5 Things to Know Today: Monday, September 19

New Fitness Standards: Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent signed a policy that will, for the first time, require police officers to maintain physical fitness standards, according to the Gulfport Police Department press release. The standards include a pre-test in October and an official test in March of 2012.

Donate Blood: Florida Blood Services will be at the Tangerine Blues Fest once again this year. Donations can be made from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 24. All donors will recieve a free cholesterol screening, a buy one get one free to the Museum of Sceince & Industry, a free Subway Footlong Gift Card and a free T-shirt. So49 would like to surpass the 18 donors from last year so come out and support FBS and enjoy some great music for the evening.

Volunteers Needed: So49 is recruiting volunteers for the upcoming 4^th Annual Tangerine Blues Fest! Volunteer opportunities will be in a variety of areas so get your spot now! Contact Walt Dill at so49web@aol.com or you can call him at 727-515-4941.

Run Your Own County: The National Association of Counties (NACo), in conjunction with the private firm iCivics, has created a fun and challenging online game called “Counties Work” that allows participants to run their own county. Residents who want to try their hand at running the county, visit Counties Work. The information is provided by the Pinellas County Government website. 

Monday Forecast: We have a 30% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 98. An east wind between 7 and 13 mph. Tonight, we also have a 30% chancce of scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy with a low around 78. East northeast wind between 9 and 11 mph.