🌱 Veteran Owned Businesses + Selling Tampa Bay + Movies In The Park

Hello, neighbors! It's Thursday in Dunedin and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in our community. Today's briefing includes:

• Share your thoughts on the City of Dunedin's brand image.
• Behind the scenes photos from an episode of "Selling Tampa Bay" featuring local realtor.
• The schedule for Movies in the Park at Pioneer Park in October.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Studio 1212 Art Gallery

Visit Dunedin’s Studio 1212 Art Gallery — for two years in a row, named by Tampa Bay Magazine the best small art gallery cooperative for 2023

Since 1971, Studio 1212 – a non-profit art gallery owned and managed by an all-volunteer group of local, award-winning artists — has been a part of the creative community in the Dunedin area.

Here are a few things you can do at Studio 1212:

• Attend an exhibit of local artists (check out the schedule here)
• Get your own artwork critiqued for free by volunteer artists (on the first Saturday and third Tuesday of each month at 10am)
• Support local artists by buying their work – art prints, note cards and fine hand-crafted gift items – in the gift boutique
• Sign up for a workshop to expand and improve your own artistic abilities
• Join other local art lovers by becoming a benefactor of Studio 1212 (Learn more here.)

Studio 1212 is located at 234 Monroe St. in Downtown Dunedin and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit Studio 1212 — a part of the Dunedin area arts community for over 50 years.

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

Now, today's weather: A couple of thunderstorms. High: 86 Low: 73.

Here are the top 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. Did you know the City of Dunedin's U.S. Military Veterans Advisory Committee offers a program that acknowledges veteran-owned and veteran-friendly businesses in Dunedin? These businesses receive a recognition decal to display their dedication and support to veterans on site. So far, approved businesses include Sandbar Grill, The Honu, Dunedin's Dry Cleaner, Crown & Bull, and Happy Bayou Bites! (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
2. Local realtor Kelly Ackley recently shot an episode for American Dream TV's "Selling Tampa Bay." Her behind-the-scenes photos show her filming in front of the new City Hall building as well as downtown while walking with Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski. Click the link to see the photos for yourself and stay tuned for updates on when the episode will air! (Kelly Ackley via Facebook)
3. Movies in the Park will be held every Friday night in October at Pioneer Park. These free events will begin at dark, with films being played on a large outdoor movie screen. The event will kick off on Oct. 6 with a showing of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie." Following that, the movies will be "Mrs. Doubtfire" on Oct. 13, "Encanto" on Oct. 20, and "The Little Mermaid" (2023) on Oct. 27. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Check out this bird, deep in thought, caught on camera by Kate Heitman!

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:

Thursday, September 21

• Oktoberfest at Woodwright Brewing Company (5 p.m.)
• Bourbon Barrel Release at Fenway Hotel (6 p.m.)
• International Day of Peace at Weaver Park (6 p.m.)
• Local Love Resident Discount at 7venth Sun Brewery (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Any local business owners interested in becoming a sponsor for the Dunedin Wines the Blues Festival can learn more about sponsorship options here. "It's not just a glass of wine—it's an opportunity to support a community!" (Dunedin Wines the Blues via Facebook)
• Meet Shiloh, a 1-year-old pup in need of his furever home! Weighing in at just 35 pounds, he is easy to handle and loves playing with other pups. Click the link to learn more about Shiloh and all of his furry friends up for adoption for just $5 right now through Pinellas County Animal Services. (Pinellas County Animal Services via Facebook)
• The City of Dunedin shared some exciting news. They've been working on a new city website and will reveal it soon! (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• The City of Dunedin invites residents to join the conversation on shaping the city's brand. A Facebook group has been created to allow the public to share ideas, offer feedback, and collaborate with Chandler Thinks, LLC to create an image for our beloved city. Those interested can join the group at the link. (Branding the City of Dunedin via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Ready to Shuffle benefiting Former Foster Care Youth! (September 21)
• Toning in the Tiwa Tradition (September 23)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Palm Harbor Library (September 26)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update!