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Welcome Back to Lealman Voice!

As we embrace the holiday season, it’s a joy to see the incredible spirit of our community shine through. Neighbors coming together, supporting one another, and sharing in meaningful moments make this time of year truly special.

We encourage everyone to connect by sharing your news, events, and stories or by seeking out local happenings. One great way to come together is at the Lealman Farmers Market—we hope to see you there! Every voice in Lealman matters, and together, we can continue to strengthen our neighborhood and celebrate the vibrant community we share. Happy Holidays!

#lealmanstrong 

MEET THE TENANTS: Family Center on Deafness

Lealman Exchange is home to a variety of tenant organizations who serve our community and beyond.  Today, we are chatting with Anthony Verdeja, Executive Director of the Family Center on Deafness.

Tell us a little about yourself and your organization:  FCD empowers Pinellas County’s Deaf Community to meet its full potential by providing opportunities to enhance communication, education and independence.  

Tell us who you serve and how:  FCD serves youth and families from birth to 18 years old.  FCD collaborates with over 18 organizations and is now proud to add LEX!

What drives your mission? FCD is the only organization of its kind serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community in the state of Florida.

Do you have an accomplishment you are particularly proud of you'd like to share? FCD staff worked very hard to gain its Pinellas County Child Care Center License from PCLB. Also, FCD is PROUD to host the only Deaf and Hard of Hearing Girls Scouts troop!

To learn more about Family Center on Deafness, visit https://fcdpinellas.org/ and follow them on Facebook / Instagram @fcd_pinellas.  

Lealman Farmers Market: Holiday Edition

Celebrate the Season at the Lealman Market Holiday Edition

Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit at the Lealman Market Holiday Edition, happening on Sunday, December 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lealman Exchange. This festive event is packed with fun, unique shopping opportunities, and family-friendly activities that showcase the vibrancy and charm of the Lealman community.

Building on the overwhelming success of the last two Lealman Farmers Markets, which drew hundreds of attendees and dozens of vendors, the Holiday Edition is poised to be the most exciting market yet. Previous markets highlighted strong community engagement, robust participation from local businesses, and enhanced access to fresh food and unique goods. The Holiday Edition will continue this tradition with festive flair and added attractions.

Highlights of the Holiday Edition include:

• “Snow” Machine and Bubble Truck: Experience a Winter Wonderland in sunny Florida!
• Soft Play Area for Little Ones: A safe and entertaining space for children to enjoy.
• Over 35 Vendors: Discover fresh ingredients for holiday meals, handcrafted goods, and unique last-minute gifts from local artisans.
• Expanded Activities and Treats: In collaboration with Ink The Bay, enjoy more delicious food, engaging activities, and displays from talented local artists.
• Big Red Bus Blood Drive: Donate blood and receive a set of six reusable lidded cups and a $20 e-gift card.
• Ample Free Parking: Convenient and hassle-free access for all attendees.

“We’re pulling out all the stops to make this December market the best one yet,” said Ashley Morales of the St. Petersburg Foundation. “The incredible success of our recent markets demonstrates the community’s enthusiasm for local goods and events. With festive additions and unique activities, we’re creating an unforgettable experience while continuing to foster meaningful connections and support the vibrant Lealman community.”

Managed by the St. Petersburg Foundation, the Lealman Exchange is dedicated to supporting local businesses and building stronger community ties. The Holiday Edition of the market offers a perfect opportunity to celebrate the season with loved ones while shopping local and enjoying a day filled with fun and entertainment.

Event Details:

• What: Lealman Market Holiday Edition
• When: Sunday, December 22, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where: Lealman Exchange, 5175 45th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33714

Mark your calendars and join us for a festive celebration that highlights the spirit of community and the joy of the holiday season!

Discovering Lealman: The Shop

- Becca McCoy

Regular readers of Lealman Voice have already been introduced to The Shop – Lealman’s boutique gift shop and coffee house.  This charming local establishment from mother and daughter Sherrie and Lee is more than just a business, it’s a heartfelt vision.  Festively decked out for the holidays and filled with curated treasures, this is the perfect time to be reintroduced.

The Shop is “a testament to the enduring strength of family bonds and the power of local entrepreneurship,” according to their website.  Establishing a small business committed to uplifting other small businesses is a source of pride for the duo.  The Shop is designed to create memories and contribute to the vibrancy of the community – the success of which is evident with every visit.   

Normally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, The Shop will be open December 23rd and 24th for your last-minute local gifting needs.  They boast a wide array of local art, vintage goods, creative works, collectibles, eco-friendly apparel, vinyl records, edible treats, and gifts for all ages.  

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The Shop & Coffee House is located at 5504 Haines Road North in Lealman.  They are open Wednesdays – Saturdays, 8am-5:30pm, and Sundays 10am-3pm.  Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.  Learn more at https://www.theshopandcoffeehouse.com/ and follow them on socials @theshopandcoffeehouse. 

Fire department needs help delivering Christmas magic to Lealman

Via ABC News

Santa’s sleigh looks different in Lealman.

Every Christmas Eve, the big man himself arrives in a fire truck. He makes stops at hundreds of homes not to put out fires but to spark them in countless hearts.

Last year, he delivered gifts to more than 3,000 children in Lealman. 

It’s an effort made possible by the Lealman Fire District and Chief Jim Millican.

“When the kids see Santa show up and we get off that truck with those toys, and Santa Claus is there, yeah, it’ll put a tear in your eye. Let me just tell ya, because they’re overwhelmed, they’re so overjoyed, and so thankful and appreciative to what we do,” he said.

