEARED.

YOU CAN START SEEING THE SITE WORKING DONE AND BEFORE LONG WE'LL BE VERTICAL.

WE ARE WORKING HARD ON MCCOLLUM HALL.

THE CITY HAS COMMITTED 4 MILLION DOLLARS TO HELP THE COMPLETION OF THAT.

THE C R A IS GETTING READY THAT THEY'RE DOING THREATS WITH THE COMMUNITY AND SEE WHAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THERE AFTER THAT, THEY WILL BE PUTTING OUT REQUEST FOR BIDS FOR PEOPLE TO COME IN AND DO BUSINESS.

SO THESE PROJECTS ARE MOVING HAVING FALLEN BY THE WAYSIDE BY ANY STRETCH OF THE IMAGINATION.

>> AND EVERLY, I MUST ASK RECENTLY RESIGNED FROM 4 LOCAL NONPROFIT BOARDS.

WHY?

>> WELL, AS YOU KNOW, THERE'S BEEN SOME ALLEGATIONS WHICH I MAINTAIN OUR FALLS AND I DID NOT WANT THIS TO BE A DISTRACTION TO THE GREAT WORK THAT THESE BOARDS TOO.

SO I VOLUNTARILY WORK WITH THE BOARDS TO STEP DOWN TO MAKE SURE THEY WERE DRAGGED INTO THIS.

>> AND THAT YOU DON'T FEEL THAT APPLIES TO THE MAYOR'S OFFICE HAS WELL.

>> OH, NO, I GOT DONE NOTHING WRONG.

I SHOULD NOT STEP DOWN FROM THE MAYOR'S OFFICE.

>> OKAY.

HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO THE RECENT ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT AND YOU SEE THEM IN TACKLES YOUR BID FOR REELECTION.

>> THEY'RE FALSE.

AND, YOU KNOW, HEY, IT'S CAMPAIGN SEASON.

IT'S IT'S A GREAT QUESTION.

THAT'S THAT THIS HAS SURFACED JUST WEEKS BEFORE THE CAMPAIGN.

I THINK IT'S THE IT'S POLITICALLY MOTIVATED.

IT IS.

IT'S A VERY WELL COORDINATED AND AND MOST OF THE PEOPLE SPEAKING OUT ABOUT THIS DON'T EVEN LIVE IN THE CITY OF FORT MYERS.

AND I'LL SAY I I APPRECIATE YOU GIVING ME THE CHANCE TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE.

BUT, YOU KNOW, I'M HERE TO TALK ABOUT WHAT THE PEOPLE OF FORT MYERS REALLY WANT TO HEAR ABOUT.

WHAT'S HAPPENING FOR HIM FOR IT.

>> OK, THANK YOU, MAYOR ANDERSON, THANK YOU FOR JOINING ME TODAY.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

YOU HAVE A GREAT THAT.

YOU TOO.

THANK YOU.

>> FOR MORE ON DANA HARVESTERS INTERVIEW WITH FORT MYERS, MAYOR KEVIN ANDERSON AND HER UPCOMING CONVERSATION WITH HIS OPPONENT THIS FALL.

AMBER, WHERE STAY INFORMED ON OUR WEBSITE WGC YOU DOT ORG.

COMING UP NEXT, THE LATEST CHAPTER IN THE SAGA OVER THE HOPE FLORIDA INVESTIGATION.

A COURT OF APPEAL ORDERS.

THE AS VOTERS PREPARE TO CAST THEIR BALLOTS IN THE MIDTERMS.

THINGS ARE HEATING UP ACROSS SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, INCLUDING THE RACE FOR FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 78 SEAT.

WE INVITED BOTH CANDIDATES INTO OUR STUDIOS FOR A SIT DOWN INTERVIEW WITH WGC YOU CULTURE AND CONNECTIONS.

REPORTER ELIZABETH AND ARCHIE.

>> YOU PREFER CONGRESS TWICE BEFORE AND ARE NOW RUNNING FOR THE FLORIDA HOUSE.

WHY IS THE STATE HOUSE RIGHT PLACE FOR YOU TO SERVE NOW?

>> WELL, I THINK THAT THIS RACE IS VERY WINNABLE.

FIRST OF ALL, IT IS IN MY HOME THAT AND IT'S AN OPEN SEAT.

AND I THINK THAT PEOPLE ARE EAGER FOR CHANGE, SUES THEM.

