🌱 Hot Mess Comedy Show + Shuttle Pilot Program + Off The Dome Party

Hello, neighbors! It's Kristen, your host of the Dunedin Daily — back in your inbox with insight into what's happening in town this weekend. Let's get to it...

First, today's weather:

An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 92 Low: 77.

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Here are the top five stories today in Dunedin:

1. Dunedin city commissioners are working on a fixed-route shuttle service designed to help people get around town and alleviate parking shortages. They have taken the initial steps towards launching a six-month pilot program that is expected to include up to three vehicles operating 10 hours a day. During the pilot program, they will determine the most efficient routes, determine operational costs, seek out sponsors and funding opportunities, and estimate income and expenses. The service would be fully funded by Dunedin's share of the federal American Rescue Plan Act, however, expenses will decrease if sponsorships are acquired and the pilot program is successful. (Tampa Bay Newspapers)
2. Off the Dome, a freestyle hip-hop open mic night founded in Dunedin is celebrating its 10-year anniversary next week. Founded by Jon "Ditty" Diddier in 2012, the event started in a storage room at Dunedin House of Beer. It has since relocated and the event is now held every Wednesday between 9 p.m. and midnight at Blur Nightclub. Diddier will host the anniversary party on July 27 at Blur Nightclub between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. The event is free to attend. (Creative Loafing Tampa)
3. Dunedin resident Kathy Watson's recent home project has cost her more than she anticipated after hiring an unlicensed contractor. Watson hired Brent Irving of Irving Home Improvements to upgrade a shed in her yard to a "she-shed" after seeing an ad for his services on Nextdoor. While she checked his references, she neglected to check his license or whether he pulled a permit with the city of Dunedin to execute the project. Watson was later forced to tear down the entire structure, leaving her with less than she started out with. She sued Irving in small claims court and won a $4,864 judgment, but hasn’t received any of that money. (Newsbreak)
4. Interested in hosting an international student? Twinn Palms Homestay Services is looking for families in the area to host international high school students! Those accepted into the program will receive a generous stipend and support from the program coordinator. You don't need to have children to participate! Click the link to learn more about the program and how to apply. (Dunedin Patch)
5. In need of a laugh? The award-winning "Best of the Bay" Hot Mess Show is coming to Dunedin Brewery on August 4 at 8 p.m. Watch as five comedians attempt to perform their comedy stand-up routine after eating wings doused with 5 million Scoville hot sauce. You won't want to miss this free show! (Liter Of Laughs via Facebook| Eventbrite)

Dunedin Daily Pic of the Day:

Thank you Suzy O'Keefe for submitting your favorite photo taken in the summer of 2018!

Today in Dunedin:

• Dunedin Downtown Market in the History Museum Parking Lot (9 p.m.)
• Cold Process Soap Workshop Mini Session at Jade Soap Shop (10 p.m.)
• Personal Safety and Threat Awareness Class at the Dunedin Community Center (2 p.m.)
• Encanto Experience at the Scottish American Society (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Don't forget to lock your car doors! Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reported several car burglaries last weekend in Dunedin and Seminole. Avoid this happening to you by keeping your vehicles locked, keeping everything with perceived value out of sight and not leaving firearms in your vehicle. (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Pinellas County is going green! They recently put two fully electric utility vans with a 126-mile range into service for County operations! The county is gradually replacing all gas-powered vehicles with electric vehicles, with plans to transition its entire light-duty vehicle fleet over the next 10 years. This year alone they've ordered six other fully electric vehicles, four hybrid bucket trucks and 24 electric golf carts for use in the parks. (Pinellas County Government via Facebook)
• Shelter dogs at SPCA Tampa Bay got a special treat on Friday! Check out the video they shared of Bruiser, one of their dogs up for adoption, enjoying some ice cream donated by Ben and Jerry's For Dogs! It was just what they needed on a hot summer day! (SPCA Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Did you know that the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force has a mobile app through tip411 that allows the public to help fight human trafficking? The app allows the public to communicate anonymously and in real-time with Task Force investigators. It’s available for free on both the iTunes and Google Play stores. (Pinellas County Government via Facebook | St. Pete Police Department)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (July 28)
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For sale:

• Tarot Card Readings and Intuitive Consultations with Nicole! One on One and / or Parties! (Details)
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Gigs & services:

• Host an International Student (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!