🌱 Phony Baloney Play + Florida Teacher Shortage + Sunset Music Series

Hi there, Dunedin! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including updates on:

• Soggy Bottom Brewing Co.'s six-year anniversary celebration.
• Significant teacher shortages in Florida.
• Schedule for next month's Sunset Music Series.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Studio 1212 Art Gallery

Visit Dunedin’s Studio 1212 Art Gallery — voted Tampa Bay Magazine’s best small art gallery cooperative for 2022

Since 1971, Studio 1212 — a nonprofit art gallery owned and managed by an all-volunteer group of local, award-winning artists — has been a part of the creative community in the Dunedin area.

Here are a few things you can do at Studio 1212:

• Attend an exhibit of local artists (check out the schedule here)
• Get your own artwork critiqued for free by volunteer artists (on the first Saturday and third Tuesday of each month at 10am)
• Support local artists by buying their work – art prints, note cards and fine hand-crafted gift items – in the gift boutique
• Sign up for a workshop to expand and improve your own artistic abilities
• Join other local art lovers by becoming a benefactor of Studio 1212 (Learn more here.)

Studio 1212 is located at 234 Monroe St. in Downtown Dunedin and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit Studio 1212 — a part of the Dunedin area arts community for over 50 years.

Now, today's weather: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 84 Low: 70.

Business owners and marketers in Dunedin: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Dunedin:

1. A new play titled “Phony Baloney” is being performed around Pinellas County by seniors for seniors. It warns viewers against the dangers of scammers using real-life occurrences in hopes of preventing further victims. “By putting those stories on stage, you make it real for people, and then they have an emotional reaction,” said SAGES Executive Director Christine Hamacher. “When they have an emotional reaction to the information they are receiving, they are going to remember it.” You can catch a free performance of "Phony Baloney" on April 15 at 2 p.m. in the Conmy Center in Dunedin or on April 22 at 2 p.m. at Catherine Hickman Theater in Gulfport. (ABC Action News Tampa Bay)
2. Florida is experiencing a teacher shortage with 5,294 vacancies, up from 2,217 vacancies in January 2019. Seasoned educators are leaving their positions at rapid paces due to "out of control" bureaucracy, standardized testing, and low pay. While inflation has impacted government workers around the country, it has especially been a problem for Floridians. Brandt Robinson, a history teacher at Dunedin High School, told Newsweek, "What a lot of teachers realize is when you adjust for inflation, and you adjust for the cost of living increase, we're not making any more than we made when I began my career back in 1998." According to the National Education Association, teacher salaries in Florida are nearly $15K lower than the national average. (Newsweek)
3. Save the dates! Sunset Music Series is coming to Weaver Park every Friday in May from 7 to 9 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair to enjoy free live music while watching the sunset. The schedule kicks off on May 5 with a performance by the blues rock band, The Charlie Morris Band. The following weeks will include performances by the '70s cover band Zendaddy on May 12, classic rock group More is More on May 19, and The Cats band on May 26. No alcohol or grills are allowed. (Dunedin Gov)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Check out this little guy "standing guard," submitted by fayrae88.

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:

• International Drum Circle at the Hale Senior Activity Center (10 a.m.)
• Conversation with Tampa Bay Times at the Dunedin Golf Club (11 a.m.)
• Mah-Jongg at the Hale Senior Activity Center (12:30 p.m.)
• For the Love of Nature at Hope Grove School (1 p.m.)
• Glow Yoga at Blur Nightclub (7 p.m.)
• Free Comedy Show at Soggy Bottom Brewery (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Are you interested in learning more about composting? Join the City of Dunedin on April 14 between 5:30 and 7 p.m. at Hope Grove to learn more and celebrate two years of Dunedin Does Compost! (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Get your tickets to see the Dunedin Blue Jays play the Tampa Tarpons on April 14 at 6:30 p.m. during a special night with fireworks! (Dunedin Blue Jays via Facebook)
• Bauser's is hosting a Berserk Bash on April 15 at 9 p.m. The event will include a special performance by Social Fabric featuring American Idol's Kamryn Emory! (Bauser's via Facebook)
• Register now for Clear Sky Draught Haus' Bend, Booze & Brunch event on April 15 at 10 a.m. Join Melodie for yoga, followed by brunch. Tickets are just $10. (Clear Sky Draught Haus via Facebook)
• Soggy Bottom Brewing Co. is celebrating its anniversary with a 6 Year Anniversary Party on April 15 between 6 and 9 p.m. The event will include live music by The Hot Rod Hornets! (Soggy Bottom Brewing Co. via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Tarot Card Readings! Personal and Parties! —
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Learn Improv Comedy and Get 30-Minute Group Dance Sampler — All for $5! (April 15)
• Social Security Seminar at Palm Harbor Library on April 17th and 20th (April 17)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update!