Tarpon Springs IT department wins information systems award
The city’s Information Technology Department has won the Florida Local Government Information Systems Association’s 2026 Technology Achievement Award for innovative use of technology to enhance cybersecurity and operations.
The department, led by IT Director and Chief Information Security Officer Suzanne Linton, was recognized for strengthening cybersecurity, modernizing city technology and improving services across the organization, the city said in a news release.
The award reflects years of planning and collaboration with every city department and partner agency, along with support from the city manager, mayor and Board of Commissioners, according to the release.
“Our IT professionals work behind the scenes every day to keep city systems secure, reliable and available for employees, public safety personnel and residents,” the release said. “This award recognizes their commitment to protecting our city and moving Tarpon Springs forward.”
Bon Appetit celebrates 50 years in Dunedin
DUNEDIN — Bon Appétit Restaurant & Marina Bar marks 50 years on the Dunedin waterfront Oct. 17, and it plans to stretch the celebration across the month.
Through October, the restaurant at 148 Marina Plaza, overlooking St. Joseph Sound, will offer anniversary specials, throwback menu items, entertainment, giveaways and historic photos highlighting its history and the guests, employees and community members who have been part of it.
Bon Appétit opened in 1976, founded by Peter Kreuziger and chef Karl Riedl. Crabby Bill’s Seafood bought the restaurant in November 2022.
“Fifty years is an incredible milestone, and we know we wouldn’t be here without the people who have supported Bon Appétit over the years,” said Matthew Loder Sr., president and CEO of Crabby Bill’s Seafood. “There are so many families who have been coming here for generations, along with employees who have spent many years taking care of our guests. This celebration is really about all of them and the memories that have been made here.”
The restaurant is asking longtime guests to share their favorite memories, photos and stories during the anniversary.
Bilheimers donate $300,000 to Dunedin Boat Club, Sailing Center
DUNEDIN — A $300,000 gift from philanthropists David and Nancy Bilheimer has pushed plans for a rebuilt Dunedin Boat Club and Sailing Center closer to reality.
Hurricanes destroyed the boat club’s historic blue boathouse on the city’s marina peninsula in 2024. To rebuild, the club partnered with four other local nonprofits on a shared facility offering meeting and educational space devoted to boating and water education.
The new Dunedin Boat Club and Sailing Center will be city-owned and multiuse. Its structure will mirror that of the Dunedin Fine Art Center, which the city owns but which operates independently with support from patrons of the arts. The boat club and sailing center will likewise be run and supported by people drawn to the water.
The partners include the Dunedin Youth Sailing Association, which teaches children, teenagers and adults to sail; the Windlasses, which encourages women to race sailboats; and Science on the Sound, an environmental education nonprofit that runs hands-on coastal science programs, after-school classes, summer camps, citizen science projects, habitat restoration, teacher training and boat-based research on St. Joseph Sound.
The Bilheimers’ gift brings the campaign to about two-thirds of its $1 million goal. In March, Dunedin residents Marci Wilhelm and Brent Irish gave $100,000.
To donate online, visit HelpDBC.org. Checks can be made payable to the Pinellas Community Foundation, with “DBC Sailing Center Fund” in the memo line, and mailed to Pinellas Community Foundation, 17755 U.S. 19 N, Suite 150, Clearwater, FL 33764.
DYSA to begin sailing classes
DUNEDIN — The Dunedin Youth Sailing Association will begin sailing classes Sunday, Sept. 13, for ages 8-13.
DYSA also offers classes in windsurfing, OPTI racing, and adult sailing classes.
To register for classes, or more information, email sailingwithdysa@gmail.com.