5 Things You Need To Know Today: November 9

1. The groundbreaking ceremony for the takes place at 10 a.m. on Monday at the site of the former city hall.

2. The Southwest Florida Water Management District is working with the county to restore wetland and upland areas in the county's new . Restoration work began in October, and should be complete in the spring. The park, which includes a fishing pier, play area, picnic areas, restrooms and parking, is scheduled to open Saturday. The ongoing work will restore 75 acres of intertidal and freshwater wetland and upland habitat along the Manatee River. Workers will restore degraded salt marsh habitat and coastal maritime forest by performing minor grading, removing invasive exotic plants and installing native plants. The project will reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff flowing into the Manatee River. The river flows into Tampa Bay, a priority water body under the state’s Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program.

3. Southern Commerce Bank will hold a special preview for Ballard Elementary School's "What I'm thankful for" essays on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The preview will be held at , 1201 9th Avenue West. The top 10 "What I'm thankful for" essays from each grade will be on display from November 14 to 17. Southern Commerce bank encourages community members to vote for their favorite essays from each grade. The winning students will receive a $10 Wal-Mart gift card.

4. The Southwest Florida Water Management District extended its current water restrictions for this region in response to a disappointing rainy season. The City bases its water restrictions on the district’s guidelines. The restrictions are in effect until Feb. 29, 2012, although the district may revisit them if conditions change.

5. The ninth annual "Speaking of Women’s Health" will be held Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the .  Tickets are $40 per person, and may be purchased by calling 941-745-7219. Tickets must be purchased in advance. This year's theme is “Journey to Wellness,” a day-long getaway that includes free health screenings, catered lunch by Michael’s on East with USF Health, a fashion show by Bealls, and the opportunity to hear from experts on important health and well being topics. The keynote speaker is Nicole Johnson, MA, MPH, executive director of Bringing Science Home at the University of South Florida Health and an international consultant and advocate on diabetes issues. Breakout session topics include heart health, stress, hormones, healthy eating, and pain management.  Health screenings will include heart health, vision and hearing.