Military & Veteran Friendly City

Hidden Heroes City

On February 16, 2021, the City of Dunedin became the 161st Hidden Heroes Community. Hidden Heroes raises awareness about the challenges 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. 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.

Purple Heart City 

Dunedin was designated as Florida's first Purple Heart City by the Military Order of the Purple Heart on August 3, 2006.  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. 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.

Red Star City

The City of Dunedin is recognized as a Red Star City. This is an official municipal designation for Florida cities dedicated to honoring and supporting the families and loved ones of military members, veterans and first responders who have tragically lost a loved one to suicide. Approximately 500 active-duty service members, 8,000 veterans and 500 first responders die by suicide each year, leaving behind grieving families who carry on their legacy.

The City of Dunedin, supported by the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, is committed to supporting Red Star Families. This is done by advocating for suicide prevention and ensuring that the sacrifices of our heroes and their families are never forgotten. 

Discount on Honeymoon Island State Park Annual Passes

Florida Parks Service offers both current and retired service members a 25% discount on annual entrance passes to Florida's state parks, including Honeymoon Island State Park Annual Passes. 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. Learn more.

Free Recreation Card for Active Military and Veterans

Active Military and Veterans can receive a free Dunedin 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 Dunedin Community Center, Hale Senior Activity Center, or MLK, Jr. Recreation Center to get a Rec Card.

Discounts for Military and Veterans at Dunedin Golf Club

Active and Retired Military and Active First Responders receive 25% off the applicable daily rates at Dunedin Golf Club. Visit their website for more info and to book a tee time.

Military Veteran Parking Spots

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.   

• Dunedin Community Center
  1920 Pinehurst Rd.
  Dunedin, FL 34698

• Dunedin Library
  223 Douglas Ave.
  Dunedin, FL 34698

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

• Monroe Parking Garage
  356 Monroe St.
  Dunedin, FL 34698

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.

Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail 

The segment of Pinellas Trail between the American Legion Post 275 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2550 is dedicated in honor of Fred E. Marquis. He served his country honorably as a Major General in the U.S. Army. A plaque dedicated in his honor is located along the trail at the Dunedin History Museum in downtown Dunedin. 

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.

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. Explore other resources and websites below:

• Pinellas County Veterans Services
• American Legion Post 275
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Pinellas County Veterans Association 
• Taps for Veterans
• Taps Across America 
• National Cemetery Administration

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.

The U.S. Military Veterans Advisory Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the City Commission, City Manager and City staff. The Committee alerts the City Commission and the community to the changing needs of the Veteran population such as effective integration of those who have served. It also helps promote programs and services that enhance the quality of life for veterans in Dunedin.

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 or call the City Clerk’s office at 727-298-3035.