City of Dunedin

• Located In: Pinellas County
• Population: 35,234 (Source: Pinellas County)
• Community Type: Residential and business
• Size: 9.65 square miles
• Government: Commission and city manager/mayor and four commissioners elected for three-year staggered terms.

Richard L. Garrison, in 1852, recorded the community’s first land deed. Nearly 20 years later, early settler George L. Jones humbly suggested the name “Jonesboro.” A petition in 1882 by Scottish merchants J.O. Douglas and James Somerville named first the post office, then the town, Dunedin. Dunedin was incorporated in 1899.

A dock built to accommodate schooners and sloops allowed Dunedin to become one of the state’s principal seaports and trading centers early in its history. The community once had the largest fleet of sailing vessels in Florida. Dunedin pioneers, many from Scotland, grew cotton and citrus.

Dunedin’s Community Center, at 1920 Pinehurst Road, provides a variety of leisure-time classes and activities for preschoolers, youth and adults. The center hosts special events such as the Junior Service League's Art Harvest and the Scottish Highland Games.

Dunedin’s Knology Park serves as home of the Dunedin Blue Jays and the spring training base of the Toronto Blue Jays.

The city boasts more than a dozen parks, including Amberlea Park, 1680 Amberlea Drive N.; Curlew Creek Park, 1405 Curlew Road; Dunedin Causeway and Honeymoon Island, One Causeway Blvd.; and Edgewater Park, 51 Main St.

Some of best restaurants in the Tampa Bay area can be found in Dunedin. From the traditional pub grub of Flanagan’s Irish Pub to gourmet Mexican and vegetarian cuisine served at Casa Tina, diners will find an array of delicious delicacies in this community. A few favorite establishments include:

• Café Alfresco, 344 Main St.
• Casa Tina, 365 Main St.
• Flanagan's Irish Pub, 465 Main St.
• Iris Family Restaurant, 234 Douglas Ave.
• Sea Sea Riders Restaurant, 221 Main St.
• The Black Pearl, 315 Main St.

Shoppers can explore their Celtic heritage at the Celtic Shop of Dunedin, 354 Main St. In addition to gifts, jewelry and Celtic teas and foods, the store offers a selection of Tartans and Highland wear.

For those obsessed with antiquing, there are a number of outlets in Dunedin. Dozens of dealers can be found in An Olde Feedstore, 735 Railroad Ave. Amanda Austin Antiques, at 358 Main St., has an wide selection of vintage furniture, glass, china, linens and our famous incense and fragrance oils. Knot On Main Street, at 2428 Bayshore Blvd., is another antique mall carrying merchandise from a variety of dealers.

Dunedin accentuates its Scottish heritage, as is evidenced in its schools, shopping centers, streets and buildings. As part of its dedication to preserving its heritage, the city hosts three annual Scottish celebrations:

• The Highland Games and Spring Clan Gathering each April
• The Dunedin Military Tattoo
• The Dunedin Celtic Festival the Saturday before Thanksgiving

Established in 1966, the Highland Games raise funds to support the three Scottish bands of Dunedin, including the City of Dunedin Pipe Band, the Dunedin High School Scottish Highlanders Band and the Dunedin Highland Middle School Band. The Celtic Festival also benefits the bands.

With its village-like atmosphere and laid-back lifestyle, Dunedin offers a subtropical setting and four miles of picturesque waterfront. One of the few open waterfront community’s on Florida’s west coast, the city also is home to Caladesi Island, recently voted America’s No. 1 Beach by Dr. Stephan Leatherman, better known as Dr. Beach.

Dunedin also happens to be home to several art galleries, including:

• Clay and Paper Inc., 350 Main St.
• Firehouse Gallery, 818 Highland Ave.
• H’Art Gallery, 527 Main St.
• Painted Fish Gallery, 350 Main St.
• Vista Galleries of Dunedin, 715 Broadway