5 Things You Need To Know Today: October 11

1. Last year the Manatee County school district saw a record-breaking number of pregnant middle schoolers. So far this year the district has nine pregnant middle school students, far below the 30 the district counted last year. "We hope the nine will remain nine." Administrators believe the pregnancy prevention program "It's Your Choice" is working to help prevent pregnancies among the youg girls.

2. The is set to vote on whether to approve Zombiefest scheduled for Oct. 29. The vote will take place at the city council meeting on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. Look for a list of all the Halloween events at bradenton.patch.com.

3. The third annual “Chowdown for Charity” will be held Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Riverhouse Reef and Grill Restaurant, 955 Riverside Drive in Palmetto. The “Chowdown for Charity” is organized by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and all proceeds from the event benefit Culinary Arts programs in Manatee County’s public schools. During the event, talented Culinary Arts students representing and will compete for prizes in a contest to be judged by local celebrity chefs ,  of “Hell’s Kitchen” fame and an MTI instructor and sous chef at Eupemia Haye; Ray Arpke, chef/proprietor of Euphemia Haye; and Tommy Klauber, restaurateur, chef, culinary travel expert, and owner of Pattigeorge’s and the Polo Grill. An array of area restaurants will be on hand to provide tasty samples. This will be the first year that public schools have received money from the event. The proceeds will be used to aid students with lab fees and textbooks or educational materials. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from Riverhouse Reef & Grill, O'Brick's, Renaissance on 9th, or Anna Maria Oyster Bar; or at www.chowdown2011.eventbrite.com.

4. School will celebrate the grand opening of its new Greenhouse, Garden and Science Lab with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday. Community members and business partners that helped make these projects a reality will be recognized at the event.  McNeal students, staff and parents thank Falkner Farms, Home Depot and H2O On The Go for their ongoing support.

5. Manatee County Parks and Recreation will host the 9^th Annual Goblin Gathering on Oct. 21. This year’s festivities include a costume contest, face painting, hayride, bounce houses and an 18-foot inflatable slide. Admission is $5 for the bounce house, hay ride and face painting. Concessions will be available. The Goblin Gathering will be held from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. West. There will be costume contests in four age categories (4 and under, 5 to 8, 9 to 12, 13 and older) and one family category. For more information, call 742-5923 or visit www.mymanatee.org/parks