🌱 DHS Honors Employees + City Hall Update + Honeymoon Island Artist

Hello all. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Dunedin Daily, filled with all the community news you need to know right now. Including updates on...

• Manatee Awareness Month
• A new timeline for the completion of the new City Hall building
• The next guest artist at the Honeymoon Island Nature Center

But first, today's weather:

Warmer with clouds and sun. High: 82 Low: 72.

Here's to the great local businesses who sponsor this newsletter. Check out what they can do for you:

• Want to support local artists in Dunedin? Studio 1212 Art Gallery was voted the best small art gallery cooperative for 2022 by Tampa Bay Magazine. Managed by award-winning area artists, this non-profit gallery features original artwork and prints, and has a popular boutique of fine hand-crafted gift items. Stop by 234 Monroe Street, 11am - 3pm Wednesday to Sunday or visit studio1212.org to shop and to see exhibition schedules. Support local artists by becoming a Patron of Studio 1212 here.

• We all know Dunedin is a great place to visit. And we love it when our friends and family come to town. We just don't always want them to actually stay in our homes. But how do we get that across without sounding, you know, a little rude…?Here's an idea: strongly suggest they stay at the Mai Tai Suites. Owners John and Karen Bickford offer fully furnished 850 square foot 2-bed, 1-bath suites for less than the price of a hotel.Mai Tai Suites is located off the Dunedin Causeway and is surrounded by St. Joseph's Sound. It's convenient to Clearwater Beach and Downtown Dunedin. It's also dog-friendly (with no pet fee), and offers a free guest pass to nearby Honeymoon Island State Park.Invite all your friends and family to visit Dunedin — and tell them to book their rooms at Mai Tai Suites today.

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Here are the top stories in Dunedin today:

1. In celebration of Thanksgiving, Dunedin High School is honoring alumni who have chosen to give back to their community by working at DHS. To kick off the festivities, they interviewed Mrs. Matthews, School Counselor for juniors (last name M-Z) and seniors. Here's the full interview:
   Mrs. Matthews, What were you involved in at DHS?
   I was captain of the cheerleading and swim team and was also a part of the choral program. I sang the national anthem at my graduation!
   What was our favorite memory at DHS?
   Performing Les Miserables and placing at States for swimming were definitely up there, but my favorite was being awarded the Senior Class Scholar/Athlete award.
   Where did you go to college?
   I went to the University of Florida for undergraduate and graduate school. Go Gators!
   What is the most interesting thing you have ever done?
   I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, which was spectacular!
   What is your favorite thing about working at DHS?
   Giving back to the community and helping students get the most of their high school experience. (Dunedin High School via Facebook)
2. Dunedin City Manager Jennifer Bramley offered some updates on top city issues, including the effects of Hurricane Ian, the 2023 budget, and the cybersecurity incident. She also revealed that construction on the new City Hall building has been delayed due to "a combination of subcontractor labor and supply chain issues." They estimate construction will be finished by the end of the year. In addition to the new building, the construction will provide more than 200 parking spaces for people visiting the downtown area, including four electric vehicle charging stations. Once construction is complete, the city will host an open house event with entertainment, light refreshments, and tours of the building. (YouTube)
3. Local artist Rebecca Hallstrom has been selected to be the next guest artist at the Honeymoon Island Nature Center. Stop by to check out her canvas and metal prints, or do some holiday shopping by browsing her handmade holiday ornaments, 2023 calendars, tote bags, hand-painted hip bags, and hand-painted hats available starting Nov. 18. A reception is scheduled for Nov. 26 between 2 and 4:30 p.m. where attendees can enjoy refreshments and appetizers and meet the artist. (Friends of the Island Parks via Facebook)

Dunedin Daily Pic of the Day:

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Today in Dunedin:

• Internet Scams Seminar at the Hale Senior Activity Center (10 a.m.)
• Coastal Ornament Workshop at the Institute For Creative Arts (4 p.m.)
• Painting Winter Trees on Wood or Canvas at HOB (6 p.m.)
• A 2nd Chance Tuesday with Dee Kilgo at the Dunedin Fine Art Center (6:30 p.m.)
• Dunedin Toastmasters meeting at Unity Community Church (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Pinellas County Schools have announced that the application period for prekindergarten and voluntary prekindergarten will open early this year. You can submit your application online between Nov. 28 and Dec. 14. (Pinellas County Schools via Facebook)
• Meet Zero, a one-year-old pup up for adoption by Pinellas County Animal Services. According to the shelter, Zero is "a spunky Beauty Queen with a heart that matches ‘dem ears!!" Appearing to be half bunny rabbit, Zero loves to look for squirrels, play fetch, share her snacks, and take time out of the day for pets. Visit this big-eared beauty and all of her friends at the shelter today and take one of these adorable creatures home! (Pinellas County Animal Services via Facebook)
• The City of Dunedin reminds residents of its Intergenerational Drum Circle sessions on Mondays between 2 and 4 p.m. at the Hale Senior Activity Center. Those of all abilities and ages are welcome to participate in this "fun and magical music experience!" Bring your own drum or use one of the provided drums. Learn more and register on the city's website. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Did you know that November is Manatee Awareness Month? According to the City of Dunedin, former Florida Governor Bob Graham declared November as Manatee Awareness month in 1979. The year marks when Florida first became dedicated to manatee conversation and began designating manatee protection zones in areas where manatees gather during the winter. Manatees return to Florida’s warmer waters typically in November. Learn more about manatees here. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Dunedin Cares has partnered with Dunedin Fire Rescue to collect items for its Holiday Food Drive. You can drop off your non-perishable donations at Stations 60, 61, and 62 now through Dec. 16. (Dunedin Cares via Facebook)
• Don't feel like cooking this Thanksgiving? The Dunedin Smokehouse is taking orders for its Thanksgiving Food Packs that feed up to 12 people. Call them to make your order! (The Dunedin Smokehouse via Facebook)
• If you're all set for Thanksgiving dinner but need some appetizers for your guests to enjoy, Frenchy's Stone Crab & Seafood Market has some delicious-looking platters available. Call them at 727-250-4126 to order. (Frenchy's Stone Crab & Seafood Market via Facebook)

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Events:

• Merry Martini (November 19)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!