5 Things to Know This Weekend: Glass Blowing, Peaceful Protest, Health Fair

Hands Across the Sand: The beach protest against offshore oil drilling returns Aug. 4 to beaches across the country today at 12 p.m. People are asked to gather at various locations at 11:30 and hold hands at 12 p.m. The nearest spot to Gulfport is the TradeWinds Resort on St. Pete Beach and Pass-A-Grill.

Free Meditation Class: Ted Leitho is returning this summer to teach another free series of 8 classes on meditation. The classes will be in the Purdy Friends Room from 10a.m. - 12p.m. on the following Saturdays: August 4, August 11, August 18, September 1 and September  8. There is a sign-up sheet for anyone to register at the Reference Desk at the Gulfport Public Library at 5501 28th Ave. S. For more information, contact the reference desk at 727-893-1133 or 727-893-1073.

Ballrom Dance: For just $7 per person you can come out and recieve a ballroom dance lesson and then boogie to a live band at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom on Sunday, Aug. 5 from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. For more information check out the City of Gulfport's online calendar.

Hot Glass 101: Sign up for this beginner glassblowing workshop at the Industrial Arts Center on Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Students will receive a hands on experience and learn all about creating a one-of-a-kind glass piece. For more information check out the Industrial Arts Center's website.

: Presented by the Junior League of St. Petersburg, this event provides free medical, dental and vision screenings for children; free immunizations; a bike rodeo where children receive free helmets; free backpacks and school supplies; and school registration. The free event is at the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center at 1344 22nd St S. in St. Pete. For more information call (727) 895-5018. NOTE: The fair is open until 2pm, but registration ends at 12pm.