THIS IS YOUR FIRST TO RACE.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING NOW?

>> I FEEL LIKE THIS IS MY TIME TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY.

I'VE BEEN FAMILIAR WITH THE GOVERNMENT PROCESS AND WORKING WITH OUR LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR ABOUT 15 YEARS, JUST HELPING THEM IN A MARKETING CAPACITY, LEARNING A PROCESS IN AND ACTUALLY FILED TO RUN FOR 2020 ALL WENT AND SUPERVISOR PERSONS MOLOKAI WAS GOING TO VACATE THE SEAT.

SO HER APPOINTMENT JUST ALLOWED ME TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RIGHT NOW.

>> 2 DIFFERENT PATHS TO THE SAME BALLOT AND 2 DIFFERENT IDEAS OF WHAT THE DISTRICT NEEDS MOST.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM FACING DISTRICT 78?

>> THE BIGGEST PROBLEM BY FAR.

IS THE POPE AND THE WATER.

IT IS AN ISSUE THAT I TALK ABOUT A WHOLE LOT BECAUSE I DON'T THINK PEOPLE REALLY UNDERSTAND JUST HOW MUCH FECAL MATTER THERE IS RUNNING IN THE CREEK RIGHT BY FORT MYERS, HIGH SCHOOL, RUNNING BY SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOMES IN OUR AREA.

AND JUST HOW LITTLE HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT IT.

>> WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT SOME OF THESE BEAUTIFUL HOMES, SOME PEOPLE MIGHT THINK AFFORDABLE HOUSING MIGHT BE THE BIGGEST THE SUIT.

HAVEN'T HEARD ANYONE TALK ABOUT.

THIS IS THE PRIMARY ISSUE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

WELL, IT'S ACTUALLY VERY RELATED TO THE OTHER THINGS THAT ARE PAIN POINT FOR PEOPLE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA OVER DEVELOPMENT.

>> THE TRAFFIC BECAUSE THESE THINGS ARE ALL LINKED TOGETHER.

>> PART OF THE REASON THAT WE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX THE INFRASTRUCTURE IS BECAUSE WE'VE HAD UNBRIDLED SPRAWL.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM FACING DISTRICT 78?

>> AFFORDABILITY IS WHAT I'M HEARING AT THE DOORS WHEN I'M KNOCKING ON PEOPLE'S DOORS.

I CANNOT AFFORD GAS TO GET TO WORK.

I CANNOT AFFORD EGGS.

I CANNOT AFFORD SO MANY THINGS AND PEOPLE MOVED TO SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BECAUSE WE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE STYLE HERE AND TO NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY THAT YOU INVEST IN IN THE THE LOVE IS NOT FAIR AND IT'S NOT OK.

>> AMENDMENT 3 IS ALSO ON THE BALLOT.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON IT?

>> THEY DID A GREAT JOB IN BRINGING THAT AMENDMENT DOWN HERE TO LET THE PEOPLE'S STATE OF FLORIDA CHOOSE WHAT THEY WANT TO DO WITH PROPERTY TAXES.

WE NEED TO STOP LETTING THE GOVERNMENT USE OUR WALLETS AS THEIR WALLETS.

SO ARE YOU HOPING THAT IT PASSES?

I'M HOPING THAT WE PAY LESS TAXES.

>> AND JUST GOT TO GET A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT I'M HEDGING ON.

IT.

>> I'M IN NO.

AND THAT'S BECAUSE I VALUE LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

>> I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A DEVIL'S BARGAIN, THAT IT IS GOING TO ULTIMATELY JUST SHIFT OUR FUNDS.

WE WILL BE PAYING FOR THIS ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.

BOTH CANDIDATES SAY THEIR LINES, THEY WON'T CROSS.

>> BUT WHAT MATTERS MOST TO EACH OF THEM AND WHERE DO THEY STAND?

FIRM?

WHAT ISSUE ARE YOU NOT WILLING TO COMPROMISE ON?

AND WHEN YOU SAY FREEDOM WAS SPECIFIC ISSUES, ARE WE TALKING ABOUT HERE?

>> SO FOR ME, I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE 2.87 G AGREEMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN BANKRUPTING OUR MUNICIPALITIES IN OUR COUNTIES.

I WANT TO SEE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ I WANT TO SEE.

A RETURN OF BODY AUTONOMY AND TERMS OF REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS AND WOMEN'S HEALTH CARE.

I ALSO WANT TO HAVE.

