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Welcome to The Lealman Voice

Welcome to the Lealman Voice! We’re here to keep you in the loop on all things Lealman—news, events, and everything that makes our community special. Up next, don’t miss the Lealman Farmers Market on February 23rd, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Lealman Exchange.

More than just a market, it’s a place to connect with neighbors, support local vendors, and enjoy the best fresh produce and goods our community has to offer. We can’t wait to see you there!

#lealmanstrong 

Discovering Lealman: Willow Tree Nursery 

-Article and Photos by Becca McCoy

It's almost impossible to miss Willow Tree Nursery driving down 49th Street in Lealman.  A sudden burst of color and foliage and historical objects emerges in striking contrast to the typical brick-and-mortar businesses of a major thoroughfare.  But if you haven’t yet – do yourself a favor: pull into the parking lot and explore.  However, striking it is from the street view is nothing compared to wandering the nearly 3 acres of this plant paradise.

Family-owned and operated since 1979, Willow Tree Nursery is the largest garden center in St. Petersburg.  They pride themselves on “still catering in old-time service,” and you can sense that bygone way of doing things all throughout the grounds.  Hand-written signage, friendly employees, antique equipment, and relics of St. Petersburg's past help you lose track of time and space in the rows of annuals, perennials, trees, and more.           

Willow Tree Nursery invites customers to come ask questions about anything gardening or plant-related; no purchase is required. They’ll also work with you on delivery and landscape installation. It’s a beautiful place to take a stroll—and to support local's—in the heart of Lealman.

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Willow Tree Nursery is located in Lealman at 4401 49th Street North. It is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday and 10 am to 4 pm Sunday. Learn more at https://www.willowtreenursery.com/, find it on Facebook as Willow Tree Nursery, Inc., or call 727-522-2594.  

MEET THE TENANTS: University of Florida IFAS Extension

Lealman Exchange is home to a variety of tenant organizations who serve our community and beyond.  Today, we are chatting with Cindi Hetz, Extension Agent I: Family and Consumer Sciences for University of Florida IFAS Extension.

Tell us a little about yourself and your organization: I have worked with UF/IFAS Extension since 2014.  My current role with Family and Consumer Sciences focuses on first-time homebuyer education and counseling, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programming, and youth and adult life skills programming.

Tell us who you serve and how: I provide programming for the residents of Pinellas County and Florida in our statewide homebuying education program. When participants complete the class, they receive a certificate that can be used for down payment assistance programs.

What drives your mission? During my early career at the University of Florida IFAS Extension Pinellas County, I taught and managed the SNAP Education program for Pinellas County. SNAP-Ed uses evidence-based public health projects and interventions to educate eligible participants regarding healthy lifestyle choices, saving money, and implementing policy, systems, and environmental changes. I developed a profound understanding of the systemic issues affecting vulnerable populations and the crucial role that educators, social workers, non-profits, and other agencies play in addressing these challenges. I am passionate about conveying nonbiased, scientific information to the public to help find solutions to situations in their life.

Do you have an accomplishment you are particularly proud of and would like to share? I recently passed the Housing and Urban Development exam to become a HUD-certified housing counselor. I have also just started a master's program in social work.

What programs or opportunities are available to our Lealman neighbors through your organization?  UF/IFAS Extension has a vast array of educational outreach, programming, hands-on activities, online learning, and more.  Currently, I am providing VITA services at the Lealman Exchange. Email clhetz@ufl.edu for more information. Our website can show you more about upcoming programming: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/  and check out our Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/garden-and-landscape-ufifas-extension-pinellas-county-29708813079

To learn more about University of Florida IFAS Extension, visit https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/  and follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PinellasExtension/ or Instagram @ufifas_solutions.

Why every kid should experience summer camp

Via St. Pete Catalyst

Summer camp has long been a staple of childhood experiences, but their benefits extend far beyond mere fun and games. In an era where screen time dominates, summer camps provide a much-needed respite.

At the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of summer camps on children’s lives. Summer camps offer a unique environment that fosters growth in multiple areas of a child’s life. We’ve seen how our programs contribute to children’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.

When surveying families whose children participated in YMCA summer camps, more than 73% of families reported that their children made new friends during camp, and over 75% reported that their children felt a sense of belonging. Summer camps lead to lifelong friendships that help kids create bonds beyond the classroom.

Our programs encourage physical activity, helping children stay active and healthy during the summer months. Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically and gain weight twice as fast during summer than during the school year. 

Summer camps also play a crucial role in boosting children’s self-confidence and independence. According to the American Camp Association, 92% of campers said that camp helped them feel better about themselves. Our programs are designed to challenge children in a supportive environment, allowing them to try new things and overcome fears. The Y also offers day camps, teen camps and specialty camps, giving every kid a chance to connect with youth their own age and explore hobbies that expand their minds and enrich their lives.

