Bradenton's 5 Things to Know Today: May 18

1. Homeschooled students will celebrate commencement tonight at 7 p.m. at , 1305 43rd Street West. A reception will follow graduation in the church gym. Judge Paul Logan will present diplomas to the 12 graduates and special presentations will be made.

2.Manatee County No Kill leaders are looking for volunteers to help the county reach the goal of becoming a no kill community.  Help is needed in the following areas: data entry, answering phones, socializing dogs and the cats, offsite events, and much more.  Learn more about volunteer opportunities May 26, at 2012 at Westminster Manor, 1700 21st Ave W., from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. during a “Lunch and Learn.”  RSVP by calling 941-742-5933 x 8312 or e-mailing Tammy.Bentley@mymanatee.org.

3. Don't miss Relay for Life 2012 on Anna Maria Island Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. The 18-hour event will raise money to find a cure for cancer.

4. The Port Manatee Propeller Club will commemorate National Maritime Day with a wreath laying ceremony at Port Manatee May 22 at 10 a.m. Propeller Club members and the general public will honor seafarers who sacrificed their lives for the maritime industry. Speakers include LCDR Andre Whidbee of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg; Marla Vignocchi, president of the Navy League of the United States Sarasota-Manatee Council; Jill VanderPol, Port Manatee Propeller Club President; and Tim Huppert of Port Manatee’s Anchor House. The United States Congress created National Maritime Day to recognize the sacrifices made by domestic seafarers and the U.S. merchant marines. May 22 is set aside each year to commemorate these sacrifices.

5. Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota, a nonprofit safe haven for big cats, bears and other animals in need, is holding a Salute to the Troops with free admission for active military and their immediate families over the Memorial Day weekend, May 26 to 28.  Gates will be open from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m., and an educational animal demonstration will be held each day at 1:30 p.m.  Admission is $15 for adults, $7 for children 12 and younger.  Children 2 and under are free. Refreshments also are available.  More information and current schedules are available at www.BigCatHabitat.org or by calling 941-371-6377.