5 Things You Need To Know Today: November30

1. The Crosley Estate Foundation celebrates the 14^th Annual Holidays at the Crosley, Festival of Trees today through Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The local tradition turns the historic Crosley Estate Mansion on the Sarasota Bay into a glittering holiday wonderland. There is live entertainment every day. Featured performances include:  the Park Larks of University Park, Booker Middle School, Jennie Moen, Kinnan Elementary School and Anita Walker. The Crosley Mansion will be filled with holiday trees and decorations by the area’s top designers and decorators. An vintage model train display will fill one room of the mansion. Admission is $8 for adults and free to children 12 & under. Parking is free.

2. Political Civility will be up for debate at the Tiger Bay Club meeting on Thursday at . The meeting starts at noon.  Ed Chiles will serve as the guest moderator. Panelists include former Congressman Dan Miller, Political Science Professor Frank Alcock, Editorial Page editor Chris Wille and Richard O'Brien chairman of the Manatee Democratic Party and David Agee, Manatee Republican State Committeeman. The meeting is open to Tiger Bay members and their guests. Cost is $20 for members and $25 for guests. Email your reservations to manateetigerbay@aol.com or call 941.746.1151.

3. The Manatee Chamber and Bright House Networks are hosting a 2012 legislative session preview breakfast on Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the . Scheduled to speak are Senator Mike Bennett, Senator Nancy Detert, Representative Jim Boyd and Representative Greg Steube.  For more information call (941) 748-3411.

4. Get a preview of the Neal Preserve by kayak from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The trip will offer a preview of preserve in the company of a marine biologist from Mote Marine. Discover the plants, animals, and habitats that make Sarasota Bay an Estuary of National Significance. Participants must bring their own kayaks and safety gear. Program sponsored by Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. Reservations are required.

5. The South Florida Museum will host a family night, including special holday performances, on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Actors from Florida Studio Theatre will get you in the holiday mood in the Museum’s Bishop Planetarium Theater. There will also be holiday crafts and activities. Families can enjoy planetarium shows throughout the evening. Admission is half-priced after 4 p.m. ($8 for adults, $6 for children ages 4-12. Children ages 3 and younger are free); Members of the Museum Friends program receive free admission.