Contrary to the notion of summer being a time of academic regression, camp experiences can actually support children’s education. Our programs incorporate elements of STEM, art, and other educational activities, helping to prevent the “summer slide” in academic skills. 

The benefits of summer camp extend far beyond the summer months. Research shows that three years after attending summer camp, children still exhibit an increased willingness to try new things. This long-term impact is a testament to the powerful experiences we provide at the YMCA.

Summer camps are more than just a way to keep children occupied during school breaks; they are invaluable experiences that contribute significantly to a child’s personal growth and development. As we continue to evolve our programs at the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, we remain committed to providing these life-changing experiences to as many children as possible. By investing in summer camp experiences, we’re not just giving children a fun summer – we’re equipping them with skills, confidence and memories that will serve them well throughout their lives.

If you have school-aged children, you can sign up for summer camps on our website at stpeteymca.org/childcare/summer-camp. 

Ashley Carter is the Association Youth & Family Director at YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg.

New Farmer’s Market emphasizes local growers

Via Spectrum

The winds of change are blowing at Hoot & Harvest.

What You Need To Know

• Lealman Farmer's Market offers fresh produce, local makers on fourth Sunday of month


• Located at Lealman Exchange: 5175 45th Street North; hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.


• Hoot & Harvest is one of farms at Lealman Farmer's Market

Anne Gloeckner has a new investment. It’s a block mold for making individual soil cubes to grow seeds. “I was hand pressing four at a time, and this tray does 72,” said Gloeckner. Gloeckner is dropping spinach seeds into each cube.

It will take several weeks before thet are ready to be planted. It’s their second year working the land —and by land we mean their front yard, as well as their neighbor’s yard. That’s where Gloeckner’s partner Joe Morris is headed to cut some baby bok choy.

“It builds a sense of community and showing that anybody can do this, even on a small plot of land, you can build a garden like this and feed your family,” said Morris. And all the neighbors want for the use of their yard as a farm — is a cut of the produce.

One of the places you can get this baby bok choy and Hoot and Harvest’s other produce is the Lealman Farmers Market. The only hungry mouths they feed on their farm besides the neighbors are their egg-laying hens.

The Lealman Market is on the fourth Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Lealman Exchange.

Lealman Honey & Arts Festival 2025: A Vibrant Community Celebration

The 3rd Annual Lealman Honey & Arts Festival brought together residents and visitors for an unforgettable day of creativity, music, and community spirit on Saturday, February 8th, 2025. Held at the Lealman Community Park, the free event showcased the best of local talent and culture.

The day was packed with exciting attractions that catered to all ages: 

Musical Performances
- Pink Streets energized the crowd with a live performance.
- Pirate Flag delivered a Kenny Chesney tribute.

Local Attractions
- Local honey vendors offered fresh products and educational insights
- An artisan market featured unique creations from talented local artists
- Food trucks and refreshments provided a diverse culinary experience
- Family-friendly activities ensured entertainment for all attendees.

Community Impact Produced by the Lealman Engagement Committee, the festival continues to build on its successful history. The inaugural event in 2023 attracted over 3,000 visitors, and this year's festival maintained that momentum of community connection.The event reflects the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners' commitment to the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area Plan, celebrating local culture and fostering community pride. The Lealman Honey & Arts Festival once again proved to be a must-attend event, bringing together residents, artists, and community members in a joyous celebration of local creativity and spirit.

Join the ANYTOWN® 2025 Family! 🌟

At ANYTOWN®, we celebrate you—your truest, most authentic self! Imagine a community free from discrimination, where everyone belongs and change starts with you. Since 1991, we’ve been empowering young leaders to step up, speak out, and make a difference.

Ready to be part of something bigger? Registration is now open! Click the link below to join us and help create a more inclusive future.

🔗 Register Now

New nonprofit to host parenting retreats in St. Pete

Via St. Pete Catalyst

A new nonprofit is bringing immersive weekend parenting retreats to St. Pete.

Patrick Diggs and Jared Ezzard established Empowered Parents to provide psychoeducation workshops and resources that enhance parenting skills, starting with a focus on fatherhood. The initiative seeks to combat the negative effects of a lack of fatherly presence on children’s well-being.

“I started digging into the research a little bit about growing up in a fatherless home, and it makes [people] over twice as likely to use drugs and alcohol, over twice as likely to commit a crime, live in poverty, you name it. It’s actually an astounding statistic,” said Ezzard, a mental health professional with 15 years of experience. “Then the numbers drastically changed just by having a present father.”

