5 Things You Need To Know Today: Dec. 7

1. Technology Student Association chapters from the Manatee School District will host the “2^nd Annual TSA Holiday Community Party” for more than 30 local foster families on Friday from 6-8:30 p.m. at Haile Middle School. The cafeteria staff at Haile has volunteered time to make a spaghetti dinner and the Lakewood Ranch High Jazz Band will be on hand to provide holiday entertainment. Each child who attends the event will receive gifts. Special “Holiday Food Baskets” are also being given to each family. Middle and high school TSA chapters from across Manatee County come together to put on this event. TSA helps students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) take those pursuits outside the traditional confines of the classroom by holding academic and skills-based competitions and conferences.

2. The Holiday Boat Parade takes place Saturday night. Boats decorated with holiday lights will begin passing by downtown Bradenton at around 6:30 p.m.

3. The Manatee County Health Department warns that a warm and wet December may mean more mosquitoes. The health department reminds everyone to protect against mosquiot-borne illnesses by avoiding mosquitos and using repellant.

4. The Florida Highway Patrol is looking for the who struck and killed a five-year-old girl and seriously injured her teenage aunt. Troopers towed a car on Tuesday from the Mira Lagos apartment complex near the scene. Bradenton Patch will keep you updated as the investigation continues.

5. The Senior Enrichment Center at Renaissance on 9th is hosting a dinner and holiday lights tour on Dec 13 starting at 5 pm. The menu includes stuffed pork loin. Participants also can hop aboard the Holiday Lights Tour Bus to see Bradenton's holiday light displays. Tickets are $10. Call 941-749-0100 to make your reservations by Friday. Seating is limited.