5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 28

1. The meets at 6 p.m. today to vote on whether to change their election dates to align them with the county's. The move is expected to save the city money. In addition, the council is set to consider adding a referendum to the ballot to let voters decide whether to end run of elections when a candidate receives a majority of votes in an election with more than two candidates.

2. You have until 6 p.m. todayto make the most of your donation to you favorite chairty during the 36-hour Giving Challenge, a new online fundraising opportunity for organizations in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties. The challenge which matches donations with money from local foundations ends at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. The event is the kick-off for The Giving Partner, an online tool designed to help donors make more informed decisions about how they give. During the Giving Challenge, organizations that have completed profiles on The Giving Partner Web site are eligible to receive matching funds and other special grants. The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and Manatee Community Foundation — with the support of The Patterson Foundation — have partnered to launch The Giving Partner and to make the 36-Hour Giving Challenge possible. Together they are providing matching funds of $501,000. The goal is to raise $1 million for nonprofit organizations that make a difference in the community.

3. is retir­ing Saturday from the Bradenton Po­lice Department after nearly three dec­ades on the force. He began his law enforcement career as a BPD officer on Oct. 31, 1985

4. The Regatta Pointe Marina Nautical Association is hosting their Spring Nautical Expo Saturday and Sunday. The association hosts three Nautical Expos each year during the months of November, April and August. Each Expo features free boating seminars, free boat demo rides, a free power and sailboat show with more than 50 in water boats and a wide variety of marine outfitters, suppliers and services. The Palmetto High School Rowing Team will display a four person rowing shell and answer questions about the growing sport of competitive rowing. There will also be live entertainment. The event will be held at the Regatta Pointe Marina, 1005 Riverside Drive, Palmetto. For information contact Dan McClanahan, the marina harbor master, at 941-705-9565 or Ed Massey at 941-725-2350

5. The Pittsburgh Pirates return to on Thurs­day for their final three home spring training games of the 2012 season. The Pirates have three 1:05 p.m. games Thursday through Saturday then hit the road for their final three spring training games before the regular season starts.