Edition 10 of The Lealman Voice
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Credit: Leo Gomez Studios
Hello there.
Welcome to our new and returning readers!
We are back with the 10th Edition of the Lealman Voice.
Our mission is simple: To help connect the people of Lealman.
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State Representative Lindsay Cross Ready to Plug In to Help Lealman
The Lealman area has undergone significant developments in recent years, reshaping its landscape and community dynamics. To gain insights into these changes, Representative Lindsay Cross shares her perspective on the ongoing transformations, key initiatives, and her vision for the future of Lealman.
“We want to have a physical presence in the community, and because Lealman is an unincorporated part of the county, we don’t want residents to feel that they’re less important than the City of St Pete or Pinellas Park,” Rep. Cross said. “I want them to get attention and know that we’re going to be a resource to people in their community.”
Discussing the foundation of Lealman's development, Representative Cross emphasized the significance of education and job opportunities. She stressed the importance of providing quality education to the residents, equipping them with the necessary skills for a brighter future.
“Job training and workforce development are important components in that area. The Lealman Exchange is a great partner in those efforts,” said Rep. Cross. “I love how they’re bringing in nonprofits and businesses to provide opportunities for the residents and support social services in the area.”
Rep. Cross also highlighted the formation of neighborhood relationships, community events, and local support networks as key drivers of positive change. Cross underscored the need for fostering a sense of ownership and pride among the residents, empowering them to actively participate in shaping the neighborhood's future.
“I’m looking at ways we can provide some tax relief for people who are making their rental units more affordable. That’s something we’re excited about working on next year,” said Rep. Cross. “I go to a lot of the home dedications for Habitat for Humanity, and in cooperation with the county, that has been a big focus. Not just affordable rentals, but affordable home ownership, because that’s where people build generational wealth.”
Rep. Cross says this year’s session is set to begin earlier than usual, in September, so she encourages her constituents to contact her now about policy ideas or funding needs.
“We are successful in bringing funding back to the district for projects in the county and we would love to find ways to support Lealman in some of their infrastructure or social service needs,” said Rep. Cross. “I want to get invited to community events, so I can see what they’re excited about and how we can work to better their community.”
Rep. Cross pointed to successful events like the recent Farm Share food drive at the Lealman and Asian Neighborhood Family Center, which helped 800 families receive food, essential supplies and support.
You can contact Representative Lindsay Cross in her St. Petersburg office at (727) 552-2747 or by sending an email via this online form.
Thursdays @ 9AM
June 28th 6PM
July 4th @ 6pm
Lealman Independence Day Celebration
July 8th @ 11 AM
Community Resource Day
July 14th @ 8:30 AM
July 15th @ 9AM
Mobile Pet Clinic
New law allows more families to qualify for subsidized children’s health insurance
A family of four can earn $83,250 annually and continue to qualify Florida KidCare.
More working-class families in Florida will have access to a subsidized children’s health insurance policy under a new Florida law.
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed HB 121, a top priority of House Speaker Paul Renner, into law. The new law allows Florida families to earn up to 300% of the federal poverty level, or $83,250 annually for a family of four, and continue to qualify for Florida KidCare. Previously, the program only was available to families earning 200% of the FPL, or $55,500 annually for a family of four.
Florida KidCare includes several different subsidized programs, including the state’s Healthy Kids program, which requires a small monthly premium and generally covers children from ages 5 to 18.
HB 121 takes effect upon becoming law but children cannot enroll in the program until Jan. 1, 2024. That gives the Florida Healthy Kids (FHK) Board of Directors time to establish premiums and copayments for newly eligible enrollees.
“This law is a huge win for Florida’s working families,” FHK board chair and physician Stephanie Haridopolos, told Florida Politics. “It helps and honors the families that make Florida the economic engine of our nation.”
What's New at the Lealman Exchange?
As we pass the one-year mark of the partnership of the Pinellas County government, the St. Petersburg Foundation, and the Community Foundation Tampa Bay, established to bring new life to the Lealman Exchange, it's a good time to check in and see what's new and what's coming.
