Lealman Voice Edition 19
No images? Click here
Credit: Leo Gomez Studios
Hello there.
Hello and welcome to all our new and returning readers! We are thrilled to have you here with us. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more, we appreciate your support and interest in the Lealman Community.
The Voice of Lealman is growing; if you have news, ideas, or events you'd like to share, please click the button below and send it our way. Please forward this email to a friend so they can subscribe here.
New Higi machine at the Lealman Exchange
Visitors to the Lealman Exchange can now monitor their blood pressure and weight with the addition of a new Higi machine.
The machine, located in the Exchange’s front lobby and free to use, is equipped with a blood pressure cuff, a scale, and a BMI calculator. The Higi machine has a large potential to make a positive impact on residents' lives by helping them better monitor their vital statistics. Using the machine anonymously allows users to check their stats in a few minutes. The real benefit of the machine comes from creating a profile that will keep track of health stats over the long term. Folks who use the machine can email or download their stats to share with their doctor. In addition to one-time access, visitors can also create an account on the Higi website to have access to their health stats from home or on a mobile device.
The Higi machine was donated as part of the American Heart Association’s ‘Libraries with Heart’ initiative, which partnered with Baycare to bring Higi machines to local libraries. The Lealman Exchange is a Pinellas Public Library Cooperative extension, giving the Lealman residents a place to sign up for a library card, return books, and now, monitor their health.
According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of American adults (about 120 million people) have high blood pressure or hypertension, which can lead to deadly health consequences such as stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and vision loss if left untreated.
“We are so grateful for BayCare and the Libraries with Heart sponsorship, which has allowed us to bring together the resources of BayCare and the American Heart Association in our efforts to address our shared goals of the treatment and prevention of heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.,” said Qiana Cressman, Executive Director of the American Heart Association of Tampa Bay.
Residents are invited to stop by the Lealman Exchange and use the Higi machine to monitor their blood pressure and weight. The Exchange also plans to operate programming around the new machine, like bringing in medical professionals to help residents analyze their health data and receive free in-person check-ups.
Uninsured and underinsured residents who need additional help managing their health can meet with the Exchange’s new Community Navigator, who can provide information and guidance on identifying and applying for healthcare, housing, employment and education services.
The addition of the Higi machine is another way the Lealman Exchange is adding services and working to help the Lealman neighborhood thrive, made possible by the vital programs provided by our community partners like the American Heart Association and Baycare.
Thursdays @ 9AM
Pinellas County Job Corps Campus Tour every Thursday
Pinellas County Job Corps offers tuition-free training for youth ages 16-24 seeking careers in the health care and construction trades. This program also helps youth who need to obtain their high school diplomas and driver’s licenses as well. If interested in learning more, adults should bring their state identification card for the tour and information session. While we have two dorms on campus, those ages 18 to 24 living in the Lealman area are close enough to commute if they prefer—train at Job Corps and live at home. To apply, call (727) 551-2928
October 27th @ 6PM
October 28th 8AM & 9:30AM
Cardio Drumming for a Cause
November 18th @ 9AM
Mobile Pet Clinic @ LEX
November 18th @ 10AM
Tech Cadet Workshop: Web Development 101
November 18th, @ 5PM
LANFC Thanksgiving Dinner
Local children can experience a day as a deputy
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) is hosting a Nov. 4 Discovery Day event for children aged 8 to 13 at its Administration Building. Education stations include a “hands-on crime scene investigation experience,” a modified physical abilities test, a Targeted Response Against Distracted Driving course and PCSO vehicle displays. For more information and to register, visit the website here.
New coach, grant funding bring renewed energy to youth boxing program
The Pinellas Sheriff's Police Athletic League’s boxing program is making a triumphant comeback thanks to a new coach and generous grant funding from Clearwater For Youth. This exciting development offers an opportunity for youngsters of all skill levels to get involved in the sport.
The program was paused while the Pinellas Sheriff's Police Athletic League (PAL) searched for a new certified USA Boxing Coach. Now, under the leadership of newly appointed Coach Mario Perez, PAL’s youth boxing program aims to not only instill discipline, physical fitness and self-confidence, but also to provide a positive outlet for children and teenagers to stay engaged and active in a structured, supportive environment.
The program meets Monday through Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Coach Perez says the first hour teaches kids self-discipline and full-body health through exercises like weightlifting and cardio. The second hour is about boxing techniques, body posture, footwork, and proper boxing form. The remaining hour is open gym, giving participants a chance to continue working out, socialize, do homework, or just relax.
“It's not just punching a bag,” says Coach Perez. “It is actually a true program where every need - physical, intellectual and emotional - could get to a higher level.”
“At the beginning, it was a little tough, because they’re kids; they just want to play, and now you have a guy telling them to do push-ups,” Perez laughs. “They're on a different level now where they’re leaders, and I want them to see the difference when you take care of your body, mind and soul.”
