Military & Veteran Friendly City

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The City of Dunedin is proud to be a Military and Veteran-Friendly city. See below for some of the ways Dunedin has recognized and shows support to veterans, members of the military and their families:

Are you a Veteran Owned/Friendly Business in Dunedin?

Recognition Program

The U.S. Military Veterans Advisory Committee sponsors a Veteran Owned/Friendly Business Recognition Program which recognizes businesses in Dunedin that are Veteran Owned or Veteran Friendly. Once approved, businesses will receive a recognition decal to display. 

Complete the online application if you are a business in Dunedin and are a Veteran-Owned or Veteran-Friendly Business.

The following businesses have been recognized by the U.S. Military Veterans Advisory Committee as a Veteran Owned and/or Veteran Friendly Business:

 

  • Dunedin's Dry Cleaner
    Veteran Owned, Veteran Friendly
    304 Monroe St, Dunedin FL Get Directions
    727-240-0279
  • Florida Gold & Loan
    Veteran Friendly
    372 Patricia Ave, Dunedin FL Get Directions

Defending Freedom Arch

Defending Freedom Arch In downtown Dunedin, and proudly displayed over the entrance of Broadway Avenue, is the "Defending Freedom" arch designed by Jeff Smith, architect. For many years, the City of Dunedin has honored individuals and residents who have served in the armed forces and defended this country's freedom. The arch features a hanging panel to honor a returning serviceman or servicewoman from Dunedin, Florida. To request a hanging military panel, download the Military Panel Program Procedures & Questionnaire(PDF, 26KB) or for more information please contact City Hall at (727) 298-3007.

Hidden Heroes City

People standing in front of Dunedin City HallWashington, DC - February 16th, 2021 — Dunedin, Florida has pledged its support to local military and veteran caregivers by signing on as a Hidden Heroes City, joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s network of more than 160 communities nationwide committed to identifying military caregivers and increasing awareness and support.

The Hidden Heroes Cities and Counties program is part of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign launched in 2016 by Senator Elizabeth Dole, Campaign Chair Tom Hanks and nearly 200 military caregivers representing virtually every state in the union.

Hidden Heroes raises awareness about the issues military caregivers face, brings critical resources to our nation’s “hidden heroes” caring for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans, and connects military caregivers to a community of their peers.

“If we want to be a nation that truly cares for those who have borne the battle, we must also be a nation that caregivers for our caregivers,” said Tom Hanks, Hidden Heroes Campaign Chair.

On February 16th 2021, the city of Dunedin joined the campaign as the 161th community to sign on as a Hidden Heroes Community, one of the campaign's key national initiatives designed to develop military caregiver resources at a local level. Each Hidden Heroes City, County, or State signs on to help identify local military caregivers and deepen community resources to offer them vital support.

Jennifer Henius is the wife of a Marine Corps Veteran, a long-distance Caregiver for her Veteran father, and a nationally recognized caregiver advocate who brought this initiative to the city’s Veterans’ Advisory Committee for consideration. “I am so proud to champion our military and veteran caregivers and of the overwhelming support by the city of Dunedin leadership today to pass the Hidden Heroes City resolution!” Jennifer is the founder of Yoga4Caregivers which she established at the onset of COVID to support the health and wellness of family caregivers and is working to establish a nonprofit called the Caregiver Wellness Collective, Inc. “The U.S. Military Veterans Advisory Committee is so strongly and enthusiastically supportive of this initiative” said Committee Chair, Rev. Robert Swick as the committee voted unanimously in support of the Resolution and “Hidden Heroes” campaign.

During the February City Commission meeting, the mayor and other commissioners expressed their support and appreciation for caregivers, their resiliency, compassionate spirt and the sacrifices they make devoting their time to their loved ones. “This partnership and ability to offer some services and resources to caregivers is a natural next step. I was a caregiver for both of my parents and it can be difficult and extremely isolating. So if there‘s a way that we can offer Veteran caregivers some support, even if it’s just emotional support, I’m all in” said Dunedin Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski. The City Commission voted unanimously to approve Resolution 21-04 recognizing the City of Dunedin as a “Hidden Heroes” City(PDF, 143KB). Commissioner John Tornga stated “It’s such a salute to not only our Country, but to how we perceive and how we wish to take care of our Veterans and their caregivers.” To now have the opportunity to honor and appreciate them through the Hidden Heroes campaign is a moment to be very proud of. “This is the first step in identifying military and Veteran caregivers and helps increase local awareness and support services,” said Vince Gizzi, Parks & Recreation Director.

Individuals caring for someone who served, or those who wish to support the campaign can visit www.HiddenHeroes.org for more information.

“I have dedicated my life to this cause because I’ve seen first-hand the tremendous impact our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers make in the lives of our veterans each and every day, in neighborhoods big and small,” said Senator Elizabeth Dole, Founder of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “But their needs are overwhelming, and as a country, we must come together to find helpful ways to support them in their life-long journey of care. That begins by encouraging our caregivers to raise their hands, become a part of our Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community – it’s why our partnership with the City of Dunedin is so important.”

Senator Dole added, "The Elizabeth Dole Foundation envisions an America where military caregivers are empowered, appreciated and recognized for their service to the nation. Together, we are working towards a future where supporting military caregivers is no longer a cause, but it is part of the culture of our nation."


About Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Hidden Heroes

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers – the spouses, parents, family members, and friends — who care for America’s wounded, ill or injured service members and Veterans at home. Founded by Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the Foundation adopts a comprehensive approach in its support and advocacy, working with leaders in the public, private, nonprofit, and faith communities to recognize military caregivers’ service and promote their well-being. The Foundation’s Hidden Heroes campaign brings vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and provides a network for military caregivers to connect with their peers and access carefully vetted resources. Visit www.hiddenheroes.org for more information.

Honeymoon Island State Park

Florida State Parks appreciate veterans year-round.

To show our gratitude, the Florida Parks Service offers both current and retired service members a 25% discount on annual entrance passes to Florida's state parks. Additionally, veterans who have service-related injuries receive a free lifetime military pass. Surviving spouses and parents of deceased veterans who fell in combat also receive a free lifetime military pass. This waives their entrance fees into Florida’s state parks.

We know getting outside is important for veterans. Exercise, fresh air and sunshine make us healthier and reduce stress. The outdoors is where people enjoy their favorite hobbies, such as biking, walking, paddling, fishing or viewing wildlife. Florida State Parks preserve an abundance of historical and cultural sites that provide opportunities for reflection and remembrance.

Military Veteran Parking Spots

Map of Military Veteran parking sign locations To honor those who have served, the City of Dunedin and the U.S. Military Advisory Committee are proud to provide designated parking spaces throughout the community.

Designated parking spaces can be found at the entrances to the Dunedin Community Center, Dunedin Library, Hale Senior Activity Center, and the Downtown Monroe Parking Garage.

No decal or tag identification is necessary.   

Purple Heart City

Purple Heart City
Dunedin, Florida was recognized as a Purple Heart City by the Military Order of the Purple Heart on August 3, 2006.

Purple Heart Park
One of Dunedin's beautiful features is Purple Heart Park, located at 300 Main Street in downtown Dunedin, Florida. A monument sits in the center of the park to recognize and pay tribute to those who have earned the military tribute by virtue of their bravery and sacrifice. Commemorative bricks are available for purchase to honor and remember a Purple Heart recipient. Each brick will be engraved and become part of the Walk of Honor located in Purple Heart Park. Complete the form(PDF, 139KB)  to order a commemorative brick, or call Dunedin Parks & Recreation at 727-812-4531 for more information.

Annual Purple Heart Recognition Day Ceremony
Each year on August 7th, the City of Dunedin hosts a Purple Heart Recognition Day Ceremony, and invites everyone to join in as we honor and pay tribute to all Veterans with special focus on Purple Heart recipients who have earned the military tribute by virtue of their bravery and sacrifice. The event is free to attend and is held at Purple Heart Park in Dunedin, Florida. View theEvent Calendarfor upcoming events and details.

 

Purple Heart Park & Commemorative Bricks

Purple Heart Park 
One of Dunedin's beautiful features is Purple Heart Park, located at 300 Main Street in downtown Dunedin. The park includes walking paths and benches, and most notable is a red stone monument dedicated to honor and pay tribute to Purple Heart recipients and those who have earned the military tribute by virtue of their bravery and sacrifice. The monument sits in the center of the park and is surrounded by commemorative bricks(PDF, 139KB) known as the "Walk of Honor."

Commemorative Brick Program
The Dunedin Parks & Recreation Department provides a special opportunity to pay tribute to a Purple Heart recipient through the Purple Heart Commemorative Brick Program. By completing this form(PDF, 139KB) and donating $100, you can have a brick engraved to commemorate a Purple Heart recipient which will then become a part of the "Walk of Honor" at Purple Heart Park. Questions - please call 727-812-4531.

Annual Purple Heart Recognition Day Ceremony
Each year on August 7th, the City of Dunedin hosts a Purple Heart Recognition Day Ceremony, and invites everyone to join in as we honor and pay tribute to all Veterans with special focus on Purple Heart recipients who have earned the military tribute by virtue of their bravery and sacrifice. The event is free to attend and is held at Purple Heart Park in Dunedin, Florida. View the Event Calendar for upcoming events and details.

Recreation Card

Free Recreation Card for Active Military and Veterans

Active Military and Veterans can receive a free Recreation Card which entitles the card holder to pay the discounted fee for classes and programs offered by Dunedin Parks & Recreation. In order to receive a free Rec Card, you must show proof of Military/Veteran status, and complete a registration form and wavier.

Visit our Recreation Centers:

Dunedin Community Center
1920 Pinehurst Rd.
Dunedin, FL 34698
 

Hale Senior Activity Center
330 Douglas Ave.
Dunedin, FL 34698

U.S. Military Veterans Advisory Committee

This Committee shall be advisory to the City Commission, the City Manager and City staff. The primary duties of this Committee shall be to help plan, promote and coordinate programs and services which contribute to the quality of life for the Veterans in Dunedin by working collaboratively with the City Commission, the City Manager and City staff. The duties of this Committee will be accomplished by assessing both immediate and long term needs, assisting in the development and implementation of supporting plans and promoting positive attitudes towards Veterans. The Committee shall alert the City Commission and the community of the changing needs of the Veteran population such as effective integration of the needs of those who are well and active and those who become less active as their years advance.

Meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of the month, 10:00 am at Dunedin Community Center.

If you are interested in becoming a Board or Committee Member, visit the Boards and Committees page or call the City Clerk’s office at (727) 298-3035.

Wreaths Across America

Man playing a trumpet in a cemetery Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

Join us by sponsoring a veterans’ wreath at a cemetery near you, volunteering or donating to a local sponsorship group.

  

Helpful Resources

The State of Florida has earned a reputation as the most veteran friendly state in the nation. The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs (FDVA) is a helpful entry point for Florida veterans and military families to access earned services, benefits and support.