5 Things You Need To Know Today: January 23

1. The will honor three men who helped stop a school bus after the bus rear-ended a tractor trailer. One of the men jumped on the bus while it was moving to try to help the bus driver and to calm the students. Two other men grabbed on to each of the side mirrors to try to slow the bus as it traveled down the shoulder of the road. The meeting starts at 5:45 p.m.

2. County Administrator Ed Hunzeker will offer his annual report on the state of the county during Tueday's County Commission meeting scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. A presentation by the Manatee Economic Development Council and the Sports Performance Task Force is also on the agenda. The task force has been working on ways to promote Manatee County's sports facilities and offerings to bring more economic development and tourism money to the area.

3. The Tea Party of Manatee is co-hosting a visit from Newt Gingrich on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at at . Gingrich, who is vying for the Republican nomination for a run for the White House, is coming off of a win in the South Carolina primaries. Florida's presidential preference primaries are set for Jan. 31.

4. Nanny Poppinz, a nanny agency created by moms, is interviewing to hire nannies in Bradenton. If you are interested in an interview with Nanny Poppinz contact Pam at 404-863-3033.

5. Parents have until Feb. 3 to participate in the School Choice Open Enrollment Period. The open enrollment period is especially important for parents of students who are entering Kindergarten or transitioning from Elementary School to Middle School or from Middle School to High School. Manatee County’s public schools offer a wide variety of academies, access to International Baccalaureate programs from first to 12^th grade, and art and music options. Approval of School Choice applications are subject to enrollment numbers and demographic criteria. Information is available at the School District’s Parent Information Center, 234 Manatee Ave. E. Call 708-4971 or go to www.manateeschools.net for more information.