🌱 Festival Promotes Sustainability + Free Composting Course

Hey, neighbors! It's me again, Kristen, your host of the Dunedin Daily.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and breezy. High: 79 Low: 65.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Dunedin:

1. The 2nd Annual Hope Spot Festival brought dozens of brands and organizations to Dunedin on Saturday offering information and products on sustainability and conservation. Held in Edgewater Park, the event attracted families, artists, environmentalists, and others interested in learning what they can do to reduce their impact on the world. Attendees got to upcycle old clothes at a tie-dye station, participate in yoga or dance classes, compete in a costume contest, and take photos with live mermaids. They also got to assist in the creation of a sculpture made out of the recovered trash, which the city plans to install in a local park. Read the full article to learn more about Dunedin's sustainability plans and how you can help. (Newsbreak)
2. Dunedin City commissioners recently discussed plans for various recreational projects to be funded by the $18.3 million the city received under the American Rescue Plan Act. Plans for more pickleball courts, the replacement of Highlander Pool, and the Dunedin Golf Club spurred a lot of dialogue, including comments from the public. So far, $4 million has been proposed for golf course work, and $400,000 has been proposed for developing six pickleball courts. There was a dispute over the proposal for $7 million to update the Highlander pool. "The $7 million discussed will only be enough for a basic pool," Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski said. "It's not giving the things we want to see, not even close." She estimates the cost for the new aquatic center will be closer to $10 million. (TBN Weekly)
3. The City of Dunedin is offering an online course for anyone interested in learning how to compost food waste and make garden soil healthier. Dunedin Does Compost! is a free video anyone can watch that will also teach viewers how to reduce their environmental footprint. The city invites you to join the Dunedin backyard composting movement by taking the online course. Dunedin residents who complete the course, pass a short quiz, and fill out a request form may receive a free compost bin. (Facebook | Dunedin Gov)

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Today in Dunedin:

• Dance and Concert at the Hale Senior Activity Center (3:00 PM)
• Fly casting practice with Captain Court Douthit at Soggy Bottom Brewery (6:00 PM)
• Snack-A-Pack event at HOB Brewing (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Have you seen roadwork along the Causeway Blvd in Dunedin? The Pinellas County Government wants to inform the public that crews are making sure the curb ramps are in compliance with ADA standards before the scheduled resurfacing of the roadway. Maintenance was performed on the drainage structures to make them safer for the workers to access. They've shared photos for the public on their social media accounts. (Facebook)
• The City of Dunedin is hosting a dance and concert today at 3:00 PM at the Hale Senior Activity Center. The event will include dancing and an 18-piece band featuring the music of Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, and the best from the '40s to the '90s. Tickets are $5 per person. (Facebook | Dunedin Gov)
• The Dunedin Give Back is asking for donations of 27-gallon plastic bins to help assist their efforts. They're also hosting a Snack-A-Pack event tonight at 7:00 PM at HOB Brewing. Consider helping by donating healthy, pre-packaged, single-serving, ready-to-eat snacks. See the website for a list of recommended items. (Facebook | Dunedin Give Back)
• Dunedin High School invites 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students and their parents to participate in a free webinar by Florida Shines on how to prepare for college. The webinar will be held Thursday, February 17 at 6:00 PM. Register online now. (Facebook | Florida Shines)

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Featured businesses:

• Hope Grove Co-Work & Care — (Visit website)
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• Tarot Card Readings with Nicole —
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Events:

• Fly casting practice with Captain Court Douthit (February 16)
• Full Moon Sound Bath & Mystic Mediation (February 16)
• 4 Part Retirement Planning Webinar Series 2/17 - 3/12 (February 17)
• Day Drinking with Marcus - LIVE MUSIC (February 19)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 19)
• Monopoly Tournament (February 19)
• FOOD TRUCK EVENT with Marek's Kielbasa and Pierogi at BEACH ISLAND BREWERY (February 19)
• Social Security Webinar 2/21 & 2/23 (February 21)
• Estate Planning Webinar 2/21 & 2/23 (February 21)
• Kick in the Grass Food & Music Festival (February 21)
• Social Security Webinar (February 22)
• Social Security Seminar AM & PM (February 23)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar 2/22 & 2/24 (February 24)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar 2/25 & 3/3 (February 25)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
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For sale:

• Tarot Card Readings with Nicole, Private and/or Parties (Details)
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That's it for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!