Bradenton's 5 Things to Know Today: June 11

1. Manatee County residents have an opportunity to look at for the county at an open house today from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at . The new maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding, and are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements. Residents have an opportunity to learn about their risk of flooding and ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property. Meet one-on-one with a variety of specialists who will be available to talk about flood insurance, engineering and building permits.

2. Four Migrant high school juniors leave today for a week-long civics and government educational program in Washington D.C. This program, which brings together students from across the country, is organized and staffed with highly trained instructors through the Close Up Foundation. Luis Aguilar from , Oscar Gallegos from , and Justina Gomez-Guadalupe and Alejandra Diaz both from were selected from among many applicants for this Migrant-funded trip. Criteria to take the trip included grades, participation in school and community activities, an essay and two letters of recommendation.

3. joins a nationwide effort today to empty the shelters the good way. Adoptable puppies, kittens, cats and dogs will put their best paw forward to encourage residents to open their hearts and homes and adopt. Animal services is offering all of these pets for just $10. For more information visit www.mymanatee.org/pets. For more information about the nationwide effort, Just One Day, visit www.justoneday.ws.

4. Recycle Florida Today, the state’s leading recycling association, will present the with its Outstanding Institution/Business Award during a ceremony at the School Support Center on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. The Manatee District is being recognized for its commitment to recycling over the years, including a relationship with SP Recycling that began in 1998 with the “Read and Recycle Program” that led to approximately 7,000 tons of paper being recycled for a net savings of $800,000. In addition, the Manatee District was nominated for setting a Guinness World Record by collecting 29,560 pounds of plastic bottles in an eight-hour period on April 12, 2012 at Sugg Middle School. The record was previously held by a group of schools in China who collected 19,400 pounds of plastic bottles in an eight-hour period. All total, during four Recycling Round-Ups held by the Manatee County School District, students and staff have collected approximately 46,760 pounds of plastic bottles that would otherwise have gone into landfills or the local water supply.

5. Five players from the baseball program have been invited to attend the 2012 Perfect Game National Showcase in Minneapolis, Minn. this week. Rising seniors Brett Hanewich, a pitcher and on 1st base, and Manny Ramirez, Jr., at first base will join rising juniors Cameron Varga, Short Stop and Pitcher, Sam Proctor, Pitcher and Andrew DiLacqua, outfielder. Each have an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a national talent showcase. Perfect Game reports to all 30 Major League franchise scouting departments, and more than 1,500 universities. Players receive a comprehensive scouting evaluation and the chance to compete against the nation’s top high school and amateur players.