How should I create a main page with a mix of dynamic and static content?
There are a number of options available to customise the front page -

have a look at 
http://www.devdaily.com/blog/post/php/how-customize-content-front-page-drupal

I usually go the route of creating a custom page-front.tpl.php (as explained in the link above) and then use a combination of views and blocks to get in the content I need.

hope this points you in the right direction...