🌱 Hope Spot Festival + Local Tiki Rides Hours + Law Enforcement Day

Hi all. It's Kristen, your host of the Dunedin Daily — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days. Including updates on...

• Tours of TD Ballpark are back
• This year's Blue-Green Connections Hope Spot Festival
• Local Tiki Rides has new hours

Now, today's weather:

Times of sun and clouds. High: 68 Low: 51.

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Here are the top stories today in Dunedin:

1. This year's Blue-Green Connections Hope Spot Festival is scheduled for Feb. 11 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in Edgewater Park. The eco-friendly event will feature various kid-friendly activities, live music, games, community art, food and drinks, and so much more. Some activities attendees can expect include an interactive activity exploring manatee conservation by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a hands-on sea turtle activity by The Florida Aquarium, and a tie-dye station by the Water Warrior Alliance. Guests can also participate in several guided activities, including yoga, tai chi, and hula hooping. Learn more about the event at the link, and be sure to save the date! (Hope Spot Festival)
2. Local Tiki Rides has changed its hours! Since their services aren't in high demand on Thursday nights, they've eliminated that option. They've also increased their Saturday hours, so those living in or visiting Dunedin can get a ride downtown for the weekly market, brunch, or to do some shopping. Local Tiki Rides will now be available on Fridays between 5 and 11 p.m., Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Saturdays between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. For those who aren't familiar with Local Tiki Rides, they offer rides from anywhere in Dunedin to the downtown area. Rides cost as much as you can afford, as they work for tips. Call or text 727-992-4174 to schedule a pickup! (Dunedin Patch)
3. In honor of National Law Enforcement Day, the City of Dunedin shared some fun facts about our police department. According to their Facebook post, in 1944, the Dunedin Police Department only consisted of a chief and two police officers! "The Dunedin Police Department continued to grow until October 1995, when the City began utilizing the services of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office." Check out their post for some photos! (City of Dunedin via Facebook)

Dunedin Daily Pic of the Day:

If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, learn more about commissioning a painting from Debbie here. Also, be sure to show your support by following her on Facebook and Instagram!

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:

• Yoga & Brews at HOB Brewing (6:30 p.m.)
• Dunedin Toastmasters meeting at Unity Community Church (7 p.m.)
• Screaming Orphans concert at the Scottish Cultural Center (7:30 p.m.)
• Game Night Live at Caledonia Brewing (7:30 p.m.)
• Hip-Hop Happy Hour at Reboot Dunedin (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Clear Sky Draught Haus is hosting a special beer pairing dinner featuring St. Bernardus on Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. The five-course meal comes with six different St. Bernardus beers that pair nicely with each course. Tickets are $80 and are available online here. (Clear Sky Draught Haus via Facebook)
• The Dunedin Music Society is looking for clarinet players of all skill levels interested in joining the Pinellas Community Clarinet Choir. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings, and the first performance is scheduled for Feb. 23. Learn more and how to register here. (Dunedin Music Society via Facebook)
• Shuri, a beautiful 11-year-old senior kitty, has been at SPCA Tampa Bay shelter waiting for her forever family for 92 days! According to the shelter, this sweet black cat "is an affectionate snuggle bug and wants nothing more than to retire to a nice comfy couch where she can get all of the attention she deserves." She has previously lived with other cats and dogs and would make the perfect addition to your furry family. Meet her and all of her friends at the SPCA Tampa Bay shelter today! (SPCA Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• The women's Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin is looking for new members to join in their volunteer efforts. If you're interested in making a difference in your community, consider stopping by their recruitment event on Jan. 14 between 2 and 4 p.m. at their headquarters on Bayshore Boulevard in Dunedin. (Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin via Facebook)
• Tours of TD Ballpark, home of the Dunedin Blue Jays, are starting up again on Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. Tours are available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning until Feb. 13. Reserve your tickets online now. (Dunedin Blue Jays via Facebook)
• Looking for an excuse to put on your dancing shoes? She's That Dude, an energetic local band, is playing on Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. on the patio at Blur! (She's That Dude via Facebook)

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

• 5th Annual Dunedin International Film Festival (January 12)
• St Pete Bacon & BBQ Festival (January 14)
• Creative Artist Guild of Dunedin Art in the Park (January 15)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (January 16)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!