• Katie DolacPatch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • Dunedin, FL

Email: kathryn.dolac@patch.com

Phone: 727-365-2531

Hometown: My hometown is the U.S. Army. At one time or another, I've called North Carolina, Indiana, Germany, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Virginia, Hawaii and now, Florida my home.

Bio: I'm the editor of Dunedin Patch. I spent six years in print journalism as a features reporter and editor at various Virginia newspapers before joining the government herd as a writer-editor at the U.S. Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C. Ultimately, I missed serving my community as a reporter and journalist, and found Dunedin Patch.

At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.

How would you describe your political beliefs

I'm the product of a military upbringing. I'm an independent thinker with what most might consider conservative values. Having just lived in the Washington, D.C. area, I dislike politics and politicians in the national arena as they are today. I believe that true change starts small: first with the individual, then at the community level. We are in charge of our destiny. We must be vigilant and caring citizens for this thing called freedom and democracy to work, and the only time we have is now. So don't be afraid to start small.

Are you registered with a certain party?

No.

How religious would you consider yourself?

I am Catholic and regularly attend Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Dunedin.

Posting Activity

Dunedin|News|

Missing: Beloved Scotsman Angus

The iconic wooden cutout of a bearded Scotsman, who greets customers in front of Lynn Thorn's downtown retail store The Celtic Shop of Dunedin, went missing Saturday.

Missing: Beloved Scotsman Angus
Dunedin|News|

Vice Mayor Portrays Ghost of Historic Dunedin Figure

Vice Mayor Ron Barnette portrayed the ghost of Dr. W.S. Blatchley in a City of Dunedin TV promotion for the Dunedin Historical Society's release of his 1900s-era "My Nature Nook" book.

Dunedin|News|

Month of Free Rides on New Bus Service Begin Dec. 10

Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority celebrates the launch of the North County Connector service during a ribbon cutting on Tuesday. The service doesn't officially start until Monday, but ridership is free through Dec. 31.

Month of Free Rides on New Bus Service Begin Dec. 10
Dunedin|News|

Santa Coming Soon to Your Neighborhood

Off-duty firefighters are giving Santa a lift aboard a fire truck so he can pass out candy and toys to good girls and boys in a neighborhood near you, according to a news release from Dunedin fire officials.

Santa Coming Soon to Your Neighborhood
Dunedin|News|

Historical Society Unveils Dr. Blatchley's 'Nook' Book

George Nigro unveiled the long-awaited limited-edition, leather-bound copies of Dr. W.S. Blatchley's "My Nature Nook," written in the early 1900s, during a large celebratory gathering Sunday evening.

Historical Society Unveils Dr. Blatchley's 'Nook' Book
Dunedin|News|

Girl Gives Up Birthday Gifts for Rescue Dogs

Curtis Fundamental fifth-grader Maria Norman decided that in lieu of gifts, she would give back to Dunedin Doggie Rescue for her birthday. She was publicly recognized at an event Sunday.

Girl Gives Up Birthday Gifts for Rescue Dogs
Dunedin|News|

WW II Veterans Get Honorable Ride In Boat Parade

John and Debra Tornga are honoring several local World War II veterans aboard their vessel in the Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade at Dunedin Municipal Marina on Saturday evening.

WW II Veterans Get Honorable Ride In Boat Parade
Dunedin|News|

Holiday Decor Promotes Safety at Dunedin Fire Stations

The Dunedin Fire Department launched it's annual "Keep the Wreath Red" campaign, along with fire departments across the nation, to promote good fire prevention practices for this 2013 holiday season. Here are 10 tips.

Holiday Decor Promotes Safety at Dunedin Fire Stations
Dunedin|News|

Man Accused of Hitting Girlfriend, Spitting on Deputy

Michael Patrick Hogan, 31, reportedly became aggressive with deputies during the course of a domestic disturbance investigation on Saturday. He was arrested on the felony charge of battery on a law enforcement officer.

Man Accused of Hitting Girlfriend, Spitting on Deputy