5 Things You Need to Know Today: April 5

1. Easter Egg Hunts abound. The annual hunt on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch is back with more than 10,000 eggs hidden on the street for kids to collect. The fun starts at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. The Marauders will host an on-field Easter Egg Treasure Hunt presented in partnership with Cheney Brothers on Friday at 5:45 p.m. The number of eggs has doubled from 2011, to 10,000 and participation is free with a game ticket. There will be special eggs with prizes that include autographed memorabilia, team merchandise, and other great items. The egg hunt is "bring your own basket," and will be from 5:45-6:00. The hunt will be separated into two age groups; 7 and under and 8 to 13 years old.

2. The De Soto Heritage Festival Children’s Parade & Party in the Park takes place Friday starting at 10 a.m. the Manatee County fairgrounds. The De Soto Children’s Parade puts the kids in charge. It’s pure and wholesome fun as floats engineered and built in schoolrooms and at home parade along the historic routes in Palmetto from the Fairgrounds to Sutton and Lamb Park. Followed by a Party in the Park. 

3. Leaders at SRQ airport have created an electronic survey to gather important trends in air travel from the businesses and residents in Bradenton and Sarasota. The objective is to have organizations answer the survey which will provide valuable data the airport can use when approaching airlines. It will also help the airport focus marketing initiatives on fostering stronger air service at SRQ.  Airport leaders are looking for as many responses as possible to give a large enough sample size. Complete the survey here.

4. The Village of the Arts will offer a garden tour Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tour some of the most beautiful and creative gardens in Bradenton. Flora and fauna, garden sculpture and art, and restored 1920 and 30's homes make this a most unusual and memorable garden tour. Many of the featured gardens only open to the public these two days. The tour is free. For information call 941-747-8056 or visit www.villageofthearts.com.

5. The Downtown Development Authority meets Tuesday at 8 a.m. in City Council chambers.