5 Things to Know in St. Pete: April 18

1. Patch is partnering with Feeding America Tampa Bay to help feed the needy in our community. Help us gather 2,000lbs of food. We'll take care of the heavy lifting but we need your help to gather food for hunger families in St. Pete and Tampa Bay. Leave spare nonperishable’s in our drop-off boxes, which are located at , and . If your business is interested in hosting a box, please email William Mansell.

2. Tonight, Old Northeast editor William Mansell, Assistant Regional Editor Linda Hersey and Patch blogger Gene Webb will be making a presentation about Patch.com to the members of Council of Neighborhoods Association. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Sunshine Center on 5th Street in downtown St. Petersburg. 

3. Candidates for Pinellas County Sheriff will square off tonight at a debate in Dunedin. The forum will last two hours beginning at 7 p.m. at the  on Douglas Avenue. Only 200 seats will be available. Expect "fireworks" when Pinellas County sheriffs candidates face off on Wednesday at a forum in Dunedin, organizer Harvey Smith says.

4. Today, Eckerd College kicks off the early. This annual event organized and funded by the Eckerd College Earth Society jump-starts the celebration for Earth Day (April 22) and aims to connect the college with the community at large. Browse booths from local environmentally-based or environmentally-focused vendors. Organizers also anticipate having live music and guest speakers. The event begins at noon at Eckerd College on the Hough Quad. 

5. The "Spring Fling" is this weekend in the historic Old Northeast neighborhood. Starting at 7:30 p.m Friday. head over to 203 20th Ave N, which is the home of Laura and Frank Fage. Bring some food and drinks, and come out to meet your neighbors. The event is free and lasts until 10 p.m.