🌱 Harry Potter Watch And Play + DIFF Kicks Off + History Of DHS

Morning, everybody! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Dunedin Daily. Let's get this Friday started off right with a quick look at the most important things happening around town. Today's briefing includes updates on:

• City closures on Monday for MLK Jr. Day
• A Harry Potter themed Watch & Play event
• How to get tickets to Dunedin International Film Festival events

Now, today's weather:

Rain and a thunderstorm. High: 63 Low: 47. Will likely feel colder.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. Dunedin Parks & Recreation is hosting a Harry Potter themed Watch & Play event at 6 p.m. on Jan. 27 at the MLK Jr. Recreation Center. Families and kids of all ages are invited to catch a viewing of "Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone" and explore the outdoor playground. Upon arrival, kids will be sorted into their Hogwarts house! Attendees will also enjoy themed activities, carnival games, face painting, popcorn, s'mores, and so much more! Space is limited, so if you're interested, be sure to register online or in person as soon as possible. The cost is $10 per person. (Dunedin Gov)
2. The first night of the Dunedin International Film Festival kicked off Thursday with the documentary "Beacon City," a short documentary that "focuses on the creation and inspiration behind the Florida Gulf Coast Hope Spot and the person who inspired the creation of Hope Spots, Dunedin native, world-renowned oceanography and founder of Blue-Green Connections, Dr. Sylvia Earle." If you're looking for information about the film festival or want to buy tickets to any of the events, a temporary box office is set up in front of the Dunedin History Museum. Make sure to stop by and show your support for the event! (Dunedin Patch | Dunedin Film Festival via Facebook)
3. Did you know that Dunedin High School first opened in the fall of 1961? According to the Dunedin History Museum, the school had 767 students enrolled that year with 44 teachers on staff. "The school was comprised of a business department, a cafeteria, an administration building, an auditorium and a gymnasium." It was located where it is today, on Pinehurst Road. Some notable alumni they acknowledged include Florida's 46th Governor Ron DeSantis, Game of Thrones director David Nutter, actress and musician Lari White, and former NFL player Crawford Ker. Check out the picture shared on the museum's Facebook page! (Dunedin History Museum via Facebook)

Dunedin Daily Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Rick Lane, for sharing this incredible close up of Florida's wildlife! I am obsessed with the birds here in Florida, and this photo shows such incredible detail!

Want to see your Dunedin photo here? 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:

• Dunedin Downtown Market in Pioneer Park (9 a.m.)
• Free Family Fun Night at the Dunedin Fine Art Center (5 p.m.)
• Victoria Drive Sunset Stroll (5 p.m.)
• Dunedin Piper On The Pier at the Dunedin Marina (6 p.m.)
• An Evening in Casablanca, Morocco at the Church of Good Shepherd (6:30 p.m.)
• Free Showing of the film "Mission Blue" at TD Ballpark (7 p.m.)
• Rock with Music of the Legendary Sir Paul McCartney at Flanagans (8:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• All City of Dunedin facilities will be closed on Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will be no disruption to the garbage pickup schedule. (Dunedin Gov)
• Pinellas County's Cold Night Shelters have been activated for this weekend Jan. 13 and Jan 14. A cold front will cause it to feel like temperatures are in the high 30s. You can find a list of nearby Cold Night Shelters and other resources here. (Pinellas County Government via Facebook)
• Downtown Dunedin 2nd Fridays are back! Stop by the DDMA tent in front of the Dunedin History Museum to get your $10 wristband and enjoy live music, raffles, shopping discounts, wine and beer samples, and more! Wristbands are also available online here. (Dunedin Merchants via Facebook)
• Are you a certified teacher looking for a job? Pinellas County Schools is hosting a Virtual Interview Day on Jan. 25 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Those interested must register online here by Jan. 21. (Pinellas County Schools via Facebook)

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Featured businesses:

• DavisDNA & Family Research, Inc. — (Visit website)
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Events:

• The Market Marie (January 14th) (January 14)
• St Pete Bacon & BBQ Festival (January 14)
• Creative Artist Guild of Dunedin Art in the Park (January 15)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (January 16)
• Social Security Seminar at Palm Harbor Library (January 17)
• Gong Sound Immersion with GabrielNelson Sears (January 19)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!