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Dunedin honors Independence Day, women veterans and awards local scholarship; Highland Games reports $95,000 donated back to community
Summary
At the June 18 meeting the commission proclaimed July 4, 2026 as Independence Day, recognized Women Veterans Day, presented the John Doglione scholarship to Kash Gregory (city $2,000 matched by the Dunedin Youth Guild), and received a Highland Games report saying organizers donated about $95,000 back into local programs.
The Dunedin City Commission opened its June 18 meeting with ceremonial items that included a proclamation for the city’s Independence Day observance and recognition of Women Veterans Day.
Commissioner Steven Sandbergen introduced the Independence Day proclamation, noting the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and honoring those who served. Robert J. Walker read a Women Veterans proclamation and invited women veterans to speak; Michelle Ballard, Jennifer Risowski, Nancy Dickman and others described their service and the growth of local veteran groups.
Commissioner Gow presented the annual John Doglione scholarship to Kash Gregory, noting Gregory’s 3.5 GPA, volunteer work with the Dunedin Youth Guild and plans to attend St. Pete College. The city awarded $2,000 and the Dunedin Youth Guild matched the award, according to Suzie, the scholarship program chair.
Eric MacNeill, president of the Dunedin Scottish Arts Foundation, gave a detailed Highland Games update, reporting robust attendance, more than 400 volunteers, a strong panel of adjudicators and approximately $95,000 raised and donated back into the community for band programs, scholarships and partner organizations. MacNeill also announced that the City of Dunedin Pipe Band will compete in international championships and that the foundation will host summer piping camps and other events.
Speakers and commissioners thanked veterans, volunteers and event organizers and posed for photos. The ceremonial items drew applause but did not require any formal commission action.
