🌱 Stirling Park Updates + Celebrating DHS Coach + Greyhound Adoption

Good morning neighbors! I'm back with your new edition of the Dunedin Daily, hot off the presses! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Today's briefing includes...

• Expect traffic delays downtown this morning for the MLK Jr. Celebration
• A proposal for Stirling Park additions is in the works
• Coach Ryan Vaught's Celebration of Life event happening today

Now, today's weather:

Mostly sunny, breezy, and cool. High: 54 Low: 43.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Dunedin:

1. Dunedin residents have spoken out on what kinds of facilities they'd like to see added to Stirling Park, resulting in a project proposal. Based on citizen input, City officials have recommended that a dog park and pickleball courts be built in the park. “After a thorough analysis, after looking at locations, neighborhood impact, deficiencies, popularity, community input, and budget, the city is proposing for both these amenities to be built at Stirling Park," said city Parks and Recreation Director Vince Gizzi. They will also keep all of the green spaces, adding walking trails where needed. If approved, the pickleball courts would be built first. (Tampa Bay Newspapers)
2. The Dunedin High School community is invited to a Celebration of Life event honoring the late Coach Ryan Vaught today, Jan. 14, between 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at Baycare Ballpark in Clearwater. All students and community members are welcome to come together and celebrate his life. Vaught passed away on Dec. 26 after falling in his bathroom days earlier. After several nights in the hospital, he was released, only for his symptoms to worsen at home. He returned to the hospital and slipped into a coma before ultimately passing away. Vaught is survived by his wife, Teresa, and his two children. (Dignity Memorial)
3. Do you love Greyhounds? Be sure to stop by HOB on Jan. 15 between noon and 2 p.m. for their Greyhound Meet and Greet event. Hosted by Gold Coast Greyhound Adoptions, attendees will have the opportunity to meet pups Maid, Flash, Kyle, and Larry. These adorable Greyhounds are all waiting to meet their forever families, so you know they'll be on their A-game. Grab a drink and pet some dogs. Does it get any better than that? (Gold Coast Greyhound Adoptions via Facebook)

Dunedin Daily Pic of the Day:

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Today in Dunedin:

• MLK Jr. Celebration Unity Breakfast at the MLK Jr. Recreation Center (8:30 a.m.)
• Dunedin Downtown Market in Pioneer Park (9 a.m.)
• Tampa Tech Beach Cleanup on the Dunedin Causeway (9 a.m.)
• Cold Process Soap Workshop at Jade Soap Shop (10 a.m.)
• MLK Jr. Celebration March & Entertainment in Pioneer Park (10:30 a.m.)
• The HOB Give Back Food Giveaway at HOB Brewing (noon)
• Piper on the Pier at the Downtown Marina (6 p.m.)
• She's That Dude at Blur Nightclub (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Those driving downtown this morning should expect traffic delays around 10:30 a.m. as people participate in the MLK Jr. Celebration March. The march will start at the MLK Jr. Recreation Center and end in Pioneer Park. There will be a rolling road closure between 10:30 a.m. and noon. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• SPCA Tampa Bay is waiving adoption fees for pocket pets through the end of the month. Those interested in adding a bird, guinea pig, gerbil, rabbit, reptile, or any other small animal to their family can stop by the SPCA shelter to pick one out today at no charge. Only one fee-waived pocket pet per person. (SPCA Tampa Bay)
• Pinellas County Government reminds those with pets at home to protect them during colder weather by only letting them outside for short periods or providing them with a warm shelter outdoors. "If you're cold, they're cold." (Pinellas County Government via Facebook)
• In honor of National Hat Day, the Dunedin Blue Jays are offering 20% off all hats on Sunday! Get yours online here. (Dunedin Blue Jays via Facebook)
• Are you looking to get involved with your community? Apply to become a member of the City of Dunedin's Architectural Review Committee and help establish architectural guidelines and requirements, review compatibility, provide corridor design evaluations, and more. Learn more and apply here. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)

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Events:

• The Market Marie (January 14th) (January 14)
• St Pete Bacon & BBQ Festival (January 14)
• Creative Artist Guild of Dunedin Art in the Park (January 15)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (January 16)
• Social Security Seminar at Palm Harbor Library (January 17)
• Gong Sound Immersion with GabrielNelson Sears (January 19)
• Add your event

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