The boxing program is also thriving thanks to Clearwater For Youth (CFY), a nonprofit that supports youth athletics programs and organizations. Although CFY provides grant funding to organizations throughout Pinellas County, PAL’s program is the only boxing program CFY currently supports, making it a unique way to improve children’s lives in the Lealman community.
“We've already supported Police Athletic League in the past, but when we were approached about possibly funding a boxing program, that got everybody excited back at work,” says Eric Harris, CFY Program Manager. “We believe that anyone who wants to participate in a program like this should be able to participate. We don't want to let money or something like that get in the way.”
The grant funding from CFY helps provide essential resources so PAL can purchase equipment, cover operational costs, and ease the financial burden of running the program so coaches and leadership can focus on what matters most: creating impactful early life experiences for kids in Lealman.
You can learn more about and support Clearwater For Youth at cfypinellas.org and the Pinellas Sheriff's Police Athletic League at pinellaspal.com.
Lealman Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Grant News
Attention Lealman homeowners and business owners: Does your home or business need repairs? Great news! Grants are available for Lealman homeowners and business owners.
The Lealman CRA offers the Residential Improvement Program. These are façade improvement grants that provide up to $15,000 for façade and site improvements visible from the street. To qualify, properties must be in Lealman and property owners must have a household income of less than 120% of AMI.
Applicants Must:
Be the owner of a residential property that is structurally sound and located within the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area
Be current on all property taxes and not be in foreclosure.
Not have any outstanding liens against the property.
Maintain homeowner’s insurance.
The Lealman CRA offers the Commercial Improvement Program. These programs are intended to provide matching grants to accelerate and leverage private investment to improve the appearance, condition, and functionality of existing commercial sites and buildings in the Lealman CRA. Matching grants of up to $40,000 are available.
For more information on our grants or to apply online, visit: pinellas.gov/lealman-community-redevelopment-area
For more information or to apply for either grant program in person, please contact:
Tanya Kurtin or Felix Nunez
Phone: (727) 464-5404
Email: tkurtin@pinellas.gov or fnunez@pinellas.gov
Address: Lealman Exchange, 5175 45th Street, Lealman, FL 33714
Vacancies announced on Lealman CRA Advisory Committee
Applications are being accepted for four appointments to the Citizen Advisory Committee for the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area. These appointments are for a three year term, beginning on Jan. 1, 2024, and expiring on Dec. 31, 2027, and will be appointed by the Board of County Commissioners as a whole.
The Lealman CRA Advisory Committee was established to advise the Pinellas County Community Redevelopment Agency on the creation and administration of the Lealman CRA redevelopment plan, any amendments thereto, and on issues and policies impacting the Lealman CRA.
The committee has nine members who are appointed by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. Applicants must be residents, business and/or property owners or other stakeholders from within the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area. A boundary map of the area can be found online at https://pinellas.gov/lealman-cra-boundary-area-map. The bylaws of the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee are available online at https://pinellas.gov/lealman-cra-advisory-committee-bylaws. Presently the committee meets six times per year, on the fourth Wednesday of every other month. Meeting dates may be cancelled or adjusted as needed, however.
Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. The application can be found at https://pinellas.gov/boards-councils-and-committees/.
Please Note: All materials submitted to Pinellas County government are subject to the public records law of the state of Florida.
Carrol Abrams
Please introduce yourself to your neighbors. My name is Carrol. Retired social worker. I was born in New York, but grew up in Louisiana. I relocated to Florida to be closer to other family members.
How many years have you lived in Lealman? I bought my home in Lealman in 1995 and have enjoyed living in it throughout the years.
What organizations are you involved in? I was able to get my Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Florida in 2007. I do still enjoy attending classes through USF Senior Auditor program - Philosophy-Acting & Art few classes I’ve done. I enjoy riding my bike to the YMCA’s Silver Sneakers exercise class that is offered on Tuesdays & Thursdays.
What gets you out of bed every day? Sunshine!
What is one thing you’ve seen change for the better in Lealman in the last few years? The amount of overdue home improvements— roofs replaced. The monies extended from Pinellas County & Rebuilding Tampa Bay are seen in the neighborhood homes. The little side roads have been resurfaced - improvements on 54th Ave continues & new Lealman road signs installed - they look so nice. Neri Park is seeing improvements and I’ve enjoyed attending the festivals that were held there.
What’s next for you? Continue to enjoy my community activities YMCA silver sneakers, festivals, and riding my bike around Joe’s Creek. I’m hopeful a dog park will be close by soon.
Career Corner
Assistant to the County Administrator
Do you want the opportunity to act as a City Manager for a specific geographic area of the unincorporated County? Is providing strategic direction and coordinating with the community to develop sustainable solutions exciting to you? If so, apply for the role of Assistant to the County Administrator and join a leading team of professionals at Pinellas County.
Lealman Voice Powered by:
