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A Scottish Town Celebrates the Irish: St. Patrick’s Day in Dunedin

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This little old Scottish town knows how to throw an Irish party.

On Saturday, March 15, Dunedin welcomed St. Patrick’s Day with a festival that ran from noon until 11 p.m., hosted by Flanagan’s Irish Pub. And if the sea of green was any indication, this town was ready to celebrate.

The Weather Held

The day started cloudy—the kind of gray that makes you wonder if the crowds will show. But by afternoon, the skies cleared. The sun came out, a steady cool breeze settled in, and Dunedin did what Dunedin does best: filled the streets with people.

What We Saw

Vendors lined the festival route, selling food, cold beverages, and Irish trinkets. There were so many people dressed in green that you could hardly find a spot without it. Irish costumes. Leprechaun hats. And yes—dogs in costumes too. Plenty of them.

Our residents of Scottish descent made their presence known as well, wearing kilts that stood out proudly among all that green. It was a beautiful collision of two Celtic cultures, right here on Main Street.

The Music and Dancing

Over at Pioneer Park, the stage was alive all day.

Musicians kept the crowd entertained, including David Gilmore and Pat Mangan, whose sets had people tapping along. The Suncoast Pipes and Drums took the stage too—a sound that stops you in your tracks no matter how many times you have heard it.

Celtic dancers spun across the stage, their feet moving faster than seemed possible. Families watched from the grass. Kids danced along. It was exactly what a Saturday in March should look like.

Family and Pet Friendly

This was not a party for just one crowd. It was for everyone.

Families with strollers. Groups of friends. Couples holding hands. And dogs—so many dogs—dressed in green bandanas, leprechaun collars, and even full costumes. Dunedin’s four-legged residents showed up in style.

A Few Frames

Here are some of the moments I captured:

  • Crowds three deep
  • Vendors smiling behind tables of food, beverages, and souvenirs
  • Dogs in costumes, tongues out, taking it all in
  • Kilts and green outfits side by side
  • David Gilmore and Pat Mangan on stage
  • The Suncoast Pipes and Drums filling Pioneer Park with sound

Sláinte

A Scottish town celebrating an Irish holiday. Green everywhere, with a few kilts in the mix. Music, dancing, dogs, and a sky that cleared just in time.

That is Dunedin in March. Thank you to Flanagan’s Irish Pub.

I took notes. I took pictures. And I am already looking forward to next year.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Things To Do: Weekend Of March 13, 2026

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Clearwater, FL.

Friday, March 13, 14, 15 | All Day

Hurricane Eddie’s Paddy’s Palooza On Clearwater Beach | 483 Mandalay Ave. Ste 118, Clearwater Beach, FL

Tuesday, March 17th | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | O’Keefe’s Tavern |
1219 S. FORT HARRISON AVE, CLEARWATER, FL

Dunedin, FL

Saturday, March 15th | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Flanagan’s Irish Pub |465 Main Street, Dunedin, FL 3469

Friday ONLY, March 13, 2026 | 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM | The Dunedin Downtown Market

Tarpon Springs, FL

Fine Arts Festival On The Bayou

Saturday and Sunday March 14th & 15th | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM | 5$ Admission Fee | Spring Bayou in Craig Park

Seafood house on the Dunedin Marina.

Dunedin Seafood Festival 2026: A Day of Food, Music, and Coastal Vibes

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They came for the seafood. They stayed for the day.

The Dunedin Seafood Festival returned Saturday, March 7, and if the crowds were any indication, this town was ready for it.

Vendors in tents selling their goods and guests wait in line.
Dunedin Seafood Festival

The weather delivered perfectly—clear skies, a cool sea breeze, and sunshine that made every hour feel like a postcard. From noon until evening, Edgewater Park was filled with people doing exactly what Dunedin does best: gathering by the water, enjoying good food, and letting the day unfold.

Dunedin Seafood Festival

What We Saw

Local vendors brought out their best—fresh catches, stone crabs, and dishes that had people lining up with napkins ready. Cold beverages flowed alongside the food, keeping everyone comfortable as the sun moved across the marina.

Vendor: Bon Appetit
Vendor: Bon Appetit
Vendor: Corvo Bianco
Vendor: Corvo Bianco
Food vendors from City of Dunedin Florida
Vendor: Clear Sky Draught Haus

Over at the gazebo, Tampa Bay native Aubrey Wollett and her band took the stage. Her music has been described as “a refreshing beach vibe to this country music era with a captivating sound and catchy songs.” Her songs drifted across the grass, mixing with the sound of conversations and the occasional bark from a very happy dog.

  • Music Artist: Aubrey Wollett
  • Band playing music live in a gazebo
    Music Artist: Aubrey Wollett
  • Music Artist: Aubrey Wollett

And there were dogs everywhere. Dunedin knows how to bring its four-legged residents out in style.

You can learn more about Aubrey and her work on her website: https://aubreywollett.com/.

View of Dunedin Harbor
View of Dunedin Harbor

The Crowd

Locals came. Of course they did. But so did visitors from across the county—and from other countries entirely. I spoke with people who had traveled just to experience this one-day festival in our small coastal town.

Dunedin Edgewater Park
Dunedin Edgewater Park

They sat in folding chairs lined along the grass, looking out at the sailboats. They walked the path with friends, stopped at vendor tents, and took photos of the band. They mingled. They relaxed. They stayed.

A Few Frames

Here are some of the moments I captured with my camera today:

  • Vendors smiling behind tables piled high with fresh seafood
  • Crowds three deep at the busiest booths
  • The band mid-song, lost in the music
  • Beach chairs in rows, facing the marina like front-row seats
  • Dogs on leashes, tongues out, taking it all in
  • Friends laughing, strangers becoming neighbors

Until Next Year

The Dunedin Seafood Festival is only one day. But days like this remind me why this town is worth documenting.

Good food. Good music. Good people. All of it set against a marina view that never gets old.

I took notes. I took pictures. And I am already looking forward to next year.

Dunedin Marina

Hope to see you there.

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“Age of The Cool People” by Storm Ritter

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There is a 60-foot dream on the side of the Blur Nightclub at 325 Main Street.

I came across it on a quiet afternoon. At first, it was just a mural—colorful, large, hard to miss. But the longer I stood there, the more it pulled me in. Figures emerged from the composition. Details revealed themselves. The Earth, the Sun, the Star, and the Moon. Tarot imagery. Astrological symbols. And woven throughout, “The Cool People”—performing what the artist calls “a tale of creative fulfillment.”

I felt at peace. I felt like I was standing inside someone’s imagination.

The Artist Behind the Wall 

The mural is the work of Storm Ritter, a surrealist painter and muralist whose style feels like an old-world storybook filtered through a modern dreamscape. In 2022, she was commissioned to create this piece on the east side of the Blur Nightclub building in downtown Dunedin.

The result is “Age of The Cool People”—a surrealist experience designed to be discovered slowly.

“Hidden within the large scale composition are multitudes of small details and whimsical stories,” Ritter explains on her website. “It’s intended for the viewer to discover something new, bringing visitors back again and again.”

🎨 How It Was Made

The mural was painted over 21 days, from 8 a.m. until night, with Ritter working from a mechanical lift.

She did not use stencils or projections. Instead, she painted freehand, using a small reference painting on wood panels as her only guide . That original design—painted on three wood panels—was displayed on an easel at the base of the wall while she worked.

Photographer Lisa Sampietro documented the process, capturing both the artist at work and the intricate details as they emerged.

Once the mural was complete, two of the original wood panel paintings were sold to collectors. The third was gifted to the building’s owners.

🧐 What to Look For

Ritter describes her work as having “an attention to detail and vintage shading techniques reminiscent of an old world storybook.” A gold trim runs around the building, framing the scene.

Age of The Cool People by Storm Ritter

Visitors are encouraged to look closely. The Cool People are everywhere—embedded in the composition, hidden in plain sight. The longer you look, the more you see.

