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Welcome to The Lealman Voice

Welcome to a Special Edition of the Lealman Voice!

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our community has faced significant challenges, and we know many of you are seeking support and resources to aid in your recovery. This special edition is dedicated to providing essential information and updates to help Lealman residents navigate the storm's aftermath. From cleanup efforts and debris removal to available resources for affected businesses and families, we aim to connect you with the assistance you need during this critical time. Together, we will rebuild and strengthen our community!

Free Hurricane Relief Kits

We are excited to announce a Hurricane Relief Kit Drive-Thru event on Wednesday, October 2nd, at the Lealman Exchange Community Center. In partnership with ToolBank, Farm Share, and Sunshine Health, we will distribute 500 hurricane relief kits to help residents affected by Hurricane Helene.

Each kit includes essential items like Cleanup Buckets, MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), Water, and Tarps to support families as they begin their recovery process. The distribution will start at noon at the Lealman Exchange Community Center (5175 45th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33714) and will continue until supplies run out.

In addition to this event, Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay provides ongoing disaster recovery services for those impacted by hurricanes and other disasters. Their efforts include:

- Home Repairs: Assisting homeowners with repairs to stabilize and rebuild homes damaged by storms.
- Debris Removal: Helping clear storm debris to make properties safer and more accessible.
- Mold Remediation: Addressing health hazards like mold that develop after flooding or storm damage.
- Home Safety Improvements: Offering resources to make homes more resilient for future disasters, including reinforcing structures and installing safety features.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, please take advantage of this opportunity for both immediate relief and long-term support through Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay's services.

Essential Steps for Lealman Residents Recovering from Hurricane Helene Damage

If your home or property was damaged by Hurricane Helene, here are the key steps you should take:

1. Turn off the electrical breaker if your home had more than 16 inches of floodwater to prevent electrical hazards.

2. Document the damage: Take photos or videos showing how high the water was and list all damaged belongings, including serial numbers for appliances. This will be crucial for insurance claims.

3. Report the damage using the Resident Damage Reporting Tool at [disaster.pinellas.gov](http://disaster.pinellas.gov) or the Ready Pinellas app. This helps the community secure federal relief.

4. Contact your landlord if you rent your home or business space to inform them of the damage.

5. Remove wet items immediately: Mold can grow within 24-48 hours. If you have flood insurance, mold damage may not be covered, so it’s important to dry things out and take photos before disposal.

6. Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Visit [floodsmart.gov/flood](http://floodsmart.gov/flood) or [sbpusa.org/start-here](http://sbpusa.org/start-here) for flood cleanup resources.

7. Contact your insurance agency and file a claim as soon as possible. If you have National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coverage, visit http://floodsmart.gov/start or call 877-336-2627.

8. Work with county or city representatives to ensure your property is safe. Always ask for ID before letting anyone enter your home.

9. Beware of fraudulent contractors. Verify licenses at http://contractorsearch.pcclb.com or call (727) 582-3100 (option 2).

10. Apply for federal assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or visiting http://DisasterAssistance.gov. For cleanup help, contact the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at (844) 965-1386.

11. Find additional storm recovery resources on the Ready Pinellas app, at http://disaster.pinellas.go), or call the County Information Center at (727) 464-4333.

12. If you are displaced and need shelter, visit the Ross Norton Recreation Complex at 1426 S. M.L.K. Jr. Ave., Clearwater.

Following these steps will help you recover safely and efficiently after Hurricane Helene.

Florida Dream Center Accepting Donations

In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on Florida and neighboring states, the Florida Dream Center (FLDC) has stepped up to support affected communities. Located at 4017 56th Ave N in St. Petersburg, FLDC is now accepting donations to aid those impacted by the hurricane.

Donation Details

FLDC is open for donations Tuesday through Friday, from 9 AM to 4 PM. They are currently accepting:

Apparel:

• Washed clothing

• Socks

• Shoes

• Backpacks

Hygiene Products:

• All types of hygiene items

Food:

• Non-perishable items

• Canned goods

• Boxed goods

While FLDC is not accepting furniture or appliances at this time, they do have a limited supply of stoves and refrigerators available for those in need.

No appointment is necessary to drop off donations. This streamlined process allows for quick and efficient support to those affected by Hurricane Helene. For any questions or additional information, donors can contact FLDC at 727-851-9074.

Pinellas County Schools Providing Free Meals

In response to the impact of Hurricane Helene, our Food & Nutrition Department will be serving all meals free of charge to all students for the next month! 🥗🍎

We understand the challenges many are facing, and we want to ensure that every student has access to nutritious meals during this time. Breakfast remains free for all students, and now lunch will be too! 💚

Lealman Needs Navigator 

Our on-site Lealman Exchange management team includes an in-house Lealman Navigator. The Lealman Navigator is a non-licensed, non-clinical staff member who gathers information and connects clients directly to community agencies and resources participating in the Lealman Exchange and throughout the Lealman Exchange Collective Impact network.   

The Lealman Navigator is here to help you get the support you need to access the wrap-around services available through the Collective Impact Model at the Lealman Exchange. The Navigator is committed to removing a client’s barriers to assistance by identifying critical resources, helping them navigate through the services and systems, and promoting client’s long-term and sustainable success in finding, receiving and benefiting from available services.

Cooling Stations

Cooling stations are available in areas where residents remain without power following Hurricane Helene. These stations will provide a place for residents to cool off and charge their phones.

Clearwater

Recreation Centers – Open Monday, Sept. 30, to Friday, Oct. 4:

• Morningside Recreation Center, 2400 Harn Blvd, Clearwater – 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Long Center, 1501 N Belcher Road, Clearwater – 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Countryside Rec Center, 2640 Sabal Springs Drive, Clearwater – 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• McMullen Tennis Complex, 1000 Edenville Ave., Clearwater – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Moccasin Lake Nature Park, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater – CLOSED MONDAY; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday
• North Greenwood Recreation and Aquatic Center, 900 N Martin Luther King Jr Ave., Clearwater – 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Libraries:

• Clearwater Countryside Library, 2642 Sabal Springs Dr, Clearwater – Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday-Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• Clearwater East Community Library at St Petersburg College, 2465 Drew St, Clearwater, FL 33765, Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., closed Sunday
• Clearwater Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Ave, Clearwater, FL 33755, Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., closed Sunday
• Clearwater North Greenwood Library, 905 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., Clearwater, FL 33755, Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., closed Sunday.

St. Petersburg

• Azalea Recreation Center, 1600 72nd St. N, St. Petersburg – Monday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Enoch D. Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S, St. Petersburg – Monday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Robert Recreation Center, 1246 50th Ave. N, St. Petersburg – Monday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4444 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg – Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Lakewood United Methodist Church, 5995 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. St. S., St. Petersburg – Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Pets welcome)

Hello Lealman