LAST STATE SURVEILLANCE.

SO WE'VE TAKEN A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION WITH ELIMINATING FLOCK CAMERAS.

BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE THAT WE CAN DO.

>> WOULD THERE BE ANY ISSUES THAT YOU WOULDN'T COMPROMISE ON?

INCREASING TAXES?

I MEAN, WHY DO WE NEED TO BE PAYING MORE?

TAXES?

THE GOVERNMENT IS MEANT TO BE A FRAMEWORK NOT IN NOT A CRUTCH FOR THIS FOR THE STATE AND FOR THE COUNTRY.

>> VANIER AND FRANCE HAVE LAID OUT THEIR PRIORITIES FOR DISTRICT.

78 VOTERS WILL DECIDE WHICH VISION THEY WANT REPRESENTING THEM IN TALLAHASSEE ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 3RD, FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE AT THE LEE COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS WEBSITE FOR WGC.

YOU NEWS.

I'M LISBETH AND RG.

>> WITH THE GENERAL ELECTION NOW JUST 3 WEEKS AWAY, THE STORY OF THE HOPE FLORIDA INVESTIGATION IS STILL CAPTURING WIDESPREAD ATTENTION.

WGC YOU HOST AND REPORTER JOHN DAVIS JOINS US NOW TO BREAK DOWN THE LATEST.

AND JOHN, CAN YOU FIRST REMIND EVERYBODY WHAT EXACTLY IS THE HOPE FLORIDA INVESTIGATION?

>> RIGHT.

IF YOU WANT A MORE DETAILED VERSION OF THAT AS WE GO BACK TO OUR CONVERSATION, SEPTEMBER FIRST.

BUT BRIEFLY, HEALTH CARE GIANT, 17 OVERBILLED, FLORIDA AND A BUNCH OF OTHER STATES FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

FLORIDA'S SHARE OF THE SETTLEMENT FROM THAT CAME TO 67 MILLION DOLLARS.

57 MILLION OF THAT SETTLEMENT WENT BACK TO THE STATE A 10 MILLION DOLLARS WAS DIVERTED, THOUGH DIRECTLY TO THE HOPE FLORIDA CHARITY RUN BY FLORIDA.

FIRST LADY CASEY DESANTIS.

AND FROM THERE IT WAS SENT TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS FUNNELED THROUGH THERE.

AND THEN SOME OF IT WENT TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF SOME OF THEM WENT TO A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY JAMES UTHMEIER, WHO AT THE TIME WAS DESANTIS IS CHIEF OF STAFF IS NOW THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.

AND THEN THAT MONEY WAS USED TO CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA BALLOT INITIATIVE IN 2024.

THE STATE LEGISLATURE DIDN'T INVESTIGATION.

THEY TURNED THEIR FINDINGS OVER TO STATE ATTORNEY JACK CAMPBELL.

AND THAT'S HOW THE WHOLE GRAND JURY REPORT CAME ABOUT.

IT WAS FINISHED IN JANUARY.

IT WAS SEALED, THOUGH, BUT THEM CBS, MIAMI, SOMEHOW PROCURED A COPY OF THE REPORT WAS LEAKED AND THAT'S HOW IT BECAME PUBLIC IN AUGUST.

AND THEN LAST WEEK, THE FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL.

>> EXPUNGE THE GRAND JURY REPORT.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

>> SO THIS BASICALLY JUST MEANS THAT REMOVES THE REPORT FROM LIKE AS A VALID OFFICIAL RECORD.

BUT IT DOES NOT ATTIC AUTOMATICALLY ESTABLISHED THAT THE TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED IN THE REPORT WERE LAWFUL OR PROPER.

>> CAN YOU TELL US WHAT WAS IN THE 19 PAGE APPELLATE COURT RULING IN THE GRAND JURY REPORT?

>> SURE.

SO ONE OF THE THINGS THAT THEY WERE HIGHLY CRITICAL OF WAS JUST THAT THE REPORT WAS LEAKED AT ALL AND THEY BLAME STATE ATTORNEY JOHN CAMPBELL FOR THAT CHARACTERIZING HIS TREATMENT AS, QUOTE, OVER BROAD HANDLING OF A CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT.

I FOUND OUT A LITTLE R BECAUSE CAMPBELL HIMSELF WAS EVEN DENYING THE EXISTENCE OF THE REPORT FOR MONTHS.

