🌱 Learn Karate Techniques + Play Pickleball With Other Locals

Happy Friday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in Dunedin today.

First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and humid. High: 74 Low: 61.

Shoutout to our premier local sponsor:

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Here are the top 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. Dunedin Parks & Recreation is now offering Pickleball three days a week at the MLK, Jr. Recreation Center for residents 18 and older. Pickleball has recently grown in popularity. It's described as a cross between badminton, tennis, and ping-pong and is played with a paddle and a whiffle ball. Games will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays between 2:00 and 4:00 PM, and Saturdays between 12:00 and 3:00 PM. (Dunedin Patch)
2. A new Okinawan Family Karate program will be held at the MLK, Jr. Recreation Center to promote fitness and self-discipline through karate and grappling techniques. The family-friendly program has been organized by Dunedin Parks & Recreation for those looking interested in learning the fundamentals and practicing the stances, blocks, strikes, and how to use various training equipment. The family-friendly program will be taught by a highly experienced trainer and is recommended for those six years and older. (Dunedin Patch)
3. The Downtown Dunedin Merchants Association is preparing for the 30th annual Mardi Gras celebration scheduled for February 26 at 2:00 PM. The event will feature food, drinks, music, and a parade with more than 50 unique colorful floats. A fourth stage has been added this year, where bands like Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, Jazz Phools, T-Bone Hamilton’s Big Easy Revue, and T Broussard will perform. The event is free, however, VIP ticket options are available online. (Tampa Bay Newspapers)

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Today in Dunedin:

• Dunedin Downtown Market in Pioneer Park (9:00 AM)
• Live Music at the Dunedin Smokehouse (7:00 PM)
• Live Music with Jamie at Beach Island Brewery (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Dunedin High School students are one of eight national finalists in Arby's 3DE National Case Challenge, beating hundreds of other schools. For the competition, Mr. Kippen's 9th Grade 3DE students created a short presentation outlining customer experience changes or updates that Arby's should make to attract 13-17 year-olds as loyal customers. The 3DE presentation was created by students Katelyn Gilmore, Jeremiah Tokar, Isiah Ward, Sophia Harmon Greene, Chloe Stertz, and Ingrid Cruz. (Facebook)
• The 2022 Recycle Guide is now available on the Department of Solid Waste’s website offering updated information on recycling guidelines in Pinellas County. The guide details which items can be recycled and which should be thrown out with regular trash. (Facebook | Recycle Guide)
• As a reminder, VFW Post 2550 Dunedin and the Dunedin Public Library are accepting submissions from students in grades K through 8 for the VFW's annual Illustrating America art contest. Artwork should reflect how students view our world through their drawings and paintings. Application forms can be found online. Entries are due by March 31. (Facebook | Illustrating America Contest)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Hope Grove Co-Work & Care — (Visit website)
• DavisDNA & Family Research — (Visit Website)
• Tarot Card Readings with Nicole —
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Events:

• Day Drinking with Marcus - LIVE MUSIC (February 19)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 19)
• Monopoly Tournament (February 19)
• FOOD TRUCK EVENT with Marek's Kielbasa and Pierogi at BEACH ISLAND BREWERY (February 19)
• Social Security Webinar 2/21 & 2/23 (February 21)
• Estate Planning Webinar 2/21 & 2/23 (February 21)
• Kick in the Grass Food & Music Festival (February 21)
• Social Security Webinar (February 22)
• Law Enforcement K-9 Memorial Service (February 22)
• Social Security Seminar AM & PM (February 23)
• Free Grief Seminar "Hope For Your Healing" (February 23)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar 2/22 & 2/24 (February 24)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar 2/25 & 3/3 (February 25)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!