Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dunedin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues with high priority
Wastewater Treatment Plant capital projects
The city refinanced its state wastewater loans at favorable rates — the finished projects close out at 0% interest and the remaining electrical project gets $17.5 million at 2.16%, far below the ~4.8% market rate.
Marina Repair and Master Plan Progress
The east bulkhead should be substantially complete by late November, but paving slips to just before Christmas and the fishing pier is still stuck waiting on a federal fisheries permit review. Staff are documenting contractor delay damages and planning alternative boat parade viewing.
Sunsetting two advisory committees
Two pairs of underperforming citizen committees were merged into one each — Social Services/ADA and Stormwater & Sustainability — to get more robust agendas and better attendance.
Senate Bill 1134 and Dunedin's Scottish heritage
New state law bars cities from funding or promoting anything tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion starting January 1, 2027 — and yes, that includes Scottish cultural events. Officials could even face removal from office for violations, so the city attorney is reviewing every event and contract.
Recycling services contract award
Recycling now costs $1.17 million a year — up from about $931,000 — and two commissioners balked at the price and the missing side-by-side comparison with the rival bidder before voting it down. It returns October 22 with more data, and residents' rates (paid through the enterprise fund) will reflect the outcome.
School drop-off traffic on Texas and Carolina Avenues
Two longtime residents described years of dangerous congestion, blocked driveways, and hostile parents from drivers using a residential block as an unofficial drop-off lane for the high school. Staff explained the gate opens for pedestrians and pledged continued talks with the school and sheriff, with an update due in a couple of weeks.
968 Douglas Avenue rezoning to Downtown Core
Rezoning 1.07 acres from Downtown Industrial to Downtown Core lets Mazas Development add ground-floor retail to a 318-space parking garage serving downtown and Main Street Exchange. Unanimous first-reading approval; final vote October 22.