'Defending Freedom' Arch Proposed for Broadway

The proposed aluminum arch for the entrance of downtown Broadway would feature the words "Defending Freedom."

A permanent arch may someday replace a banner honoring Dunedin's returning military heroes. The proposed aluminum arch for the entrance of downtown Broadway would feature the words "Defending Freedom" and provide room for the city to feature individual names as needed. Downtown merchant Patti Coleman is spearheading efforts to bring the arch to Broadway.  Coleman grew up an Air Force brat and has a view of the vinyl banner from where she works at The Candy Bar. It hangs between two permanent posts on either side of Broadway, and has a history of distracting drivers from traffic light changes at the Main Street intersection. The sign reads: Thanks for Defending Freedom, The City of Dunedin Welcomes You Home and frequently features the name …

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bill coleman

5:14 pm on Saturday, May 25, 2013

Patti had a wonderful idea and the nerve and energy to move forward Lets get it done! Dunedin' citizens can continue to be proud of this wonderful city. Ten years with a temporary wire sign is enough, Our service men and women deserve the best.Keep it clean, nice and in good taste. Yes, I'm Patti's husband and she did not put me up to writing this. Oh wait, she's calling me to take out the …   more ›

Dunedin's 'Dun Our Way' Campaign to Roll Out

City leaders unanimously approved a final phase for launching Dunedin's "Dun Our Way" marketing campaign strategy across the Tampa Bay area.

"Dunedin: Home of Honeymoon Island" may soon show up on area billboards, social media and displays around Tampa Bay next year. The advertising, aimed at tourists, is part of an extensive marketing campaign to being visitors to Dunedin for longer, overnight stays. Dunedin commissioners unanimously approved the marketing strategy and Wilesmith Advertising's final recommendations for rolling out the city's branded "DUN OUR WAY" campaign.  Already the city's multi-colored, wavy-E logo and slogan appear on Dunedin's street banners, retail merchandise, signs, brochures and guides, employee uniforms and city vehicles, with more places yet to come this year, according to Wilesmith's marketing strategy. The brand is also incorporated in the up-and-…

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City Attorney Issues Correction on 'Call'

Tom Trask issued a public correction on what became a controversial ruling over one commissioner's use of an oft-used phrase during a Dunedin city meeting.

Dunedin's city attorney publicly corrected his May 2 ruling on proper parliamentary procedure Thursday. One commissioner's use of the oft-used phrase in a long-established, uniform set of procedures for public meetings called Robert's Rules of Order — the "call the question," meant to silence debate — resulted in a confusing, Abbott-and-Costello-like dialogue among city leaders.  When the mayor asked Tom Trask, city attorney, for clarity, he told the mayor that an invocation of "call the question" meant debate must halt and leaders must vote on the issue being discussed immediately. Trask corrected his stance in a memo to city commissioners four days later, the same day Dunedin Patch published an article reporting on the dialogue. He also …

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Dave Pauley

5:53 pm on Thursday, May 23, 2013

I respect the fact that Mr. Trask is able to identify himself as vulnerable. It takes a person of conviction and and extreme honesty to personally admit he was wrong. Perfection is what we all strive for, but is so often, not attainable. May hat is off to Mr. Trask for being able to turn aside the title of, "Perfect".   more ›

Shot Heard in New York State? Dunedin's Gun Show Stance Noticed Elsewhere

A decision by Dunedin officials to turn down a request for a gun show at the Community Center gains notice in Saratoga Springs.

A letter to the editor in the Saratogian, in New York, notes a decision by Dunedin officials in Florida to reject a gun dealer's request to hold shows in the community center. Letter writer Mary Gage is focusing on Saratoga Springs City Center's contract to host two NEACA Arms Fairs in 2014. She argues that Saratoga city officials  should have rejected the contract, as Dunedin officials did. (See Gun Show Request Triggers Swift Reply From Dunedin Leaders.) Gage writes: "It seems some Saratoga officials will continue to deny what public officials elsewhere are quick to admit. Gun shows in publicly funded venues are bad public policy and municipalities have no business in the gun business." She also quotes Dunedin City Manager Rob DiSpirito …

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-Ed Harris-

12:08 pm on Thursday, May 23, 2013

Joey, I am glad to share that Harris Plumbing does not permit the carrying of any type of weapons at the shop, on the job site or in the plumbing van.   more ›

'Fun Ride' to Tour Dunedin's Artistic Bicycle Racks

The city invites bicycle enthusiasts on an 8-mile bicycle tour on Tuesday evening.

The city is inviting Dunedin's bicycle enthusiasts on an fun ride bicycle tour on Tuesday evening. Matthew Campbell, assistant to the city manager, who is spearheading a project to construct connections from the Pinellas Trail at Michigan Boulevard through Highlander Park and to other parts of the city, wants to celebrate May — National Bicycle Month — with an eight-mile "fun ride" to view artistic bike racks throughout town. Campbell, who is leading the ride, said he plans to visit the following racks: The social ride is open to bicycle riders of any age. Helmets are mandatory, and children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Campbell does caution riders that some stretches may not be suitable for children on a single-speed bike…

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What's Tampa Bay Saying?

Tea Party Targeting, AP Phone Taps: What’s Up with Government Lately?

As news about possible abuses of power on the federal level continues to break, we’d like to get your take about what’s been going on Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay residents who keep up with the headlines coming out of Washington, D.C., have likely found themselves scratching their heads more than a few times this past week. Allegations of wrongdoing seem to be coming at the speed of light as the Obama Administration fends off bad press about inappropriate targeting of Tea Party organizations by the Internal Revenue Service and possible wrongdoing in the handling of a national security leak. The IRS’ targeting of Tea Party groups centers around hassles these groups report experiencing while trying to apply for tax-exempt status prior to the 2012 election. The controversy even hit home as Bay area groups are now reporting that they were targeted, according to The Tampa Tribune. The kerfuffle…

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Library to Install Glass 'Quiet Reading' Room

City officials are expected to approve a $34,000 project to install a glass-enclosed reading room at Dunedin Public Library.

Dunedin library is likely to get a glass-enclosed quiet reading room. The roughly $34,000 project would mean installing several 5/8-inch glass panels with one entry door for an enclosed, "quiet reading room" inside the Dunedin Public Library, according to a city memo. "The room will have a classic library feel with a 'hint' of the former Public Library that was once located at the current City Hall," writes Phyllis Gorshe, library director, in a memo to the city manager. City leaders are expected to give final approval for Glass Services Inc. of Clearwater's bid on the project at Thursday night's commission meeting.  The Dunedin Public Library Foundation donated at least $30,000 toward construction of a quiet reading room. Sign up for the …

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What's Tampa Bay Saying?

Loud Car Stereos: Should Local Governments Crack Down?

The city of Sarasota just enacted a law aimed at getting motorists to turn down the volume. Now, other local governments are following suit. Should they?

Most of us have been in the car when a great tune comes on the radio. The urge to turn up that volume just a little bit is often too strong to resist. But, how loud is too loud? When is cranking it up going too far? When should authorities be able to step in and say enough is enough? Those are questions some local governments in the Tampa Bay area are now wrestling with. Since the Florida Legislature shot down a measure that would have regulated just how loud car stereos can be, some local authorities have decided to take matters into their own hands. The City of Sarasota just put its new ordinance into effect that makes it against the law for car stereos and portable electronic devices to emit sounds at a level that are considered “…

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