2025 State of the City: Dunedin Strong

Published on February 28, 2025

More than 200 people attended the City of Dunedin’s 2025 State of the City on Thursday, February 27, at City Hall, where Mayor Maureen “Moe” Freaney and City Manager Jennifer K. Bramley highlighted 2024 initiatives and outlined the City’s strategic vision for 2025 and beyond.

“Despite the destruction and interruptions from Helene and Milton, our community came together in the face of adversity to lift up and support each other,” said Mayor Freaney. “And that continues today as we rebuild and recover. We are Dunedin Strong.”

The total estimated cost of storm damage citywide is $24 million. Residents were shown a breakdown of the reimbursement totals during the presentation:

Debris Removal Costs: $4.9 million

• Expected to be 100% reimbursable by FEMA.
• The City has already received $2.4 million from FEMA as an expedited payment.

Remaining Costs: $19.1 million

• 75% reimbursed by FEMA.
• 12.5% reimbursed by the State of Florida.
• 12.5% covered by the City, equating to $2.3 million.

Bramley credited Dunedin’s general reserve, which exceeds its 15% target, as a valuable resource in the storm’s aftermath.

“Over the years, we’ve been working to increase our reserves—our rainy-day fund. We found out just how important it was to have a healthy reserve this past year,” said Bramley. “With our strong fund balance in the General Fund and other City funds, we had some flexibility in how we paid for storm-related repairs.”

Other important announcements and updates included:

• Dunedin Marina restoration remains a top priority for 2025. The City Commission approved the replacement of all marina shore power pedestals, which house utilities for docked boats. It also approved the staff-recommended stabilization plan for the docks, with June set as the estimated completion date. Afterward, slip renters will be able to return to the marina for recreational use upon completion and approval of an updated User Agreement application.
• The City’s Vulnerability Assessment, a two-year-long project, continues. The City will seek grant funding through the state for Phase Two of the project, which includes the creation of an adaptation plan. Updates on the project, as well as marina restoration updates, will be shared during Commission meetings and other public engagement opportunities as new details become available.
• The former City Hall site is set to become a pocket park. Since its demolition in 2023, staff have been working with architects on the plans, which will add a natural outdoor space to the City’s more than 350 acres of greenspace. The park will feature a brick plaza, lighting, landscaping, and a plan for future restrooms.
• Parks & Recreation projects continue to enhance residents' quality of life. The Highlander Park Aquatic Complex master plan is now under design and will include several new amenities, including a competitive pool, an activity pool with zero-depth entry, a therapeutic pool, and two large slides.

Mayor Freaney made a special presentation honoring former Mayor Tom Anderson. Anderson, who also served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2002 to 2010, was Dunedin’s mayor from 1994 to 2002. Before that, he served as a City Commissioner from 1990 to 1994.