Help Me Howard: Whatever Happened to...

WSVN -- Talk about cashing in!

Anthony Anderson: "It read over $2.3 million."

We met Anthony after he had showed police where Kenneth Konias was hiding. Konias was accused of robbing an armored truck and killing the guard.

Anthony Anderson: "Upon arrest you will receive the reward of $100,000."

Konias was arrested, but Anthony couldn't collect the reward. After we got involved, Garda gave Anthony half: $50,000 dollars.

Anthony Anderson: "They stood up to their word."

And if Konias is convicted as expected, Anthony will get the rest of the reward.

Anthony Anderson: "If you ever have a problem call Help Me Howard."

Maria Lopez: "It was a shock."

Remember Maria Lopez, who lost her husband this year? That was bad. Compounding it, she discovered the number on the cemetery plot where he was going to be buried.

Maria Lopez: "Number 666. To all Christians that's a sign of the devil."

After we got involved the cemetery changed the plot number, not just there but on all their cemeteries. If you are a devil worshipper, bad news: no more 666.

Miami Beach driver: "Yes, it is a money maker.

Speaking of a devil of an issue, we were contacted by several people who got tickets on Miami Beach, and the reason.

Miami Beach driver: "It said I had an improper border around my license plate."

The improper border was a tag frame that many cars have. The city has issued over 4200 citations this year at $34 a pop. They are the only agency we could find that does it, but give Miami Beach some credit. They told us if people would contact them they would dismiss the citation, and this is the proof they are doing it.

Helen Zalis: "I could tell you so many stories."

Helen Zalis was one of the most memorable people we've ever met.

Helen Zalis: "I was born in 1917. I've been here a long time, folks."

The 95-year-old Helen is charming, sharp as a tack and told us she was not going to pay a painter the money he wanted because Helen says he didn't do the job well or finish it.

Helen Zalis: "And by golly, I am going to do the right thing."

We could not get the two to settle it. The painter sued. They are still battling.

Felicia got unfairly fired as a security guard. After our story aired, we got emails from people from the neighborhood who loved her, and one person hired her to do customer service.

Remember Kris, who could not find a job as an urgent care nurse in Miami-Dade because she did not speak Spanish?

After she told us her story, she found a job where only speaking English is okay. It's in North Carolina.

Linda's a small person, but she had a big issue. When she walked through a parking lot, drivers nearly backed over her because they couldn't see her.

Linda Shuster: "Because I barely come up to the hood, I mean the trunk."

A handicapped sticker would allow her to park at the front of the store and avoid the danger, but the State of Florida said being small does not qualify you for a handicapped sticker. Then our story aired.

Dr. Anthony Schiuma: "And I saw the bit on Help Me Howard, and you're absolutely right. You're entitled to a handicapped sticker because it is dangerous."

We heard from several doctors who offered to examine Linda to see if she had a physical issue that would meet state requirements for a sticker. Doctor Anthony Schiuma examined her for free.

Dr. Anthony Schiuma: "She is achondroplastic. She's only 3'10" tall, and she has stiffness of her knees and stiffness of her hips, and she therefore does qualify for a handicapped sticker."

Linda Shuster: "I'm crying because I'm so happy!"

Linda now has her sticker, and she feels a little safer when she goes to the store.

Linda Shuster: "Dr. Schiuma, Channel 7, you're all the best. You all help me. Anybody I know go to Help Me Howard. What a team to work for!"

Glad it all worked out for her. We have met a lot of interesting people this year, have met a lot in the years Howard and I have done Help Me Howard and can't wait to see who we see next year. Maybe it will be you.

Old problems following you into the new year? Want to leave them in the past Contact us. We will try to turn them into an old memory, with a memorable story with you.

With this Help Me Howard, I'm Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:

EMAIL: helpmehoward@wsvn.com (Please include your contact phone number when e-mailing)

REPORTER: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com

MIAMI-DADE: 305-953-WSVN

BROWARD: 954-761-WSVN