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Welcome to The Lealman Voice

Welcome Back to Lealman Voice!

As we move forward, let’s celebrate the incredible spirit of our community. We’ve witnessed neighbors coming together, supporting one another, and demonstrating resilience in facing challenges. Now is the perfect time to share your news, events, and stories. Let’s keep the momentum going and ensure that every voice in Lealman is heard. Together, we can continue to make our neighborhood thrive!

#lealmanstrong 

Inaugural Farmers Market unites community

The first Lealman Farmers Market was a resounding success, attracting over 800 visitors eager to support local businesses and enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere! Vendors were all smiles as they showcased various goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Exciting news for the next market: we’ll have even more vendors joining us! This is a perfect opportunity to load up on Thanksgiving ingredients and find affordable produce for the holiday season.

Plus, we’re thrilled to announce that free bike helmets will be available for children, ensuring safety while promoting healthy transportation options. Join us in celebrating our local economy and the wonderful vendors who make Lealman special. We can’t wait to see you at the next market on November 24th! Let’s keep the momentum going and continue supporting our community together! 🌟🥕🚴‍♀️

Thanks to everyone who came out to our first Lealman Farmers market!

Pinellas County Resumes Storm Debris Collection in Lealman

Pinellas County has begun collecting storm debris from Hurricanes Milton and Helene throughout all areas of Lealman, including East, Central, and West Lealman. The current focus is on vegetative debris, such as tree limbs and branches.Residents are reminded to follow these important guidelines:

1. Separate wood fence material from vegetative debris, as it's considered construction material and will be collected separately.
2. Do not bag storm debris.
3. Place debris on the curb, away from the roadway, mailboxes, and utility poles to allow space for claw truck operation.

For regular household items unrelated to storm damage, residents should contact their usual trash collector for special pickup arrangements.To stay informed about debris collection progress and updates, residents can visit the Pinellas County Storm Debris website and view the Hurricane Debris Dashboard at https://pinellas.gov/emergency-information-3/sand-and-debris-cleanup/.The county appreciates residents' cooperation in ensuring efficient and safe debris removal as the community continues its recovery efforts from the recent hurricanes.

Pinellas County Seeks Community Input on Joe's Creek Industrial Park Master Plan

Pinellas County is developing a comprehensive Master Plan for the Joe's Creek Industrial Park (JCIP) and is inviting local residents and stakeholders to participate in shaping the area's future. The county aims to evaluate potential land use and zoning changes, as well as address infrastructure needs to support existing businesses, attract reinvestment, and enhance the area's adaptability to evolving economic and community needs.The project team is hosting two public input sessions:

• November 12th, 1 PM – 6 PM
• November 13th, 10 AM – 4 PM
  Both sessions will be held at VFW Post 6827, located at 4145 34th St N.

These drop-in events will allow community members to meet the project team and share their vision for improving the industrial park. Key topics to be discussed include:

1. Public infrastructure projects for utilities, transportation/mobility, and stormwater
2. Economic development strategies to retain existing businesses and attract new activities
3. Potential changes to development standards, allowable land uses, and zoning
4. Funding mechanisms to implement improvement projects and programs

For those unable to attend in person, an online survey is available. Residents can scan the QR code provided on the event flyer to access the survey and have their voices heard.Individuals interested in scheduling a specific timeslot for an interview or site visit during the event times are encouraged to email Amy Davis at adavis@pinellas.gov by November 10th.This initiative, funded by the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area, demonstrates Pinellas County's commitment to inclusive community development and economic growth in the Joe's Creek Industrial Park area.

Battling Mold After Storm Damage: A Homeowner's Guide

In the aftermath of recent storms, many homeowners in Florida are facing a common enemy: mold. This unwelcome intruder can pose serious health risks and damage your property if left unchecked. Here's how you can effectively combat mold growth in your storm-damaged home:

• Act Quickly: Time is of the essence when it comes to mold prevention. Begin cleanup within 24-48 hours of water damage to minimize mold growth
• Safety First: Before starting any cleanup, ensure you're properly protected. Wear gloves, goggles, and an N-95 respirator mask.
• Remove Moisture: The key to preventing mold is controlling moisture. Use dehumidifiers, fans, and open windows to dry out affected areas.
• Clean and Disinfect: Thoroughly clean all surfaces with detergent and water. For disinfection, use a solution of no more than 1 cup of household bleach per gallon of water.
• Dispose of Contaminated Materials: Items that can't be thoroughly cleaned and dried within 48 hours should be discarded.
• Monitor the Situation: Keep a close eye on the affected areas in the weeks following cleanup. If mold reappears or you smell musty odors, you may need professional help.

• Consider Professional Help: For extensive mold problems or if you have health concerns, it's best to hire a certified mold remediation professional.                                                                                        Remember, while visible mold can be cleaned, hidden mold in walls, floors, or ceilings may require professional assessment and remediation. By acting quickly and thoroughly, you can protect your home and health from the dangers of post-storm mold growth.

Free Pet Food at LEX!

Thanks to the generosity of SPCA Tampa Bay, pet food is available for neighbors in need at Lealman Exchange. Residents can stop by Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to pick up food for their pets.

