🌱 Support Local + Teen Watercolor Painting + Virtual Author Talk

Hello, neighbors! It's Kristen, your host of the Dunedin Patch newsletter — here to explain everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days. Including updates on:

• Learn more about the city's time capsule.
• Why downtown businesses need our support.
• An upcoming watercolor painting event.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Mai Tai Suites

Looking for a great place to put up guests in Dunedin?

We all know Dunedin is a great place to visit. And we love it when our friends and family come to town. We just don’t always want them to actually stay in our homes. But how do we get that across without sounding, you know, a little rude…?

Here’s an idea: strongly suggest they stay at the Mai Tai Suites. Owners John and Karen Bickford offer fully furnished 850 square foot 2-bed, 1-bath suites for less than the price of a hotel.

Mai Tai Suites is located off the Dunedin Causeway and is surrounded by St. Joseph's Sound. It’s convenient to Clearwater Beach and Downtown Dunedin. It’s also dog-friendly (with no pet fee), and offers a free guest pass to nearby Honeymoon Island State Park.

Invite all your friends and family to visit Dunedin — and tell them to book their rooms at Mai Tai Suites today. Book direct with Mai Tai Suites to save up to 15 percent of typical online booking site fees.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Now, today's weather: Humid; an afternoon t-storm. High: 92 Low: 81.

Here are the top 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. Dunedin business owners are in need of support from locals amid sidewalk construction happening along Main Street between Douglas Avenue and the Pinellas Trail. The project aims to bring the sidewalk into compliance with federal handicap accessibility laws. Businesses downtown want everyone to know that they're still open, despite the ongoing construction. “We could use your support," said Boe Rushing, owner of Back in the Day Books. "This is already a slow time of year; it’s the off-season.” (ABC Action News Tampa Bay)
2. The Dunedin Public Library is hosting a Teen Water Color Painting & Water Ball Competition for kids between 12 and 18 on July 17 at 6 p.m. Participants will create a work of art using watercolor paints before heading outside for a water ball competition that will help them beat this heat. Those interested must register for the event online in advance. (Dunedin Library)
3. A Virtual Author Talk with psychological scientist Ethan Kross is scheduled for July 20 at 1 p.m. He will discuss his latest book titled, "Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It," which teaches readers how to talk to their inner voice and get that voice on their side. The book combines cutting-edge science and real-world case studies to offer insight into the subject and demonstrate ways in which you can get your inner voice to work in your favor. (Dunedin Library)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Linda Lee Miller, for sharing this incredible photo of a heron taking a dip in a bird bath!

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:

Saturday, July 15

• Junk in the Trunk Big Yard Sale at the Scottish American Society (9 a.m.)
• Dunedin Downtown Market in the Dunedin History Museum Parking Lot (9 a.m.)
• Whipped Body Butter Making Workshop at Jade Soap Shop (2 p.m.)
• "Carrie: The Musical" at the Dunedin Community Center (3 p.m.)
• Brewery Spotlight: Finback at HOB (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Anyone who received a Precautionary Boil Water Notice can get back to their normal routine. The notice was lifted on Friday after bacteriological samples showed the water meets quality standards and is safe to consume. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• The City of Dunedin shared some interesting information about its time capsule, which will be opened on January 25, 2072, a date chosen to honor Dunedin's Scottish heritage and Robert Burns. It was sealed with a limestone slab and a bronze plaque that reads, "Nae man can tether time or tide," symbolizing that time keeps moving forward. Read more about the time capsule and what's inside of it at the link. (Dunedin Gov)
• In honor of Shark Awareness Day, Friends of the Island Parks shared some fun facts! "Did you know that coral reefs are vital habitats for sharks? These majestic and often misunderstood marine animals rely on healthy reefs for food, and the shelter of the reef to support their young." (Friends of the Island Parks 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:

• Junk in the Trunk Big Yard Sale (July 15)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (July 18)
• New Soundtrack to New Barbie movie (July 18)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (July 19)
• Free Dinner Seminar July 19 at Outback Steakhouse (July 19)
• Bourbon vs Whisky Tasting Tasting - Includes Wine or Beer Tickets! (July 22)
• Navigating the new Estate Planning Rules - Private Online Course (July 27)
• Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward Live! (July 28)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox next week with a new update!