Visitors to the Lealman Exchange (LEX), will notice increased activity and a greater range of services. LEX strives to meet the needs of all Lealman residents as a portal for connecting to a network of services located at the Lealman Exchange and in the surrounding community.
From workforce development to soft skill workshops, financial training, mental health support, veteran’s services, and health and wellness, and more, LEX partners will meet neighbors where they are to assess the support needed to grow and thrive.
According to Amy Cianci, Engagement Director at the Lealman Exchange (and a Lealman resident herself), the public-private-philanthropic partnership launched in 2022 has led to a closer collaboration among nonprofits serving the community. It has also enabled the implementation of numerous recommendations that came from the Lealman Exchange Strategic Plan, which many Lealman residents participated in creating just before the COVID pandemic.
"The Lealman Exchange was created to serve as a true community hub-- a vibrant gathering place that fosters growth, empowers engagement, and celebrates a deep sense of community pride." Amy Cianci said.
To that end, LEX organizes and hosts events and activities that contribute to fun and a sense of belonging, such as the February 2023 Honey and Arts festival, held at the adjacent Raymond Neri Park.
Some upcoming events at LEX include:
Lealman 4th of July celebration, Ray Neri Park
Holiday Tree Lighting celebration in December, Lealman Park
Lealman Honey & Arts Festival in February 2024, Ray Neri Park
A welcome addition to the team at LEX is a Needs Navigato r-- the first point of contact for getting residents the help they need from just the right nonprofit or government resource. The Navigator is a person uniquely well-versed in county nonprofits and the many services available that people may not know about.
The Navigator position will soon be on-site full-time, available to anyone dropping by LEX. In the meantime, people can make appointments with the Navigator by emailing lealman@thespfc.org. All consultations with the Navigator are confidential.
Among service providers and resources located on-site at the Lealman Exchange are the following:
Amskills, the regional workforce training, and economic development organization, has its Pinellas County outpost at LEX. Their career discovery workshops are the entry point for programming that includes boot camps, apprenticeships, information about professional certifications, and interviews with employers.
Career Source Pinellas has a Career Center at LEX. The self-service center is open to the public. It contains useful information to assist with your job search, including internet-accessible computers, printers, phones, and fax machines to connect with employers easily. All centers are open 8 am-5 pm Monday through Friday. No appointments are necessary.
Gulf Coast Legal Services is open to those seeking legal services in housing, family issues, and various documents needed for employment and financial stability. Visit their website to review their services and apply for assistance.
Keep Pinellas Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, has its offices at LEX. The organization offers educational programming and volunteer opportunities to protect our county's environmental health and beauty. There's a variety of rewarding opportunities that fulfill documented community service requirements.
Pinellas County offers a range of services from the Lealman Exchange. The Economic Development staff offers small business owners free consultation. Human Services staff provide healthcare, homelessness, Veterans services and more, and Lealman Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) staff provide support to other County services and a variety of residential and commercial redevelopment grant programs.
Pinellas Public Library offers a menu of services at LEX. You can apply for a library card, access the library network to reserve materials, pick up and drop off library books, and take advantage of the free lending library for children.
YMCA of Greater St Petersburg has long provided daycare services and programs for seniors at the Lealman Exchange. They have now added Family Open Gym Nights three nights a week, drop-in adult open gym three times a week, and Adult Drop-In Pickleball two afternoons a week. Check out the website for details and times and information about senior and daycare programs.
Check out the Lealman Exchange website, lealmanexchange.org, for details about services and programs serving the community. Or reach out anytime to lealman@thespfc.org.
County ARPA funding allocations spark debate
Pinellas County Commissioners decided Tuesday how to spend $10.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding designated for nonprofits, which led to ardent debate over who made the cut.
The discourse centered on two applicants – the African People’s Education and Defense Fund (APEDF) and the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg. The Pinellas Community Foundation (PCF), hired to analyze and rank applications, placed APEDF fourth out of 19 applicants and recommended giving the parent nonprofit of a Black radio station $67,327 for a backup generator.
The APEDF operates 96.3 WBPU-FM, or Black Power 96. However, it shares a home with the controversial Uhuru Movement, an African Socialist group with a long history in St. Petersburg.
