5 Things You Need to Know Today: September 6

1. Two public hearings this week will be key in setting the county's millage rate for the coming year. On Wednesday the will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. on the county budget and the proposed millage rate. On Thursday the will hold its public hearing at 5:58 p.m. on the school budget and the proposed millage rate to pay for schools in Manatee County and the local contribution to the state.

2. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport CEO Rick Piccolo says in the 10 years since 9/11 the airport has spent more than $15 million for security. Before 9/11 there were only two security lanes  now there are six. There were only 17 security cameras then and 70 cameras now. And, of course, TSA exists now.

3. Take a fire safety quiz and help the win a $10,000 "Be Fire Smart" grant competition. Liberty Mutual's "Be Fire Smart Fire Safety Pledge" program will give away ten $10,000 grants to fire departments across the country. Through the Be Fire Smart Pledge, community members can take an online fire safety quiz that can help their local fire department win a $10,000 grant. The quiz runs through October 31 at www.befiresmart.com/Bradenton-Fire-Dept. Results will be announced in November. To learn more about the Be Fire Smart Pledge and all of Liberty Mutual's fire safety programs visit www.befiresmart.com.

4. Three new exhibits will open at , 1404 Manatee Avenue East, on September 10. The first of the trio is “Pioneer Voices” which highlights the lives and times of Manatee’s founding fathers. Visitors can see portraits and study copies of land deeds and marriage records, early maps, business invoices, a yellow fever immunization card and read excerpts from family letters that give insight into the period of history from 1840 – 1900.  “Vintage Vogue: Part I” is the first of an exhibit series drawn from the permanent collection of the Manatee County Historical Commission. Fashion artifacts and tableaus will rotate as the series advances in time. Part I represents fashions from the mid to late Victorian era from 1860 to 1900. The oldest garment is a plaid top and dress outfit estimated to be from the civil war period. Also on display will be a vast array of ladies gloves. The third exhibit, the “Jr. Cow Hunters Corner” will be located in the Florida Cattle Room. A hands-on interactive display area, custom designed for exploration by tots and primary school children. Museums exhibits are located on the second floor of the Wiggins General Store. Parking and admission to the Park and Exhibits are free. The exhibits will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

5. Health Occupations Students of America club will host an event designed to warn students about the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs. Because athletes at all levels are making poor decisions to take such drugs to gain an “edge," the United States Anti-Doping Agency is working to educate young students across the country on the dangers of the drugs. Parents, athletes and sports fans, are invited to listen to successful athletes speak about their paths to greatness through proper nutrition, proper rest, and hard work. Afterward the students from King Middle will lead a 1-mile walk through . The event will take place from 9 a.m. until noon on September 10th at the area near the 51st Street West entrance.