5 Things to Know in Sarasota: Click It Or Ticket

1. Click that seatbelt or get a ticket. It's that easy. 

Today starts the Click It or Ticket campaign that runs through June 3 where officers nationwide will crack down on people not wearing seatbelts.

“While Florida reached a record high last year for safety belt use, we still see many drivers and passengers who fail to buckle up. All too often it ends in tragedy,” said FHP Director, Col. David Brierton in a news release. “One of our goals is to save lives through education and enforcement campaigns such as Click it or Ticket.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show that in 2010 alone, safety belts saved an estimated 12,546 lives nationwide.

Florida law requires all drivers and occupants in the front seat of a vehicle to fasten their safety belts.

Occupants under the age of 18, regardless of where they sit in a vehicle, also must buckle up. Motorist cited for failure to buckle up face a non-moving violation.

2. Today the City Commission will discuss a request whether grant money should be paid to Ball & Shoe Sports Equipment after the Youth Gators coach apologized for his coach's actions during a  The team was suspended and no grant money was awarded to the team, but the money was going to be paid to the sports equipment shop that had already ordered the equipment before the suspension. Still with us? Check for an update next week. And also get caught up on the 

3. The City Commission is also holding a special meeting Thursday at 3 p.m. at City Hall to discuss if events should be held in Five Points Park.

4. You might see some volunteers downtown and in Newtown starting today thanks to Salvation Army partnership with the city creating a to help beautify the city while gaining job skills classes and training at the Salvation Army.

5. Hammock campers and other nature enthusiats can come together at a special hike and hangout at Crowley Museum and Nature Center June 22-24.

It's being organized by Not a Clue Adventures. The adventure features a guided hike, pot luck family meal, drawings for free gear, various seminars, gear swap/ silent auction and more. Reservations are being taken now by calling Crowley at (941) 322-1000. Camping fee is $8 per adult, per night and $4 per child, per night.