🌱 Arrests Over Capitol Insurrection + History Of Eli's Bar-B-Que

Morning, people of Dunedin! Kristen here with the latest Dunedin Daily.

First, today's weather:

Fog in the a.m.; mostly sunny. High: 78 Low: 62.

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Here are the top 5 stories in Dunedin today:

1. Residents Carol Kicinski and Jon Heneghan were arrested Wednesday on charges related to storming the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021 insurrection. Kicinski, the founder of “Simply Gluten-Free" and Heneghan, a high-stakes poker player, live together in Dunedin. The pair were arrested and charged with four federal offenses that include entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds. FBI agents connected GPS data from a mobile device to Kicinski and Heneghan and later compared surveillance video from the Capitol to driver’s license and social media images. Surveillance images show them holding their phones as they walked down hallways and in the Rotunda. (Associated Press)
2. In celebration of Black History Month, the City of Dunedin featured local resident and business owner, Eric, on "Made in Dunedin." Eric's father Eli is the founder of Eli's Bar-B-Que, which offers authentic southern BBQ dishes on Skinner Boulevard. "My dad picked cotton," Eric says in the video. "We have a sign that says 'Cotton Picking Time,' it's to honor black American history. A lot of our customers pick the cotton off the tree and I give them the story that my father picked a bunch of cotton, but I look at my father today as a business owner. As an entrepreneur that conquered the world. He just truly fell in love with Dunedin [and] we've been here for over two decades." Watch the entire video on YouTube. (YouTube)
3. The City of Dunedin and Achieva Credit Union will host their annual free and secure shredding event on February 26 between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Achieva Shredfest will be held at Achieva Center Court on Achieva Way in Dunedin. Bring up to five boxes of residential and personal documents to be shredded. No need to remove staples, rubber bands, or tape. (Achieva CU)
4. The City of Dunedin is bringing back "Great Decisions" meetings at the Dunedin Library to discuss global current events. The weekly meetings will be held on Mondays between 12:00 and 2:00 PM with the first scheduled for March 7. Each week the group will cover a different topic. No sign-up is required. (Facebook)
5. Progressive Arts presents "Matilda Jr," an all-ages musical based on the Roald Dahl classic. Performances will be held on March 26 and March 27 at 1:00 PM in the Dunedin Community Center. Watch the award-winning cast, full of professional adult actors and young performers, bring the storybook to life in this community production. The musical is a perfect outing for all ages and provides a sensory-friendly experience. Tickets are limited and start at $15. (Progressive Arts | Tickets)

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Today in Dunedin:

• Field Trip at Dunedin Hammock Park (8:00 AM)
• Pre-Tampa Bay Beer Week Tap Takeover at Dunedin HOB (3:00 PM)
• Dang Good Sushi Truck at Beach Island Brewery (4:00 PM)
• Piper On The Pier at the Downtown Marina (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Reminder: The Dunedin Mardi Gras Parade & Festival is happening Saturday, February 26 between 2:00 and 11:00 PM. Enjoy Mardi Gras in grand style and celebrate with food, drink, music, and a parade featuring over 50 unique colorful floats. Parking along Douglas Avenue will be completely blocked on both sides of the street starting at 2:00 PM. (Facebook | Dunedin Madi Gras)
• The Dunedin Mardi Gras needs volunteers Saturday to set up stations, check-in vendors, assist event coordinators, help bands set up, pour drinks, check-in parade participants, and more. Those interested should sign up online as soon as possible. (Volunteer Sign Up)
• Three Rotary Clubs in Dunedin held a dedication ceremony for a Peace Pole at Highlander Park, including the Rotary Club of Dunedin Waterside, Rotary Club of Dunedin North, and Rotary Club of Dunedin Florida. The City of Dunedin shared photos of the pole which is eight feet tall with four sides. It bears the message, "May Peace Prevail on Earth," in eight languages, two per side. (Facebook)
• Pisces Sushi is hosting a Paint, Wine, and Dine event on Sunday, February 27 at 5:30 PM. The event will be hosted by Bree from Let's Paint and Party. For $45 you will receive all of the necessary supplies and one happy hour drink. Register online to participate. (Facebook | Register Here)
• Registration is open for the Scottish Heavy Athletics at the Dunedin Highland Games & Festival! The festival will take place on April 2 between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM at Highlander Park. Register online to participate. For anyone who wants to watch the games, general admission tickets are also available online. (Facebook | Register Here)

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Events:

• Part 2 Retirement Planning Webinar Series - "Pass it On - Estate Planning Basics" (February 24)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar 2/25 & 3/3 (February 25)
• 9th Annual Spring Chic Decor & Artisan Market (February 27)
• Monday Night Jam at Mastry’s Brewing (February 28)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
• 2022 Clearwater Comic Con (March 5)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! See you all tomorrow morning for another update.