🌱 Giant Tortoise On Dunedin Water Tower + Mayor Bujalski On AVA

Up and at 'em, Dunedin! Let's get you all caught up to start this Friday, May 6 off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know today in town.

---

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 85 Low: 75.

---

Shoutout to our premier local sponsors:

• Getting your gutters cleaned and repaired is the homeowner's equivalent of flossing — you know it's good for you even if it's not something you look forward to. Friendly nudge: don't put it off. One Clean Gutter are local, woman-owned gutter experts who can install new seamless gutters and guards or clean your existing gutters. Daily readers get 10% off — tell them Patch sent you and avoid house cavities! Visit One Clean Gutter today.

  

• Want a one-of-a-kind portrait of your doggie or know someone who would love this as a gift? Debbie Lewis is a talented watercolor artist based in Clearwater. She creates beautiful watercolor paintings of your furry friends from your photos. You can check out examples of her work or place an order here.

  

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

---

Here are the top three stories in Dunedin today:

1. If you've driven toward Honeymoon Island recently, you may have noticed a giant gopher tortoise beginning to emerge on the east side of the water tower near Curlew Road and Bayshore Boulevard. St. Petersburg artist Tom Stovall was contracted by the City of Dunedin to paint "Henry" the tortoise and "Sylvia" the sea turtle on the tower after Paul Stanek, Dunedin's director of public works, suggested using the earmarked tower repainting budget to "create a work of public art." Stovall started painting in late March and hopes to complete the project by the end of June, weather permitting. (Tampa Bay Newspapers)
2. Last week, we reported that AVA, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority's autonomous shuttle service by Beep, resumed service in Dunedin after a pilot program was paused last year following a pedestrian-involved crash. This week, Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski addressed the safety improvements that have been made to AVA, noting that safety is the city's No. 1 priority. "We have been working with PSTA and Beep to learn how the new AVA platform has advanced technology and safety features," she said in a statement. Want to take a ride on AVA? The self-driving shuttle operates Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Douglas Avenue between Main Street and the Dunedin Public Library. (Tampa Bay Newspapers)
3. If you've ever wanted to learn how to make the perfect bow for a wrapped gift, a wreath, or even a hairstyle, the Dunedin Parks and Recreation is ready to teach you! On May 16, the Department will be hosting a bow-making class for beginners at the Hale Senior Activity Center. The class will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and costs $20 with your Rec Card (or $30 without a card). Interested participants must pre-register by Friday, May 13. (Press Release Desk)

---

From our sponsor:

Today's newsletter is brought to you in part by Ring, a Patch Brand Partner. Whether you're working from home or streaming your favorite movies, the new Ring Alarm Pro gives you an internet connection you can count on — while simultaneously keeping your home safe and secure.

To learn more about the innovative security system, or to build your own custom system, you can visit Ring here.

---

Today in Dunedin:

• Dunedin Downtown Market At John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park (9:00 AM)
• A Course In Miracles At Unity Community Church (10:00 AM)
• Sean Patrick Walsh At Beach Island Brewery (7:00 PM)
• Sunset Music Series At Weaver Park (7:00 PM)

---

From my notebook:

• The Pinellas County Extension invites the community to help keep our waters clean by joining the Adopt-a-Drain program! Learn more here. (Facebook)
• Want to enjoy live music, great food and drinks, and awesome local vendors while supporting worthy causes? On May 20 and 21, head over to the Backlot at 2100 3rd Avenue S in St. Pete (between 3 Daughters Brewing and the Train Station). The first annual Backlot Wine & Beer Weekend is benefiting Hero to a Child and Operation: Craft Beer Drop. (WTSP)
• Move over or pay up! Officers in Pinellas County are buckling down on enforcing the "move over law" on our local roads. Learn more on WFLA. (WFLA)
• Calling all Dunedin prospective homeowners: Check out these five local homes for sale in Patch's latest real estate roundup! (Dunedin Patch)

---

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Tarot Card Readings with Nicole —
• Add your business here

Events:

• Shop & Stroll in Downtown Tarpon Springs (May 7)
• Hire A Pro To Tackle Mom's To-Do List (May 8)
• Journey to the Heart Sound Meditation (May 11)
• Texas Hold Em Poker Tournament (May 12)
• Level One Singing Bowl Certificate Course (May 13)
• Dunedin Rotary Triathlon (May 22)
• Add your event

Gigs & services:

• Ideal Choice Painting (Details)
• Add your gig or service

---

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.