🌱 Mental Health Concerns In Schools + Group Swim Lessons For Kids

Hello Dunedin! Kristen here with your fresh copy of the Dunedin Daily, filled with all the community information you need to know right now.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 89 Low: 76.

Check out what our local sponsors can do for you:

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Here are the top three stories today in Dunedin:

1. Dunedin Parks & Recreation will offer Group Swim Lessons beginning June 6 for kids six months and older at Highlander Pool. There are various class options available for swimmers based on age and skill. Sessions are two weeks long with classes Monday through Wednesday between 4:30 and 6 p.m. The course runs through the first week of September, so there are plenty of sessions to choose from. Those interested can register online or in-person at Highlander Pool or Dunedin Community Center. (Dunedin Patch)
2. The annual Paint Dunedin Purple fundraiser, which aims to raise awareness and money for the Alzheimer’s Association, is expanding to Safety Harbor for the first time this year. Similar to the Dunedin event, local businesses are invited to host their own fundraisers to benefit the cause, and attendees are encouraged to wear purple. The events are on separate weekends, which is great for those who can't participate in Paint Dunedin Purple on June 4. Paint Safety Harbor Purple will be held in conjunction with the town's monthly “Third Friday” event on June 17. (NewsBreak)
3. Pinellas County teachers are still dealing with the impact of the coronavirus. A spike in behavior and mental health issues among students is creating new challenges for educators in the district. More kids are withdrawn, stressed and anxious now that they're back in school and many are struggling with basic social interactions. Additionally, some kids aren't doing their work and have difficulty focusing. Teachers throughout the district have shared their experiences with WUSF, including Rebecca Kershaw who teaches at Dunedin High School. (WUSF News)

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Today in Dunedin:

• Joy Rides for seniors at the First Presbyterian Church (9 a.m.)
• Live music with Bill Blackburn at Jack Pallino's Napoletano Pizza and Pub (6 p.m.)
• Dunedin Toastmasters meeting at Unity Community Church (7 p.m.)
• Game Night Live at Caledonia Brewing (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Pinellas County is now accepting applications to fill the vacancy on the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board. This appointment will fulfill the remainder of the current term ending on Sept. 30. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on June 14. (NewsBreak)
• Congratulations to Dunedin High School 11th grader Sarah St. Charles for being accepted into Leadership Youth Pinellas! Youth Leadership Pinellas is a series of interactive days designed to educate high school teens on community resources and issues, develop excellence in leadership, build teamwork skills, and foster involvement in community services. (Facebook)
• Interested in learning how to harvest rainwater? Melissa West, the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Public Education Program Coordinator, is hosting a rain barrel workshop on June 4 at 10 a.m. in the Dunedin Community Garden. Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water, save money, and protect the planet! To attend, register for the workshop online. Attendees receive a free rain barrel. (Facebook | Dunedin Gov)
• During National Safe Boating Week, the City of Dunedin reminds boaters to be safe and brush up on their boating safety skills. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary of Dunedin offers Boat Safety Courses and Intro to Coastal Navigation at the Dunedin Marina classes monthly. Call (631) 379-1110 or email BoatinBud7@gmail.com for more information. (Facebook)
• In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the City of Dunedin reminds residents of their free Surviving Suicide Loss Support Group, hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness – Pinellas County. This peer-led support group is for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals who lost their lives to suicide. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Dunedin Community Center. To register call (727) 492-7452 or email dhandley61@gmail.com. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Tarot Card Readings with Nicole —
• The Tub Guy — (Visit Website)
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Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar - 12PM & 6:30PM! (May 26)
• Memorial Day Service (May 30)
• Social Security Seminar on June 2nd & 4th! (June 2)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you around!