Florida

Every year in Florida, we hold our collective breath from June to November. It’s part of life here: stocking batteries, checking shutters, topping off the gas can, and hoping we don’t need any of it. This year, Dunedin has been blessed so far. Nearly through hurricane season without a major incident—that’s something worth more than a sigh of relief. That’s gratitude.

The truth is, preparation is part of our culture. Locals don’t wait until the news gets dramatic—we already have a plan. That mindset is why our community feels strong when storms circle out at sea. But there’s a difference between being prepared and being tested, and this season, we’ve been given a reprieve.

Walking down Main Street lately, you see the simple signs of normalcy: boats sitting calm in the marina, families grabbing ice cream at Strachan’s, and neighbors waving to each other without the tension of “do you have power?” conversations. It’s not just the absence of disaster—it’s the presence of peace.

Of course, we know one season rolls into the next, and the Gulf can be unpredictable. But for now, Dunedin gets to breathe, regroup, and even celebrate a little. Here’s to gratitude for calm seas, sunny skies, and the people who make this town resilient no matter what.