🌱 First LGBTQ Bar + Willie Nelson's Birthday + Ale Supports Autism

Hello all! It's Kristen, your host of the Dunedin Patch newsletter. Let's get this Wednesday started off right with a quick guide to the most important things going on in town, including updates on...

• How to get free local museum passes.
• The '80s bar responsible for Dunedin's bustling nightlife.
• Where to celebrate Willie Nelson's 90th birthday.

But first, today's weather: Some sun, then turning cloudy. High: 85 Low: 71.

Shoutout to our premier local sponsor:

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Dunedin:

1. Did you know that in the '70s, Downtown Dunedin was hardly what it is today? Most of the stores only offered everyday items or were empty before a local bar owner made a business decision that helped develop the area. In 1984, Dennis Dallape rebranded his bar, Dallape’s, as a gay bar, significantly increasing its popularity. Located where Blur Nightclub is today, Dallape saw lines down the block as people came from all over to enjoy a night out at Dunedin's first LGBTQ bar. “I don’t think Dunedin would be the same without those folks,” Mayor Julie Bujalski told Tampa Bay Times. Many people credit Dallape's for Dunedin's now bustling nightlife. (Tampa Bay Times - Subscription Required)
2. 7venth Sun Brewing is throwing an epic celebration in honor of Willie Nelson's 90th birthday on April 29 between 7 and 9 p.m. The event will include cake, party favors, and an exclusive Willie & Waylon dance party! Guests are encouraged to attend wearing their hair in braided pigtails, a bandana, and anything else that screams "Willie Nelson." A life-sized cardboard cutout of the man himself will be available for photos. (7venth Sun Brewing via Facebook)
3. Dunedin House of Beer is hosting a special event for the release of Inspired Ale, a limited-edition brew made by Commerce Brewing in Largo. The event is scheduled for April 29 between 2 and 6 p.m. All proceeds will be donated to the Autism Inspired Academy, whose principal will be at the event to share how the school empowers children with autism to thrive. In fact, the artwork on the can was designed by one of AIA’s students, Aaden G! Stop by to enjoy a fresh brew and support a great cause. Guests will also have the chance to enter for raffle prizes. (Dunedin House of Beer via Facebook)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Kristina Calamusa, for sharing this awesome photo of vintage cars hanging out on 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:

• Senior Counseling at the Hale Senior Activity Center (9:30 a.m.)
• Community Vendor Fair at Mease Life (11 a.m.)
• Halfway to Halloween at Cueni Brewing Co. (3 p.m.)
• Tech Time at the Hale Senior Activity Center (3 p.m.)
• Cold Process Soap Workshop at Jade Soap Shop (6 p.m.)
• Sunset Sisters Circle on the Dunedin Causeway (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Did you know your library card can get you free passes to local museums? Simply see a library staff member to learn how to check out up to two museum passes. Participating establishments include the Dunedin History Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, and more. Learn more about the program here. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Pinellas County Government reminds residents that the trails are for everyone to enjoy. When using the Pinellas Trail, keep your pets close and on a leash no greater than 6 feet long. (Pinellas County Government via Facebook)
• Do you like the Grateful Dead? Then you won't want to miss Dead Set Florida performing some of the Grateful Dead's greatest hits on April 28 between 9 p.m. and midnight at the Dunedin Brewery! (Dead Set Florida via Facebook)
• Looking for a local fitness class? Join Angelique Dabney's Beach Boot Camp on April 29 at 9 a.m. at High & Dry Grill. The class is great for all fitness levels and offers functional training circuits "with a Wicked FIT Corp twist." (Angelique Dabney via Facebook)

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That's it for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update!