5 Things You Need to Know Today: July 22

1. The Republican Party of Manatee County will meet on Saturday  from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to select delegates to participate in the Republican Party of Florida’s “Presidency 5” Florida Straw Poll in September. The Caucus will take place at the Bradenton Women’s Club, 1705 Manatee Avenue W. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Presidency 5 delegates will have the opportunity to participate in a historic straw poll that has traditionally predicted the Republican nominee for president.  It is the first major event of the 2012 campaign season. The total Manatee County delegation will be made up of 69 delegates.

2. It's no surprise that declining property values have hit revenues for local government agencies, meaning that they have had to cut expenses. This year the South County Community Redevlopment Agency could not fund the back-to-school backpacks they have provided for students at Daughtrey Elementary, Harllee Middle and Abel Elementary in past years. But those students won't have to go without. Jerry Parrish, the teen outreach coordinator with the Manatee County YMCA, took it upon himself to ask local churches and community groups to contribute. He was successful in getting backpacks for Daughtrey and Harllee before he had to reach out to County Commissioner Robin DiSabatino, who called her contacts to help gather another 700  backpacks for the students of Abel. Thanks to the generosity of Manatee County churches, businesses and residents, those backpacks will be distributed next month.

3. Florida's drinking water supply is not limitless. The , 201 10th St W, will present a film from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight that examines the reality of the water crisis from both the local and global perspecitives. General admission is $5, members get in for $3.

4. The will celebrate Christmas in July on Saturday. The first 500 fans through the gates for the 7 p.m. game receive a collectible Marauders Christmas ornament. Fans who bring a Toys for Tots Donation get a $2 discount on tickets at the window. Fans also will have a chance at getting their picture taken with Marty Claus, courtesy of Plus Pro Photo.

5. The is looking for photogenic cats and dogs for its Pet Photo Calendar Contest. Pet lovers can enter by visiting humanemanatee.org and clicking on the calendar website. Voting begins once photos are uploaded, and the overall vote winner will be featured on the cover of the society's 2012 calendar. The other top five dogs and cats will be featured on individual months. Votes are $1 each, and all proceeds benefit HSMC. The contest ends Aug. 15. E-mail info@humanesocietymanatee.org or call 941-747-8808, ext. 311, for more info.