🌱 Kids Fair With Blue Jays + Learn About Reptiles + Opera Concert

Good morning, neighbors! It's Kristen, your host of the Dunedin Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town. In today's issue, you'll find these stories and more...

• Kids can meet Blue Jays players at an upcoming fair.
• Snakes and Stuff seminar on the reptiles and amphibians of Honeymoon Island.
• Man behind "mysterious phenomenon" in Tampa Bay revealed.

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Now, today's weather: Rather cloudy. High: 82 Low: 72.

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Here are the top 4 stories in Dunedin today:

1. The Dunedin–Clearwater Elks Lodge is sponsoring a Kids Fair on April 29 between noon and 2 p.m. Guests will have the chance to have a free hot dog lunch and meet the Dunedin Blue Jays! Take pictures with some of the players and the Blue Jays mascot as well. Each parent and child between two and 12 will receive a free ticket to the team's May 13 game. The event will also offer information on several programs for kids and an appearance by the Amazing Richie Balloon Man. (Dunedin-Clearwater Elks Lodge via Facebook | Dunedin Patch)
2. Friends of the Island Parks is offering a Snakes and Stuff seminar on the reptiles and amphibians of Honeymoon Island on April 30 at 1 p.m. Led by Park Ranger Tim Marshall, guests will learn about the snakes, turtles, lizards, anoles, geckos, skinks, frogs, and toads that inhabit our area. Those interested can purchase tickets online here or in the Nature Center. Participants will meet at the Rotary Centennial Nature Center at Honeymoon Island State Park. (Friends of the Island Parks via Facebook)
3. Opera for Earth presents "Love & Gelato" on May 6 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Dunedin. The concert will feature performances by artists Jodi Karem and Nicholas Simpson, who will sing some of the most famous and beautiful duets from the operatic and musical theater repertoire. The audience will be kept in the know about the stories, characters, and drama throughout their performance. Tickets can be purchased at the door. (Dunedin Patch)
4. Have you ever heard of the "mysterious phenomenon" that occurred in the Tampa Bay area throughout the late '70s and early '80s, during which trees were mysteriously planted in the middle of the night? Local William Moriaty eventually admitted he and several dozen volunteers were behind the phenomenon after being busted in 1983. “I could plant trees," Moriaty said. "But I didn’t want to deal with the bureaucracy it would take to plant them.” He went legit after getting caught, forming the Tampa Bay Reforestation and Environmental Effort. The organization has been responsible for planting over 30,000 trees since then. Read more about Moriaty's interesting story at the link. (Tampa Bay Times)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Love this photo captured by Krys Woods on Honeymoon Island!

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:

• Woodcarving, Wood Burning & Folk Art Painting at the Hale Senior Activity Center (9 a.m.)
• Laughter Wellness Seminar at the Hale Senior Activity Center (10 a.m.)
• Stay & Play Peeps Painting in Weaver Park (10:20 a.m.)
• Sushi Roll Showdown at Cueni Brewing Co. (4 p.m.)
• Singles Walk or Run Meetup on the Dunedin Causeway (6:30 p.m.)
• Game Night at Caledonia Brewing (7:30 p.m.)

Inspired by Dunedin:

Congratulations to local artist Debbie Lewis who was awarded the title Best Local Flavor at Studio 1212's "Beyond Limits" exhibit reception over the weekend!

From my notebook:

• The City of Dunedin shared they're improving the crosswalks on Edgewater Drive and Causeway Boulevard, causing the temporary closure of one lane of traffic. Expect construction workers in the area on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The project began Monday, April 24, and is expected to be completed in five or six days. (Dunedin Gov)
• Remember the movie R.A.D.A.R.: The Bionic Dog starring Dean Cain that was filmed in Dunedin months ago? Well, the official trailer has been released! Check it out at the link. (Lionsgate Movies via YouTube)
• If you missed Wendy Barmore's Celebration of Life event over the weekend, the City of Dunedin shared a video highlight reel documenting some of the beautiful tributes made and music played. Wendy "was a Dunedin, Florida 'influencer' long before being an influencer was a real thing. She was so loved. She made such an impact on our community. We are forever grateful. She will never be forgotten." Click the link to see the video. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• If your child attends a public school in Pinellas County and will need bus transportation next year, take a moment to fill out this brief survey. The survey will allow the county to make its transportation system as efficient as possible for the upcoming school year. (Dunedin High School via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this fine Tuesday morning. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!