5 Things You Need To Know Today: December 8

1. More than 100 people contributed to The South Florida Museum's “Ripple Effect for Manatees” hwlping the museum raise $40,000. Two anonymous donors began the campaign in July after pledging $10,000 to the Museum’s Manatee Care Program and challenging the community to support Florida’s endangered sea cows. Over the past five months donors have given nearly $21,000. Another $500 collected through a Gulf Coast Gives. While manatees are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there are no federal or state funds available for the type of care second stage rehabilitation facilities such as the South Florida Museum’s Parker Manatee Aquarium provide. City of Bradenton and Manatee County contributions cover less than 10% of expenses.

2. On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Manatee Village Historical Park will be decked in holiday colors and Victorian-era decor for an old-fashioned

3. The Manatee Players production of Irving Berlin’s holiday classic, White Christmas, continues through December 23. Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $11 for students. Tickets may be reserved by calling 748-5875 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and one hour before curtain on performance days or on the Manatee Players’ website. All performances are at 102 Old Main Street.

4. Camp Uzita at De Soto National Memorial will open its 39^th year of living history programs on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Camp Uzita is a replica of a 16^th Century Indian village that the Spanish Conquistador Hernando de Soto occupied in the summer of 1539. Here National Park Service interpreters and volunteers bring De Soto’s expedition to life through historical talks and demonstrations. Walk through a Spanish encampment and learn about the hardships of life on De Soto’s 1539 expedition. Visitors will also learn about the complex tribal societies of the Tocobaga, Timacuan and Calusa from artifacts and stories recorded by Spanish friars and chroniclers. There will be plenty of activities for children, from mask painting, dress up clothes, and Junior Ranger activity books. All events and activities are free.  

5. You can help Manatee County schools The contest starts today.