5 Things to Know Today: Tuesday, August 23

Hurricane Irene Strengthens: As of 8:30 p.m. Monday night, Hurricane Irene intensified to a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds at 100 mph. For more information on local resources including evacuation zones, disaster kits, assistance for special needs and elderly citizens and more, check out our series

Commission Meeting: The Board of County Commissioners will meet Tuesday, Aug. 23, at 3 p.m., with public hearings scheduled at 6:30 p.m. The commissioners meet in the fifth-floor assembly room of the Pinellas County Courthouse, 315 Court St., Clearwater. View the meetings online or on PCC-TV on Bright House Channel 622, Knology Channel 18 or Verizon cChannel 44. The agenda and corresponding documentation is available online at CountyMeeting Agendas.

Fresh Produce & More: Hope you can make it to your weekly trip to the market! The Gulfport Fresh Market features local produce, artwork, food, drinks and more in downtown Gulfport from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stay up to date on all the fresh market news by checking out the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market Facebook page.

Gecko Ball Tickets: Gecko Ball 2011 tickets are still available for the 2011 Geckoball at The Peninsula Inn & Spa on Saturday Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and include, live music, full dinner buffet, decorations, fun and surprises. Tickets are available (cash or check only) at Domain Home Accessories, The Outpost, and T & Me Tea Company. Tickets are also be available on line at the Gulfport Merchant's Association website: www.gulfportma.com

Tuesday Forecast: We have a 30% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Otherwise, mostly sunny with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 101. East northeast wind around 6 mph. Tonight, we have a 20% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms before midnight. It'll be partly cloudy with a low around 81. East northeast wind between 10 and 13 mph.