5 Things You Need to Know Today: April 3

1. Manatee County's no-kill efforts will get $40,000 and the homeless coalition will get $10,000 after the Tampa Bay Lightning named Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, a hometown hero for her work with homeless people and animals.

2. A.J. Burnett on the mound Friday at 6:30 p.m. for the Bradenton Marauders against the St. Lucie Mets. Burnett, who was acquired from the Yankees at the start of Spring Training, was unable to pitch in any Grapefruit League games. He was injured when a ball he bunted struck his head and fractured his orbital bone. Burnett is making a rehab start as he prepares to return from the disabled list after having surgery to repair a broken orbital bone on March 2. Friday will also feature the Marauders first Happy Hour Friday presented by Pier 22 Restaurant. Kayem and Cheney Brothers will provide free hot dogs and drink specials from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Children at the game who bring their own baskets will be able to participate in an easter egg hunt from 5:45 p.m. to 6 p.m.

3. The Manatee Chamber will officially launch its new mobile app today. The app, which is available for smart phone users free of charge, will make it easy for local consumers to find information on the more than 2,000 local businesses that are members of the Manatee Chamber. The announcement and a demo of the app will take place at the Chamber's Coffee Club networking event today at Pirate City, 1701 27^th St. E., at 7:45 a.m. Download the free chamber app by visiting www.ManateeChamber.com through your smart phone's web browser. Once on the site, simply click on the Preferred Business Directory link at the top right of the page and your phone will ask your permission to download the app.

4. Manatee County has an opening for a citizen member on the 2012 Value Adjustment Board. The Value Adjustment Board appoints special magistrates to hear petitions relating to assessments; complaints relating to homestead exemptions; appeals from exemptions denied, or disputes arising from exemptions granted; and appeals concerning ad valorem tax deferrals and classifications. Following special magistrate hearings, the board meets to consider and act upon the recommended decisions of the magistrates. The board meets at least twice a year in the first-floor chambers of Manatee County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W. Applicants must own homestead property within Manatee County; and must not be a member or employee of any taxing authority in the state, or represent property owners, property appraisers, tax collectors, or taxing authorities in any administrative or judicial review of property taxes. Applications are due April 27, and may be found online at www.mymanatee.org/advisory_boards.

5. Applications for the 2012-2013 Leadership Manatee program are now available. The program is designed to educate business and community leaders to all aspects of Manatee County and offer in-depth knowledge of challenges and opportunities. Leadership Manatee is a program of the Manatee Chamber Foundation in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Bradenton. Get the application online at http://www.manateechamber.com/leadershipform.pdf. Applications must be submitted by May 25, 2012. The 2012-2013 program sponsors are Community Bank and Company, Sun Hydraulics, and Tropicana Products. For more information, contact Jahna Leinhauser at 941-748-4842, ext. 172.