5 Things to Know Today, April 30

1. As part of the ongoing effort to crack down on illegal pill mills and prevent prescription drug abuse, Hillsborough County is  taking part in the Drug Enforcement Agency's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

On April 30th, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, along with the Tampa Police Department, will collect unused or expired prescription medications from citizens to prevent potentially dangerous drugs from getting into the wrong hands.

The unused prescription drugs will be collected at four Sweetbay locations on April 30th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. including the Sweetbay, 2535 State Road 60 E., Valrico. Residents will be able to drop off any prescription medications they no longer use and can remain anonymous, with no questions asked.

Attorney General Pam Bondi will be at the Sweetbay location in Valrico at
10 a.m. speaking about how important this initiative is and the dangers of
keeping prescription drugs in the home.

For more information on the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day and more collection sites, visit http://bit.ly/eAsrwP.

2. The 10th annual Brandon Idol contest is set for Saturday, April 30, where area vocalists will  vie to become Brandon's next idol.

The contest takes place at the Brandon Elks Lodge, 800 Centennial Lodge Drive, off State Road 60 in Brandon. An all-star lineup of local talent who will perform before a panel of judges Saturday night in the hopes of winning the grand prize of $500, the first time a cash prize has been awarded. 

The public can vote for the People's Choice award winner during the event, which will feature a cash bar, hors d'oeuvres and the comedy of Brandon Idol emcee Robert Horning.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Brandon Family YMCA on Kingsway Road to help the YMCA offer financial assistance for children to attend summer day camp.

Tickets for the event are $30 and can be purchased at the Brandon Family YMCA, 3097 S. Kingsway Road, Seffner; Drug Screen Solutions, 220 W. Brandon Blvd., Suite 106, Brandon; and the Clubhouse Sports Cafe, 1265 Kingsway Road, Brandon. Group tables of eight are available for $250. Tables with front-row seating are $300. To reserve a table, visit http://momentumfestival.com/.

The organizers also will collect items for the homeless for Cynthia Pinckney Ministries. Bring your extras including nonperishable food items (pop-top/ regular cans/jars), nonrefrigerated milk, all sizes of socks, children's underwear, tooth paste, tooth brushes, deodorant, lotions, shampoo, shavers/razors, feminine products, backpacks, and fleece or cotton throws. Items also will be collected at the Brandon Teen Idol contest.

The Brandon Teen Idol contest will take place Saturday, April 30 at 1 p.m. at the Brandon Elks Lodge. Tickets are $15 each for that event or $5 for anyone under 18 years of age. Reserved tables of eight are $125 each, or $175 for a premium table.

During the contest, Brandon area youth will compete to become the best teen singer in Brandon.  Teens will compete in two categories: a junior category for ages 10 to 13 and a senior category for ages 14 to 17.

3. Dozens of artists will be on hand for the third annual Winthrop Arts Fest continuing today, May 1, at Winthrop Town Centre from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event, to take place in the parking lot in front of the St. Petersburg Times building, will include exhibits by local artists, 25 business vendors, 10 food vendors and local charities.

The Winthrop Arts Festival is a juried art show, which provides cash prizes to the winners. In addition to the art exhibits, there will be a children's art activity center provided by Center Place cultural arts center and the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center. Music will be provided during the event by local schools.

Among the food vendors that have already signed up are Acropolis, 5 Guys, Cappy's Pizza, the Italian Kitchen, the Green Iguana, Moe's Southwest Grill and Morelli's Italian Ice, Winthrop's newest store.

Attendees also will have a chance to participate in a 50/50 drawings to benefit area Rotary club and their charities. Prizes include a mojito party for up to 20 people, concert tickets and a $500 E-bond from Valrico State Bank.

4. The Little Shoppes of Winthrop Town Centre, 6026 Winthrop Town Centre Ave., Riverview, will host a Pre-Mother's Day Extravaganza May 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the Winthrop Arts Festival. The event will feature goodies and giveaways for moms. Shops participating include Lady Chameleon Accessories Boutique, Royalty X Thr33 and Bellafia Chocolate Boutique.

For information, call 813-421-3220.

5. The 34th annual Greater Brandon Area Community Picnic, previously known as the Greater Brandon Area Old Timers Association Picnic, and the Brandon High School Alumni Association's Grand Reunion is scheduled for April 30 at First Baptist Church of Brandon, 216 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon.

Registration begins at 11 a.m. with lunch at noon. Families should bring a dish with a serving spoon. Beverages will be provided. Call Karen Rodriguez at 813-651-3261.