Dunedin Patch encourages everyone to take part in the conversation! So, on occasion, we like to highlight a commenter for exemplifying good practice of our Terms of Use. This week, we thank Richie Bowman for his comment on Residents Dissolve Lyndhurst Street Neighborhood Watch. The story of a group that disbanded its neighborhood watch after several months of coming together stirred emotional comments from neighbors frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of support from law enforcement. We appreciate how Bowman encouraged both the frustrated residents and the Pinellas County Sheriff's …

Dunedin Patch encourages everyone to take part in the conversation, and moreso everyone to use us as a platform to get the word out about news, events, and ideas.  This week, we thank Marilyn for her comment on an announcement Silver Lab Lost on Dunedin Causeway and applaud Michele Simone for using Dunedin Patch's "Lost & Found" section to help get word out fast. When Michele's silver Lab, Gunner, went missing, she posted an announcement on Patch that included all the pertinent information necessary to help locate Gunner, her precious silver Lab in need of medication. And once her …

Dunedin Patch encourages everyone to take part in the conversation! So, on occasion, we like to highlight a commenter for exemplifying good practice of our Terms of Use. This week, we thank Dee Dokumaci for her comment on Laundromat Owner Takes Stand Against Obama. The story of a Dunedin business's sign opposing President Barack Obama's economic viewpoint stirred emotional comments on both sides of the political spectrum.  We appreciate Dee's call for respect and civility in response to a commenter who made criminal allegations about members belonging to a political party, calling them "…

This week, we appreciate Jayne Krakowiak for all of her comments. Jayne commented on three stories this week, which is awesome, but something she said in the comment section of Environmental Concerns Postpone Soccer Turf Work really caught our eye. The story shed light on a soccer field in Dunedin that is plagued with a nematode infestation. The city contractor was just about to use a common pesticide to treat the problem, but postponed it after a neighbor raised environmental and health concerns.  Here's what Jayne had to say ... or really, what Jayne had to ask: According to the above …

This week, we thank waltallen for his comment on City May Lay Off Five Employees. We appreciate waltallen's comment for its respectful approach to a controversial issue. He respected our Terms of Use and his comment shows a level of compassion and respect for all the parties involved in the story. He doesn't point blame at anyone, yet manages to challenge all parties to a higher level of integrity. Check out an excerpt (edited down from the original version): I am not familiar with the facts of this issue and never met Mr McElligott, but by all accounts sounds like an outstanding employee…

This week, we thank Monty Seidler for his comments on these blogs and articles: Jays or Threshers: Who's Your Team? 6 Amendments You May Vote On This November Vintage In Style Monty's enthusiasm for Dunedin is infectious in each his comments, and he absolutely respected our Terms of Use while encouraging folks to get involved in local government. Check out an excerpt from 6 Amendments You May Vote On This November:  "We comment, complain, and criticize. This is the time to be heard. Government works for the people! Vote!" And, Monty's participation in Patch's poll asking folks which team they…

Dunedin Patch encourages everyone to take part in the conversation! So, every week we're going to highlight and thank a reader who commented on one or more stories that week. We want to hear your concerns, we like to hear your stories and of course we greatly appreciate it when you agree to disagree in a respectful manner. This week, we thank Marcia Hanlon for her participation on Patch! We appreciate how Marcia took advantage of the announcement section to write a letter thanking her community for its support and also, posted news and photos announcing who won. (And she absolutely respected …

Dunedin Patch encourages everyone to take part in the conversation! So, every week we're going to highlight and thank a reader who commented on one or more stories that week. We want to hear your concerns, we like to hear your stories and of course we greatly appreciate it when you agree to disagree in a respectful manner. This week, we thank Cecilia for her dialogue on a story about the citywide branding issue: City Approves New Logo but Rejects Slogan. Cecilia was chosen as our first "Commenter of the Week" because she expressed her views about the city's decision to pursue a citywide …