5 Things You Need to Know Today: July 27

1. The donated an out-of-service vehicle to the Gulf Shore Animal League, an all-volunteer group that traps feral cats and takes them to the where they are spayed or neutered in an effort to reduce the feral cat popoulation. The non-profit organization's services are worth thousands to the county. More than the county estimates it would have received from selling the vehicle at auction.

2. The County Commission has asked the county staff to draft a proposal that would allow citizens 80 and older to ride all public transit free of charge.

3. It's Family Game Night at, 1301 1st Ave W. Families are invited to participate in video games, card games, and classic board games from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Family Game Night provides an ideal opportunity to meet with other local families as well as make new friends. For more information call 748-5555 or visit http://www.mymanatee.org/.

4. The United States Postal Service announced closures at 3,600 locations across the country. All of Bradenton's post offices were spared the federal ax.

5. is offering a “buy one, get one free” adoption event throughout August.  Adopt a dog or cat at the regular adoption fee and get a second dog or cat at no charge. New owners may even mix or match dog and cat adoptions. The offer is good August 1 through August 31, 2011.  The regular adoption fee is $80 for dogs and $60 for cats.