5 Things to Know Today: Wednesday, September 14

Balancing the Budget: The second reading of the proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2012, which includes utilities and fee increases and outsourcing the police dispatch center and mowing services, will be voted on one week from today. Residents are encouraged to attend the Special Council Budget/Millage Meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. at Gulfport City Hall. If you want to take a look at what was passed in a 3-2 vote during first reading, check out the previous agenda. The Operating Budget is item #1b, Ordinance 2011-16.

9-1-1 Survey: The Pinellas County EMS wants your feedback. Everything from "How many rings did it take to answer your phone?" to "Did the 9-1-1 Operator transfer you to the correct agency?" is included in the simple survey. To fill out roughly 15 questions about their service and add additional comments, check out the survey on the Pinellas County Government's website.

National Pollution Prevention Week: Pinellas County is joining the rest of the nation from Sept. 19 to 25 in a celebration of National Pollution Prevention Week. Several free activities are planned throughout the week, according to their website. To check out activities planned at Brooker Creek Preserve and Weedon Island Preserve, go to the Pinellas County Government's website.

Game On: Looking for after school activities in Gulfport? Check out the Gulfport Public Library on Wednesday afternoons. Teen Board Game Afternoons is held every Wednesday from 1 - 3 p.m. Looking for other options? Try the Gulfport Recreation Center for watercolor, cheerleading, fencing tennis and more!

Wednesday Forecast: The sunshine is here to stay! At least today. It'll be sunny with a high near 89. Expect an east wind 5 to 7 mph becoming north. Tonight, it'll be mostly clear with a low around 79 and a north northwest wind between 6 and 9 mph.