5 Things You Need to Know Today: April 2

1. Don't miss the free concerts on the every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the month of April. This week the Tony Castellano Trio will play favorite songs and standards for you to enjoy using vocals, piano, bass, and drums. Realize Bradenton and The Food Bank of  Manatee will host a food drive at the event. Please bring non-perishable food items to benefit the cause. Renaissance on 9th will provide an optional lunch special including a wrap, drink, or cookie combo for $6.  Feel free to bring chairs and/or a blanket.
For more information, email Laura@RealizeBradenton.com

2. Tickets go on sale today for Bradenton Marauders games. The Marauder's season begins Thursday. The Marauders roster will be introduced for the first time at the Manatee Chamber of Commerce breakfast at Pirate City Tuesday. The team will also be at Wal-Mart on Cortez Roadfrom 6:00 p.m to 7:30 p.m. Players and coaches will sign autographs and Marty the Marauder will be in attendance. The meet and greet is open to the public. The Marauders face the St. Lucie Mets in their season opener Thursday at McKechnie Field. The two teams met in the Florida State League playoffs last year. The game gets underway at 6:30 p.m. It is Bright House Networks Night. Fans receive free admission by presenting their Bright House Networks billing statement at the McKechnie Field Box Office. Fans presenting a billing statement for admission may upgrade to a reserved seat for $2 per person. A spectacular fireworks display presented by Bright House Networks and Bell’s Fireworks Company will follow the game. For more information visit www.BradentonMarauders.com or call 941-747-3031.

3. Throughout the month, Manatee County Government, Manatee County Health Department and the Manatee County Clerk of Court’s office will host a series of events to focus on five parameters of health including physical, social, behavioral, environmental and economic health. Some of the events include a Torch Run sponsored by Manatee Sheriff’s Office (April 6), a Health Department Farm Stand (April 4, 11, 18 and 25), a Knee Pain workshop (April 18), a horseshoe tournament (April 18-21) and several Relay for Life Events. More than 40 events are scheduled throughout the month culminating with Spring into Health event at Bennett Park on April 26 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

4. There will be no school on Friday. That will be the beginning of a four day weekend for public school students.

5. Two 5K Trail Runs at Camp Flying Eagle will help benefit the Teachers Wishing Well of Manatee County. Sponsored by MPOWER Multi-Sports Inc., the first of the two runs will be held on Saturday. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the 5K Trail Run begins at 8 a.m. A second 5K Trail Run to benefit the Teachers Wishing Well will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Entry Fees are $30 for one race, or $50 for both races. The Teachers Wishing Well provides free classrooms supplies for Manatee County teachers. For information call Renee Hayes at 751-7377.