🌱 Craft Festival Next Weekend + Contest Open To Young Artists

Good morning, people of Dunedin! here with the Friday issue of the Dunedin Daily.

First, today's weather:

Some clouds, then sunshine. High: 70 Low: 54.

Shoutout to our premier local sponsor:

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Here are the top 5 stories in Dunedin today:

1. VFW Post 2550 Dunedin and the Dunedin Public Library are hosting the VFW's annual Illustrating America art contest. Local students in kindergarten through eighth grade can share how they view our world through their 2D drawings and paintings while competing for national awards. Submissions must have been completed in the 2021-22 school year and be between 8-inch by 11-inch and 18-inch by 24-inch in size. The contest consists of three divisions based on grade. Entries should be delivered to VFW Post 2550 in Dunedin by March 31. Application forms with more details can be found at the Dunedin Public library or online. Contact Sandra Johnson at 727-916-0569 or Sjohnson0709@verizon.net with any questions or concerns. (VFW Auxilary)
2. The 29th annual Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival has been scheduled for February 19 and February 20 between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM on Main Street in Dunedin. Presented by American Craft Endeavors, the two-day outdoor event will feature more than 200 vendors who specialize in basket weaving, jewelry-making, nature-inspired art, handmade candles, ceramics, pottery, handmade soaps, and much more. Learn more about specific artists who will be attending in the full article. (TBN Weekly)
3. There will be a public hearing next week to discuss how Dunedin should handle growth and development south of downtown. This comes after the Dunedin City Commission approved the Zoning in Progress (ZIP) Doctrine to limit development in the area until a character overlay district is developed and implemented. Residents have expressed their concerns over how future residential development could affect the look of the area and asked that new homes or constructions maintain Dunedin's character and don't overpower existing homes in the area. A meeting will be held on February 15 at 5:30 PM in the ballroom of the Hale Senior Activity Center. Officials are hoping for feedback and ideas on creating an overlay district from local residents and all are encouraged to attend. (Dunedin Patch)
4. Looking for a new investment? A historic 1915 three-story home with a wrap-around veranda located in the heart of downtown Dunedin is on the market for $1.9 million. The seller has been operating the property as an AirB&B for 12 years, earning them a 5-star Super Host Rating. Located on Scotland Avenue, buyers also have the chance of buying the property as a residential home. The five-bedroom home comes fully furnished and move-in ready. Grab it now before it's gone! (Dunedin Patch)
5. Dunedin Parks & Recreation is hosting a free Identity Theft Awareness seminar on February 15 at 10:00 AM at the Hale Senior Activity Center. Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. It's a serious crime that can disrupt your finances, credit history, and reputation. Pinellas County Consumer Protection will teach those who attend how to DETER, DETECT and DEFEND against identity theft. (Dunedin Patch)

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Today in Dunedin:

• Dunedin Downtown Market at Pioneer Park (9:00 AM)
• Crafter's Corner at the Hale Senior Activity Center (10:00 AM)
• Artist Reception and Awards at Stirling Art Studio & Gallery (5:30 PM)
• Live music with SoulFish at The Dunedin American Legion Post 275 (6:00 PM)
• Live music with Taylor Fletcher at Beach Island Brewery (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Hope Grove offers monthly Women Lifting Women meetups where women meet for beach meditation, dinner, or yoga. They strive to create a safe space for women to share their struggles, wins, and everything in between while also building deep relationships with new friends. Join them for their next meetup on March 9 at 6:30 PM in Hope Grove. (Facebook | Hope Grove)
• The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Intercontinental Solo Drumming Championship will take place on February 19 at the Dunedin Community Center at 4:00 PM. There are 15 competitors traveling to Dunedin from all over North America to participate. The top four place finishers in the Adult MSR will automatically qualify for the semi-final at the World Solo Drumming Championships in Glasgow, Scotland this October. All spectators are welcome! Entry is free, with donations accepted. (Facebook | Dunedin Scottish Arts Foundation)
• The City of Dunedin had a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday in honor of The Hub, our city's newest co-working space. Video of the ceremony can be seen online. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Hope Grove Co-Work & Care — (Visit website)
• DavisDNA & Family Research — (Visit Website)
• Tarot Card Readings with Nicole —
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Events:

• Dang Good Sushi Food Truck Event at BEACH ISLAND BREWERY this Friday starting at 4:00 (February 11)
• Valentine Sip & Shop (February 12)
• LIVE MUSIC with GRATEFUL DAVE at BEACH ISLAND BREWERY (February 12)
• 4 Part Retirement Planning Webinar Series 2/17 - 3/12 (February 17)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 19)
• Monopoly Tournament (February 19)
• Social Security Webinar 2/21 & 2/23 (February 21)
• Estate Planning Webinar 2/21 & 2/23 (February 21)
• GFWC Woman's Club of Clearwater Annual Fashion show fundraiser (February 26)
• Fashion show IDC BIG TICKET RAFFLE (February 26)
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Announcements:

• Axes and O's Valentines Day Axe Throwing Event (Details)
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Loving the Dunedin Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business showcased in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at Dunedin@Patch.com

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.