🌱 WWII Veteran Honored + Joy Rides Dunedin + Minerals And More

Hello again, neighbors! It's Kristen, your host of the Dunedin Patch newsletter. Let's get this Saturday started off right with a quick review of everything happening in town these days, including updates on...

• Dunedin Fitness Center's newest personal trainer
• Catch a ride around downtown with Joy Rides Dunedin
• Check out minerals from around the world today in the library

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Here are the top stories today in Dunedin:

1. The City of Dunedin honored World War II veteran O'Neil Duchárme with a parade downtown on his 98th birthday. He served in the Marines between 1942-1981, earning his way up the ranks to Master Sergeant. O'Neil's best friend, Mark Welsh, volunteers with Honor Flight of West Central Florida. Welsh praised his friend, calling him a hero. "He gives to everyone. He tries to encourage everyone to go on Honor Flights and expects nothing in return." O'Neil was gifted new dress blues along with his 5-year-old grandson, who he's convinced will grow up to follow in his footsteps. "I want to say to all my brothers and sisters in the military, past, future, and today. We love you, and we honor you, and you’re always going to stay with us in our heart." The parade also recognized seven other World War II veterans. (City of Dunedin via Facebook | FOX 13 Tampa)
2. Joy Rides Dunedin, sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin, is offering free, 45-minute trishaw tours to residents with limited mobility, their friends, and family. The tour takes riders around Downtown Dunedin and along the Pinellas Trail. The trishaw can accommodate up to four people. Rides leave from the Hale Senior Activity Center on Monday mornings at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. To reserve your spot, call 727-298-3299. (Dunedin Patch)
3. Cal Pierson is hosting "Minerals and More" today, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room of the Dunedin Public Library. Join him as he shares his mineral knowledge and collection with attendees. It's a great opportunity for kids and teens who are interested in the subject to see minerals from around the world and learn what makes them unique. No registration is required. Simply show up to participate! (Dunedin Library)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Anastasia Barquin, for sharing this incredible photo you took while walking on Edgewater Drive!

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 Art And Book Sale at the DFAC Cottage Campus (9 a.m.)
• Hope Spot Festival in Edgewater Park (10 a.m.)
• Dino Stroll Pub Crawl at Caledonia Brewing (noon)
• 3 Tenors Concert at First United Methodist Church (2 p.m.)
• House of Hamill in concert at the Scottish Cultural Center (7:30 p.m.)
• Live music with The Cats Band at Bauser’s (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Due to today's expected rainy weather, the location of the VIP Eat & Drink Local portion of the Hope Spot Festival has been changed to Soggy Bottom Brewery. This is ONLY relevant to those who have Eat & Drink Local tickets! All other vendors and participants will be at the Hope Spot Festival in Edgewater Park today, Feb. 11, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Blue-Green Connections via Facebook)
• The City of Dunedin would like you to meet their new Personal Trainer, Carie Watts, who has joined the team at Dunedin's Community & Fitness Center. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, she moved to Florida with her husband and their three daughters seven years ago. She is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist. Carie "believes fitness should be balanced with a person's lifestyle to remain sustainable." (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Happy 35th anniversary to Sea Sea Riders! Help them celebrate this accomplishment by spending time with them during Saturday Social Hour today between 3 and 7 p.m.! (Sea Sea Riders via Facebook)
• Registration for summer dance camp at Dreamer's Dance Company is now open. If your kids have happy feet, be sure to check out what camp options are available on their website. (Dreamer's Dance Company via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Tarot Card Readings & Home or Office Cleansings —
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Featured events:

• Hope Spot Festival (February 11)
• 3 Tenors Concert (February 11)
• Valentine's Day Concert with Shanna in a Dress at Safety Harbor Art and Music Center (February 14)
• Wine Walk (February 18)
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That's it for today! I'll see you soon.