AND EVEN THOUGH STATE LAW DOES BAR EXECUTIVE AGENCIES FROM ENTERING INTO SETTLEMENTS THAT PAY OUT TO 3RD PARTIES, WHICH IS WHAT HAPPENED WITH THIS 10 MILLION THAT WENT TO HOPE FLORIDA.

THE APPELLATE COURT RULING ASSERTS THAT LAW DOESN'T APPLY IN THIS CASE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO CIVIL LAWSUIT.

AND ALL THAT MEANS IS THAT 17, THE COMPANY THAT PAID IT DIDN'T HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO COURT.

THEY AGREED TO A PRETRIAL SETTLEMENT.

SO WHILE TECHNICALLY CORRECT, BUT SEEMS TO SORT OF WORK AROUND WHAT THE SPIRIT ABOUT LAWS INTENDED TO PREVENT FROM HAPPENING.

IT ALSO ARGUES THE GRAND JURY REPORT CROSSED A LINE BETWEEN INVESTIGATING POSSIBLE WRONGDOING AND THEN PUBLICLY ACCUSING IDENTIFIABLE PEOPLE OF GONG DOING BECAUSE REMEMBER THERE A GRAND JURY INVESTIGATION DIDN'T INDICT ANYONE, BUT IT DOES NAME NAMES.

SO IT WAS SAYING THAT WAS IMPROPER AND STRANGELY, THE APPEALS COURT RULING ARGUES THAT THE 10 MILLION DOLLARS THAT WENT TO THE HOPE FLORIDA CHARITY WASN'T EVEN PUBLIC MONEY BECAUSE THE MONEY WAS TRANSFERRED DIRECTLY FROM SON TEAM TO THE ORGANIZATION WITHOUT FIRST GOING TO THE STATE THIS IS SOMETHING SOME, JENNIFER, I'M SORRY.

I CAN'T MAKE SENSE BECAUSE A PORTION OF THAT SETTLEMENT MONEY FLORIDA'S SENT TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND THE FORMULA THAT THEY USE TO DETERMINE WHAT CHER HAD TO BE REPAID TO.

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WAS BASED ON THE ENTIRE 67 MILLION DOLLARS.

THAT INCLUDES THE 10 MILLION.

SO IT'S ODD THAT THIS APPELLATE COURT RULING SAYS IT WASN'T PUBLIC MONEY WHEN IT WAS PUBLIC MONEY A FEW MONTHS AGO.

I CAN'T FIGURE THAT ONE OUT.

IT'S ALSO WORTH NOTING THE RULING DOESN'T MENTION OF MEYER'S ROLE IN THE SETTLEMENT OR HOW THE MONEY WAS ACTUALLY USED TO CAMPAIGN AGAINST A CITIZEN AND INITIATED BALLOT AMENDMENT.

AND IT'S ALSO WORTH NOTING THIS RULING WAS WRITTEN BY JUDGE LANCE NAFF, WHO WAS APPOINTED TO THE COURT JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO BY THE GOVERNOR.

>> HOW HAVE GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS AND ATTORNEY GENERAL MEYER RESPONDED TO THIS RULING.

THEY'RE CELEBRATING.

IT IS TOTAL VINDICATION.

THEY'RE SAYING THAT THIS PROVES WHAT THEY'VE BEEN SAYING ALL ALONG THAT THERE IS NO SCANDAL THAT THIS ALL IS A HOAX.

>> BUT NOW THEY'RE ALSO CALLING FOR THE PROSECUTION OF ANYBODY INVOLVED IN LEAKING THE GRAND JURY REPORT MEYER HAS GONE FURTHER SAYING THAT IF A VIOLATION IS FOUND THE CROSSES OVER CIRCUIT LINES, IT COULD INVOLVE THE PROSECUTION FROM HIS OFFICE, WHICH, YOU KNOW, THAT RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

AS FAR AS PROSECUTION OF JOURNALISTS, THOUGH, THAT'S NOT SOMETHING I'M WORRIED ABOUT TOO MUCH BECAUSE ANYONE INVOLVED WHO WAS NOT DIRECTLY UNDER A GRAND JURY SECRECY, MEANING THEY'D SWORN AN OATH TO SECRECY AND THEN BROKE IT.

THAT PERSON WOULD BE PROTECTED UNDER THE FIRST AMENDMENT AND THAT WOULD CERTAINLY APPLY TO REPORTERS WITH CBS, MIAMI AND JUMP TO 50.

