🌱 Report Power Outages + Price-Gouging Law + Contaminated Fuel List

Hey, everybody! I hope you're all staying safe as Hurricane Idalia passes. I'm here to tell you all the most important things happening in Dunedin these days. Today you'll find news about these stories and more...

• A possibly injured sheltie collie dog is lost in Dunedin.
• How to report power outages or down power lines.
• Understanding Florida's price-gouging law and how to report violators.

But first, today's weather: Some wind and rain. High: 87 Low: 79.

Here are the top 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. The City of Dunedin warns residents that even if Hurricane Idalia remains offshore of Pinellas County, strong winds may cause extended power outages. If you experience a power outage, you can report it to Duke Energy by one of the following methods: the Duke Energy website, the Duke Energy mobile app, text OUT to 57801, or call 800-228-8485. If you notice a power line that's down, call Duke Energy to report it. Do not call the Pinellas County Sheriff or 911 to report power outages! (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
2. During a state of emergency, Florida's price-gouging law prohibits excessive price increases on items such as generators, food, gasoline, hotel rooms, ice, lumber, and water. A state of emergency was declared in 49 counties on Monday, including Pinellas County. The law also applies to services like tree removal and roof repair. If you suspect price gouging, you can report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office on the No Scam app, at MyFloridaLegal.com, or by calling 866-9NO-SCAM. (Dunedin Patch)
3. A list of gas stations that received the contaminated gas has been released. The list also includes gas stations where the gasoline has been tested and cleared by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. According to the FDACS, any fuel purchased from 10 a.m. on Aug. 26 through Aug. 27 at impacted stations was likely contaminated with diesel fuel. None of the impacted gas stations are located in Dunedin. (FOX 13 Tampa)

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Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you, G.L.A., for taking this photo of the "calm before the storm" on Tuesday morning!

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, August 30

Government facilities and local businesses are closed due to the impact of Hurricane Idalia. Call ahead for information on any previously organized events.

From my notebook:

• If you need to get to a shelter in Pinellas County, Uber is offering free rides. Use the promo code IDALIARELIEF for a complimentary ride up to $35 each way. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• The City of Dunedin reminds everyone that driving through standing water can be costly and dangerous as the water can hide hazards from view. It only takes a few inches of water to hide open manhole covers, deep potholes, and washed-away pavement. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• In case you missed it, you can watch Pinellas County Emergency Management Director Cathie Perkins explain the impacts of Hurricane Idalia in a video at the link. You can also get updates on the hurricane from the City of Dunedin here. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• If you're new to Florida or have simply never dealt with a hurricane before, the City of Dunedin shared ways to prepare to evacuate and a list of what you'll need if you're staying home. You can find this information provided by Pinellas County Emergency Management here. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Have you seen Elle? (Photo at the link.) Owners of a small sheltie collie that ran away several days ago after being attacked by another dog are desperately searching for her. She may be injured and was last seen near Our Lady of Lourdes Church on San Salvador Drive. A $400 reward has been posted. Call 727-385-7483 if you spot her! (Lost and Found Pets of Pinellas County via Facebook)

That's it for today! See you tomorrow morning for another update.