Since its creation, the mural has become a destination for local mural tours and a landmark for anyone walking through downtown Dunedin.

📍See It for Yourself

Detail Information

Location Blur Nightclub, 325 Main Street, Dunedin (east side of building)

Artist Storm Ritter

Year 2022

Size 60 feet tall

Inside Fine art featuring The Cool People is also displayed inside the establishment

My Own Discovery

I went to look at a mural. I found a place to stand still.

There is something about work made by hand, at that scale, without shortcuts, that asks you to slow down. I did. And I am glad.

If you have not stood in front of “Age of The Cool People” yet, take a walk to 325 Main Street. Give yourself 10 minutes. Look for the details.

The Cool People are waiting

🔗 Learn More About the Artist

Visit Storm Ritter’s website: stormritter.com

The Ultimate North Pinellas Brewery Guide: Dunedin, Palm Harbor & Tarpon Springs

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They call this part of Florida the “Gulf Coast” for its beaches, but for beer lovers, it might as well be called Brewery Row. From the historic brewpubs of Dunedin to the hidden gems in Tarpon Springs, our corner of Pinellas County has become a destination for craft beer.

Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor planning a trolley tour, this guide covers every brewery in Dunedin, Palm Harbor, and Tarpon Springs.

Grab your designated driver. We have a lot to cover.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Dunedin Breweries (The Original Craft Beer City)

Dunedin is widely considered the birthplace of Florida’s craft beer scene. With most of its breweries clustered downtown and along the Pinellas Trail, it’s the most walkable beer destination in the region.

Dunedin Brewery

937 Douglas Avenue, Dunedin

Florida’s oldest microbrewery, founded in 1995, is a must-visit for any beer enthusiast. They brew everything in small batches—wheats, ales, IPAs, and lagers. They have a full kitchen, live music most nights, and a massive outdoor seating area. It’s kid-friendly and dog-friendly (outside only).

7venth Sun Brewery

1012 Broadway, Dunedin

This woman-owned brewery is known for experimentation. They specialize in unique sours, saisons, and “Florida Weisse” beers infused with tropical and citrus fruits. The Dunedin taproom is cozy with plenty of outdoor seating.

Woodwright Brewing Company

985 Douglas Avenue, Dunedin

Housed in a former woodworking shop, Woodwright focuses on traditional German and European-style beers brewed according to German purity laws. Their beer garden, The Duneatery, serves German-inspired food. Note: This brewery is 18+ only.

Cueni Brewing Co.

945 Huntley Avenue, Dunedin

Pronounced “Q-Knee,” this family-owned spot sits right off the Pinellas Trail. They specialize in English ales and Belgians but always have an IPA and a fruit beer on tap. They have plenty of outdoor seating and are both kid and dog-friendly. Don’t miss their Florida-shaped flight board.

HOB Brewing Co.

931 Huntley Avenue, Dunedin

Founded by the team behind the popular Dunedin House of Beer, HOB features over 40 rotating taps with 20+ brewed on site. They have a huge outdoor recreation area, a two-story event pavilion, live music, and local food trucks for small bites. Family and dog-friendly.

Caledonia Brewing

587 Main Street, Dunedin

Located in the historic Dunedin Times Building, this small-batch brewery pays tribute to the city’s Scottish heritage. Try their famous Rat Arsed Scottish Ale. They host trivia, bingo, and craft nights in a large, open taproom with a dog-friendly patio.

Soggy Bottom Brewing Company

660 Main Street, Dunedin

With a fun Prohibition-era vibe, Soggy Bottom offers a wide variety of hand-crafted beer—porters, hefeweizens, IPAs, and more. They have pool, darts, cornhole, and board games. Q Southern BBQ is conveniently located right next door.

Cotherman Distilling Co.

933 Huntley Avenue, Dunedin

Okay, not a brewery—but worth including. This artisan craft distillery produces vodka, gin, and whiskey on site. A great stop for the non-beer drinker in your group.

