Paddler on Yearlong Journey Thanks Honeymoon Island Park Manager

Expedition Florida 500 adventurer Justin Riney arrived in Dunedin on Monday and spent two nights on Honeymoon Island. Riney had many good things to say about his stay.

Justin Riney's stay in Dunedin was brief. But he was sure to express appreciation for Honeymoon Island's "generosity and hospitality" after his stay as part of a yearlong Expedition Florida 500 journey. "There's no camping permitted on Honeymoon Island, but (Park Manager) Pete wanted me to experience this beautiful place anyway," Riney wrote in a Facebook post that acts as an online journal of his expedition.  His mode of transportation is a stand-up paddle board. He has one paddle and a few water-proof bags in tow. Riney, who is also the founder and CEO of Mother Ocean, a non-profit group dedicated to empowering ocean advocates around the world, spent two nights in Dunedin, days 56 and 57 of his journey. Riney was greeted by 35 …

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Thank Cod It's Friday

Honeymoon Island Fish Fry: Coastal Views, Sandy Toes, Comfort Food

South Beach Pavilion's Friday Night Fish Fry is the type of place beachgoers wander up to after a day in the sun, with sand on their toes, salt in their hair and an appetite for comfort food.

The Fish Fry Friday Night experience at South Beach Pavilion Cafe can make even the most native of Floridians feel like a carefree traveler.  It's the type of place beachgoers wander up to after a day in the sun, with sand on their toes, salt in their hair and an appetite for comfort food. And friendly, personable staff make first-time visitors and longtime regulars feel instantly welcome. The laidback, anything-goes beachside cafe also doubles as a gift shop-convenience store stocked with all the essentials and kitchsy items necessary for a day on the beach. It's got everything from water socks, surf wax and bug repellent to T-shirts, magnets and koozies. Walk inside the cafe counter and order from staff, then seat yourself in the …

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Dunedin Claims $8.8 Million in BP Oil Spill Losses

An 11-page claim demanding more than $8 million in lost revenue points to visitor declines at Dunedin's major natural tourism destinations Caladesi and Honeymoon Island state parks after the 2010 BP oil spill.

A claim for more than $8.8 million against BP is on its way to lawyers in South Carolina, Dunedin city attorney Tom Trask said Thursday. Trask said he "rushed in the last 14 days to get" Dunedin's claim against BP ready for high-powered, national plaintiff litigation firm Motley Rice LLC. The 11-page document boasts of Dunedin's two largest natural tourism destinations Caladesi and Honeymoon Island state parks and points to revenue lost from declined tourism after the company's 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The claim for $8,812,133, plus another estimated $20,000 for recent forensic accounting fees not yet tallied, had already been sent through overnight mailing services by the time Dunedin city leaders voted to approve the claim …

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Are Dunedin Officials Playing Favorites with Sail Honeymoon?

A legal agreement the owner of Sail Honeymoon made three years ago with the city requires that he re-bid for his business, but some commissioners are looking to create a loophole to bypass the bidding process.

Glen Steinke knows he's getting a good deal. He's paying $1,000 a month to run a kayak and sailboat rental business on the only land bridge connecting a million annual visitors to Honeymoon Island State Park. Steinke has an agreement with the city to run Sail Honeymoon on the Dunedin Causeway. He has been there for the better part of 20 years. "You're not getting a good deal," Steinke told commissioners during the Jan. 24 public hearing. "I'd like to give you more money. I'd like a long-term contract in exchange." A legal agreement he made three years ago with the city requires that operations of the iconic concession would go to bid on Jan. 18, before the contract expires on July 31. But commissioners are divided when it comes to …

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Sunday Sunset: Honeymoon Island's Oasis Beach

Check out one of the reasons we love to live in Dunedin.

Thomas Gillman sent in this week's featured Sunday Sunset.  Gillman, of Thomas Gillman Phorography, said it was taken in early December shortly after a family portrait session on Oasis Beach at Honeymoon Island State Park.  "A storm had just cleared off the coast and I caught the sun rays peeking through the clouds just before sunset," he wrote to Dunedin Patch. "I love this image and I'm sure you will also!"  Check out more of Gillman's work at www.gillmanphotography.com or his Facebook page.

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5 Things to Do in Dunedin Sunday: Baseball Car Wash, Adventure Run, Art Festival and More

We found some activities in Dunedin to complement your Sunday fun day.

Dunedin Baseball Booster Club Car Wash at CarQuest 2. Kiwanis Adventure Run at Honeymoon Island State Park 3. Guided Nature Hike at Honeymoon Island State Park 4. 16th Annual Downtown Dunedin Art Festival on Main Street (downtown) 5. Pioneer Park Art Show Looking for more entertainment options in beautiful Dunedin, such as live music and dining specials? Search the Dunedin Patch calendar by date for more ideas. Would you like to get your event featured on Patch? Add it to the calendar!

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Kiwanis Adventure Run Includes Coastal Views, Pancake Breakfast

The five-mile or 5K course takes runners through woodland trails and rocky beaches Jan. 13 at Honeymoon Island State Park, and ends with a post-race pancake breakfast.

Here's a race perfectly timed with New Year's fitness goals. Beware, though, the Jan. 13 Kiwanis Adventure Run on Honeymoon Island is not for the faint of heart. The traditional five-mile course takes runners through woodland trails and rocky beaches. Runners must battle the elements of cold, wind, and terrain changes. Organizers warn that January's average morning lows are in the mid to low 40s and winds are usually between 10 and 20 knots. And the course's terrain varies from grass, mud, dirt, and rocks to loose and compact sand. It is a rain-or-shine event. If you're not ready for five miles, there is a 5K option. Both races start at 8:30 a.m. inside Honeymoon Island State Park and end with a pancake breakfast served by the Kiwanis Club…

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Rangers Lead First Day Hike at Honeymoon Island

Park rangers at Honeymoon Island State Park are leading the first guided hike of the year at 9 a.m.

Reader Spotlight: 'Another Reason to be Thankful'

Dunedin Patch highlights interaction with our readers. Today, it's a comment posted on our story about the new "limitless playground" at Honeymoon Island State Park.

Thanks to Patch reader Joe Nixon CPA, who posted this comment on our recent story about the opening of a new "limitless playground" at Honeymoon Island State Park: "Congratulations to all who made this happen - another reason to be thankful, not only this week, but for years to come on Honeymoon Island in Dunedin FL. What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving, Dunedin? Post a comment below. Dunedin Patch is an interactive community site, and we want you to get involved! Post a comment at the bottom of any story. Upload your photos to our Pics & Clips gallery. Post an Announcement to share your news, or add an Event to our calendar. Post a blog in our Local Voices section to let everyone know about your group, your expertise or your …

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PHOTOS: Two Rescued Sea Turtles Set Free at Honeymoon Island

Clearwater Marine Aquarium released Fat Albert and Hold Up, two young sea turtles, at Honeymoon Island on Tuesday morning. Albert, a green turtle, was rescued off of Honeymoon Island in May with buoyancy trouble.

Sea Also: Chilly Waters Welcome Sea Turtles Back to Honeymoon Island

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