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Welcome to The Lealman Voice

Welcome Back to Lealman Voice!

As we celebrate the incredible spirit of our community, it's heartening to see neighbors coming together and supporting one another. This is a wonderful time to share your news, events, and stories. We encourage all community members to seek out local happenings and engage with one another. Every voice in Lealman matters, and together, we can continue to strengthen our neighborhood and foster a vibrant community!

#lealmanstrong 

MEET THE TENANTS: Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch

Lealman Exchange is home to a variety of tenant organizations who serve our community and beyond.  Today, we are chatting with Mike DeLancey, CEO of Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch.

Tell us a little about yourself and your organization: I was shot by a sniper in Iraq. The injury left me paralyzed from the chest down and permanently in a wheelchair. We started the organization to get veterans out and active within the community no matter what their disabilities are. A few years after we started the organization, we found that adaptive sports were a perfect way to do this and most of our programming revolves around clinics and playing those sports. We also host various functions locally throughout the year.

Tell us who you serve: We serve all veterans of all eras with a focus on those in wheelchairs.

What drives your mission? The physical and emotional growth that veterans have when they realize there is more to life when they start getting active within our events and eventually out into the community. We have a lot of veterans who first became involved while in-patient at the two VA hospitals, Bay Pines and James A Haley, and are now leading some of our teams!

Do you have an accomplishment you are particularly proud of you'd like to share? This past year and next year we are hosting the USWRA wheelchair rugby nationals and our D1 team took home the 1st place trophy by the largest point margin in sport history. We also had multiple athletes compete and coach in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris!

What programs or opportunities are available through your organization to our Lealman neighbors?  We have clinics and practices throughout the month that they can come out to spectate and participate in.

To learn more about Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch, visit https://woundedwarriorsabilitiesranch.org/ and follow them on Facebook / Instagram @woundedwarriorsabilitiesranch.  See more about Mike’s incredible journey at https://youtu.be/EqVNYZtT3RU?feature=shared

See you on Sunday at the next Lealman Farmers Market!

Discovering Lealman: Sawgrass Lake Park 

Article and Photos by Becca McCoy

At the end of a residential street in Lealman is a gateway to 400 acres of natural Florida.  Sawgrass Lake Park exists thanks to a unique cooperative agreement between Pinellas County and Southwest Florida Water Management, giving residents access to one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast.  This habitat is host to an extensive variety of wildlife, with hundreds of confirmed species of flora and fauna – about half of which are birds.  Thousands of birds migrate through the park in spring and fall, making this an ideal time of year to discover – or rediscover - Sawgrass Lake Park.

With nature trails and a mile of recently upgraded elevated boardwalks, visitors can immerse themselves in a tranquil walk to and from the 20-acre Sawgrass Lake, viewable in panorama from an observation tower.  Every visit includes sightings of some of the Park’s protected wildlife – from alligators, turtles, and snakes to squirrels, rabbits, and insects.  This serene yet dynamic greenspace is in the top 15 Things to Do in St. Petersburg according to Trip Advisor.  

Sawgrass Lake Park is part of Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources’ 20,000-acre portfolio and includes amenities like a first-come-first served picnic pavilion with grill and free parking.  The Anderson Education Center and its indoor restrooms are closed for refurbishment with a reopening target of December 2024; portable restrooms are available in the meantime. 

Unwind in unspoiled natural Florida, right in Lealman’s backyard.

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Sawgrass Lake Park is located at 7400 25th Street North.  It is open daily from 7am-sunset, observing two closure dates: the day after Thanksgiving and December 25th.  Learn more at https://pinellas.gov/parks/sawgrass-lake-park/

Introducing First Contact: A Fresh Name with an Ongoing Commitment to the Community

211 Tampa Bay Cares, a longstanding community service organization, announced Wednesday it will rebrand as First Contact effective Oct. 2, marking a significant milestone in its 50-year history.

The new name emphasizes the organization's role as a primary resource for individuals, families, and seniors seeking assistance, according to President and CEO Micki Thompson.

First Contact will continue to operate its 211 services and 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, along with specialized hotlines for sexual assault survivors, veterans, first responders, and seniors.

