5 Things You Need to Know Today: July 28

1. The of Manatee County will host the Community Impact Leaders Breakfast  from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. today at Champs Sports Headquarters 311 Manatee Avenue West to build awareness for its annual campaign. This free event is held in conjunction with the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Coffee Club. The Champs Sports Coffee Club will feature breakfast, networking, and door prizes.  

2. The Manatee County Commission will meet Friday at 9.m. on the fourth floor of the to discuss the county budget and to set the proposed millage rate. County Commissioners will discuss some of the items they flagged in the budget earlier this year. They will also discuss the sheriff's request for a tax increase to fund his budget before setting the proposed millage rate.

3. More than 200 teachers will receive Cash for Classroom Grants to fund educational projects for their students when the Manatee Education Foundation hosts its Ready for School Rally on August 17 at 4 p.m. in the auditorium at Braden River High School. The Ready for School Rally is a spirited event to help kick-off the 2011-2012 school year. It will serve as both a pep rally and corporate giving event to celebrate and reward teachers. The marching band, cheerleaders, color guard and the School Boys' Choir will all take part in the festivities.  Area community members, businesses and organizations have been contributing money towards the Cash for Classroom Grants program for more than six months. teachers ranging from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade submitted grant applications and a committee of community leaders reviewed the grant applications earlier this month. Grants will be funded in the following categories: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); literacy; disadvantaged and at-risk youth; arts & culture; environment; children with disabilities; health and fitness; and teacher development.

4. Manatee County Commissioner Robin DiSabatino is recruiting businesses to participate in a District 4 Business Expo to be held at the Bayshore Gardens Recreational Center, 6919 26th St W, on September 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Local employers will be present to discuss their companies, what they do, what they offer and who’s hiring now and in the future. Local lenders will discuss starting up a small business. Local leaders will provide the community's and its future direction as well as potential business opportunities. The will present business and training opportunities. Vendor tables are available for $20. The event is free and open to the public. Contact DiSabatino at 941-685-5368 for details or email Robin.DiSabatino@MyManatee.org.

5. Follow a group of intrepid young men and women as they embark on life's first great adventure. Racing a 52-foot sloop in a revered open-ocean sailing competition, the young crew — chosen by Roy Disney — matches wits and skills with seasoned professionals in a 2,300 mile showdown. You can watch the adventure on film at the , 201 10th St W, Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.General admission is $5, member admission is $3. For information visit http://www.southfloridamuseum.org. or call 941-746-4131, ext. 2.