5 Things You Need To Know Today: November 17

1. Prevent Blindness Florida and the 410 6th Avenue East, is offering free vision screenings for adults and children from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. today. Walk-ins are welcome.  Those who do not pass the screening are referred to an eyecare professional for a complete examination. Prevent Blindness Florida may be able to assist individuals who qualify financially to obtain free examinations and eyeglasses. For more information on the screenings, call 800-817-3595. More information about Prevent Blindness Florida and its programs is available at www.preventblindness.org.

2. will host a new family program around the campfire at Robinson Preserve Friday evening. The new program, Families Flock Together, is designed to give families the opportunity to spend time learning together in the natural world. The free program is designed to appeal to kids of all ages, as well as to adults. Reservations are required. The program will be held at Robinson Preserve, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. To make a reservation contact Melissa Cain Nell at melissa.nell@mymanatee.org or call 941 742 5757 ext. 4.

3. Manatee County deputies, together with the Florida Highway Patrol, will be Friday night and early Saturday morning.

4. Wildlife Inc. is expected to release a rehabilitated eagle today or Friday afternoon at Mixon Fruit Farms, according to Damen Hurd, the wildlife educator at Mixon's. The eagle was hit by a car near orange groves and has been nursed back to health.

5. The Pittsburgh Pirates will host a “Make a Difference” Celebrity/Corporate Softball Challenge and Family Fun Day Saturday at , 1701 27th Street East. The all-day event will raise money for The Payton Wright Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting pediatric brain cancer. Locals companies will compete in an 18-team, round-robin softball tournament that will include celebrities and baseball ringers who will be assigned to play with each of the teams. Families can attend the softball tournament and participate in Family Fun Day activities. Tickets are $25, kids 12 and under are free. Family Fun Day passes include food and beverages, face painting  and the opportunity to get autographs from players with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The event is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with softball games starting at 8:30 a.m.