5 Things You Need to Know Today: August 8

1. will meet tonight at 5:45 p.m to set its priorities for the next legislative session. As part of its agenda, the school board will consider a platform that includes changes to the class-size amendment, giving local school boards the final decision making authority for charter school applications in their districts and urging the collection of Internet sales taxes.

2. The 21st Annual Business and Education Partnership Awards Breakfast will be held Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at The awards recognize and honor businesses and organizations that have worked together to enhance education in Manatee County. More than 200 businesses have partnered with local schools. They have provided countless volunteer hours and support to Manatee County students.  The Awards Breakfast is sponsored by Freedom Village, with support from Digital Image Business Solutions and Tropicana Products.  Reservations are required.  For information, call Jahna Leinhauser at 941-748-4842, ext. 172 or email JahnaL@ManateeChamber.com.

3. Get your back-to-school shopping list ready: Friday is the start of the that will last through the weekend.

4. is scheduled to meet in a work session on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. Discussions are most likely to center on the on the waterfront in downtown.  The most contentious issue at this point in the process is the subcontractor, Hardcore, hired to build the . will hold a separate work session on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.

5. started a facebook page last month and it has quickly grown in popularity. The page features lots of cool photos of wildlife and nature throughout the county.