🌱 Teen Leader Program + Midnite Madness + Love Your Library Month

Hi all! It's Kristen, your host of the Dunedin Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening locally. Today you'll learn about...

• Road closures downtown this weekend
• Applications open for the city's Teen Leader Program
• Midnite Madness at the rec center for kids ages 9 to 14

But first, today's weather: A passing afternoon shower. High: 80 Low: 54.

Are you a business owner or marketer in Dunedin who wants to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales? If that's you, then I invite you to see how our newsletter sponsorships combine our local audience reach with your expertise to attract new customers. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Dunedin:

1. Dunedin Parks & Recreation is accepting applications for teen volunteers between 13 and 16 interested in participating in its Teen Leader Program. Teen Leaders work alongside Camp Leaders and adult mentors during Dunedin's summer camp programs for five weeks. They will gain hands-on workforce experience, valuable leadership training, communication skills, team building, and more. Applicants should be responsible, have positive attitudes, and be role models to the kids. Those interested can apply now through March 24 by downloading the application at the link. (Dunedin Gov)
2. The City of Dunedin is hosting Midnite Madness for kids ages 9 to 14 on Feb. 24 between 7 p.m. and midnight at the MLK Jr. Rec Center and Skate Park. Sign your kids up to test their skills on the games truck, play laser tag, use skates or scooters, and enjoy extreme inflatables. They'll also get to enjoy music, giveaways, and a snack buffet. Sign them up now and take advantage of the early bird special pricing before Feb. 20. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
3. In honor of Love Your Library Month, the City of Dunedin has shared some ways you can support our city's public library. Consider a Friends of the Library Membership, which helps support the library's programs and the new playground. You can also support the library by shopping in the used bookstore, which sells gently used books, movies, magazines, and more. Click the link to learn more ways to support the Dunedin Public Library. (Dunedin Gov)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Rachel Singer, for sharing this awesome photo of Curlew Creek!

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 Downtown Market in Pioneer Park (9 a.m.)
• Pop-Up: Xul Beer Company at HOB (3 p.m.)
• Free Family Fun Night at the Dunedin Fine Art Center (5 p.m.)
• Blue-Green Connections Virtual Hope Learning Youth Webinar on Microplastics (5 p.m.)
• Live Music at Mangos and Marley (5 p.m.)
• Piper On The Pier at the downtown marina (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Expect road closures on Saturday ahead of the Mardi Gras celebration downtown. Closures along Main Street between Milwaukee Avenue and Broadway and along Douglas Avenue between Monroe Street and Scotland Street begin at 2 a.m. Rolling closures will also occur along the parade route. Roads will reopen at 7 a.m. on Feb. 19. (Dunedin Gov)
• The Honu is ready for Dunedin's Mardi Gras celebration this weekend with several Mardi Gras-inspired cocktails! They're also offering King Cake for dessert, complete with a "Find the Baby" gift card giveaway. Several plastic babies will be hidden inside the cake, and those who find one will receive a $10 gift card! (The Honu via Facebook)
• Mangos and Marley is also celebrating Mardi Gras Saturday with food and drink specials. This includes those infamous Hurricanes and New Orleans-style Lagers and IPAs! They'll also be serving Cuban-inspired Jambalaya. (Mangos and Marley via Facebook)
• The Dunedin Jr. Falcons cheerleading squad is looking for sponsors for the 2023 season. Funds will be used to cover the costs of things like cheer mats, competition fees, team bonding experiences, and more. Those interested should contact the team's Cheer Coordinator Shana Grantham on Facebook. (Shana Grantham via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Tarot Card Readings & Home or Office Cleansings —
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Wine Walk (February 18)
• Goat Yoga @ BEACH ISLAND BREWERY (February 19)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at East Lake Community Library (February 21)
• Free Grief Seminar (February 21)
• Friends' Night At The Theatre (February 22)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 23)
• Cirque Ma'Ceo is coming to Pinellas Park! (February 24)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!