🌱 Community Art Market Pop-Up + Hope Spot Gala + Dunedin Highland 5K

Hello all! I'm back with your new copy of the Dunedin Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening locally. Today's briefing includes:

• Reminder about Flanagan's St. Patrick's Day Festival on Friday.
• An upcoming Dunedin Community Art Market pop-up supporting veterans.
• Register for The Dunedin Highland 5K Trail Run benefitting The Dunedin Scottish Arts Foundation.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Studio 1212 Art Gallery

Visit Dunedin’s Studio 1212 Art Gallery — voted Tampa Bay Magazine’s best small art gallery cooperative for 2022

Since 1971, Studio 1212 – a nonprofit 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.

Now, today's weather: Sunny and pleasant. High: 78 Low: 60.

🏠 If you're a real estate agent in Dunedin, of course you're looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. We can help you do that with an exclusive sponsorship in the Dunedin Patch newsletter. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. VFW Post 2550 in Dunedin is hosting its Dunedin Community Art Market on April 8 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The indoor/outdoor pop-up art market will focus on art with a purpose. Stop by to shop for paintings, prints, crafts, and so much more. Guests can also enjoy breakfast, play games, and buy raffles. All proceeds help support Veteran & Family Services at the VFW. (VFW Post 2550 via Facebook)
2. This year's annual Hope Spot Gala will be held in the Fenway Hotel Ballroom on March 19 between 5 and 9 p.m. The annual fundraiser for Blue-Green Connections helps raise funds needed to pursue their mission of sustainable use of land and water. Tickets include hors d'oeuvres, dinner, and dessert. Guests can participate in a silent auction live at the event or online. Speakers from various local organizations will be in attendance, including Blue-Green Connections, the City of Dunedin, and the Coral Restoration Project. Get your tickets at the link. (Eventbrite)
3. Registration is open for The Dunedin Highland 5K Trail Run benefitting The Dunedin Scottish Arts Foundation, scheduled for April 1 at 9 a.m. Participants will be running from Highlander Park through Hammock Park and back. Each runner will receive a Finishers Medal, a 2023 Dunedin Highland 5K Trail Run T-Shirt, and entry into the 2023 Dunedin Highland Games! Those interested can register online now! (Dunedin 5K)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Leslie Sweeney, for sharing this photo of the new City Hall building, which is now officially open for business!

Regarding yesterday's photo, Sandra Williamson shared that it's a bromeliad plant in flower! Thanks, Sandra!

As always, you can submit your Dunedin photos 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:

• Coffee and Conversation with Bill Parker at the DFAC (noon)
• S.T.E.A.M. Class: Magnet Mania at Hope Grove (1 p.m.)
• IFPA Sanctioned Pinball Tournament at Reboot (5 p.m.)
• Live music with My Three Kilts at Flanagan's Irish Pub (6 p.m.)
• Music Trivia at Caledonia Brewing (7:30 p.m.)

Inspired by Dunedin:

Loving this beautiful watercolor rendition of our city created by local artist Essie Bergen! It features all of Dunedin's most loved characteristics, including the Jolley Trolley, Pinellas Trail, Honeymoon Island, Hammock Park, and more. You can get a better look at the map here.

If you've created something inspired by Dunedin that you'd like to share in this section, send it to me with a brief description at Dunedin@Patch.com! Just like with the Photo of the Day, please confirm in your email that you own the rights to the content and that Patch has permission to republish it.

From my notebook:

• Residents of Dunedin can now use the new Utility Billing Drop Box to drop off monthly payments for water, sewer, trash, stormwater, and reclaimed water service bills. The drop box is located to the left of the Milwaukee Avenue entrance. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• A portion of The Pinellas Trail in St. Pete will be closed between March 20 and April 17 while it undergoes construction. Those who plan to use the trail between 34th Street S. and 31st Street S. in St. Petersburg should use the sidewalks along 34th Street S., 5th Avenue S., and 31st Street S. while it's closed. Click the link to view a map of the alternate route. (Pinellas County Government via Facebook)
• If you're looking to contribute to the community, consider getting involved in The HOB Give Back Pack-A-Snack program. The program helps feed disadvantaged children in Dunedin over the weekend when they aren't receiving free meals at school. They meet on the first and third Wednesday of the month for Pack-A-Snack events, where they put together bags of 8 or 9 healthy snacks for kids in need. Those looking to volunteer can donate snacks from the pre-approved list or help out during Pack-A-Snack events. Contact Heath Watson at 727-418-6767 for more information. (The HOB Give Back via Facebook)
• Reminder: The city is hosting a Drive-In Movie Night featuring Encanto this Friday, March 17, at 6 p.m. in Highlander Park. Tickets are $12 per car and can be purchased at the Dunedin Community Center. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Reminder: Friday, March 17, is Flanagan's St. Patrick's Day Festival in Dunedin! The indoor/outdoor event kicks off at 11 a.m. and will offer live music, craft beer, Irish foods, craft vendors, and more. See you there! (Flanagan's Irish Pub)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Tarot Card Readings & Home or Office Cleansings —
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Featured events:

• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (March 17)
• Amazing Estate Sale in Palm Harbor/Ridgemoor (March 18)
• Spring Equinox Sound Celebration (March 20)
• CNCN Education Forum (March 20)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Palm Harbor Library (March 21)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next update!