For more than 20 years, his department has been playing the role of Santa in Lealman, a community that is less fortunate than many others.

“They work hard. They make a living. They provide for their family. But they can’t provide during the holidays what most families can provide for the holidays,” he said.

This year, almost two weeks from Christmas, Chief Millican has a problem.

Miliican and Santa need more presents — maybe double what has been donated to the fire department so far. Even though some age groups are covered, others are not.

“We really need a lot of stuff for the older kids — kids that are 10 to 16,” the chief said.

Millican’s Christmas wish is that more donations will come in so that when Santa’s sleigh—or firetruck—goes out, it will be full of toys, memories, and Christmas magic.

You can donate either toys or money to help this cause.

Any businesses, churches, or organizations that want to help can contact Millican at 727-526-5650 ext. 549 or email at jmillican@lealmanfire.com. New, unwrapped toys may be dropped off at any of the three fire stations within the Lealman Fire District.

The Big Show @ LEX

The Arts Conservatory for Teens recently brought their incredible talents to the Lealman Exchange with The Big Show. This voluntary showcase featured students from their 19 middle-school residential programs, which serve middle schools and recreation centers with higher-risk constituents.

The event highlighted a wide range of talent, with performances in theater, singing, and dance. High school students from the elite YCA training track also took the stage, sharing their advanced skills alongside the younger performers. Adding to the creativity, a stunning visual art display complemented the showcase.

The Big Show was a vibrant celebration of youth creativity, hard work, and the transformative power of the arts in our community.

There is a growing need for residents and consumers to properly recycle computers, electronics, and outdated technology. The Lealman Exchange is proud to serve as a community drop-off location in partnership with eSmart Recycling.

PSTA Awarded $1 million to Streamline Reduced Fare Enrollment for Veterans and Seniors

he Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has been awarded $1 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) SMART Grant Program to simplify the process for veterans and seniors to apply for free or reduced bus fares. This exciting new initiative will connect PSTA’s reduced fare enrollment system to Login.gov, making it more convenient to apply online from the comfort of your home or smartphone.

If you’re a veteran or senior, this innovative program means you’ll soon have an easier way to access affordable, reliable transportation. Whether you’re traveling to medical appointments, visiting loved ones, or running errands, the streamlined enrollment process ensures you can focus on what matters most.

“Tampa Bay area veterans and seniors need improved access to transit to get where they need to go,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “This $1 million SMART Grant will make it easier for veterans and seniors to apply for free and reduced fares from the comfort of their homes or smartphones.”

PSTA CEO Brad Miller expressed gratitude for the recognition and support, stating, “Creating an easier process for our veterans and seniors to get their free or reduced fare will make using our public transit services even easier.”

Stay tuned for updates as PSTA works to roll out this technology and ensure that everyone in our community can access the transportation they need.

County: Hurricanes caused $136 million in business damage

Via St. Pete Catalyst

The one-two punch from Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused $136 million in damages to area businesses, according to Pinellas County officials. It’s a bill that could continue rising as local governments methodically complete assessments.

Thousands of residents remain displaced more than two months after the storms. Many await significant damage determinations and rebuilding approval. Pinellas County Commissioners and St. Petersburg City Council members recently received updates on the long road to recovery.

Cathie Perkins, emergency management director for Pinellas, told commissioners Tuesday that nearly 23,000 homes suffered major storm damage. She said roughly 2,000 “were impacted by both storms.”

“We’ve had 1,100 business impacted for both Helene and Milton,” Perkins said. “To date, there’s been over 90 ribbon-cuttings along the beach for businesses that have reopened. But we know this will continue to be a challenge for many of them.”

Perkins noted a state contractor has partnered with county and city officials to address damaged critical infrastructure, and identify mitigation projects eligible for disaster funding. She pledged to continue investigating potential resources to bolster economic revitalization.

Nearly 274,000 residents have applied for individual assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program terminates Jan. 7.

Perkins stressed that anyone who “may be in need or have a future need for assistance” should register with FEMA before the deadline. She also noted that over 34,000 residents recently requested emergency food assistance from the Florida Department of Children and Families. That program has closed.

Perkins said logistics personnel are still completing over 40 countywide “missions.” Those include temporary police and fire stations on Treasure Island.

The county continues providing fencing, generators and bypass pumps along the barrier islands. Staff is also assisting municipalities with disaster assessments, permitting and “guidance on historical structures.”

Ensuring displaced residents have a place to stay remains a challenge. Perkins said FEMA has partnered with 12 local property management companies to find available rentals.

The agency is also searching for areas that can accommodate travel trailers. Perkins said FEMA has identified six mobile home parks with vacant spaces “and just entered into a lease agreement with one of them.”

She noted over 3,700 displaced households remain in hotels through federal and state programs. That number could also increase as the months pass.

“We know some people may have been couch surfing with friends, or maybe they were able to stay somewhere temporarily,” Perkins added. “And also, maybe they haven’t needed assistance, but when they start to make repairs … they might need a place to stay.”

Amber Boulding, emergency management director for St. Petersburg, provided the city council with a storm update Dec. 12. She said the state would soon launch its Elevate Florida program to provide grant funding for “elevation, mitigation, construction and acquisition of residential structures.”

Boulding said the goal is to abbreviate typical FEMA timelines. The state hopes to complete a three-to-four-year process in 12 to 18 months.

Councilmember Brandi Gabbard said residents are “waiting on the edge of their seats” for the program’s launch. Those interested can receive updates at the website here.

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