5 Things You Need To Know Today: November 18

1. will begin the play-off season tonight by hosting Pinellas Park.

2. The Dance Department at will take audience members on a journey through American History during the production “Dancing Through the Ages” tonight at 7 p.m. More than 80 Bayshore students have been working on this production. Performances will take place in Bayshore’s Robert H. Stewart Auditorium. Tickets are $5 at the door.

3. The Manatee County School District will host its “3^rd Annual Town Hall Meeting on Education” on December 1, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Davis Theater at Manatee High. The free meeting is open to the public. In addition to a panel discussion with education and legislative experts, there will be an audience question and answer session with panel members. Confirmed panelists include State Representative Jim Boyd; Manatee Education Association President Pat Barber; Christine Sket, a Manatee County parent and educational advocate with Fund Education Now; and Manatee County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tim McGonegal.

4. The dog treats are packed and the tent is ready to go up. Patch will be at Canine Christmas from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at . Come on by and show off your dog or just visit the Patch Pups.

5. Two elementary school students who wanted their school to have a new state flag to replace the worn and tattered one currently at the school will get that new flag today. State Senator Mike Bennett of Bradenton will deliver a brand new Florida state flag to School at 9 a.m. today. The flag was flown over the State Capital Building in Tallahassee on Veteran’s Day. Rachel Roberts and Ben Barnes — the students who sent Bennett a letter — are fifth graders at Palma Sola and serve as Safety Patrols. A special ceremony is planned at the flag pole that will include the presentation of the flag, brief remarks and a patriotic song.