>> WHAT HAS BEEN A RESPONSE FROM DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES LIKE DAVID JOLLY OR JOSE JAVIER RODRIGUEZ, WHO IS RUNNING AGAINST A BUYER FOR ELECTION.

>> JOLLY HAS BEEN SAYING ALL ALONG IF ELECTED GOVERNOR, HE WANTS TO REOPEN THE CASE.

AND, YOU KNOW, BASICALLY YOU WANT TO WORK TO RECOVER THE 10 MILLION DOLLARS OF STARTING THAT THAT WAS STATE TAX PAYER MONEY, JOSE?

JAVIER RODRIGUEZ HAS A SIMILAR POSITION.

HE WANTS TO RECOVER THE MONEY AND HOLD THOSE RESPONSIBLE ACCOUNTABLE FOR DIVERTING IT.

BUT HE IS YOURS.

MUCH STRONGER LANGUAGE WHERE I SPOKE WITH HIM LAST FRIDAY AND HE SAID, QUOTE, THIS IS NOT SOME SORT OF AND DATA.

THIS IS NOT GOING AFTER YOUR OPPONENT.

THIS IS THE BIGGEST POLITICAL CORRUPTION SCANDAL IN MODERN FLORIDA HISTORY.

AND IT JUST HAPPENS.

IT'S MY OPPONENT THAT RAHM, THE SCHEME.

SO HE'S BASICALLY SAYING IT A PRIMARY ROLE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS TO GO AFTER MEDICAID FRAUD AND HE'S KIND OF ACCUSING HIS OPPONENT OF ACTUALLY COMMITTING IT.

INSTEAD YOU KNOW, AND HE ALSO POINTS OUT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION EXPANDED ITS MEDICARE FRAUD CRACKDOWN TO INCLUDE FLORIDA EARLIER THIS YEAR AND FLORIDA WAS THE 5TH STATE AND THE FIRST REPUBLICAN LED STATE TO BE PART OF THIS.

THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES INITIATIVE TO RUN.

THEY REALLY JUST ASKING DESANTIS AND OTHER STATE OFFICIALS TO ACCOUNT FOR WHAT THE STATE STRATEGIES ARE FOR DETECTING AND PREVENTING MEDICAID FRAUD BECAUSE APPARENTLY THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION THINKS IT'S PRETTY RAMPANT HAIR.

ALSO U.S.

SENATOR RICK SCOTT HAS WEIGHED AND HE DOES NOT THINK THAT THE APPELLATE COURT DECISION EXPANDING THE GRAND JURY REPORT SHOULD BE THE END AND HE WANTS TO SEE ABOUT 10 MILLION DOLLARS IN MEDICAID.

MONEY RETURNED.

>> ALRIGHT, THANK YOU, JOHN DAVIS, THE LATEST TAKE YOU.

THE MIDTERMS ARE NEARLY HERE AND TO STAY INFORMED WITH EVERYTHING FROM SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ELECTIONS TO WHAT IS HAPPENING IN TALLAHASSEE.

VISIT WTC, YOU DOT ORG THURSDAY.

OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR MEDICARE BEGINS.

THIS LIMITED WINDOW OF TIME ALLOWS PEOPLE TO ENROLL OR CHANGE BENEFIT PLANS.

A RECENT EXPO HELP PROVIDE INFORMATION FOR SENIORS WHO MAY BE LOOKING FOR A CHANGE WGC USE CARRY.

BARBARA HAS MORE.

>> THE LEE COUNTY SENIOR EXPO WAS BUZZING WITH ACTIVITY ON SATURDAY.

IT FEATURED MUSIC, DANCERS AND TABLES POPULATED WITH VARIOUS HEALTH INSURERS AS WELL AS NONPROFITS, LIKE THE ALZHEIMER'S AND ALLEN ON.

IT WAS JUST A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE START OF OPEN ENROLLMENT.

THE TIME EACH YEAR WHEN PEOPLE CAN ENROLL, CANCEL OR CHANGE HEALTH INSURANCE CARRIERS, MANY AT THE EXPO HAD CONCERNS ABOUT CHANGES TO MEDICARE AND WHETHER UNITED HEALTHCARE WILL CONSIDER EARLY HEALTH IN NETWORK IN AUGUST, THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM ANNOUNCED THAT IT WOULD NO LONGER BE IN THAT WORK FOR UNITED HEALTH CARE PATIENTS.

