🌱 Teacher Nomination + Church Fire Update + Love Letter Mailboxes

Hey, friends! It's Kristen, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in the community today, including:

• The upcoming Second Annual Summer Sandbar Kickoff event.
• An update on the fire at Coastal Christian Church.
• Local teen spreads positivity with Love Letter Mailboxes.

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and nice. High: 83 Low: 71.

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Dunedin? Partner with the Dunedin Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. Congratulations to Dunedin Highland Middle School music teacher Gregory Urban for being selected as a quarterfinalist for the 2024 Music Educator Award! Over 200 music teachers from around the country were selected as quarterfinalists for the award out of more than 2,000 nominees. Nominees will be narrowed down to 10 finalists, who all receive $1,000 and a grant of equal amount for the school. The winner will also be flown to Los Angeles for the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards and get to attend several GRAMMY events. Good luck, Mr. Urban! (Benzinga)
2. Sunday service was held at Coastal Christian Church over the weekend despite the damage caused by last week's fire. With the help of church members and the community, tents and lawn chairs were used to create a temporary sanctuary where service was held. "I was told that if the fire would've gone another 15 minutes, that it would not have been safe for the fire departments, and they would've just contained the fire and let it burn down," said Pastor Jerry Rittenhouse during the service. Fortunately, the building was saved, but repairs will take some time. Sweet Peas, the church's preschool, will reopen this week. Dunedin fire rescue is still investigating the cause of the fire, but they don’t believe it was arson. (FOX13)
3. Nineteen-year-old Daynie Cutler has turned her first heartbreak into something positive. To get herself out of a rut, she began writing poetry, letters, or anything she felt that day before placing it into an old mailbox. She then put up a mailbox with the words "love letters" written on the side in case others wanted to do the same, giving people an outlet for their emotions. "For me it was kind of like, if people don’t write it in it, it gives me something to check up on. And I can write in it if I like." The idea quickly gained popularity and is now helping to spread love all over Pinellas County. You can learn more about the Love Letter Mailboxes on Cutler's Instagram page! (Bay News 9)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Ronni Ford, for sharing this beautiful sunset photo!

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:

• Woodcarving and Wood Burning at the Hale Senior Activity Center (9 a.m.)
• Tuesday Movies - "Maybe I Do" at the Dunedin Public Library (2 p.m.)
• Crafternoon at the Dunedin Public Library (4 p.m.)
• Game Show Challenge at Calendonia Brewing (7:30 p.m.)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know an incredible mom you'd like the rest of Dunedin to know about, too? We want to hear about her! Just fill out this simple form and we'll do the rest. And if you’re looking for some inspiration, have a look at these awesome moms!

From my notebook:

• Honeymoon Island Sandbar Chasers is holding its Second Annual Summer Sandbar Kickoff on May 28 at noon at the South 3 Rooker sandbar. Take your own boat out there or reserve a spot on their charter. This family-friendly event will include a mini sandbar show, giveaways, and product demos performed by sponsors. (Honeymoon Island Sandbar Chasers via Facebook)
• The City of Dunedin reminds everyone to be kind to their mind! Remember to put time aside for rest and relaxation to restore your mind and body. The Dunedin Community Center and Hale Senior Activity Center offer various classes that can help you relax, including Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong. Learn more here. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Do you have an artist in the family? Dunedin Parks & Recreation offers Little Art Masters summer camp for kids ages 8 through 11 from June 12 to June 16 between 9 a.m. and noon at the Dunedin Community Center. Campers will create works of art using various techniques inspired by famous artists. They'll also get lessons in art history on Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, and other big names in the art world. Those interested can register online here. (City of 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:

• Planning for Taxes in Retirement (May 10)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at East Lake Community Library (May 11)
• Shred Event (May 13)
• St Pete Tacos & Tequila Festival (May 13)
• Wine Walk (May 13)
• LEADS Mardi Gras Masquerade Brunch Fundraiser (May 20)
• Add your event

Other featured classifieds:

• Loco needs his furever home (Details)
• Add your classified

You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for your next update.