Beach Island Brewery

2058 Bayshore Blvd Suite 5, Dunedin

A nano-brewery in north Dunedin with a two-barrel system. The head brewer collects yeast from around the world to create a rotating variety of styles—from dark beers and lagers to hoppy IPAs and fruit beers.

🚴 Palm Harbor Breweries (Trailside Stops)

Palm Harbor’s breweries are perfectly situated for cyclists and trolley riders, with easy access from the Pinellas Trail.

Stilt House Brewery

625 US-19 ALT, Palm Harbor

A cycle-inspired brewery with over 30 craft beer flavors. Known for experimental brews like their jalapeno cornbread lager, this spot has a true “locals bar” atmosphere with live music on Saturdays. It’s pup-friendly and a favorite stop for those biking the Pinellas Trail.

de Bine Brewing Company

993 Florida Ave, Palm Harbor, FL 34683

A highly-rated local spot known for its welcoming atmosphere and quality brews.

Ozona Brewing Company

315 Orange St, Palm Harbor, FL 34683

A well-regarded brewery in the Ozona area of Palm Harbor, popular with locals for its laid-back vibe and solid beer selection.

Local Brewing Company

35631 US Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor

With over 50 taps, this spacious brewpub offers an extensive beer selection alongside generous portions of pub food—burgers, flatbreads, and seafood. They serve brunch, have live music, and are both dog-friendly and good for families.

Holy Smoke Cigar Cafe

1470 Alt. 19 N., Palm Harbor, FL

A unique spot combining a cigar lounge with a craft beer selection. A great place to relax after a day of brewery hopping.


🐙 Tarpon Springs Breweries (Sponge Docks & Beyond)

Tarpon Springs is known for its Greek heritage and sponge docks, but its brewery scene is growing fast.

Sponge City Brewing

501 S Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs

A modern brew house with a vibrant beer garden, live music, and a rotating menu of hand-crafted small-batch beers and ciders. Wednesday is “Smash Burger Night”—your first beer is free with a burger purchase. The large turf area is great for kids and families.

Unrefined Brewing

312 E Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs

Open since 2019, this award-winning brewery is known for unique and creative flavors like Papposilenus, Gourdalicious, and Mexican Candy. They also have a cool speakeasy upstairs. Don’t miss their Rum Barrel-Aged brews.

Two Frogs Brewing Company

151 E Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

A standout brewery known for its unique craft beers brewed with local ingredients. They offer a cozy atmosphere, tastings, and occasional brewing classes. A perfect spot to experience local Florida culture.

Brighter Days Brewing Company

311 N Safford Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

A newer addition to the Tarpon Springs craft beer scene, quickly earning a reputation for quality brews in a welcoming setting.

🗺️ Printable Trolley Tour Map: North Pinellas Brewery Trail

Here is a simple, printable guide for your trolley tour. The route is designed to flow north-to-south or south-to-north.

================================================================================

                    NORTH PINELLAS BREWERY TRAIL – TROLLEY MAP

================================================================================

📍 TARPON SPRINGS (Start North)

===============================================================================

1.  Unrefined Brewing ……………. 312 E Tarpon Ave

2.  Two Frogs Brewing Company …….. 151 E Tarpon Ave

3.  Sponge City Brewing …………… 501 S Pinellas Ave

4.  Brighter Days Brewing Company ….. 311 N Safford Ave

📍 PALM HARBOR (Continue South)

===============================================================================

5.  Stilt House Brewery …………… 625 US-19 ALT

6.  de Bine Brewing Company ……….. 993 Florida Ave

7.  Ozona Brewing Company …………. 315 Orange St

8.  Holy Smoke Cigar Cafe …………. 1470 Alt. 19 N.

9.  Local Brewing Company …………. 35631 US Hwy 19 N

📍 DUNEDIN (Continue South) – Most Breweries are Walkable!

