🌱 Hurricane Debris Collection + PCS Makeup Days + Virtual Author Talk

Hey, everybody! It's Thursday in Dunedin, and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town. Today's issue includes news about:

• A blood drive downtown this weekend.
• Hurricane Idalia debris collection and disposal.
• Pinellas County schools' update on makeup days.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Studio 1212 Art Gallery

Visit Dunedin’s Studio 1212 Art Gallery — for two years in a row, named by Tampa Bay Magazine the best small art gallery cooperative for 2023

Since 1971, Studio 1212 – a non-profit art gallery owned and managed by an all-volunteer group of local, award-winning artists — has been a part of the creative community in the Dunedin area.

Here are a few things you can do at Studio 1212:

• Attend an exhibit of local artists (check out the schedule here)
• Get your own artwork critiqued for free by volunteer artists (on the first Saturday and third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.)
• Support local artists by buying their work – art prints, note cards and fine hand-crafted gift items – in the gift boutique
• Sign up for a workshop to expand and improve your own artistic abilities
• Join other local art lovers by becoming a benefactor of Studio 1212 (Learn more here.)

Studio 1212 is located at 234 Monroe St. in Downtown Dunedin and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit Studio 1212 — a part of the Dunedin area arts community for over 50 years.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Now, today's weather: Plenty of sunshine. High: 89 Low: 78.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Dunedin:

1. The City of Dunedin shared that they are working with contractors to collect and dispose of debris related to Hurricane Idalia. A more detailed schedule will be released later this week. If flood water entered your home, make sure to report damages by contacting Community Development at 727-298-3210. (Dunedin Gov)
2. Pinellas County schools don't need to use makeup days for the two days lost to Hurricane Idalia. The district set aside four dates as possible makeup days for situations like this, but the current school calendar does not fall below the state-mandated minimum time spent in classrooms. The four days remain as makeup days in case another storm leads to school closures during the 2023-24 school year. (Tampa Bay Times)
3. The Dunedin Public Library is hosting a Virtual Author Talk with New York Times bestselling author Adam Alter on Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. He will discuss his new book, "Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most," which offers a roadmap to help readers get unstuck when life is at a standstill. Alter's book offers insight and tips backed up by scientific studies, anecdotes, and interviews. Register for the event at the link. (Dunedin Public Library)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Max Brandt, for sharing this awesome photo taken over Labor Day Weekend!

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:

Thursday, September 7

• Raise the Roof for Hurricane Idalia Relief at Fenway Hotel (4 p.m.)
• DIY Night at The Ivory Palm (6 p.m.)
• Women's Divorce/Separation Support Group at Hope Grove (7 p.m.)
• Pride Bowling Night at Dunedin Lanes (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Wild flamingos have been spotted around Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands since the hurricane, making some very happy visitors! Check out a photo at the link. (Visit Dunedin Florida via Facebook)
• Stirling Art Studios & Gallery is hosting an art reception on Sept. 8 between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. The exhibit titled "A Universe in Bloom" will feature photography by Whittier Mikkelsen and acrylic paintings and pencil sketches by artist Will Redd! (Stirling Art Studios & Gallery via Facebook)
• Check out The Joint Chiefs at the Dunedin Brewery on Sept. 8 between 9 p.m. and midnight. The band will play a wide variety of funky original music and classic cover songs! (Dunedin Brewery via Facebook)
• Cueni Brewing Co. is hosting a blood drive on Sept. 9 between 2 and 7 p.m. in the Ocean Optics parking lot across from Casa Tina. All donors will receive a $20 eGift Card, a OneBlood gift, a free pint of beer, and a wellness checkup! (Cueni Brewing Co. via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• The Rare Plant Network PLANT SALE (September 9)
• 12th Annual End Of Summer Sale (September 9)
• Social Security Seminar at Countryside Recreation Center (September 12)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at East Lake Community Library (September 13)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening is Coming Direct to You! (September 14)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!