🌱 Rising Kindergarten Program + Downtown Art & Craft Festival

Hello and Happy Hump Day! It's Kristen, your host of the Dunedin Daily — here to share all the most important things happening locally today. Now, let's jump into it!

📣 Our readers love to celebrate good news! You can now shout out your big announcement at the top of the Dunedin Daily newsletter. Whether it's a grand opening, new product for sale, birthday, anniversary, engagement, wedding or new baby, let everyone celebrate alongside you! Submit your announcement here.

First, today's weather:

Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 89 Low: 78.

Check out what our local sponsors can do for you:

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Here are the top three stories in Dunedin today:

1. The Rising Kindergarten program at Dunedin Elementary School is teaching kids essential social and classroom skills before the school year begins. According to the Tampa Bay Times, fewer Pinellas County families placed their children in preschools during the height of the Covid pandemic, causing them to fall behind. The program was created after only half of third-graders got at least a satisfactory score on the state’s reading test this year. According to Florida education commissioner, Manny Diaz Jr., this is a major problem as, “Nearly 90% of students who failed to earn a high school diploma were struggling readers in third grade.” To get ahead of this issue, Pinellas County devised new summertime kindergarten readiness programs and expanded others, including Rising Kindergarten which is now in 50 local elementary schools. The district also launched a free 100-day countdown to kindergarten program which can help kids who aren't in the program. Videos can be accessed online. (Tampa Bay Times - Subscription Required | Countdown to Kindergarten)
2. Interested in learning more about marine mammal stranding? The Dunedin Public Library is hosting a virtual presentation on June 25 at 2 p.m.
3. with Steve Burton. Learn how a new program has been launched to encourage the public to take photos of dolphins to help aid in research efforts, along with other fascinating information. No sign-up is required, simply click on the zoom link at the time of the presentation. (Dunedin Gov via Facebook | Zoom Link)
4. An Art & Craft Festival is scheduled for June 25 and 26 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in downtown Dunedin. Stop by to meet 150 of the nation’s most talented artists showcasing life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewelry, photography, and ceramics. Presented by American Craft Endeavors, this free event will take place along Main Street surrounded by Dunedin's top restaurants and food vendors, so come hungry! (Dunedin Gov)

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Dunedin Daily Pic of the Day:

Thank you Pam Deyo for submitting your photo of your adorable pups enjoying the sunset!

Due to an overwhelming response from you guys, I will now be posting a photo daily, so keep those submissions rolling in!

Want to see your Dunedin photo here? 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:

• Dunedin Blue Jays vs. Bradenton Marauders at TD Ballpark (11 a.m.)
• Luau Luncheon at the Hale Senior Activity Center (noon)
• Wahine Wednesday at The Honu (6 p.m.)
• Mommy & Me Canvas Class at Art from the Heart Cafe (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Reminder: A Luau Luncheon is scheduled for today at noon in the Hale Senior Activity Center. The event is designed to honor the tradition of a luau and will include lunch and activities. Be sure to wear your favorite tropical attire and be ready to make new friends! (Dunedin Patch)
• A new podcast episode from "Naturally Florida" on microplastics has been released! The episode will answer the questions many of us are wondering: Where do microplastics come from? What are the threats? And what can we do? (Naturally Florida)
• The Dunedin Blue Jays dropped their 4th of July collection this week! Check it out on the team's online Jays Shop. (Dunedin Blue Jays via Facebook | Jays Shop)
• Tonight is Ladies Night at The Honu! Stop by for Wahine Wednesday drink specials and live music between 6 and 9 p.m. (The Honu via Facebook)

• The Hulu reality show First Time Buyer is filming in Salty Paws on Saturday, June 25! For this reason, the store will be opening later than usual at 11 a.m. (Salty Paws via Facebook)

• Dunedin Brewery will host The Summerpalooza Funky Dance Party on July 8 at 9 p.m. The free event will be a celebration of art, music, and summer. It will include plenty of dancing and a live performance by "hip-hop funksters," The Kings of Crayons. (Dunedin Brewery via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Tarot Card Readings with Nicole —
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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 23)
• Gallery of Fun Finds Grand Opening of Unique, Vintage Garden Shed (June 25)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar (June 27)
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Announcements:

• Dreaming of an Exotic Vacation? Call M and D Travel-Dream Vacations Today!! (Details)
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That's it for today. I'll see you soon!