“We started Empowered Parents to make a difference in that,” Ezzard added. “If we can change just one family at a time, we can, in turn, have a massive impact on the community and the world.”

The nonprofit’s first major event, a fatherhood retreat, is scheduled for March 1. The retreat is designed as an immersive two-and-a-half-day weekend retreat. The typical retreat size is 15 parents. 

Ezzard and Diggs developed a parenting curriculum informed by their extensive experience working with families and individuals through psychotherapeutic and recreational activities. The curriculum emphasizes practical techniques for building stronger family connections.

The workshops aim to equip parents with tools to foster healthier relationships and address challenges in parenting. Ezzard highlighted the importance of the program’s inclusivity, noting that its strategies are applicable to parents of all ages, including those with adult children. 

“It’s never too late to reconnect with your family,” he said. “Maybe you don’t have any kids yet, but you’re expecting. We are hoping to get a diverse group of dads, because then the new ones can learn from the old ones. There can be some open discussion, brainstorming and learning from other cultures, too.”

“The participants will be provided a curriculum workbook, and we will go through different subjects, such as the ages and stages of development, communication skills, rites of passage, learning how to create memorable moments with your family,” Ezzard explained.

Empowered Parents has already garnered significant support, including a $10,000 capacity-building grant from the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. The grant has allowed the organization to expand its reach and enhance its offerings. 

“This support has been instrumental in helping us bring our vision to life,” Ezzard said.

The upcoming fatherhood retreat marks the first step in Empowered Parents’ broader mission to strengthen families through education and engagement. Ezzard said plans for growth include future motherhood and family retreats.

Those interested in learning more about the retreats or signing up can visit empowertheparents.org.

Vacancies announced on Lealman CRA Advisory Committee

Applications are being accepted for one appointment to the Citizen Advisory Committee for the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). These appointments are for three-year terms, beginning on date of appointment and expiring on Dec. 31 in the third year.  

The Lealman CRA Advisory Committee was established to advise the Pinellas County Community Redevelopment Agency on the creation and administration of the Lealman CRA redevelopment plan and any amendments thereto, and on issues and policies impacting the Lealman CRA.

The committee has nine members, who are appointed by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. Applicants must be residents, business owners and/or property owners or other stakeholders from within the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area. A boundary map of the area can be found at pinellas.gov/lealman-cra-boundary-area-map. The bylaws of the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee are available at: pinellas.gov/by-laws-of-the-lealman-community-redevelopment-area-advisory-committee. The committee meets monthly or every other month on the fourth Wednesday of the month depending on CRA Activity which may vary from time to time. However, meeting dates may be canceled or adjusted as needed.

Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025. The application can be found at https://pinellas.gov/boards-councils-and-committees/.

Please note: All materials submitted to Pinellas County government are subject to the public records law of the state of Florida.

Spelling bees are back. Can Tampa Bay make it 3 titles in a row?

Via Tampa Bay Times

ST. PETERSBURG — Reid Pavlica came to the Lealman Exchange Community Center on Saturday brimming with confidence.

It was the Curlew Creek Elementary School fourth grader’s first shot at a regional spelling bee, facing spellers representing 32 other schools from nine counties around Tampa Bay. He’d been studying words for two hours daily, with his mom quizzing him every night. “I’m ready,” he declared.

But as he picked up some information near the registration table, Reid overheard talk that the two past winners of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Dev Shah and Bruhat Soma, might attend the event. Panic filled his eyes.

“Wait,” he said. “Bruhat will be competing?”

Not this year. Past national champions are ineligible for future events, news that brought a sigh of relief from Reid. But the idea that multiple spelling champs could square off at Tampa Bay’s regional bee shows how much the event has blossomed in two years.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the National Spelling Bee, which began in 1925 with nine spellers.

For the Tampa area and Florida, it’s a chance to accomplish a rare three-peat. Only six other states have had back-to-back winners, with just two of those — Ohio from 1948-1950 and Tennessee from 1993-95 — taking home the trophy three years in a row.

With so much on the line, perhaps it’s unsurprising that this year’s regional bee ended in dramatic fashion, with all the suspense and emotion of a championship match.

“When you talk about Champa-Bay, it’s not just the sports teams,” said Dave Egles, executive director of the Rays Baseball Foundation, which sponsored the regional bee. “It’s these local students as well. It really is exciting.”

Full Article

Hiring!

Family Center on Deafness is hiring! We are looking for a Youth and Family Support Specialist to work with families in the Birth-5 program. Here's a link to the job description and instructions for applying. Please share with anyone who may be qualified.

https://fcdpinellas.org/yfss-0-5

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