5 Things You Need To Know Today: February 15

1. The Bradenton Central Community Redevelopment Agency will hold a public hearing today at 2 p.m. on a proposed Urban Format Grocery Store to be located at 13th Avenue West and 1st Street. The town hall meeting will take place in the Council Chambers, 101 Old Main St. For more information contact Timothy Polk, Interim CCRA Director, at (941) 932-9407 or timothy.polk@cityofbradenton.com.

2. The Village of the Arts and Arts Council of Manatee County will kick-off Realize Bradenton’s March Music Slam on March 3. During the March ArtWalk, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., a variety of dance styles will be performed, including instruction for the gathered audience, followed by 30 minute DANCE JAMS. Performances will take place in front of galleries throughout the Village of the Arts, reflecting the diverse heritage and musical interests of our community. Showcase your talent and share your culture, whether it’s tiny sugarplums in tutus, breakdancing or sophisticated tango couples. You don’t have to be a professional, just exude a passion for your art with a willingness to share it with others. There is no fee to participate and we will include as many participants as possible. Applications are due today. For more information, or to get an application to perform, contact Bonni Brown at bonnibakes@gmail.com.

3. AmericanStyle’s 2012 Top 25 Arts Destinations competition is underway and last year Bradenton made it into the top 10 in the small cities category. In order to keep their bragging rights Bradenton officials are encouraging everyone to vote before March 3.

4. In recognition of Black History Month, St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church invites the community to “A Tribute To A King: A One Man Play.”  The play about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who fought for social justice in America, will be performed on Saturday at 5:30 PM by Rev. Dr. Charles S. McKenzie, Jr. at , 525 Luther King Avenue East. Admission is free and the public is welcome to attend. For information contact Danielle McKenzie at (813) 210-0558.

5. The Bradenton Marauders are taking orders for group outings for parties of 10 or more for the 2012 season. Groups will receive discounts and special opportunities while watching some of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ future stars at McKechnie Field. Tickets are $5 per person for groups of 10-99. Tickets for groups with 100 or more people are $4. All groups will receive a Marauders souvenir cup, a voucher for free soda fill-up of that cup and a group welcome over the PA system. Groups can also plan to customize their experience with an all-you-can-eat picnic plan, watch the game from a private suite or hold a birthday party at the ballpark. To schedule a group outing or purchase season tickets call (941) 747-3031. Season tickets can also be purchased online by visiting www.BradentonMarauders.com.