🌱 Memorial Day Parade + Virtual Author Talk + New Line Dancing Class

Hey, Dunedin! I'm here in your inbox, per usual, to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Today we'll cover these stories and more:

• Overnight road closures downtown tonight.
• Memorial Day parade and ceremony.
• A new line dancing class at the community center on Saturdays.

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 nonprofit 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 10am)
• 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.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Now, today's weather: A t-storm in the afternoon. High: 84 Low: 70.

Here are the top 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. Are you looking for something exciting to do in Dunedin this Memorial Day Weekend? Head downtown to enjoy a parade of military vehicles, motorcycles, and golf carts carrying the city's remaining six World War II veterans on May 29 at 1:30 p.m. The parade will move through the downtown area toward the Veterans of Foreign Wars Zachary Shannon Post 2550 on Douglas Avenue. There, a ceremony will take place featuring the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Dunedin High School Honor Guards, and keynote speeches by commanders from VFW Post 2550 and American Legion Post 7 of Clearwater. Attendees can also expect performances of several patriotic songs, the reading of Dunedin's fallen soldiers, the ringing of the bell, bagpipes, and taps. A reception with food and drinks will follow at Dunedin VFW Post 2550. (Dunedin Patch)
2. The Dunedin Library will host a Virtual Author Talk with Mike Rucker, Ph.D. on June 7 at 4 p.m. Rucker will talk about his latest book, "The Fun Habit: How the Disciplined Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life," described as "the ultimate guide to reap the serious benefits fun offers." In this book, Dr. Rucker teaches readers how to "build having fun into an actionable and effortless habit" and why this leads to "a healthier, more joyful, more productive person." Those interested can register at the link. (Dunedin Library)
3. The Dunedin Community Center recently added a new Line Dancing class on Saturdays between 1 and 3 p.m. beginning June 3. Anyone 18 and older is welcome to join in on the fun! Line dancing offers various benefits, such as improving memory, strengthening bones, helping balance, and relieving stress. The class is taught by Gail Spear, whose dance group was recently invited to perform the halftime show at the USA Dance Suncoast Show at the Gulfport Casino. Those interested can register online at the link. Line dancing classes are also offered at other times and days. (Dunedin Gov)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Stacy Welser, for sharing this incredible photo with us!

Today in Dunedin:

• Lunch & Learn at the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce (noon)
• For the Love of Nature at Hope Grove School (1 p.m.)
• Sketch Group at the Hale Senior Activity Center (6 p.m.)
• Fishing Night at TD Ballpark (6:30 p.m.)
• Free Comedy Show at Soggy Bottom Brewery (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The City of Dunedin shared that Main Street near Milwaukee Avenue and Highland Avenue will be closed tonight, May 25, between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. for sewer main improvements. Click the link to see a map of alternate route options. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• The City of Dunedin shared a photo of their Dunedin Parks & Recreation camp leaders and staff at the Florida Recreation and Park Association, Inc. Summer Games Conference over the weekend. They spent the day networking, training, and learning games, crafts, and activities for another fun-filled summer with campers. Dunedin's summer camps begin May 30! (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Dunedin American Legion Post 275 is looking for volunteers to help clean up their mile of the Pinellas Trail on May 27 at 9:30 a.m. All ages are welcome, and no experience is necessary! All supplies will be provided. (Dunedin American Legion Post 275 via Facebook)
• Did you know that over a third of America's fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction? Friends of the Island Parks shared that more than 1,600 species are already listed under the Endangered Species Act, another 150 are presumed extinct, and state and wildlife agencies have identified more than 12,000 that need conservation help now, including the Florida panther. (Friends of the Island Parks via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Tarot Card Readings! Personal and Parties! —
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Paco Erhard: I Can Make You German (May 25)
• Memorial Day Service (May 29)
• Social Security Webinar on May 30th and 31st (May 30)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.