===============================================================================

10. Beach Island Brewery ………….. 2058 Bayshore Blvd Suite 5

11. Caledonia Brewing …………….. 587 Main Street

12. Soggy Bottom Brewing Co ……….. 660 Main Street

13. Cueni Brewing Co ……………… 945 Huntley Avenue

14. HOB Brewing Co ……………….. 931 Huntley Avenue

15. Cotherman Distilling Co (Craft Spirits) . 933 Huntley Avenue

16. Dunedin Brewery ………………. 937 Douglas Avenue

17. Woodwright Brewing Co ………….. 985 Douglas Avenue

18. 7venth Sun Brewery …………….. 1012 Broadway

================================================================================

PRO TIPS:

• Most Dunedin breweries are within walking distance of each other.

• Stilt House, de Bine, and Local Brewing in Palm Harbor are right off the Pinellas Trail.

• Sponge City Brewing in Tarpon Springs has a huge outdoor area with games.

• Many breweries have food trucks or partner with nearby restaurants—call ahead!

================================================================================

Things To Do: Weekend Of March 6, 2026

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Clearwater, FL.

No Events

Dunedin, FL

Friday, March 6, 2026 | 8: 00 PM

Soul Train at Caledonia with VJ Hural 

Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 12:00 PM to 09:00 PM

Dunedin Seafood & Music Festival Marina + Edgewater Park

Live music.  Sunshine.  Local seafood. A celebration years in the making.

Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM

The Dunedin Downtown Market features fresh produce, eggs, meats, artisanal cheeses, breads, honey, and baked goods.

Tarpon Springs, FL

Friday, March 6, 2026 | 06:00 PM to 10:00 PM

A free family event held the 1st Friday of the month – featuring Art, Food, Vendors, Shops, Music, and Beer & wine, with a fun theme every month! Historic Downtown Tarpon Springs.

Free Parking & Shuttle at the Dog/Splash Park at 508 Live Oak St. (5:30 pm – 10:30 pm)

Where: 100 E. Tarpon Ave.
Dates: 03/06/2026 – 03/06/2026
Time: 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Midtown Parking Garage Gets Chamber Endorsement, City Sets 2027 Construction Target

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A proposed parking garage at Douglas Avenue and Scotland Street has received formal support from the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce—just as the city confirms construction is expected to begin in Spring 2027.

The Midtown Parking Garage, which would be Dunedin’s second public parking structure, is being developed in response to decades of planning and growing pressure on downtown parking.

🏗️ What’s Proposed

The city purchased the approximately 0.75-acre site in 2022 for $4 million. The total construction budget is estimated at $10 million, with funding from debt financing supported by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Pinellas County .

Scotland Street Parking Lot

The project site is located at the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Scotland Street. THA Consulting, Inc. has been selected as the design architect .

📜 A Long History

According to the city’s project page, planning for a second downtown parking garage dates back more than a decade:

  • 2012 – Two parking garages were mentioned in the Capital Improvement Plan, in conjunction with the CRA Master Plan
  • 2018 – The Downtown East End Plan highlighted the need for a second garage
  • 2021 – Kimley-Horn completed a comprehensive parking study analyzing current and projected demand
  • 2022 – The city purchased the property and completed appraisal, geotechnical work, environmental assessment, and survey

✅ Chamber of Commerce: “Strong Support”

In an August 2024 letter to the Mayor, City Commission, and City Manager, the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce formally endorsed the project.

“I am writing to express strong support, on behalf of our Executive Board, for the construction of a parking garage in our beautiful city, at Douglas Avenue and Scotland Street,” wrote Katie Ducharme Procissi, Chamber Chair .

The letter cited frequent and increasing complaints about parking as Dunedin’s popularity has grown:

“Dunedin’s charm, vibrant arts scene, and numerous events make it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. However, the limited availability of parking spaces has become a significant challenge.”

The Chamber noted that Dunedin has only 38,000 residents in its tax base, making local businesses economically vital—and dependent on accessible parking for customers and staff .

