🌱 Pinellas County Teacher Shortage + $1000 Holiday Lights Prize

Good morning, people of Dunedin! Danielle Fallon here with a fresh issue of the Dunedin Daily.

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First, today's weather:

Plenty of sun. High: 66 Low: 53.

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Shoutout to our premier local sponsor:

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Dunedin:

1. The national shortage of preschool teachers is hitting close to home. The Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County reported that half of surveyed childcare providers now have a waiting list due to staffing issues. The organization says staffing was an issue pre-pandemic and it is even worse now, with many facilities unable to fully staff. (Bay News 9)
2. A group of Pinellas County homeowners is on a mission to bring back the holiday spirit!
   $1,000 is on the line for homeowners in Pinellas County competing in a holiday light display. The contest is being put on by Blake Real Estate and highlights more than 400 homes showing off their dazzling, festive displays. (ABC Action News)
3. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will award a $120,000 grant to the Pinellas County Housing Authority to ease the transition for families working toward financial independence. The funding is part of the DHUD's Family Self-Sufficiency program, which enables HUD-assisted families to increase their income and reduce their need for housing assistance gradually. (thetampabay100.com)

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From our sponsor:

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Today in Dunedin:

• Samba - Hand And Foot - Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activity Center (12:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Looking to enjoy the outdoors while you shop? The Dunedin Downtown Market features over 40 vendors selling fresh food, plants, gifts, and more, with live music performed each Saturday. (Facebook)
• Through the County's Healthcare for the Homeless Program, Pinellas County Human Services provides basic medical care, wellness and prevention services, behavioral health screenings, and more for homeless members of the community. (Facebook)
• Meet George Kinney, Director of Community Development for the City of Dunedin. (Facebook)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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Events:

• Save 15 Percent On FTD's Christmas Collection (December 25)
• Winter Reprieve - A Sacred Sound Immersion (December 29)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Danielle Fallon

About me: Danielle Fallon is a writer who loves using her creativity to fuel her passion for communication. She is an employee of content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.