"We want to ensure the community knows that we are still the same compassionate, reliable, and impactful organization they have come to trust," Thompson said.

The rebranding comes as the organization focuses on disaster response efforts following Hurricane Helene, providing critical support to affected communities.

First Contact offers financial assistance for adults without minor children and remains committed to its core mission of connecting people with essential resources.

The organization continues to serve as a vital lifeline, providing information, connections, and support to those in need across the Tampa Bay area.

Nonprofits and Places of Worship: Navigating FEMA's Public Assistance Program

Nonprofits and Places of Worship: Navigating FEMA's Public Assistance Program

In times of disaster, nonprofits and places of worship play crucial roles in community recovery. FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) Program offers potential financial support for these organizations, but navigating the process requires careful attention to detail.

To be eligible, private nonprofit organizations (PNPs) must own or operate a facility that provides either a critical service (education, utility, emergency, or medical) or a noncritical but essential social service to the general public. Places of worship may qualify if they meet these criteria.

Key steps for applying:

1. Create a Grants Portal account at https://grantee.fema.gov/
2. Submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA)
3. Provide required documentation, including proof of nonprofit status and facility ownership

PNPs must demonstrate their eligibility more extensively than government entities. They should be prepared to detail their services and how they benefit the community.

For COVID-19 related assistance, PNPs are not required to apply for a Small Business Administration loan before receiving FEMA reimbursement for permanent work.

Organizations should document all disaster-related damages with photos and carefully track resources used, including dates and quantities[1]. Compliance with applicable codes and standards is essential when restoring infrastructure.

By understanding these requirements and preparing thoroughly, nonprofits and places of worship can maximize their chances of receiving crucial assistance in disaster recovery efforts.

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.

• Live within a 10 mile radius of 6000 38th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710 (Lealman Exchange is 2.0 miles from this location)

• Have been affected by one or both Hurricanes

• You have a financial burden that prevents you from being able to afford what you need, or you do not have transportation.

Need help with Thanksgiving Dinner?

Spend $5 on FRESH Pace items at a FRESH Pace Certified store, and you'll receive a FREE frozen turkey.

Certified FRESH Pace stores are listed below:

Rajax Meat & Food Mart (7.2 Miles from Lealman)

2327 Dr. MLK Jr Street South

Lakeview Market (7.9 Miles from Lealman)

1940 22nd Avenue South

Yara Food Mart (6.8 Miles from Lealman)

1311 22nd Street South

Wildwood Meat Market (6 Miles from Lealman)

1228 28th Street South

Midtown Supermarket (7.2 Miles from Lealman)

1856 18th Ave South

Pinellas County Residents Find Creative Ways to Budget for Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches, Pinellas County residents are finding innovative ways to create memorable holiday meals without breaking the bank. With food prices still a concern, many are turning to local resources and budget-friendly strategies to keep costs down while maintaining the spirit of the season.

The Lealman Farmers Market, open this weekend, offers a prime opportunity for shoppers to source fresh, local ingredients at competitive prices. By visiting the market, residents can support local producers while potentially finding deals on seasonal produce essential for traditional Thanksgiving dishes.

St. Petersburg Free Clinic food pantries provide another valuable resource for those struggling to afford a holiday meal. These pantries offer staples that can help supplement Thanksgiving dinner preparations, ensuring that more families can enjoy a festive meal together.

To further stretch their budgets, savvy shoppers are:

• Comparing prices across multiple stores (Helpful App to check prices)
• Utilizing coupons and store loyalty programs (Find some here)
• Opting for store-brand alternatives when possible
• Buying frequently used items in bulk 

Many families are also embracing potluck-style gatherings, where hosts focus on providing the turkey and a few key dishes while guests contribute sides or desserts. This approach not only distributes costs but also fosters a sense of community and shared celebration.

By combining these strategies with creative meal planning, Pinellas County residents are proving that a memorable Thanksgiving dinner can be both delicious and budget-friendly. The focus remains on gratitude and togetherness, with communities coming together to ensure that everyone can partake in the holiday spirit.

Hello Lealman