🌱 Virtual Author Chat + Christmas Sweater Party + Bluegrass Festival

Hello again, Dunedin! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Dunedin Daily, fresh off the presses. Let's get this day started off right with a quick dive into the most important things going on these days in town, including updates on:

• New boozy ice cream flavors at Ice & Cream Creamery
• Christmas Sweater Party & Vintage Market at The Honu
• A virtual author chat with New York Times bestselling author

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and nice. High: 81 Low: 62.

Our local sponsor has some great stuff to offer:

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Dunedin:

1. Award-winning author Geraldine Brooks is joining the Dunedin Public Library for a virtual author chat on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. She will be discussing her recent New York Times bestselling novel, "Horse." The event describes Brooks' novel as "Based on the remarkable true story of the record-breaking thoroughbred Lexington, Horse is a novel of art and science, love and obsession, and our unfinished reckoning with racism." Register online now to receive a link to the event and submit any questions you may have for the author. (Dunedin Library)
2. Are you ready for all of the holiday events happening in Dunedin this month? Celebrations will start this weekend with the Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade and Tree Lighting tomorrow, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Be sure to get to the marina early to get a spot along the water and enjoy the festivities in Edgewater Park. For more information on other holiday events happening in Dunedin and nearby cities, check the link. (Dunedin Patch)
3. A Dunedin man named Ron DeSantis shares what it's like to share a name with Florida's governor. Unlike the governor, Dunedin Ron is 64 years old and considers himself a gearhead. The retired master tech used to work for Ford and keeps a tidy garage workstation. The increasing popularity of the governor's name has led to some interesting conversations for Dunedin Ron. “Say you call the bank or something and you have to say your name. I qualify it now,” he told the Tampa Bay Times. “I say, this is Ron DeSantis — not the gov.” Dunedin Ron isn't the only person who shares the governor's name in our area. Read the full article to learn more about the other Rons! (Finger Lakes Times)
4. The Honu is hosting a Christmas Sweater Party & Vintage Market on Dec. 3 between 5 and 10 p.m. Be sure to wear your best Christmas sweater or outfit and take advantage of their Sippin' Selfie Station! In addition to various Christmas-themed cocktails, guests can do some holiday shopping at The Honu's Vintage Market. Several vintage and tiki vendors will be posted up in their parking lot, including Eekum Bookum, The Green Tiki, Art & Alligators, Glenn and Karen, Hodader, and more. (The Honu via Facebook)
5. If you haven't already, be sure to buy your tickets to the Honeymoon Island Bluegrass Festival. Enjoy six hours of continuous live music on Dec. 3 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the North Beach picnic area. This dog-friendly event will include activities for kids, food and drink vendors, and more. Bands who will be performing include The Kody Norris Show, Amanda Cook Band, Justin Mason and Blue Night, and more. Get your tickets now online for $15 or onsite for $18. (Honeymoon Island Bluegrass Festival)

Dunedin Daily Pic of the Day:

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Today in Dunedin:

• Dunedin Downtown Market at Pioneer Park (9 a.m.)
• PAVA 3rd Annual Holiday Exhibit at PAVA's Cool Art Shop (11 a.m.)
• Live music at Mangos And Marley (5 p.m.)
• Live music with Grateful Dave at Beach Island Brewery (6 p.m.)
• Dunedin Piper On The Pier at the Dunedin Marina (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Meet Murphy, a six-year-old pup who has been waiting for his furever family at Pinellas County Animal Services for far too long! According to the shelter, Murphy is great on a leash and loves to cuddle. "Murphy didn't have the best life before coming to the shelter but has always been a happy, loving boy!" Meet Murphy and all of his furry friends at the Pinellas County Animal Services in Largo. Don't forget, with the holidays coming up, adopt, don't shop! (Pinellas County Animal Services via Facebook)
• All 8th graders and their families are encouraged to attend Dunedin High School Discovery Night on Dec. 6 between 6 and 8 p.m. You'll get a tour of the school and learn about all the various academic programs and opportunities the school offers. (Dunedin High School via Facebook)
• Have you tried Ice & Cream Creamery's new Boozy Ice Cream flavors? These liquor-infused options are a special treat for anyone 21 and older! Flavors include Vanilla Bean Bourbon, Dark Chocolate Whiskey, Cake Batter Vodka Martini, Spiked Hazelnut Coffee, Mango Margarita Sorbet, and Frose All Day. (Direct From Dunedin via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• DavisDNA & Family Research, Inc. — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Candlelight Prayer Vigil for The "Angel of Hope" Memorial (December 6)
• The Market Marie (December) (December 10)
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That's it for today! I'll see you around.