🌱 Downtown Street Party + Stone Crab Festival + Hoax Shooter Reports

Hi all! Kristen here with your Thursday edition of the Dunedin Daily, full of all the community news you need to know right now. In today's issue, you'll read about these stories and more...

• Dia de los Muertos street party offers live music and family-friendly activities
• An update on the active shooter calls around Florida on Tuesday
• Kids and parents celebrated National Walk To School Day

But first, today's weather:

Humid; a morning thunderstorm. High: 82 Low: 71.

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Here are the top 4 stories today in Dunedin:

1. School is out on Oct. 17, but that doesn't mean kids should be stuck at home. Consider signing them up to spend the day with the city's Rec Staff between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the MLK Jr. Recreation Center. There are two program options to choose from. The first offers traditional games, crafts, and activities for kids in VPK through fifth grade. A second option offers Fit Kids sports and fitness activities for kids in second through fifth grade. Those interested can register by Oct. 14 to receive a $10 discount. Register in person at the Dunedin Community Center or MLK Jr. Recreation Center. Registration must be made in person at the Dunedin Community Center or MLK Rec Center. Payment must be made with cash or check. (City of Dunedin via Facebook | Dunedin Gov)
2. Casa Tina's annual Dia de los Muertos street party is scheduled for Oct. 23 in front of the restaurant between 4 and 10 p.m. The event includes a mini theatre adaptation of the movie "Coco," dancing, and live music. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best Dia de Los Muertos attire and consider participating in the costume contests for both kids and adults. End the night by marching in a beautiful candlelit procession led by the incredible Casa Tina's Bateria drum line. Expect road closures in the area from 6 a.m. on Oct. 23 to 7 a.m. on Oct. 24. (Dunedin Gov)
3. This year's Stone Crab Festival, hosted by Old Bay Café, is scheduled for Oct. 21 between 4 and 10 p.m. and Oct. 22 between noon and 10 p.m. As always, satisfy your stone crab craving with a mound of claws, amazing craft beer, cocktails, and live music! The event will be held at Edgewater Park and Olde Bay Café. (Dunedin Gov)
4. Active shooter reports in Pinellas County on Tuesday were determined to be a hoax. Calls were made reporting a shooter at more than 16 schools in Florida, including Pinellas Park High School and St. Petersburg Catholic High School. It may be a coincidence, but the calls were made as attorneys delivered closing arguments in the penalty phase of the trial of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooter Nikolas Cruz in Broward County. We will likely learn more as the investigation continues. (Dunedin Patch)

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Dunedin Daily Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Jill Isaacson, for sharing this photo of some awesome Halloween decorations in Dunedin!

I'm still looking for some Halloween photo submissions! 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:

• Milk & Shea Cold Process Soap Making Workshop at Jade Soap Shop (10 a.m.)
• Virtual Author Talk with author Aziz Gazipura (4 p.m.)
• FAFSA Night at Dunedin High School (5 p.m.)
• OLL Fall Festival at Our Lady of Lourdes (5 p.m.)
• Halloween Paint & Sip Party at Sea Sea Riders (6 p.m.)
• Music Trivia at Caledonia Brewing (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Dunedin schools, City Commissioners, and Dunedin Fire Rescue joined students, parents, and teachers on Wednesday on their walk to school. National Walk To School Day is recognized nationally and promotes the health benefits of walking and biking to school. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Meet Gritt, an adorable pup available for adoption through Pinellas County Animal Services in Largo! In honor of Adopt A Shelter Dog Month, all adoption fees for dogs and cats are waived through Oct. 31! (Pinellas County Animal Services via Facebook | Pinellas County Animal Services)
• Did you know that mosquitoes only need a bottle cap of water to breed? Pinellas County asks that you help stop mosquitoes from breeding by dumping standing water in your yard after it rains. Check flowerpots, bird baths, and clogged gutters regularly. You can read more tips on the county's website! (Pinellas County Government via Facebook)
• The Rotary Club of Dunedin North's Cornhole Tournament is just around the corner! Don't forget to register your team and share the event before spots are sold out. (Rotary Club of Dunedin North via Facebook)
• In need of some fresh plants and flowers? The Dunedin Garden Club is holding a Plant Sale on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in Eagle Scout Park. (Dunedin Gov)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update!