🌱 Downtown Sidewalk Restructure + DFAC President Retires + Tai Chi

Hello all! It's Kristen, your host of the Dunedin Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now. Today's briefing includes updates on...

• Dunedin Pride featured in Creative Loafing Tampa.
• DFAC president and CEO will retire in September.
• Tai Chi has grown in popularity in Dunedin.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Mai Tai Suites

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Now, today's weather: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm. High: 86 Low: 77.

Here are the top 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. City commissioners recently voted to approve the reconstruction of parts of the sidewalk along Main Street between Douglas Avenue and the Pinellas Trail. They will also restructure the sidewalks to improve drainage and be compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act. Construction will begin after July 4 and is estimated to take four months. Future phases of the project will include adding more shade, landscaping, and electrical outlets for more light fixtures. Learn more about the project at the link. (Tampa Bay Newspapers)
2. Dunedin Fine Art Center President and CEO George Ann Bissett has announced that she will be retiring in September after 19 years with the organization. “It is time for a new person to take the helm of this successful art center,” said Bissett. “When I joined the organization in 2005, local media heralded us as mighty but small. I’m proud of our accomplishments to build on DFAC’s strengths over the years.” Her efforts helped the DFAC expand significantly, turning it into the Dunedin staple it is today. (Dunedin Patch)
3. Tai Chi is growing in popularity in Dunedin as the Taoist Tai Chi Society is back in full strength since the pandemic. Their classes not only focus on physical fitness but also mental and spiritual health. According to Joe Crossfield, who started doing Tai Chi to reduce his back problems, the program offers a lot of camaraderie. “It’s very important to have a place they can come, kind of with like-minded people, who have a very positive outlook on life, everybody out there does,” said Crossfield. You can learn more about classes at taoisttaichi.org. (ABC Action News Tampa Bay)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Check out this beautiful photo taken by Dorothy Albero along the Dunedin Causeway!

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:

Saturday, June 17

• Free Pediatric Development Workshop at Nurture Chiropractic (9 a.m.)
• Bug Away Spray and Sunscreen Workshop at Jade Soap Shop (10 a.m.)
• Annual Puppy Pride Party at Dunedin Pet Supply (10 a.m.)
• Father’s Day Painting at Hope Grove School (11 a.m.)
• Dunedin Pride Gay-Lah at Achiva Credit Union Headquarters (6 p.m.)
• Putt Putt in the Park at TD Ballpark (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Congratulations to Dunedin Fire Station 61 for being nominated by AIA Florida architects as an outstanding example of public safety architecture in Florida! Show your support and vote for the station in the 2023 People's Choice competition at floridapeopleschoice.org. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Meet Hippo, a sweet 6-year-old pup who has been at the SPCA Tampa Bay shelter since March. According to the shelter, she's a sucker for cuddles, the doggy pool, and car rides. Her adoption fees have been waived, so be sure to stop by the shelter and meet her soon! (SPCA Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Dunedin Pride was recently featured in Creative Loafing Tampa! The spotlight summed up why Pride Week is so important to the LGBTQ+ community and shared a list of events in Dunedin. Check out the article at the link! (Creative Loafing Tampa)
• In case you missed the Hurricane Preparedness Expo, Pinellas County is hosting a Facebook Live event about hurricane preparedness on July 12 at 6 p.m. Attendees will hear from Pinellas County Emergency Management, Animal Services, and more on how to prepare for hurricane season. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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Featured events:

• Gallery of Fun Finds "Sip & Shop" (June 17)
• Pirate Brew Crawl Trolley (June 17)
• Free Dinner Seminar June 21 at Outback Steakhouse (June 21)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 22)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox next week with another update!