Honeymoon, Caladesi Islands Marketed to China

Tourism officials are trying to capture a market of 90 million Chinese visitors who will travel overseas in 2013.

Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands, Clearwater Beach and Fort De Soto are being introduced to a brand-new market: Chinese tourists. China is the world's fastest-growing tourism market, though a mere 231,000 Chinese tourists travel to the Sunshine State now. D.T. Minich aims to change that. He just traveled to the nation to spread the message about Florida attractions, particularly the beaches of Pinellas County, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Minich, executive director of the Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, told the Tampa Bay Times: "When they saw the blue skies and pure water and white sandy beaches, they were just like 'Wow.' They were blown away. A couple of people asked me if this was real." Visit …

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Island Earth Days 2013 at Honeymoon: Weekend Schedule

This two-day weekend eco-celebration highlights the natural attributes of Honeymoon and Caladesi island state parks.

Meet live animals, climb a rock wall or take a walk on the water. Honeymoon Island State Park has many more eco-activities planned at this weekend's Island EarthDays celebration, including food and beer, craft vendors, live music, children's events and education exhibits that all showcase the island's natural attributes. Participants can win prize drawings or bid on auction items throughout the two-day event. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Island Parks, a non-profit that supports the needs of Honeymoon and Caladesi Island state parks. The organization is focusing major fundraising efforts on plans for a roughly $700,000 observation and education tower for Caladesi Island. Organizers outlined a schedule for the day's events on the official…

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Traffic Moves After Dunedin Causeway Drawbridge Fiasco

The drawbridge leading to Honeymoon Island became stuck for at least two hours, according to drivers and pedestrians stranded west part on the Dunedin Causeway.

The drawbridge on Dunedin Causeway is open to traffic, officials report. It had become stuck in the up position for at least two hours, according to witness accounts. Traffic was backed up all the way to Honeymoon Island State Park, reports witness Tyler Sontag, who had become stranded after spending his early day enjoying the park. Island Parks Manager Pete Krulder says he does not know what caused the bridge delay. A tweet from Tampa Bay Traffic described it as a "mechanical issue." The drawbridge was reported open to traffic shortly after 2 p.m.  [Last updated: Thursday, April 18, 2013 at 3:32 p.m.] Sign up for the free Dunedin Patch email newsletter to stay connected to your community.

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Tyler Sontag

11:58 pm on Friday, April 19, 2013

Katie.. Believe it or not, there were a bunch of pedestrians and bicyclists waiting to cross.. Vehicle traffic was also backed up and the Park Rangers were urging guests to stay and enjoy the park if they did not want to sit in traffic.   more ›

Honeymoon Island Art Exhibit Starts April 19

The Professional Association of Visual Artists Art Exhibit runs April 19 through July 18 at the Honeymoon Island Nature Center. The show's opening reception is April 23. Proceeds from the show benefit Friends of the Island Parks.

Honeymoon Island Earth Days Begin April 20

Celebrate Island Earth Days April 20-21 on Honeymoon Island. The festivities include rain barrel workshops, aqua bubbles, eco-friendly arts, live music, food and more.

History: Giant Guestbook at Honeymoon Island

View and submit photographs of Dunedin history right here. Look for new photos from the Dunedin Historical Museum each week.

Photo: Storm Clouds Roll Over Honeymoon Island

Check out Dunedin Patch reader Pj Eagle's amazing photo of storm clouds rolling into Honeymoon Island in the community scrapbook! Almost 300 submissions captured by your camera lenses!

Honeymoon Island Plans First Day Hike

Start 2013 off with a nature walk on the south end of Honeymoon Island. Begins at 9 a.m.

Reader Spotlight: Soaked Dog at Honeymoon Island

Stacy Mixon submitted this precious photo of a sopping wet dog enjoying itself at the Honeymoon Island dog beach. (Photo 180 of 244.) Share your photos in our community scrapbook here!

Top Headlines: Mayoral Money Race, Sea Turtles Released, Teenager Shot

OK, so you had a busy week. We understand. Let us catch you up on all the highlights!

1. Tragedy was seemingly avoided when a Dunedin toddler's father arrived home from work Halloween evening to find his wife performing CPR on their daughter after she was found face down in a pool. 2. Dunedin resident Bill Coleman penned this letter to the editor urging his neighbors not to become divided over issues involving the Dunedin Fine Art Center and the "politics of an election." Do you agree or disagree? Perhaps you'd like to post your own thoughts on Patch? 3. In the showdown between past and present Dunedin mayors, candidate Bob Hackworth leads Dave Eggers in the money race. See where each candidate's spending stands as we get ready for Election Day. 4. Cold, wispy winds didn’t hinder the release of two rescued turtles, "Hold Up…

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