5 Things to Know Today, May 14

1. It's time for some spring cleaning. The Bloomingdale Homeowners Association is making it easy to get rid of all that junk you've accumulated throughout the year. The BHA is hosting a Community Cleanup Day today at the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation maintenance facility at 1626 Natures Way near Alafia Elementary School.

The cleanup will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until all available Dumpsters are filled, whichever comes first. The volunteers will accept old appliances, mattresses, water heaters, furniture and other debris not normally accepted on regular trash days.

2. After you're finished cleaning out the garage, drop by Park Square for the first Crawfish Festival sponsored by the FishHawk/Bloomingdale Rotary Club.

The fest, which features heaping plates of crawfish, potatoes and corn, will take place from noon to 3 p.m.  In addition, the event will include Zydeco music provided by the Porchdogs, 40 to 50 food vendors and business exhibitors and a raffle with a chance to win prizes from area businesses, said club member Jill Andress. Tickets are $15.

The club will have a truck on hand to collect nonperishable food, clothing, paper goods and diapers for A Kid's Place, the Women's Resource Center and the Emergency Care Help Organization. Families bringing donations will receive free hotdogs for the kids.

3. If you prefer chili, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 74 will host a chili cook-off starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Flotilla's headquarters at 3006 Kings Ave., Brandon. Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe will be on hand to present a proclamation for National Safe Boating Week.

4. Dance off all those calories at the grand opening of the Fred Astaire Tampa Bay Dance Studio, 1076 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, today from 6 to 9 p.m.

Come enjoy live music, including two performances by Don Juceam, called “The Frank Sinatra of Tampa Bay.” Watch professional dancers showcase Smooth and Rhythm dances, then practice the moves yourself. If all that dancing works up an appetite, head to the buffet table for food, beer and wine.  

There will be live drawings throughout the night, including a grand prize drawing for a $1,000 dance package. Plus, the studio is offering a grand opening special for everyone present: five private lessons for $50. 

5. If you prefer a more sedate Saturday, a crochet club meets every second and fourth Saturday of the month from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Campo Family YMCA, 3414 Culbreath Road, Valrico. It is open to both experienced and beginning crocheters and knitters and is a great chance to socialize and meet new people with similar interests.