As Pinellas County continues to recover from the impacts of hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby, numerous resources remain available to assist residents and businesses. Here's an updated overview of the ongoing support and upcoming deadlines:

FEMA Assistance Applications:
• Hurricane Debby: November 12
• Hurricane Helene: November 27
• Hurricane Milton: December 11

FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program for Nonprofits and Governments:
• Hurricane Helene: December 20
• Hurricane Milton: December 20

Disaster Unemployment Assistance:
• Hurricane Debby: November 18
• Hurricane Helene: December 2
• Hurricane Milton: December 10

Additional Resources:
• Hot foods available using SNAP EBT benefits through November 15
• Operation Blue Roof Program (free temporary tarps for roof damage): November 5

For a comprehensive list of hurricane recovery resources in Pinellas County, visit https://disaster.pinellas.gov.

Community Input Opportunities:

Joe's Creek Industrial Park Master Plan:
   Pinellas County is developing a master plan for the Joe's Creek Industrial Park (JCIP) and seeks community input. Public input sessions will be held on November 12 and 13 at the VFW Post 6827, 4145 34th St N. Residents can drop in to meet the project team and share their vision for improving the area. Topics include public infrastructure projects, economic development strategies, and potential changes to land use and zoning.

Community Development Block Grant Input Sessions:
   On November 13, Pinellas County will host input and needs assessment sessions for the Community Development Block Grant at the Lealman Exchange, 5175 45th Street North, St. Petersburg:
   • 3:30-5 p.m. – Impediments to Fair Housing
   • 6-7:30 p.m. – Needs Assessment
   Paper copies of surveys will be available at these meetings or by request.

These sessions provide valuable opportunities for residents to shape the future of their community and ensure their voices are heard in important development and funding decisions.

In 2023, we checked in 172 books and checked out 220.  In 2024 so far, we have checked in 297 books and checked out 365!

Get your read on at LEX!

St. Pete council candidates reflect on election wins

Via St. Pete Catalyst

Over 81% of registered Pinellas County voters cast ballots in 2024, despite suffering from widespread storm impacts and polling location changes.

Voters reelected the St. Petersburg City Council’s chairperson in a landslide, and less than one percentage point separate District 5 candidates Pete Boland and Mike Harting. Corey Givens Jr. upset political stalwart Wengay Newton in District 7.

Republican Vincent Nowicki ousted longtime County Commissioner Charlie Justice, a Democrat and West St. Petersburg resident. Commissioner Renee Flowers, who also lives in the city, is now the only Democrat on the seven-person board after Chris Sherer defeated Joanne “Cookie” Kennedy in a race to replace outgoing Commissioner Janet Long.

Those and other local contests will help decide the city’s future for years to come. Re-elected Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders said she felt “extremely blessed” the morning after a momentous election.

“You’re only as good as the people you’re surrounded by,” Figgs-Sanders told the Catalyst. “And I was surrounded by some really awesome people. But also – I worked hard.

“Nothing was given to me. I didn’t try to buy or pay for it. I earned it.”

Many stakeholders thought small business owner, real estate broker and philanthropist Torrie Jasuwan recently gained ground in District 5. The challenger garnered 35.21% of the vote, ultimately losing to Figgs-Sanders.

Figgs-Sanders said she would never take anything or anyone for granted and kept her “foot on the gas” despite early polling showing a comfortable lead. She said a healthy dose of nerves centered around the people she represents rather than losing the race.

“The people I serve are the ones who feel like they don’t have a voice,” Figgs-Sanders added. “The ones who don’t get the attention they deserve. The ones who pay the same tax dollars as everyone else but, a lot of times, still don’t have those same opportunities.”

Givens, an ordained minister and community activist, said he is “ready to take my service to the next level.” He trailed Newton – a former city councilman and state representative – in the primary election but secured 52.48% of the vote when it counted.

“It’s so nice to finally be in a position where I can truly impact change and reach back and help the city that raised me,” Givens said. “St. Pete is my home; it’s my family, and I’m just so excited that over 60,000 voters entrusted me with their future.”

Givens will replace John Muhammad on the dais after the appointed councilmember decided against running a reelection campaign. While his South St. Petersburg district is “one of the most poverty-stricken,” Givens said he has lived and understands those hurdles and will find strategic solutions.

“I don’t have all the answers, but I have a collation of people behind me who are willing to roll up their sleeves, get to work and find those solutions,” he added. “I’m just excited to unite St. Pete – old, young, white, Black, rich, poor – all folks from all walks of life. We’re all in this together.”

Harting and Boland, both bar and restaurant owners, provided St. Petersburg stakeholders with a photo-finish race. The former candidate garnered 990 more votes than the latter in District 5, a .86% difference.

Dustin Chase, assistant supervisor of elections, explained that a contest must fall within a half-percent to trigger a machine recount. According to Florida law, manual recounts occur if the vote differential is under .25%.

“It’s just plain awesome,” Harting said of his victory. “I don’t know any other way to describe it.”

The two candidates ran amicable campaigns; Boland quickly congratulated Harting and conceded Tuesday night. Harting expressed pride for his team’s efforts but said both camps “got their message out very well.”

District 5 encompasses St. Petersburg’s lowest-lying neighborhood, Shore Acres, and recent storms have repeatedly flooded homes and displaced residents. However, he said those casting ballots at area polling locations seemed “genuinely enthused to be there and do their part.”

“Leigh, my wife, and I have always taught our girls that you vote and serve jury duty,” Harting said. “No exceptions.”

He will replace term-limited Councilmember Ed Montanari on the dais, who fell to Rep. Lindsay Cross in the state’s District 60 race. Harting expects a “huge learning curve” over his first 30 days in office as he gets to know his colleagues in City Hall.

“I have some topics I’ve campaigned on and really want to address,” he added. “Now I have to figure out the inner workings and how to best approach that.”

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