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Welcome to The Lealman Voice

Welcome to the Lealman Voice!

In our earlier community newsletter, we got a little too excited about the next Lealman Farmers Market and accidentally said it was happening on Saturday, November 2.

It’s actually on Sunday, November 2!
So, mark those planners and calendars the right way:
🗓️ Sunday, November 2 | 9 AM – 1 PM
📍Lealman Exchange

#lealmanstrong 

Lealman November Market

After a fantastic kickoff to the Lealman Farmers Market in October, the team is already gearing up for the next market day on Sunday, November 2 — and you're invited!

Last month’s event was full of community spirit and activity:
🩸 Visitors donated life-saving blood through the OneBlood mobile bus (enough to potentially save 24 lives!).
🍳 Local nutritionist Wendy Wesley hosted a live healthy cooking demo.
🎃 Kids and families picked out pumpkins with T-Lex the Dino.
🛍️ And of course, plenty of shopping and supporting a great selection of local vendors.

Next month’s market is shaping up to be just as exciting:
Donate blood through OneBlood and receive some great giveaways.
Learn about the many organizations and services available right at the Lealman Exchange.
Explore your community hub and connect with neighbors while supporting small businesses.

Curious about what happens inside your neighborhood’s connecting point?

Come on out to the Lealman Exchange on Sunday November 2, from 9 AM to 1 PM to shop, connect, and learn!

What's Happening @ LEX

View more events on the LEX Community Calendar!

Car-Free St. Pete relaunches, expands as Connect Pinellas

Via St. Pete Catalyst

Car-Free St. Pete is now Connect Pinellas, a newly established nonprofit. The change reflects the organization’s evolution from focusing on awareness to facilitating community-driven, small infrastructure projects that help improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. 

Nicole Roberts, former program manager of Car-Free St. Pete and vice president of Connect Pinellas, noted the importance of expanding in a county that annually ranks among the state’s most dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists. The new nonprofit celebrated its launch Sept. 21 by partnering with local organizations, including the Pinellas Run Club, to host the World Car-Free Day Beer Crawl.

“Having a focus on St. Pete has been great, but transportation really needs to have a regional focus to be effective,” Roberts said. “In order for people to feel safe going car-free, they need to be in an environment that feels safe.” 

She explained that Car-Free St. Pete launched primarily as a marketing initiative. The group hoped to increase awareness of the SunRunner, the region’s first bus-rapid transit service, and the city’s burgeoning electric scooter program. 

In 2021, the organization collaborated with the City of St. Petersburg, the Grand Central District, the EDGE District, and Open Streets St. Pete to host the first annual Halloween on Central event. The group shut down 22 blocks along the thoroughfare. 

The event showcased what two miles of Central Avenue could look like without vehicles for residents, visitors and businesses. Attendance continued increasing exponentially, and Car-Free St. Pete subsequently ceded control to the EDGE and Grand Central Districts.

 Adopt-a-Tree Deliveries Are Coming! Here’s How to Plant Yours

If you signed up for Lealman’s Adopt-a-Tree program — great news! Your tree will be delivered soon, courtesy of the Pinellas County Urban Forestry and Landscape Services. Not only are you adding beauty and shade to your yard, you’re helping grow a greener, healthier community.

To make sure your new tree gets off to a strong start, here’s a quick guide for planting it properly:

Before You Dig

Call 811 first to locate underground utilities — it's fast, free, and required.

 How to Plant Your Tree in 9 Easy Steps

1. Find the trunk flare — the spot where the trunk widens at the base. Make sure it's visible above the soil when planting.

2. Dig wide, not deep. The hole should be 2–3 times wider than the root ball, but no deeper than the root ball itself.

3. Remove wraps/wire baskets from the root ball and loosen or trim circling roots.

4. Set the tree at the right height. Never plant it too deep — roots need oxygen!

5. Straighten the tree before backfilling.

6. Fill the hole firmly, watering as you go to eliminate air pockets.

7. Stake only if necessary, and remove stakes after the first year.

8. Mulch the base, but not right up against the trunk. A 2–3" layer is ideal.

9. Water regularly, especially during hot or dry weather — about once a week, more if needed.

Bonus Tips

• Skip the fertilizer at planting time — let the roots establish first.

• Prune only damaged branches now; wait a full season for major shaping.

• Want help? Visit TreesAreGood.org to find a certified arborist near you.

Thank you for being part of the Adopt-a-Tree program and helping make Lealman even leafier and lovelier.

Deadline Extended! Enter the Lealman Scarecrow Competition by October 16

Good news for all you creative minds out there — the application deadline for the inaugural Lealman Scarecrow Competition has been extended to Wednesday, October 16!

There’s still time to showcase your business, club, nonprofit, or school with a colorful, fun, and totally original scarecrow creation. This is your chance to shine at the Lealman Harvest Festival and bring some festive flair to the community.

Key Dates to Know:

• New Application Deadline: October 16

• Scarecrow Delivery Deadline: October 23

•  Winners Announced: October 25 at the Lealman Harvest Festival (5–9 PM)

📍 Festival Location: Lealman Park – 3875 54th Avenue N

Ready to register? Scan the QR code on the flyer!

Bring the fall vibes, show your community spirit, and let’s see who builds the best scarecrow in Lealman!

Neighborhood Garden Tour Survey

Lealman, your neighbor Natalie would love to share her passion for gardening with other Lealman Gardeners! If you're interested, please get in touch with Natalie for more information.

Email:nschultzhenry@gmail.com

Lealman Residential Improvement Grant Program

The program offers matching grants of up to $15,000 for exterior and site improvements that are visible from the street, helping homeowners boost curb appeal, improve safety, and strengthen the community.

Who’s Eligible?
Homeowners with household incomes at or below 120% of the Area Median Income (up to $87,600 for an individual or $125,160 for a family of four) may qualify. The program uses a tiered match system — families with lower incomes may receive a larger share of funding with little to no match required.

Eligible Improvements Include:

• Exterior painting, siding, masonry, or stucco repairs

• Door and window replacements, shutters, and awnings

• Porch, stoop, or accessibility ramp improvements

• Driveway and sidewalk repairs (case-by-case)

• Fencing and landscaping upgrades (with guidelines)

• Tree trimming or removal (with county approval)

• Remedying exterior code violations

How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted online. Homeowners must provide documentation such as property tax records, proof of income, and project photos. After review, approved applicants will gather bids from licensed contractors, with work starting shortly after final approvals.

The program is open to properties located in the Lealman CRA boundaries, and grants are available once every three years.

For more details on eligibility, income guidelines, and the application process, visit the program’s website and apply today. Together, we can keep Lealman’s neighborhoods thriving and beautiful.

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