Assistant County Administrator Kevin Knutson began the meeting by noting that county staff withdrew the APEDF, YMCA and Evara Health’s previously approved applications. While they put the latter two organizations back on the list, the Education and Defense Fund lost local ARPA dollars for the second time in five months.
“They (PCF) pointed out – just like us – that they had some concerns about whether this grant was for the sole benefit of the organization,” Knutson said. “And that’s part of what really calls into question whether we’re going to meet the federal guidelines on this.”
Resident hopes new affordable housing complex in Lealman will ease crisis
Stephanie Knetsch, who was born and raised in Lealman, an unincorporated town in Pinellas County, describes her hometown community as caring.
“A lot of people are very nice, they’re kind,” Knetsch said. “You can get some people that are a little uptight, but usually everyone’s very helpful in this neighborhood.”
For the past few years, life in Lealman has been challenging for Knetsch. Recently, she was given a 24-hour notice to leave her apartment, and she is also looking for work.
Knetsch has been seeking resources from the Florida Dream Center, a nonprofit that helps more than 100 homeless people every day. Currently, she is on three different waitlists for housing.
“Even at the pay rate they’re giving me, I can’t afford anything,” she said. “Right now, you’re paying like 12 to 22 hundred (dollars) for a studio apartment, and that’s not always big enough for someone. Or if we don’t have the price to pay that, it’s a lot harder for us.”
In May, the Pinellas County Commission announced an investment of $12.5 million for more affordable housing in the area. County leaders set aside $2.5 million of that for a new development in Lealman. The planned 86-unit complex, called Lealman Heights, will be catered toward people who make 80% or less than the county’s annual median income.
Volunteers needed for local events
With more events coming to the Lealman Community, area organizations need your help! Have a few hours to spare to support your community?
Independence Day Celebration Lealman - event support needed, groups or individuals Email zelda@floridadreamcenter.org
Jen Post
Please introduce yourself to your neighbors.
My name is Jen Post, I’m happily married to Harold Post, and we have successfully raised 2 girls ages 21 and 25. By day I am a Director @ Life Care Planning Solutions and by night I enjoy writing, casual dinners and enjoying time with family and friends.
How many years have you lived in Lealman?
I’ve lived in Lealman for almost 20 years. My Husband’s family has lived here in Lealman for 50 years and after we got married, Harold and I thought this would be a great place to raise our family and call home.
What organizations are you involved in?
I started my involvement in the Lealman community in 2017 with Lealman Community District Services. Getting involved with the LCDS opened my eyes to the challenges as well as the many opportunities in Lealman. Since that time, I have become involved in several areas of the community and currently serve on the following boards and organizations: Health Care for The Homeless Co-Applicant Board, Vice President of the Lealman Community Association, and the Lealman CRA.
What gets you out of bed every day?
When you realize that each day is a new opportunity to do better than the day before, you discover the beauty in waking up and making each day fresh no matter what happened the day before.
What is one thing you've seen change for the better in Lealman in the last few years?
Team involvement- Whether it’s a serious issue in need of problem-solving or a community event, you can be assured that our community partners are always there to take part and lend a helping hand. This is something that is not seen outwardly in other unincorporated areas and is truly something special and has become an integral part of Lealman. I am honored to be working hand in hand with some of the most amazing organizations and people in Lealman.
What's next for you?
I will continue serving the Lealman Community and am excited to navigate the Lealman CRA as this is my newest venture here in Lealman.
Career Corner
Join the team at Lealman Exchange!
The Needs Navigator helps clients get the support they need to access the wrap-around services available through the Collective Impact Model at the Lealman Exchange. Needs Navigator is committed to remove the client barriers to assistance by identifying critical resources for clients, helping them
navigate through the services and systems, and promote the client’s long-term and sustainable
success in finding, receiving, and benefiting from available services.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs
If you, or someone you know, is looking for a steppingstone into the nursing field, or a new career, this is a great opportunity. This eight-week training class begins on Thursday, September 14, 2023.
Register for one of the upcoming info sessions on Teams (required):
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