5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 29

1. Manatee County volunteers with President Obama's volunteer community Organizing for America will hold a phone bank at 5910 Cortez Road West at 5:30 p.m. to connect with voters and ask if they are “IN” for 2012. Thousands of volunteers are active across the state working to ensure Floridians know President Obama's plans. Supporters will remind Floridians of the President’s leadership on health care reform.

2. Watch for no parking signs throughout downtown beginning today as the city prepares for the De Soto Seafood Festival. The annual festival begins Friday and runs through Sunday at 7 p.m. Nearly 250,000 people are expected at this year's event.

3. The present Ring of Fire through the weekend. A set of gifted singers and instrumentalists perform some of the greatest songs of Johnny Cash, one of America's most brilliant singer/songwriters. His remarkable life story is told through his music, climaxing in a concert. Tickets are $25 for adults and $11 for students.Call 941-748-0111 for information or go to www.mamateeplayers.com.

4. offers a Sunday farmer's market. Buy local organic produce, home-made pies and other baked goods, fudge, local art and gifts. The market also offers fresh home-made tamales for lunch. Located across the street from the Robinson Preserve.

5. Manatee County Utilities customers can now access their monthly bills and payment history online and opt for paperless billing. The new online options began Wednesday. New internet-based software allows customers to make payments online, to access their monthly bills and payment history, to order recycling bins and to sign up for paperless billing. All these services are available at no extra charge. Sign up for account access at www.mymanatee.org/utilities.