🌱 ​Reading With The Rays + Paint For Dad + Juneteenth Events

Welcome back, Dunedin! I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Today we have these stories and more...

• Dunedin's administrative offices will be closed on June 15.
• Reading with the Rays summer reading program for kids.
• Upcoming Juneteenth celebrations in Dunedin and surrounding areas.

But first, today's weather:

A stray morning thunderstorm. High: 84 Low: 76.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Dunedin:

1. Looking for a fun way to encourage your kids to read more this summer? Have them sign up for Reading with the Rays, an exciting summer reading program that encourages kids to read in exchange for prizes from the Tampa Bay Rays! Those who complete the program by reading for 24 collective hours will get two free tickets to a Rays home game. Learn more about the program here or stop by the Youth Services desk at the Dunedin Public Library. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
2. Hope Grove is hosting a Father's Day painting event for kids on June 17 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. If your child is interested in making Dad a gift this year, be sure to grab your ticket now, as space is limited. Each ticket includes a canvas, painting materials, pizza, and a drink. Kids will also get to play outside while they wait for layers to dry. Learn more and get your tickets at the link. (Eventbrite)
3. Juneteenth is coming up, and there's plenty to do in and around Dunedin to commemorate the emancipation of slaves and recognize achievements in the African American community. Dunedin will host a celebration on June 16 between 6 and 9 p.m. in Pioneer Park with live music, performances, craft vendors, food, and more. Clearwater is hosting various Juneteenth events, including a painting party on June 15 at Artz 4 Life Academy, a movie night on June 16 at Buccaneer Field, a free business expo at the North Greenwood Recreation & Aquatic Complex on June 17, and a Father's Day celebration on June 18 at Matheos Hall. Get more information about these events and others in Pinellas County at the link. (Bay News 9)

Big love to our local sponsor. We couldn’t keep the community informed without you!

Want a one-of-a-kind portrait of your doggie or know someone who would love this as a gift? Debbie Lewis is a talented watercolor artist based in Clearwater. She creates beautiful watercolor paintings of your furry friends from your photos. You can check out examples of her work or place an order here.

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Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Vicki Kramer, for sharing this photo of an Osprey grabbing some lunch 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:

Wednesday, June 7

• Children's Writers Group at the Dunedin Public Library (10 a.m.)
• Summer Sale at Studio 1212 Art Gallery (11 a.m.)
• In the News at the Hale Senior Activity Center (2 p.m.)
• Virtual Author Talk with Mike Rucker, Ph.D. (4 p.m.)
• Ladies-Only Drum Circle at The Honu (7 p.m.)
• Drunken Spelling Bee at Caledonia Brewing (7:30 p.m.)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know a Dunedin dad whose texts make you smile? This Father’s Day, celebrate him with a shoutout on Patch. Just fill out this simple form and we’ll do the rest!

From my notebook:

• Dunedin's administrative offices will be closed on June 15 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. While city staff will still be working, they'll be participating in various community events instead of engaging in their usual duties. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Dunedin American Legion Post 275 recognized D-Day in a Facebook post, reminding residents not to forget this important day in American history. "D-Day. The Day during the Second World War when the Allies began their invasion of Europe by attacking the coast of Northern France: The D-Day landings began on 6 June 1944, when Allied forces invaded Normandy. Never Forget." (Dunedin American Legion Post 275 via Facebook)
• Are you and your family prepared for hurricane season? The City of Dunedin reminds residents to sit down with family and close friends and decide how to stay in contact with each other, where to go, and what to do if a hurricane hits our area. Learn more on how to prepare for hurricane season here and try to attend the Hurricane Preparedness Expo on June 13 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Fall registration is now open with the Dunedin Stirling Soccer Club! Pre Academy will be held Sept. 8 through Oct. 27. (Dunedin Stirling Soccer Club via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 8)
• The Nash Keys (Dueling Piano Bar) Sneak Peek (June 8)
• Taxes in Retirement (June 8)
• Elite Plumbing Services Inc, Palm Harbor Plumbing Pros Answers: How long do water heaters last? (June 10)
• Pinellas Federated Republican Women Hosting Brian Scott, County Commissioner (June 13)
• Free Dinner Seminar June 21 at Outback Steakhouse (June 21)
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• PT Personal Assistant needed please contact 941-900-9642 (Details)
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You're officially in the loop for today! See you tomorrow morning for another update.