🌱 New History Museum Exhibit + Boutique Hotel Plans Withdrawn

Hey, neighbors! It's me again, Kristen, your host of the Dunedin Daily.

First, today's weather:

Clouds breaking; not as warm. High: 66 Low: 52.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. The Dunedin History Museum will be opening a new exhibit on February 25. "Florida Foodways" will give museum visitors a look at the evolution of food in Florida and in the Tampa Bay area. This new exhibit breaks down a lot of misconceptions. For example, most people don't know that oranges aren't native to Florida, as they were brought over by Spanish settlers. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for children under 12 years old. (ABC Action News | Dunedin Museum)
2. Dunedin Parks & Recreation is offering a free seminar on Advance Directives presented by Attorney Christian Moriarty on February 22 at 10:00 AM in the Hale Senior Activity Center. The seminar will go over advanced health care directives, also known as a living will, personal directive, advance directive, or advance decision. These all refer to a legal document in which a person may specify what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves. They give you a way to tell your wishes to family, friends, and health care professionals and to avoid confusion later on. (Dunedin Patch)
3. Plans for a downtown boutique hotel have been withdrawn by the developer after residents launched a petition to stop development. A plan for the Hyatt-branded Stirling Resort & Spa was submitted by Founders Hospitality LLC to build the hotel on Douglas Avenue where Ocean Optics was once located. Residents who fought against building plans didn't feel like the boutique hotel fit in with Dunedin's vibe and worried it would create further garage issues. A proposal to build a hotel to house the Toronto Blue Jays when they return for spring training is still on the table. (Dunedin Patch)

Today in Dunedin:

• Art & Craft Festival on Main Street downtown (10:00 AM)
• Dunedin Downtown Market at Pioneer Park (9:00 AM)
• Piper on the Pier at the Dunedin marina (6:00 PM)
• Dog Shampoo Soap DIY workshop at Jade Soap Shop (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Reminder, you can expect road closures downtown this weekend to accommodate for the Art & Craft Festival. Over 200 artists and vendors will be in attendance for the festival Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A map of road closures can be found online. (Facebook | Road Closure Map)
• Dunedin High School celebrates five wrestlers from the Class of 2023 heading to regionals next week. Students heading to regionals include Uriel Moro, Hernand Pinto, Uziel Moro, Sam Haertle, and Liam Buffington. (Facebook)
• The City of Dunedin is hosting Midnite Madness for kids between nine and 14 on February 25 from 7:00 PM to midnight at the MLK Recreation Center. Kids will have the opportunity to enjoy skating, games, laser tag, inflatables, music, snacks, food, and giveaways. Register online or in person. (Facebook | Dunedin Gov)
• Dunedin Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual golf tournament at the Countryside Country Club in Clearwater on April 1 at noon. It will be followed by dinner and an awards ceremony for all who attend. Tickets are available online. (Facebook | Tickets)

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Events:

• Live Music - Day Drinking with Marcus at BEACH ISLAND BREWERY (February 19)
• 4 Part Retirement Planning Webinar Series 2/19 - 3/12 (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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That's it for today. I'll see you around!