🌱 Blues Festival Saved + Taxes Seminar + VP Of Conservation Honored

Morning, neighbors! Kristen here with your Thursday edition of the Dunedin Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the local information you need to know right now, including updates on:

• An emergency road closure is in effect on Main Street.
• How Dunedin residents rallied together to save the Wines the Blues Festival.
• Wild Bird Rescuer Kim Begay to be honored by the city today.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Studio 1212 Art Gallery

Visit Dunedin’s Studio 1212 Art Gallery — for two years in a row, named by Tampa Bay Magazine the best small art gallery cooperative for 2023

Since 1971, Studio 1212 – a non-profit art gallery owned and managed by an all-volunteer group of local, award-winning artists — has been a part of the creative community in the Dunedin area.

Here are a few things you can do at Studio 1212:

• Attend an exhibit of local artists (check out the schedule here)
• Get your own artwork critiqued for free by volunteer artists (on the first Saturday and third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.)
• Support local artists by buying their work – art prints, note cards and fine hand-crafted gift items – in the gift boutique
• Sign up for a workshop to expand and improve your own artistic abilities
• Join other local art lovers by becoming a benefactor of Studio 1212 (Learn more here.)

Studio 1212 is located at 234 Monroe St. in Downtown Dunedin, and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit Studio 1212 — a part of the Dunedin area arts community for over 50 years.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Now, today's weather: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 89 Low: 80.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Dunedin:

1. After a shocking announcement that it was canceled, Dunedin residents rallied together to save the Wines the Blues Festival. Alan Veach, who runs a Facebook page called Eye on Dunedin, rallied his followers to reach out to city officials and Dunedin Merchants in hopes that something could be done. This resulted in a last-minute meeting called by city officials, which attracted a crowd of residents and business owners promising to support the event. A down-sized version of the festival is now scheduled for Nov. 11 in Pioneer Park. (Tampa Bay Times)
2. The Dunedin Public Library is holding a Taxes in Retirement Seminar on Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. Those nearing retirement or who've already retired can attend to learn how the new tax changes will impact retirement income. Those interested in attending must register at the link. (Dunedin Patch)
3. The City of Dunedin will recognize CAS VP of Conservation & Wild Bird Rescuer Kim Begay as an Environmental Hero today at City Hall. Stop by on Aug. 17 at 6 p.m. to watch as the city recognizes her accomplishments and everything she does for our community. All are welcome! (Clearwater Audubon Society via Facebook)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Suzy Ballantyne, for sharing this beautiful sunset photo!

Want your photo to be included in the Dunedin Pic of the Day or Inspired by Dunedin section? Submit it to Dunedin@Patch.com for consideration! Please confirm in the email that you own the rights to the photo and that Patch has permission to republish it.

Today in Dunedin:

Thursday, August 17

• Decommissioning Ceremony at the Old City Hall Building (9 a.m.)
• Intro to Taoist Tai Chi at the Hale Senior Activity Center (9 a.m.)
• Free Yoga at Hope Grove School (6 p.m.)
• Keep Calm & Reiki On at Nurture Chiropractic (6 p.m.)
• Live music with Dr. Bacon at Dunedin Brewery (11:55 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• An emergency road closure is in effect on Main Street heading eastbound between Highland Avenue and Louden Avenue. It will remain closed until Aug. 23, so use caution when driving in the area. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Attention artists! There are just a few days left to apply to participate in the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin Art Harvest Festival in November. There are still 10 spots left, so those interested should apply at the link. (Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin Art Harvest via Facebook)
• Register now for the upcoming Virtual Author Talk with Jeff Silingo, the author of "A Year Inside College Admissions." Watch live on Aug. 30 at 2 p.m. or register to get access to a recording of the discussion that you can enjoy afterward. (Dunedin Public Library)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Make A Difference Fishing Tournament Benefit Auction (August 19)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar on August 22nd and 24th at Largo Public Library (August 22)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Dunedin Public Library (August 23)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update!