5 Things You Need to Know Today: September 16

1.The Board of County Commissioners on Thursday night approved the budget and the tax rate for the 2011-12 fiscal year. The tax rate remains stable for the coming year. The budget for the coming year relies on $18 million in county savings to help pay for budgeted items. No one spoke in opposition to the county budget or the tax rate at Thursday's public hearing. Few people attended the meeting.

2. Presidential candidate will start his Florida campaign bus tour on Monday in Bradenton. He is planning on arriving at Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E., at noon. He will have a question and answer session before breaking out to mingle with those who come to see him. Tea Party Manatee is anxious to meet the candidates for president and give voters an opportunity to learn about each candidate so that they can make an educated decision at the polls. Cain plans on spending two hours at Mixon's. For more information visit teapartymanatee.org or call 941-301-4636.

3. It's tonight featuring Denzel Washington in Remember the Titans (PG). The film is based on the true story of a new coach and his high school team during their first season as a racially integrated team. The free outdoor movie is presented on an oversized screen. Bring your family, blankets and lawn chairs; or park your boat on the Manatee River and watch it from there. You bring the snacks, we’ll bring the stars. Food and drink is also for sale. The movie begins at Sunset. Find more info here.

4. will participate in the United Nations' International Day of Peace at 10 a.m. Monday. The school will have a celebration at its Peace Pole, where the schoolchildren will share their vision of peace. The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly.

5. The Canine Christmas 2011 launch party will kick off planning for the 13th annual event. The party takes place Monday at outside deck. The party begins at 6 p.m. with appetizers and a meet and greet. The meeting begins at 6:45 p.m. For those who want to stay afterward, Monday is all-you-can-eat shrimp night at Tequila Beach.