5 Things You Need To Know Today: December 19

1. Manatee County Commissioners plan to discuss sidewalk construction and access around Rowlett Elementary and Johnson Middle schools during Tuesday's county commission meeting beginning at 9 a.m. In addition they may grant a five-year extension of the current concessions agreement for Segway tours at Coquina Park.

2. If you have any county or city business to get done this week, get to the offices early. All city and county offices will be closed on Friday and Dec. 26 for the Christmas holiday.

3.  Stories and songs of the holiday will fill the rooms of the Powell Crosley Estate this week. Colorful characters will tell stories like Gift of the Magi and A Christmas Tree along with works from authors such as the Grimm Brothers, Washington Irving, Charles Dickens and more. The opening and closing of the evening will bring the cast and guests together on the bayside terrace. This week's performances begin Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and run through Christmas eve.

4. The Spay/Neuter Clinic is offereing free spay and neuter for cats in the 34205 and 34207 zip codes this month. Cats will also receive a free rabies vaccination at the time of surgery. Time is running out on this deal. Email clinic@humanesocietymanatee.org or call 941-747-8808 x 302 to schedule an appointment. The Humane Society is located at 2515 14th St. W in Bradenton, FL 34205.

5. Want to win $500 to pay off your holida electric bills? How about $100,000 for Manatee County Schools? Enter Patch's holiday lights contest. Here’s how the contest works. You can nominate your home by uploading a photo to the contest entry form on the site by Dec. 26. You and your neighbors will be able to vote for your favorite festive home. The winning entry will be forwarded to a national Patch judge who will select 24 finalists. Each finalist will receive $500 that they can apply to their December electric bill. From Dec. 30 through Jan. 8 you will be able to vote for the Best Decked House in all of Patch. The grand prize winner’s school district will receive a $100,000 check from Patch.