5 Things to Know in Gulfport: Back to School

First Day at Bogie: Here's what you need to know about the first day of school at Boca Ciega High School. Principal Michael Vigue says all students need to report to their Safety Net Teachers for a brief period to start the day. Safety Net Teacher locations will be posted throughout the school and on our website www.bocaciega.org . During the Safety Net period students will receive schedules and school forms that will need to be completed and returned ASAP. After the Safety Net period students will begin a BLUE Day schedule, periods 1,3,5, and 7. Our complete bell schedule with times is available at the bottom of the home page on our website. Offices will be back on their regular schedule: Monday through Friday from 6:50 a.m to 3:00 p.m.

School Calendar: Check out the Pinellas County 2012-13 School Calendar for important dates Pinellas County parents, teachers and students need to know this year.

BBQ on Mondays: Did you know Smokin' J's Real Texas BBQ is now open on Mondays! Yep. Customers asked and they said sure! Stop by today for lunch or dunner between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. at 5145 Gulfport Blvd. S. For more information check out their business listing on Gulfport Patch.

Gecko Ball: Did you get your tickets for this year's ball "Geckowood?" The annual celebration is this Saturday from 6 - 11 p.m. Hurry, they're going fast. Tickets for the Gecko Ball are $25 each and are available using cash or check in advance at these Gulfport businesses: Bo-Tiki (3015 Beach Blvd.), Domain Home Accessories (3129 Beach Blvd.), and T & Me Tea Co. (2908 ½ Beach Blvd. in the Art Village Courtyard).  Tickets may also be purchased online with a credit or debit card at www.GulfportMA.com. For more information check out "'Hooray For Geckowood!' Comes to Gulfport."

Monday Forecast: We have a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise, partly sunny with a high near 89. Heat index values as high as 101. Tonight, a 30 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 11 p.m. Tonight, mostly cloudy with a low around 79.