🌱 Driverless Shuttle Comeback + Smash Rooms Gain Popularity

Up and at 'em, Dunedin! Let's get you started this Saturday with everything you need to know going on today in Dunedin.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 80 Low: 65.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Dunedin:

1. Dunedin Parks & Recreation is offering free swim classes for kids ages three to 11. "Every Child a Swimmer" is a free program in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Dunedin teaching basic swim techniques to non-swimmers. Classes are 30-minutes and limited to 4 students per class. During class, each child must wear a proper bathing suit and the parent must be in the water with them. Registration is on April 14 between 4:00 and 6:30 PM at the Highlander Pool. The child must attend registration with their parent in person and wear a swimsuit to complete the assessment and initial swim test. Swim diapers are required for children who are not toilet-trained. Read the full article to learn more. (Dunedin Patch)
2. Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s driverless shuttle, AVA, will return to downtown Dunedin for a second run next month. The program will feature two shuttles that can hold up to 10 passengers, along with a vehicle attendant. Service in the downtown area is expected to run Wednesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The shuttle’s route will stretch from the former Ocean Optics parking lot at Main Street and Douglas Avenue to the Dunedin Library at 223 Douglas Ave. There will be a stop at Douglas Avenue and Scotland Street. This is an entirely different vehicle than the one tested out last year as enhanced safety protocols have been introduced. Read the full article to learn more about AVA's new features. (TBN Weekly)
3. Smash rooms are becoming the go-to places to release pent-up pandemic frustrations, including Hammer Freaks in Dunedin. Owner Danielle Duffy said it didn’t take much prodding to convince her hesitant husband, Warren, to get on board with her idea to bring a rage room to downtown Dunedin. “He’s an attorney and he’s very practical so at first, he told me no, it’s not a good idea, it’s not safe, I don’t like it,” Duffy recalled. “So, I brought him out to the garage and put a hammer in his hand, pointed him to a pile, and said, ‘break some stuff!’ And that’s all it took!” Hammer Freaks is located at 1344 Main Street in downtown Dunedin. (Tampa Bay Newspapers)

Today in Dunedin:

• Dunedin Downtown Market at Pioneer Park (9:00 AM)
• Dunedin Youth Guild's Annual Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show at the Dunedin Community Center (11:00 AM)
• Piper on the Pier on the downtown marina (6:00 PM)
• New World Celt’s Scotch Whiskey Tasting at the Dunedin Golf Club (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Did you miss St. Patrick's Day celebrations along Main Street on Thursday? The City of Dunedin has shared some photos of the best-dressed attendees on its social media pages that you won't want to miss! (Facebook)
• The City of Dunedin is currently looking for a new member to join the Board of Finance. Those interested can apply online. (Dunedin Gov)
• Planning to see the Toronto Blue Jays at the TD Ballpark for their Spring Training this season? Parking is free at the Gateway and fans can park and be shuttled to and from the ballpark. Learn more about your parking options online. (Facebook | Parking Options)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right! I'll see you soon.