ELI ANGELS AT THE EXPO FOR FLORIDA BLUE.

>> HONESTLY, THERE IS A LOT OF CHANGES TO THE MEDICARE LANDSCAPE THIS YEAR.

A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE WORRIED.

THEY'RE WONDERING, YOU KNOW, WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN, ESPECIALLY WITH A LOT OF CONFLICT BETWEEN CERTAIN CARRIERS IN THE HEALTH WAS ONE OF OUR BIGGEST HOSPITALS IN THE AREA.

I'M HERE REPRESENTING FLORIDA BLUE TODAY, BUT MY MISSION IS JUST TO PROVIDE CLARITY TO ANY SENIOR SO THAT THEY CAN KNOW IF THEY'RE IN THE BEST POSITION FOR THEIR SITUATION.

ANGEL SAID THE FLORIDA BLUE DOES STILL CONSIDER EARLY HEALTH IN NETWORK WHERE WE CAN.

>> LEE HEALTH RESPONDED IN PART BEGINNING JANUARY ONE, 2027 LEE HEALTH HOSPITALS.

PHYSICIANS WILL BE OUT OF NETWORK FOR AFFECTED UNITED HEALTH CARE INSURANCE PLANS.

WE UNDERSTAND THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY CONCERN PATIENTS, FAMILIES AND EMPLOYERS, AND WE DID NOT MAKE THIS DECISION LIGHTLY.

OUR COMMITMENT REMAINS UNCHANGED.

PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST MINIMIZING DISRUPTION TO CARE AND WORKING CLOSELY WITH PHYSICIANS, COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND HEALTH PLAN PARTNERS TO HELP ENSURE PATIENTS HAVE ACCESS TO THE CARE THEY NEED.

UNITED HEALTHCARE PROVIDED A STATEMENT THAT SAID IN PART, LEE HEALTH'S ABRUPT DECISION TO END ITS COMMERCIAL AND MEDICARE ADVANTAGE CONTRACTS AT THEIR CONCLUSION WAS UNEXPECTED AND CAME WITHOUT PRIOR DISCUSSIONS.

WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO GOOD FAITH DISCUSSIONS WITH LEE HEALTH FOCUSED ON REACHING AN AGREEMENT THAT PRESERVES NETWORK ACCESS TO THE HEALTH SYSTEM.

AT THE EXPO PATTY, LOOK, WAS LOOKING FOR HELP FOR FAMILY MEMBERS.

>> ACTUALLY, FOR OUR PARENTS, MY DAD JUST TURNED 100 AND MY MOM IS 94.

AND DAD HAS HEARING AND MOM HAS SIGHT PROBLEMS.

SO WE CAME TO SEE WHAT.

HELP WE COULD FIND.

>> THE EVENT PUT ON BY HERB ENTERPRISES WAS HELD AT THE NORTH FORT MYERS, RECREATIONAL CENTER BEACH BEFORE SHE EVEN GOT ALL THE WAY IN THE DOOR.

QATAR CREWS GOT ANSWERS TO HER QUESTIONS FROM STEVEN R.

>> OK, SO THERE AND THE PRIMARY THREAT TO FIRST TIME.

I KNEW THAT BECAUSE I'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET ANSWERS.

I'M TURNING 65 THIS YEAR.

SO I HAVE LOTS OF QUESTIONS FIGURED THIS WOULD BE THE PERFECT VENUE TO.

TO GET ANSWERS.

AND I JUST THOUGHT THEN AND HE PROVIDED ME WITH SOME ANSWERS.

NOBODY WAS ABLE TO GIVE ME MY EMPLOYER COULDN'T GIVE IT TO ME.

MEDICARE COULDN'T GIVE IT TO ME.

SO.

I FOR ME IT SOMEBODY WOULD COME ALL I CAN SAY IS WE DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN.

>> GET MORE INFORMATION.

>> EVEN IF IT TAKES TIME, BUT DO IT BECAUSE IT'S IMPORTANT.

>> AS FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

>> BRIAN FRANKLIN, ONE OF THE ORGANIZERS OF THE EVENT HAD GOOD ADVICE FOR ANYONE INVOLVED IN OPEN ENROLLMENT.

>> READ YOUR DOCUMENTARY.

READ YOUR PLAN.

ASKS ABOUT COPAYS.

