5 Things You Need To Know Today: October 26

1. Manatee County Commissioners voted 6-1 Thursday to informally approve a set of redistricting maps that balance district populations while maintaining as nearly as possible the existing demographic balance. The boundaries would bring all district populations within 4,500 people of each other. The approved Plan D maps, along with four other drafted versions are available at www.mymanatee.org/redistricting Manatee County will advertise the proposed map for two consecutive weeks after which the County Commission will take a final vote on Nov. 21.

2. The Southwest Water Management District is cutting 130 to 150 of 768 positions as part of a reorganization. The District's Governing Board directed its executive director to move forward with organizational restructuring designed to reduce costs. The District’s current budget is 44 percent less than last year. The District has reserves available to help balance the budget. However, if it maintains the current level of funding for cooperative funding and ecosystem restoration projects, the District will face a $30 million per year budget shortfall by October 2013.

3. Season tickets for State College of Florida, Manatees Basketball games are now on sale. General admission season tickets are $25, which include admission to all 11 SCF Classic games at more than half off the regular ticket price. Senior admission season tickets are $13, which include admission for all 11 SCF Classic games at 50 percent off regular price of senior tickets. Tickets can be purchased in person at the SCF Athletic Department or at the first home game, SCF vs. College of Central Florida, on Nov. 9. For more information, call SCF Athletic Director Matt Ennis at 941 752-5574 or visit scfmanatees.com.

4. The Traffic Unit of the will participate in a Halloween DUI Enforcement Campaign beginning today through Nov. 1. The Halloween enforcement program is sponsored by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and the Florida Department of Transportation. For the next week, DUI and other traffic enforcement will be stepped up around the county, including a DUI saturation patrol on October 28.  The Florida Highway Patrol, Bradenton Police, and Palmetto Police will also participate in the campaign.

5. Win a free trip to Los Angeles or New York by entering the Patch Little Pumpkin Costume Challenge. Upload photos of your child in a creative costume by 9 a.m. on Oct. 31 and you will be entered to win.