🌱 New Painting Workshop + DeSantis Protesters + Chamber Of Commerce

Hey, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening these days in Dunedin. In today's issue, we have these stories and more:

• Win a $50 gift card to Cafe Alfresco
• A new painting workshop at Studio 1212 Art Gallery
• Protesters go after Gov. Ron DeSantis

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Lucky Dog Cuisine

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Would you eat your dog’s food? Sounds like a rhetorical question — because we all know commercial dog food is made from things humans wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole, let alone a dining fork.

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(To prove the point, Dr. Elenbaas’ husband once ate Lucky Dog Cuisine every day for a month. It tastes great on a taco.)

You can get started with Lucky Dog for as little as $79 with their special introductory offer. And for $159/month, you can get enough Lucky Dog to feed a 20-25 pound dog, sent straight to your door. To see their full menu — and to make your dog incredibly happy, visit Lucky Dog Cuisine today.

Now, today's weather: Not as warm. High: 73 Low: 59.

This other great local business sponsors the Dunedin Patch newsletter. We love what they do, and we think you will, too:

Have friends, neighbors, or relatives with limited mobility? Invite them to take a leisurely rickshaw ride around Dunedin. Joy Rides tours feature many unique and wonderful things on display in our community. Rides are offered Monday or Wednesday mornings at 10 or 11. To reserve a Monday morning ride at the Hale Activity Center, call the front desk at 727-298-3299. To schedule a Wednesday morning ride at First Presbyterian Church, call the church office at 727-733-2318. Click here for more info.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Here are the top 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. Studio 1212 Art Gallery is offering a new workshop led by award-winning local artist Toni Young. Young will introduce participants to new and experimental ways of painting on March 2 in the Kirk Hall of Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Her technique involves layering, collaging, and using a variety of materials. The class is $55 for non-members and $45 for Studio 1212 members. (Studio 1212 via Facebook)
2. Gov. Ron DeSantis was met by protesters holding signs and using speakers to get his attention on Thursday while he attended the Governor’s Baseball Dinner in Dunedin. Many Tampa Bay educators participated, including Dunedin High School teacher Brandt Robinson. Robinson told WTSP, "We’re here because the governor needs to understand he has to be held accountable for the lives and dangerous claims he’s made." He voiced his concerns with some of DeSantis' beliefs, like banning AP African American studies. "We have to stand up because the public has to understand we are here to care for their children." WTSP reached out to DeSantis for comment and hasn't heard back yet. (WTSP)
3. Are you interested in becoming more involved in the Dunedin business community? The Dunedin Chamber of Commerce offers eight committees you can join, including an Education Committee, Events Committee, Lodging Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Marketing Committee, Retail Committee, Restaurant Committee, and the Transportation/Golf Cart Committee. If you are interested in joining a committee or want more information, send an email to admin@dunedinfl.com. (Dunedin Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Lauren Smith, for sharing this incredible photo you took of a tricolored heron in Hammock Park!

Are you attending the Mardi Gras Festival or Welcome Back Blue Jays Celebration this weekend? Send any event photos you want to share 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:

• Canine Estates Annual Flea Market at Jillybean's Ice Cream & Treats (9 a.m.)
• Free Make-N-Take Weekend at the Dunedin Fine Art Center (11:30 a.m.)
• Mardi Gras Parade & Festival in downtown Dunedin (2 p.m.)
• 2023 Mermaid Strut in the Dunedin Mardi Gras Parade (4:30 p.m.)
• Piper on the Pier at the downtown marina (6 p.m.)
• Live music with JennEric at Cricketers British pub (8:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Cafe Alfresco is giving away a $50 gift card! Follow the instructions on their Facebook post to enter the contest through Feb. 24. (Cafe Alfresco via Facebook)
• HopScotch Cafe is bringing back Friday Night VINYL between 7 and 10 p.m. Led by Love Records founder Derek Corneau, stop by to enjoy various sounds. He'll play everything from jazz and funk to Tokyo City pop and French disco. (Labor of Love Records via Facebook)
• Tickets for GYPSY on Feb. 22 are still available. The fundraiser hosted by Friends of the Island Parks will be held at Francis Wilson Playhouse at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds will go toward supporting Honeymoon and Caladesi Island State Parks. Get your tickets here. (Friends of the Island Parks via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Tarot Card Readings & Home or Office Cleansings —
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Wine Walk (February 18)
• Goat Yoga @ BEACH ISLAND BREWERY (February 19)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at East Lake Community Library (February 21)
• Free Grief Seminar (February 21)
• Friends' Night At The Theatre (February 22)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 23)
• Cirque Ma'Ceo is coming to Pinellas Park! (February 24)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all tomorrow morning for another update.