🌱 Metal Christmas Tree + Holiday Camps + Stirling Park Development

Hello again, everybody! It's Kristen, your host of the Dunedin Daily. Keep scrolling for the most important things going on around town, including updates on:

• Rolling delays and road closures downtown this weekend
• The history of Dunedin's metal Christmas tree
• Resident input on the future development of Stirling Park

But first, today's weather:

Clouds and sun; less humid. High: 70 Low: 53.

Shoutout to the awesome local business that keeps this newsletter running:

Looking for original, unique artwork created by local Dunedin artists? Stirling Art Studios & Gallery is home to 12 professional artists honing their craft, while providing original artwork that appeals to collectors, interior designers, and homeowners alike. Located at 730 Broadway in the heart of Downtown Dunedin, their mission is to promote the arts to our community. Visit them here to learn more, or stop by Thursday-Sunday from 11-3 to view them at work and learn about the creative process.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Here are the top 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. Did you know that Dunedin has had a community Christmas tree for over 140 years? According to Tampa Bay Newspapers, a cedar tree would be chosen and placed near the waterfront in Edgewater Park. In the late 1890s, the community Christmas tree was set up on the second floor of the newly built community building and library. After the building was demolished in the mid-1950s, a new tradition began. The city began to decorate the 60-foot flagpole in Edgewater Park with strings of lights shaped like a tree, which Santa would turn on after he arrived by boat during the Christmas boat parade. This tradition continued until the 1970s when the pole was damaged in a storm just before Christmas Eve. That year, the city was stuck with a 40-foot pole, but a new one was installed in time for the next holiday season. As you may know, the tradition of the metal Christmas tree continues to this day, guiding Santa and other boaters into the Dunedin Marina at Christmas time. (Tampa Bay Newspapers)
2. The City of Dunedin will host two types of camps for kids over the holiday break, with the first session scheduled between Dec. 27 and Dec. 30 and the second between Jan. 3 and Jan. 6. Jack Frost Holiday Camp is designed for kids in VPK through 5th grade and will include holiday games, crafts, and treats in the MLK Jr. Recreation Center. A Winter Golf Camp is also available for kids between five and 15 at Stirling Park & Driving Range. Kids will learn various golf skills from PGA Pro Paul Sylvester through fun and interactive games. Register online or in person at one of the city Rec Centers. (Dunedin Gov)
3. The City of Dunedin is seeking help from residents to create a Master Plan for the future development of Stirling Park. A meeting will be held on Jan. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hale Senior Activity Center to discuss some possibilities. The public is invited to share their thoughts in person or online via a survey that will be posted on Jan. 6, along with a summary of the meeting. (Dunedin Gov)

Dunedin Daily Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Terry Brescia, for sharing this beautiful sunset photo you took from the Dunedin Causeway!

Want to see your Dunedin photo here? 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:

• Dunedin Downtown Market in Pioneer Park (9 a.m.)
• Historic Downtown Dunedin Walking Tour at the Dunedin History Museum (10 a.m.)
• Sippin' Santa Pop-Up at The Honu (noon)
• Drive-In Movie Night at Highlander Park (5 p.m.)
• Dunedin Goes Carting Neighborhood Light Tour (5 p.m.)
• Piper on the Pier at the Downtown Marina (5:30 p.m.)
• Victorian Christmas Stroll on Victoria Drive (6 p.m.)
• Live music with Taylor Fletcher at Beach Island Brewery (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Expect rolling road closures and delays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec. 18. These closures are to accommodate The Motorcycle Toy Run hosted by the Suncoast Brotherhood. Expect closures on Douglas Avenue from Wilson Street to San Juan Lane and Wilson Street from Alt 19 to Paloma Street. (Dunedin Gov)
• SPCA Tampa Bay is piloting a foster-to-adopt program for all dogs waiting for their forever family. When adopters come into the shelter, they can either choose to adopt a pup during their visit or sign up for the pilot program. The pilot program allows you to take a shelter dog home for up to 30 days before completing the adoption. Its goal is to get as many dogs into homes before the end of December as possible. Stop by the shelter to learn more. (SPCA Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Interested in getting more involved with your city? Apply to become a member of Dunedin's Local Planning Agency! Learn more about the committee and how to apply here. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)

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Featured businesses:

• DavisDNA & Family Research, Inc. — (Visit website)
• Tarot Card Readings, Private and/or Parties and Groups! —
• Add your business here

Events:

• Market, Music, & Mimosas (December 17)
• Choral Christmas Celebration (December 17)
• Celtic Christmas Concert with North of Argyll (December 17)
• Christmas Lessons & Carols (December 18)
• New Year's Eve Party (December 31)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update!