🌱 Miss Florida + Parks & Rec Fall Magazine + Casa Tina's Fundraiser

Good morning, neighbors! It's Kristen, your host of the Dunedin Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Today's issue includes:

• A new band announced in the Dunedin Celtic Music Festival lineup.
• The incredible story of Dunedin's Miss Florida.
• Casa Tina's fundraiser to help save the Wines The Blues Festival.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Mai Tai Suites

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Now, today's weather: A stray afternoon t-storm. High: 87 Low: 77.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Dunedin:

1. Have you heard the story of Dunedin's Miss Florida? Lena Mae Ray grew up on County One Road with her two brothers and three sisters. She won the Miss Dunedin contest in 1931 and went on to win the Miss Florida contest a month later. Her victory led to a career in modeling and a stint acting on Broadway! Read the full article to learn more about her childhood and how she won her title. (Tampa Bay Newspapers)
2. The Dunedin Parks & Rec fall magazine is now available online here or at most city facilities! Browse through the magazine to learn about special events planned for the fall, kids and adult sports programs, after-school programs, community theater events, exercise classes, and so much more. The magazine is also great for anyone new to the area as it features all of the local parks, hiking trails, and city facilities to enjoy. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
3. Casa Tina is hosting a fundraiser to help save the Dunedin Wines The Blues Festival on Sept. 11 between 4 and 10 p.m. The popular Mexican restaurant will donate 20 percent of proceeds earned during that time to the Downtown Dunedin Merchants Association, which has organized the event for the last 30 years. While they planned to cancel the Wines The Blues Festival, backlash from the community convinced them to downsize the festival instead. Still, they can use our support, so make sure to grab dinner at Casa Tina on Monday! (Dunedin Patch)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you, GLA, for sharing your photo of the “Celebrity Flamingo” 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:

Saturday, September 9

• Beach Cleanup at the Dunedin Causeway (8 a.m.)
• Kids Art Fest 2023 at the DFAC (10 a.m.)
• Shaffer's Electrify Your Ride event at HOB (11 a.m.)
• Music For Maui Fundraiser at The Honu (noon)
• Blood Drive in the Ocean Optics parking lot (2 p.m.)
• Let's Glow Riding at The Bicycle Boutique (7:15 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• For residents located in neighborhoods impacted by the hurricane, storm debris pickup is scheduled for Sept. 11. Since the FEMA trucks are wider than garbage trucks, the city asks that residents don't park on the street. Those impacted should have been contacted by the city. (Dunedin Gov)
• The Dunedin Chamber of Commerce will hold a Ribbon Cutting Celebration for AFC Urgent Care on Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. Join them in the celebration and enjoy light refreshments with the members of our community! (Dunedin Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• It has been announced that The Mudmen have been added to this year's lineup at the Dunedin Celtic Music Festival! This is the band's first year attending the festival. Be sure to check out their music at the link. (Dunedin Celtic Music Festival via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• The Rare Plant Network PLANT SALE (September 9)
• 12th Annual End Of Summer Sale (September 9)
• 9/11 Memorial Lights (September 9)
• 9/11 Memorial Ceremony (September 11)
• Pilates Equipment Class for 3 (September 11)
• Social Security Seminar at Countryside Recreation Center (September 12)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at East Lake Community Library (September 13)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening is Coming Direct to You! (September 14)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox next week with another update.