Bradenton's 5 Things to Know Today: May 14

1. The public is invited to attend and offers suggestions for the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization's US 41/301 Corridor - New Bridge Planning Charrette, today from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the . The goal of the intensive planning session is to discuss ways to relieve traffic congestion, accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists and determine if a new bridge is needed. 

2. The Nuisance Abatement Board will also meet today from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Commission Chambers; and the School Board meets today as well at 5:45 p.m. Manatee County School Board Building. The Bradenton City Council will also hold a workshop on Wednesday at 8:30 at .

3. The Manatee County Commission will hold a special meeting/work session on Tuesday in the Manatee Room at the Administration Center to discuss the West Coast Inland Navigation District's (WCIND) five-year funding plan. Also on the agenda is the judicial center and the DeSoto Center's video systems.

4. Other regular meetings this week include the Library Board on Wednesday at noon in the Central Library Conference Room, the Public Safety Coordinating Council also on Wednesday at noon in the Administrative Center's Osprey Room, and the Children's Services Advisory Board meeting in the Administrative Center conference room at 2:30 p.m.

5. Are you ready to sing the blues? The acts are gearing up for the Dec. 1, 2012 inaugural Bradenton Blues Festival at the redesigned Riverwalk. And because the buzz has started already with talk of award-winning national acts, tickets will likely go quick. But if you purchase tickets before June 30, you'll get a $5 discount, three issues of Blues Revue magazine and a blues music CD, all for $25. Go to the Bradenton Blues Festival website for tickets.