5 Things You Need to Know Today: August 23

1. The will hold a public hearing today on a controversial proposed development on Robinson Preserve that has been challenged. During its last meeting the commissioners voted to abandon its challenge to an administrative judges opinion that the county erred in approving a higher density development, violating the county's comprehensive plan. In order to abandon its last decision, the county must hold another public hearing.

2. The decided Monday night to decline an offer on the saying it didn't have enough information about the property's value, the buyer's or the plans for the property. The board members were also uncomfortable with low deposit amount on the property and the length of time the prrospective buyers had to reconsider the contract. The school board had considered selling the property it bought in 2004 to pay off some of its debt.

3. The in Manatee County went smoothly. The buses ran largely on time and the parent information hotline was working well. It was a much better start than last year when it rained all day and the bus schedules were a mess. "We were so well prepared," said Superintendant Tim McGonegal. Teachers engaged students right away, he said. At the schools, staff and public safety workers directed traffic and reminded drivers to slow down. The superintendant said he had only one box of milk spilled on him.

4. Tomorrow night is Plunder Your Hunger night at the home game against the Palm Beach Cardinals at 7 p.m. Purchase a $5 wristband, in addition to your game ticket, to access the "All you can eat" menu.

5. Suncoast Striders Walking & Running Club and On A Shoestring Inc. have started a training program for the PAL Half Marathon in Sarasota and the Space Coast Half Marathon scheduled for November 27. Running and walking training program starts this week. The program offers three group training sessions per week with certified coaches: Mondays 6 p.m. at On A Shoestring; Thursdays 5:30 p.m. at GT Bray or MHS Track; and Sundays at 7 a.m. at Robinson Preserve. Please check the group training calendar for times and locations. Anyone 18 or older who can walk or run up to 60 minutes or complete three miles in 60 minutes or less is welcome to participate. The program is free to all Suncoast Striders members.