Raymond H. Neri Community Park reopens on February 7th

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Welcome to The Lealman Voice

Welcome to the Lealman Voice!

The Lealman Voice is all about keeping our community connected and informed. Each issue highlights local programs, events, and the people making a difference right here in Lealman. If you have neighborhood updates, upcoming activities, or success stories to share, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can keep the Lealman community strong, engaged, and moving forward.

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What's Happening @ LEX

View more events on the LEX Community Calendar!

Volunteers Needed for Lealman Honey & Arts Festival

Raymond H. Neri Community Park | February 7

The Lealman Honey & Arts Festival is returning to Raymond H. Neri Community Park on February 7, and we’re calling on community members to help make the day a success.

Volunteers play a key role in bringing this family-friendly celebration to life — from event setup and vendor support to welcoming guests and helping with activities throughout the day. Whether you’re an individual looking to give back or part of a group, there’s a role for everyone.

Volunteer perks:

• Groups of six or more qualify for a tax-deductible benefit

• A fun, community-centered volunteer experience

• The opportunity to support local artists, makers, and beekeeping education

Shifts are flexible, and no prior experience is required — just a willingness to lend a hand and support the Lealman community.

Help us create a sweet day for Lealman.

Free Tax Return Service 

United Way Suncoast has opened appointment registrations for its free VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. Households earning up to $96,000 throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto Counties can receive tax preparation services.

More info can be found here

New digital ecosystem guidance released for parents

Via St. Pete Catalyst

Children have more access to digital technologies than ever before. From smartphones to tablets, young people are using devices to engage on social media, play games and explore the world around them. 

According to an American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidance published Jan. 20, limiting screen time is not sufficient. Caregivers need to take a more active approach and oversee their children’s digital activity. 

“Regardless of the amount of time our kids are on screens, if they are not appropriate consumers of the information that they are taking in or we are not teaching them how to appropriately engage with others on social media,” said Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital director of psychology and neuropsychology Jennifer Katzenstein, “then we are going to continue to have issues especially as it relates to mental health.” 

She explained that too much or too little time on social media platforms, especially for girls, has led to increased rates of depression and suicidal thoughts. “So, there is really this sweet spot in the middle when it comes to social media use and it differs for every kid.” 

Video games can also have a negative impact on children, Katzenstein said. Playing high violence titles like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto can lead to “more violent tendencies and disruptive behavior.” 

Even the nightly news can affect young people. She explained that it is important for parents to talk to their sons and daughters about “what’s happened, what they might have seen and process it together.” 

Consumption of media is not the only issue. Adolescents are able to communicate with strangers via social platforms and games. 

NEW: Free Lifeguard Prep Program for Teens (Ages 16–19)

Lealman Exchange, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, is expanding its water safety efforts with a free lifeguard prep training program for Lealman teens, creating a direct pathway to job skills and paid employment.

The new lifeguard prep program is designed for strong swimmers ages 16–19 and focuses on endurance, technique, and professional readiness. Teens who successfully complete the program will be sponsored for lifeguard certification and guaranteed a job interview, creating a clear pipeline to summer employment and long-term opportunities.

While the current free swim lesson cohort for youth ages 6–16 is now full, a waitlist is open for families interested in future sessions. Swim lessons and workforce training are supported by Community Foundation Tampa Bay and Step Into Swim and take place at the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA.

Water safety saves lives — and workforce skills open doors.

Hello Lealman