Country Music Star Gets Key to City of Dunedin

It only took a platinum record and a few Grammy Awards for Lari White to get a day in her honor.

White, who once "brought the house down" at a Dunedin High talent show, went on to become a country music star after graduating in 1983. On Thursday, the mayor proclaimed it "Lari White Day" and gave her a key to the city.
 
White was back in town celebrating her 30-year reunion and a reunion concert with her former high school band Full Tilt. 

"All of us have gone on to do great things from that class — Class of '83," Vice Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski, a fellow classmate, said during the July 18 city commission meeting, but one went on to fame in country music and acting. "[Lari has] really represented Dunedin High School and the city and her wonderful parents very well."

White received a gold record for "Wishes," a platinum record  for "White Trash with Money," and three Grammys for her work on "Amazing Grace: a Country Tribute to the Gospel." She is also a songwriter for Toby Keith, Tammy Wynette, and Lone Star.

White later got into acting and had a starring role in the Broadway musical "Ring of Fire" and "Castaway" with Tom Hanks.

With her parents, husband and children beside White, Mayor Dave Eggers handed her a copy of the proclamation and three rose, one for each decade since graduation, and then presented her with something that took her breath away. 

"We don't do this very often," Eggers said handing her a palm-sized, gilded skeleton key. "We're very honored to give you the key to the city of Dunedin."

"Thank you so much," White said.

She graciously accepted the key shortly before heading over to perform with Full Tilt at the Dunedin VFW Post 2550 on Douglas Avenue.

"I can tell you that I have appreciated the awards that I have been able to be a part of, but nothing is more of a treasure to me than this right here, the key to this city, which I love and feel so fortunate that I was able to grow up in such a warm, loving, safe, beautiful community that I still call home — and always will," White said. "If there is ever anything that I can do for the city of Dunedin all you have to do is call and I would do it in a heartbeat."

"Does this mean I get free ice cream?" she laughed.

White is also slated to perform Friday, July 19 as part of the Dunedin High Class of '83 reunion pub crawl at Blur from 7 to 9 p.m.