Lealman Voice Edition 21
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Credit: Leo Gomez Studios
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Despite debate, the Dream Center will own its home
A local nonprofit will continue operating from one of the area’s most underserved communities after Pinellas County officials agreed to relinquish the building it leases in a $1.2 million sale.
The Florida Dream Center’s St. Petersburg address belies its headquarters at a former Lealman fire station. The unincorporated area just outside the city limits is home to over 20,000 people – and many lack access to transportation, grocery stores and safe, affordable housing.
No county commissioners questioned the organization’s impact at their Nov. 14 meeting. However, a previously discussed plan to provide the Dream Center with a permanent home sparked debate.
“I understand and recognize all of the great things you guys do in Lealman,” said Commissioner Brian Scott. “I just have some concerns with donating property and structures to not-for-profits. I’m not comfortable with that.”
Commissioner Dave Eggers also expressed hesitation to “donate” land valued at $1.2 million and earmarked for affordable housing initiatives. In 2016, county officials used Penny for Pinellas land acquisition funding to acquire the property at 4017 56th Ave. N. for $640,000 from the Housing Finance Authority.
In 2017, the Dream Center began leasing the building and addressing the surrounding community’s extensive unmet needs. Laura Simkanich, a longtime resident and volunteer, became emotional at the thought of the organization leaving Lealman.
According to its website, the Dream Center has provided nearly a million meals, distributed 1.2 million pounds of food, completed 93 revitalization projects, removed 47 tons of debris, provided over 3,500 people with “self-sufficiency” assistance $and graduated 68 work readiness program participants – since Jan. 1.
“Many of these students are low-risk inmates who want to succeed when they are getting out of jail,” Simkanich said. “We have made a huge impact on Lealman.
“If they were to lose their location, there would be a large population left that would go hungry, go without lights and may not be able to keep their homes.”
Lealman building identity through neighborhood events
The holidays are upon us, and in Lealman, it marks the second year of an effort to build community in an unincorporated area of Pinellas County.
Lealman’s second annual Christmas tree lighting event will be held Dec. 1 at Lealman Park.
The 6:30-8 p.m. family-friendly event was conceived by the Lealman Engagement Events Committee, which includes representatives from Pinellas County, Florida Dream Center, Lealman Fire District, Pinellas County Housing Authority, Lealman Community Association, Lealman Community District Services, St. Petersburg Foundation and Exquisite Events & Marketing.
The Pinellas County Board of Commissioners formed the committee as part of the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area Plan (CRA), which identified nine objectives for improving the quality of life for all Lealman residents, including hosting community events. The first tree lighting in 2022 brought out about 500 residents, and Laura Simkanich, President of the Lealman Community Association, says they anticipate doubling that number this year as families in Leaman see and experience the positive changes happening in the neighborhood.
“I see improvement and I see the community coming together,” said Simkanich, a lifelong Lealman resident. “People have said, ‘Thank you for doing this. All I had to do was walk to it. I rode my bike to it.’ We need stuff like that because everything is either in St. Pete or Kenneth City or Clearwater. A lot of people can’t go there or they don’t want to fight the crowds.”
Tuesdays & Thursdays at the Lealman Exchange
YMCA Senior Exercise: Tu/Th 9 a.m.
YMCA Total Parkinson's Exercise: Tu/Th 10-11 a.m.
December 1st @ 6:30 p.m.
Lealman Christmas Tree Lighting
December 6th @ 7:00 p.m.
December 6th @ 11:30 a.m.
December 7th @ 6:00 p.m.
February 10th @ 12:00 p.m.
Lealman Honey & Arts Festival
YMCA neighbor to neighbor program
Embracing the true meaning of social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg is once again teaming up with our community in 2023 to bring the spirit of Christmas to 400 families and more than 900 children. For more than 30 years, the YMCA Neighbor to Neighbor Christmas Program has provided families in need with the joys of a traditional Christmas. Families receive a live tree, ornaments, holiday dinner, books, toys, and complimentary YMCA programs and services throughout the year.
Help the YMCA deliver joy and hope this holiday season to those who need us — now more than ever.
Join hundreds of donors, volunteers and staff to help provide the magic and nostalgia of the Christmas season to the children of our community. You can help by volunteering your time at upcoming tree delivery and holiday shopping events, donating toys, sponsoring the program or just helping spread the word. Learn more at stpeteymca.org/neighbor.
Point in Time Count - Pinellas County
On January 25, volunteers from across Pinellas County will join forces for the 2024 Point in Time Count (PIT). The Point in Time Count helps provide an annual snapshot of Pinellas County’s residents experiencing homelessness. This information is critical to understanding our community's needs and adequately informing local, state, and national policies. And, we need volunteers like you to help us get the most accurate count possible!
To sign up for the January 25, 2024, Pinellas County PIT, click the link below or scan the QR code, and please help us spread the word and encourage your friends, family and anyone elsewho may be interested to join you in January!
Pinellas PAL Annual Breakfast Recap
Neri Park Master Plan Update
Dan Glaser from Pinellas County Public Works provided an overview of the Neri Park Master Plan. The presentation showed plans to preserve existing vegetation, treat stormwater runoff, centrally located restrooms, new seating areas, comfort stations, and ADA-accessible areas. Some amenities include paved parking for 98 spaces, including 10 ADA-accessible spots. There will be ten covered pavilions and a maintenance building for park staff to maintain the park. The project cost is $6.8 million dollars, with various funding sources. Other amenities include playgrounds and fitness areas. Design completion is contingent upon BDRS completing its ongoing review.
The project is in the final design stage, which should be completed in October, and the advertisement should go out in November. It should be awarded, and a Notice to proceed should be granted within a six-month period. The construction is expected to be completed by mid-2026. Construction activity to be aware of is that the entire site will be closed during construction.
Steve Cleveland clarified where the maintenance building would be located. Jeremy Heath asked about security and securing access to the homeless through an unsecured fence. Mr. Glaser is aware of the spot and advised there would be a larger, more secure fence around the entire perimeter to avoid that.
Charles Flynt verified that sufficient bathrooms will be added to the park and that there will be security measures for the restrooms.
Jennifer Post asked about what part of the park would be closed and recommended that the park closure be well advertised and that community residents should be advised well in advance of the park’s full closure due to community resident feedback.
The potential uses of the proposed soccer field were discussed. The size is 165 feet by 82 feet wide and will be Bermuda grass. It is not most likely going to be used for the official games. There are no plans to manage the space, and no lighting is expected to be installed[1].
Career Corner
Apprentice Program
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