A key driver of urgency is the redevelopment of the Ocean Optics property, which will result in the loss of more than 50 existing parking spaces. Other lots are also at risk as development pressure increases .

“This issue not only affects the convenience of residents but also hinders the growth of local businesses and impacts their staff as well,” the letter stated .

Main Street traffic

Benefits cited by the Chamber

The Chamber outlined four primary benefits of the garage :

  1. Increased Capacity – Replaces lots lost to development and eases street congestion
  2. Economic Growth – Encourages more visitors downtown
  3. Reduced Traffic – Central parking allows visitors to explore on foot
  4. Sustainable Development – Modern garages can incorporate green technology

⚖️ Mixed Feedback from Residents

While the Chamber and city move forward, residents have expressed mixed reactions—particularly on social media following previous city announcements.

Some welcome the additional parking, acknowledging the strain caused by events and development:

“Something has to give. I’ve circled blocks for 20 minutes on a Saturday night.”

Others question the scale, cost, and design:

“Another garage? Hope it doesn’t look like a concrete bunker.”

“Who is this really for—locals or tourists?”

A few have raised concerns about long-term affordability and whether the garage will truly serve small business customers or become primarily event parking.

The Chamber acknowledged these concerns in its letter:

“We understand that there may be concerns about the cost and aesthetics of such a project, but we believe these challenges can be addressed through thoughtful planning and design.”

🗓️ What’s Next

According to the city’s project page, construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2027 .

The city has committed to providing transparent updates and opportunities for community engagement as planning continues.

📍 For More Information

ResourceDetails
Project Website Midtown Parking Garage on CivilSpace
City Contact Community Development Department
Sign Up for Updates Available on the project website


The Suntropolitan will continue to follow this project as it moves toward construction. If you have thoughts on the parking garage—supportive, concerned, or otherwise—we would like to hear from you. Email us at hello@suntropolitan.com

Dunedin Seafood & Music Festival Returns This Saturday

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Get ready for a day of food, music, and waterfront vibes. The Dunedin Seafood & Music Festival is happening this Saturday, March 7th, at Edgewater Park.

The one-day, family-friendly event welcomes all ages—plus leashed pets—to enjoy marina views, fresh seafood, and live music against the backdrop of downtown Dunedin.

According to the festival’s website, attendees can expect:

  • Fresh seafood from local vendors
  • Live music throughout the day
  • A scenic setting with sailboats and marina views
  • A relaxed spring atmosphere
Dunedin Marina


“The picturesque views of the sunset, a nice spring sea breeze, and the backdrop filled with sailboats, powerboats, and commercial vessels will calm your soul and feed your spirit,” the event page promises.

WhatDetails
EventDunedin Seafood & Music Festival
DateSaturday, March 7, 2026
LocationEdgewater Park, Dunedin FL
Time12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
AdmissionFree to attend (food/drink available for purchase)
PetsLeashed pets welcome

📸 I’ll Be There

I’ll be walking through the festival with my camera, capturing the crowd, the food, and the musicians. If you see me, say hello—or let me take your photo.

🔗 For More Information

Visit the official website: dunedinstonecrabfestival.com

Things To Do: Weekend Of February 27, 2026

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Clearwater, FL

Downtown Blues Block Party is happening Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in the 400 block of Cleveland Street.

Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival Feb. 28-March 1, 2026, beginning at 2 p.m. both days, at Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St. FREE admission!

Dunedin, FL

Friday, February 27, 2026 | 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM and Saturday 28, 2026

The Dunedin Downtown Market features fresh produce, eggs, meats, artisanal cheeses, breads, honey, and baked goods.

February 27, 2026 | 05:00 PM to 07:00 PM

Join us on the pier of Bon Appetit Restaurant, located at 148 Marina Plaza, to enjoy the enchanting sounds of a Dunedin Piper performing beautiful bagpipe melodies

Tarpon Springs, FL

February 28, 2026 | 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM

Tarpon Springs Wine Walk
521 Athens Street (Sponge Docks) and 106 E Tarpon Ave (Downtown Tarpon)