🌱 Director Of Public Works + Ride For Ali + Maestro's Choice Concert

Hello, neighbors! I'm here with your fresh copy of the Dunedin Patch newsletter, filled with all of the local news you need to know right now. Including updates on...

• Vendor spaces still available at the HOB Brewing Music & Craft Beer Festival
• The City of Dunedin's new director of Public Works
• Bikers invited to the Second Annual "Ride For Ali" Bikeathon for pediatric cancer

But first, today's weather: Breezy in the afternoon. High: 81 Low: 67.

Shoutout to our premier local sponsor:

Have friends, neighbors, or relatives with limited mobility? Invite them to take a leisurely rickshaw ride around Dunedin. Joy Rides tours feature many unique and wonderful things on display in our community. Rides are offered Monday or Wednesday mornings at 10 or 11. To reserve a Monday morning ride at the Hale Activity Center, call the front desk at 727-298-3299. To schedule a Wednesday morning ride at First Presbyterian Church, call the church office at 727-733-2318. Click here for more info.

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

Here are the top 3 stories today in Dunedin:

1. The City of Dunedin has appointed a new director of Public Works. According to the press release, Sue Bartlett is a "seasoned leader" with experience overseeing government organizations and environmental operations. City Manager Jennifer K. Bramley praised Bartlett in a statement saying, "Sue originally joined the City of Dunedin as the interim director of Public Works when that position became vacant in September 2022. Since that time, I have been impressed with Sue’s extensive knowledge of all things Public Works, her professionalism, and her interpersonal skills... A national search will not result in a better candidate for this position." As the Director of Public Works, Bartlett will oversee Fleet Services, Public Services, and Solid Waste & Recycling. (Dunedin Patch)
2. The Ali Spears Foundation is holding its Second Annual "Ride For Ali" Bikeathon for pediatric cancer on Feb. 25 at 8 a.m. Last year, local Sofia organized a bikeathon in honor of what would have been her friend Ali Spears' 16th birthday. The girls met as kids in Girl Scouts and quickly became friends. Unfortunately, Ali had Acute Myeloid Leukemia and passed away in 2019. The bikeathon in honor of Ali helps raise money for children with pediatric cancer, and this year, bikers are invited to participate! Participants will meet at The Sponge Exchange in Tarpon Springs and bike along the Pinellas Trail to Palm Pavilion Grill & Bar in Clearwater Beach. There will be a pit stop along the way at Kafe Racer in Dunedin. Head to the foundation's website to learn more about how you can donate or participate. (Ali Spears Foundation via Facebook)
3. The Dunedin Community Chorus will host a "Maestro's Choice" Community Concert on Feb. 26 at 3 p.m. in the Dunedin Community Center. Unlike other concerts that usually have a theme, this concert will feature songs handpicked by the "Maestro." According to event details, guests can expect to hear a wide variety of songs from Broadway, movies, and pop culture. "Anything goes when the 'Maestro' is let loose." Donations are welcome, but this event is free to attend. (Dunedin Gov)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you so much, Norma Scheele, for sharing some more photos from the Mardi Gras parade! I'm loving these! Here's another:

If you have photos from Mardi Gras or the Blue Jays Celebration you'd like to share, submit them 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:

• Alzheimer Caregiver Support Group at the Hale Senior Activity Center (10 a.m.)
• Joy Rides Dunedin at the First Presbyterian Church (10 a.m.)
• Line Dance - Experienced at the Hale Senior Activity Center (10:30 a.m.)
• Marina Rate Study Community Input Meeting at the Dunedin Public Library (6 p.m.)
• Friends' Night At The Theatre Fundraiser at the Francis Wilson Playhouse (6:30 p.m.)
• Punk and Hardcore Music Trivia at Caledonia Brewing (7:30 p.m.)
• Freestyle Hip-Hop Open Mic at Blur Nightclub (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• There are still a few vendor spaces available at the HOB Brewing Music & Craft Beer Festival on March 3 and March 4 in Edgewater Park. Vendors receive a 10x10 space for two days starting at $200. (AMG Group Music Events via Facebook)
• Evergreen Plant Experience, a Dunedin greenhouse, is now offering shopping appointments. Anyone interested in shopping in person can schedule an appointment, take a tour of the nursery, and handpick some plants. (Evergreen Plant Experience via Facebook)
• The City of Dunedin reminds residents not to dump grass clippings, pet waste, oils, chemicals, or trash into storm drains. These structures are only designed to hold rainwater, and Aal storm drains lead to a major body of water. (Dunedin Gov)
• Pinellas County Government estimates that irrigation systems account for up to 60 percent of a home's water use. If you're interested in lowering your bills by upgrading your irrigation system with water-conserving micro irrigation, you may qualify for a $2,000 rebate from the county. Learn more and how to apply here. (Pinellas County Government via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Friends' Night At The Theatre (February 22)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 23)
• Cirque Ma'Ceo is coming to Pinellas Park! (February 24)
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• Photoshop Help Needed (Details)
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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.