YOU NEVER BEEN TO THE HOSPITAL, BUT YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR HOSPITAL MIGHT BE WHEN IT HAPPENS.

YOU DON'T WANT THAT STICKER SHOCK.

I LOOK UP THE STAR RATINGS FOR THE PLANS THAT YOU'RE IN AND THEN TALK TO YOUR BROKER.

IF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THE LEGAL JARGON, GIVE THEM A CALL.

>> WITH VIDEOGRAPHY BY ANDREA MELENDEZ.

I'M KAREN BARBER FOR WGC.

YOU.

WITH OPEN ENROLLMENT HERE.

>> MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE KEEPING UP WITH ALL OF OUR MEDICAL COVERAGE.

>> BY VISITING WGC, YOU DOT ORG.

COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK, IT'S A RECLAIMING OF THE BODY AFTER WINNING THE FIGHT AGAINST SOMETIMES THIS CARS FROM BATTLING CANCER ARE INTERNAL, BUT OFTEN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE DISEASE CAN BE CLEARLY DETAILED FOR THE WOMEN WHO HAVE RECOVERED FROM CANCER.

THE NEXT STEP IN THE HEALING PROCESS IS FINDING A WAY TO RECLAIM THEIR BODY AS WGC A CULTURE AND CONNECTIONS.

REPORTER ELIZABETH AND RG EXPLAINS ONE LOCAL TATTOO ARTIST IS HERE TO HELP.

I'M NOT NERVOUS AT ALL.

I THINK I'M MORE EXCITED TO LOOK SOMEWHAT NORMAL AGAIN, >> 15 YEARS AGO, JUDY MCCRAY FOUND A LUMP IN HER WHILE LYING IN BED.

YOU KNOW, YOU HEAR THE WORD.

YOU KNOW, YOU HEAR PEOPLE SAY I HAVE CANCER, BUT WHEN IT HAPPENS TO YOU, IT'S TOTALLY DIFFERENT.

>> AFTER 2 ROUNDS OF CHEMOTHERAPY, SHE LOST HER HAIR, HAD SURGERY AND SAID SHE FOUND HERSELF TO BE UNRECOGNIZABLE.

WHEN I LOOKED AT MYSELF AFTER SURGERY, LIKE LITTLE GIRL COULDN'T HAVE ANYTHING THERE AND I STILL THEN KILL MYSELF.

I'M MISSING A PART OF MYSELF THAT I'LL NEVER GET BACK.

>> CHRISTINA LANEY IS HELPING HER TAKE A SMALL PIECE OF HER BODY BACK.

>> SHE'S A REGISTERED NURSE AND PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST WHO OWNS THE INK DAISY.

>> JUDY IS HER FIRST AERIAL.

IT HAD TO CLIENTS.

ALSO JUDGMENT, FREE ZONE.

>> I DO LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT I AM A LABOR AND DELIVERY I'M HERE TO SUPPORT WHATEVER THEY FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH.

>> OCTOBER IS CANCER AWARENESS MONTH AND LEANING IS OFFERING HER SERVICES FOR FREE TO CANCER SURVIVORS.

I FEEL LIKE.

>> PEOPLE TO FIND WOMEN BY THEIR.

>> SO NOT HAVING ARIEL IS OR NEPAL'S.

I JUST FEEL LIKE BEING ABLE TO HAVE THAT LITTLE PIECE BACK WOULD MAKE ME AS A WOMAN FEEL WHOLE AGAIN.

AND THAT'S JUST WHAT I WANT FOR OTHER WOMEN AS WELL.

I WANT EVERY WOMAN WHO LEAVES HERE TOO, FEEL.

>> IT LOOKS SO REAL.

YEAH.

I WANT THEM TO FEEL BEAUTIFUL.

>> I WANT THEM TO FEEL.

THEY LOOK REAL.

THEY DO.

>> FOR THE BJC YOU NEWS, I'M ELIZABETH AND RG.

>> COMING UP ON OUR NEXT PROGRAM, WE'RE GETTING A GLIMPSE INTO THE HISTORY OF ANCIENT FLORIDA.

WE'RE DIGGING THROUGH THE DIRT TO SEE THE CREATURES THAT CALL THIS AREA HOME.

MILLIONS OF YEARS AGO.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.

MAKE SURE YOU HEAD TO WD C DOT ORG WHERE YOU'LL FIND ALL OF OUR STORIES.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN RIGHT HERE ON SOUTHWEST FLORIDA IN FOCUS.