🌱 Holiday City Closures + A Message From The Sustainability Elf

Happy Saturday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 80 Low: 70.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. The City Of Dunedin released city closures for the upcoming holiday season. City buildings, including the public library, will be closed from Friday, December 24 to Monday, December 27 in recognition of Christmas. They will also be closed from Friday, December 31 to Sunday, January 2 in celebration of the New Year. Garbage pick-up will run as scheduled except for Christmas and New Years Day. (Press Release Desk)
2. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 79 percent of inpatient beds were occupied across the United States as of December 16. About 1 out of every 10 of those beds are occupied by a COVID-19 patient. Dunedin ICUs are at or close to capacity, with Baycare Alliant Hospital at 100 percent and Mease Dunedin Hospital at 89.5 percent. These percentages are only high because there are so few beds in these hospitals, and nearby larger facilities have much more capacity for new patients. There's no data yet on whether any of these beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients. (Dunedin Patch)
3. Natalie, the Sustainability Elf, has some suggestions for how to stay off the recycling naughty list. This holiday season, remember to recycle your wrapping paper, as long as it isn't sparkly, gift boxes, and cards. Never recycle your holiday lights or decorations, plastic bubble wrap, hangers, plastic bags, ribbons or bows, or your Christmas tree. (Dunedin Gov)

Today in Dunedin:

• National Wreaths Across America Day at the Historic Dunedin Municipal Cemetery (12:00 PM)
• Dunedin Goes Carting Neighborhood Light Tour at the VFW (5:00 PM)
• Piper on the Pier at the Marina (Sunset)

From my notebook:

• Pinellas County Schools would like to wish you and your family a safe and relaxing winter break. As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed through January 3, and school resumes for students on January 4. (Facebook)
• Expect road closures on Sunday, December 19 as The Suncoast Brotherhood Toy Run will be taking place. The run will start and end at the American Legion Post 275 on Wilson Street. Road closures will take place between 7:30 AM and 6:00 PM. A road closure map is available online. (Facebook)
• The Dunedin Chamber of Commerce wants to remind locals that the Dunedin Goes Carting: Christmas Golf Cart Cruise is this Saturday, December 18. Those participating should arrive at the VFW at 5:00 PM to participate in pre-cruise activities. Take-off is at 7:30 PM. (Facebook)
• The Dunedin Stirling Soccer Club is taking a poll for Free Movie Night on December 21, and so far Home Alone is in the lead. Vote and hold your place at the event online now. (Facebook)
• Sunday the Dunedin Concert Band presents "The Big Christmas Concert." The afternoon concert will feature uplifting Christmas music from the classics to today's modern hits. (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!