🌱 Sushi & Swimsuits Paint Night + Annual Patriot Award + Author Talk

Good morning, friends! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Dunedin Patch newsletter. Let's get this weekend started off right with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's happening around town. Today we'll cover...

• Joy Rides Dunedin is looking for volunteers to steer rickshaws.
• An upcoming Sushi & Swimsuits Paint Night led by local artist Essie Bergen.
• A Virtual Author Talk event with award-winning photographer Jamie Beck.

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.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Now, today's weather: Periods of sun with a t-storm. High: 84 Low: 71.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Dunedin:

1. Interested in learning how to paint using watercolors? Local artist Essie Bergen is hosting a Sushi & Swimsuits Paint Night on June 29 between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. at Pisces Sushi. Participants will receive step-by-step instructions to help design and paint their own swimsuits. Tickets to the event can be purchased online and include a $15 gift card to Pisces Sushi that can be used to enjoy some delicious food. Only 10 spots are available, so those interested should grab tickets as soon as possible! (Essie Bergen Artwork)
2. Big Frog Merchandise Group, a custom T-shirt company that works out of Dunedin, was recently recognized for its support of the National Guard and Reserve. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, or ESGR, awarded the company's co-founder, Tina Bacon-DeFrece, its annual Patriot Award. “She has been the most supportive of my commitment and has always given me the appropriate time off to attend my training without hesitation,” said Big Frog employee and Army Reserve National Guard member Sgt. Quinn Bonner. Bacon-DeFrece was nominated by Bonner, praising her continued support. Read more about the award at the link. (Tampa Bay Newspapers)
3. The Dunedin Public Library is hosting a Virtual Author Talk event with award-winning photographer Jamie Beck on June 15 at 2 p.m. Beck will be discussing her book, "An American in Provence," which is a photo collection documenting her time living in the French countryside. The book is described as "equal parts art book, travel diary, memoir, and cookbook." Learn more about her work and register for the event at the link. (Dunedin Public Library)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Love this beautiful sunset at Edgewater Park submitted by Sherry Struhar!

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:

• Guided Bird Hike at Farm 527 (8:30 a.m.)
• Dunedin Downtown Market in Pioneer Park (9 a.m.)
• Full Moon Yoga at Hope Grove (10 a.m.)
• Paint Dunedin Purple Event at Beach Island Brewery (noon)
• Line Dancing Class at the Dunedin Community Center (1 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The City of Dunedin encourages residents to participate in the Dunedin Citizens' Academy and get an exclusive "All-Access, Backstage, VIP Pass" to the inner workings of the city government. This nine-week course runs between Aug. 15 and Oct. 10. During each session, residents will participate in hands-on activities and lectures designed to provide insight into how local governments work. Applications are being accepted now through June 22. (Dunedin Gov)
• The artists of Studio 1212 recently gifted a large basket of art supplies to Ukranian refugee Mykola Herun who specializes in sculpting, murals, and portraits. They shared on Facebook: "When he and his wife had to leave their home country with less than two weeks' notice, he was unable to bring his art supplies along. Thanks to the generosity of our members, we were able to assist in providing the tools he needed to start painting again." You can see a photo of Herun receiving the gift at the link. (Studio 1212 via Facebook)
• Joy Rides Dunedin is looking for volunteers interested in providing rickshaw rides around the downtown area throughout the summer. This free service provides seniors and those with disabilities a ride around town, so they get to experience everything Downtown Dunedin has to offer. To volunteer, simply contact Joy Rides Dunedin for an application. Training will be provided. (Joy Rides Dunedin 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:

• The Rare Plant Network Plant Sale (June 3)
• Gulfport PRIDE Festival (June 3)
• DJ and CANNABIS DRINKS - Get Elevated with DJ Ally (June 3)
• Extreme Communication ~ Connecting to the Other Side - Gallery Reading with Lisa Miliaresis (June 4)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 8)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you all next week.