5 Things You Need To Know Today: February 22

1.The City Council meets at 6 p.m. today. On the ageda is an item to continue the cessation of impact fees. The city ceased collecting impact fees during the real estate bust. It was a temporary cessation and impact fees were supposed to be reinstate last year. Instead the city will consider extending the cessation period until March 31, 2013.

2. To reduce the number of kittens born in Manatee County, The Humane Society of Manatee County Spay and Neuter Clinic is spaying 65 female cats for a special rate of $20 during the month of February, thanks to a “Beat the Heat” grant from PetSmart Charities®. The Humane Society Spay Neuter is one of 63 clinics committed to spaying 17,000 cats across the nation this month. The Humane Society of Manatee County Spay and Neuter Clinic still has 30 appointments to fill to reach its goal. Make an appointment for this $20 feline spay before the offer ends on Feb. 29. Every April, animal shelters receive a sudden blitz of unwanted kittens a time when animal shelters are overrun with kittens and not enough homes.

3. Once every four years you can count on Chick-fil-a for a free breakfast. On the morning of Feb. 29, from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Chick-fil-a will host a Leap Year give away. To celebrate the day that only comes every four years, participating Chick-fil-A restaurants will give customers a free four-count Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Minis.

4. The third annual Pirates Pep Rally will take place on Old Main Strett downtown on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The pep rally includes autograph sessions with players. Pirates’ Manager Clint Hurdle, Team President Frank Coonelly and Mayor Wayne Poston are scheduled to be featured speakers. Bradenton has been the Pirates' Spring Training home since 1969. The Bradenton Marauders, Pittsburgh’s High-A affiliate, gave Bradenton a Florida State League presence in 2010.

5. Take Stock in Children of Manatee County will hold its 3rd Annual Take Stock 10k /5k/Fun Run on Sunday along Main Street in Lakewood Ranch. The 10k is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m.; the 5k begins at 7:45 a.m.; and the Fun Run starts at 8:15 a.m. There will be a post-race party with food, entertainment, raffles, age group awards and kids activities immediately following the race.
Take Stock in Children is a non-profit organization that helps children from low-income families achieve academic and personal success by providing mentoring programs and college scholarships. The Florida Pre-Paid College Foundation matches the money raised locally dollar-for-dollar. Registration for the 10k and 5k is now open and available at www.TakeStock10k.com.  The first 1000 registrants will receive a t-shirt and goody bag.