Edition 8 of The Lealman Voice
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Credit: Leo Gomez Studios
Hello there.
Welcome to our new and returning readers!
The 8th Edition of Lealman Voice is coming to you full of events, opportunities, and news curated by the Lealman Community.
Our mission is simple: To help connect the people of Lealman.
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As the hot summer approaches, YMCA offers indoor programs in the Lealman community
The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg continues to expand open gym services at Lealman Exchange, located in the heart of the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area. Current open gym offerings, free of charge to the community, include basketball, pickleball, and family night. Each week, dozens of participants visit the community center to play sports, build relationships – and beat the heat. “Especially in Florida where the heat can make it unbearable to play sports outside,
and the weather can sometimes be unpredictable, it’s important that community members have a safe indoor environment for physical activity,” said Association Sports Director Eric Ventura.
According to the National Weather Service, doing physical activities outdoors when the heat index is 103°F or higher – easily reached during Florida summers – can lead to dangerous heat disorders such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The gymnasium at Lealman Exchange offers a covered, air-conditioned
space for activities.
Open gym is one of many programs the Y offers at Lealman Exchange, a 77,000-square-foot campus owned by Pinellas County. For youth, the Y runs an on-site preschool, summer camp and youth sports programs. For adults, community health programs focus on evidence-based support for specific medical conditions while SilverSneakers® classes offer physical exercise programs catered to seniors. “This is just the beginning,” Ventura said. “We’re looking forward to expanding our offerings in this community, and hope to add drop-in volleyball and pickleball leagues by next year.”
To learn more about the services offered by the YMCA at Lealman Exchange, visit:
https://www.stpeteymca.org/locations/resource-centers/ymca-at-lealman-
Open Gym Pickle ball update
Pickleball at LEX is now moving from Monday and Wednesday at 9 am to Monday and Wednesday from 3 pm to 5 pm.
May 29th @ 11:00 AM
Memorial Day Remembrance
May 30th - August 3rd
Summer Boxing & Kick Boxing Pinellas PAL
July 4th @ 6pm
Lealman Independence Day Celebration
July 15th @ 9AM
Mobile Pet Clinic
CRA Update
Thank you to the United Way Suncoast and the Early Learning Coalition for installing a Born Learning Trail at the new Neri Park playground on 46th Ave N! The trail offers a series of 10 interactive signs that offer fun, active learning activities for young children and their families to create quality learning opportunities when they are out on a stroll or playing with their children at the playground. And thank you to Pinellas County Public Works for planting trees at the playground, too! Benches will be in soon!
-Lealman CRA
How Upskilling Creates a Thriving Future for All
Economic growth and workforce development are two intertwined elements that significantly shape the future of St. Pete and the greater Tampa Bay region. These factors influence the overall well-being and prosperity of individuals, communities, and businesses, including the pressing issue of the affordable housing crisis. Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach, with workforce development crucial.
By investing in upskilling and creating new pathways to higher-paying jobs, St. Pete residents can achieve financial stability more quickly, allowing them to afford better housing options and improve their overall quality of life. Focusing on in-demand skills and industries, workforce development programs empower individuals and contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities. Through access to quality education and training, we can break the cycle of poverty and pave the way for a brighter future for those affected by the affordable housing crisis in St. Pete and the greater Tampa Bay region.
Workforce and Economic Development: The Foundation of Sustainable Growth
Workforce development focuses on improving the skills and knowledge of individuals to prepare them for the job market so individuals can achieve higher-paying, meaningful careers. This process encompasses various activities, such as education, training, and job placement services. A skilled workforce is essential for St. Pete to thrive, innovate, and compete globally. Economic development, on the other hand, aims to create a favorable environment for businesses to grow and prosper through upskilling our workforce, creation of new jobs, attracting businesses to St. Pete, and improving the overall quality of life in our region. Economic development initiatives can directly support workforce development by:
Investing in education: Ensuring access to quality education and training programs equips individuals with the skills needed to succeed in the job market.
Creating job opportunities: By attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones, economic development initiatives can create diverse job opportunities that match the local workforce's skills.
Providing support services: Economic development programs can offer resources and support services, such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to capital, to help individuals and businesses succeed.
Why is Workforce Development Critical for the Quality of Life in St. Pete?
Pinellas County has a a higher percentage of low-income workers than the national average. 12% of our residents are living in poverty and an additional 34% are living with the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold. That’s a staggering 46% combined!
However, the very residents who need to take advantage of workforce development opportunities often lack the resources and support infrastructure to do so. The scenario is particularly acute for our Black residents.
There is a $6 per hour wage gap between Black and White workers and child poverty rates are 43% for Black families as compared to 15% for White families. (Source: Pinellas County Equity Profile, UNITE Pinellas, 2019). These persistent racial disparities in income and wealth attainment suggest inequitable access to training and upskilling opportunities.
A Local Company’s Unique Approach to Building a Brighter Future for All in St. Pete
A technology company headquartered in Downtown St. Pete has devised a multi-faceted approach to workforce and economic development, aimed at empowering individuals with sought-after skills to enhance lives, positively impact our communities, and nurture the flourishing tech industry in Tampa Bay. CodeBoxx is a double bottom-line organization, combining profitability with social responsibility, that engages in Ed-Tech, Tech-Solutions, and Venture-Tech to cultivate a thriving tech ecosystem that benefits individuals, communities, and businesses alike.
Through comprehensive education and lifelong support, CodeBoxx provides an alternative pathway to achieving a higher-paying career in the booming technology sector at a fraction of the time and cost of a traditional degree. By providing equal opportunities for all residents, regardless of their background or prior tech experience, CodeBoxx is fostering a more equitable and sustainable future for St. Pete.
Does your home need repairs?
If you live in Lealman, you may qualify for financial help from Pinellas County.
Home Rehabilitation Program
Up to $40,000 in interest-free, forgivable loans for roof repairs, windows and doors, HVAC systems, code-related plumbing and electrical upgrades as well as improving and enhancing the exterior appearance of the applicant’s home and property.
To qualify, properties must be in Lealman and property owners must have a household income of less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
Residential Improvement Program
Up to $10,000 in grants for facade 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.
Requirements
- 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.
If you or someone you know needs access to a computer or the internet, please visit the computer lab at the Lealman Exchange.
Industrial space next to Tesla center in Lealman sells
Medical manufacturing firm Hilltop Research has sold its office space in Lealman in a $7.1 million deal, further signaling the real estate momentum taking shape in underserved area just north of St. Petersburg.
Largo-based DF Asset Group purchased the 55,032-square-foot facility adjacent to the newly opened Tesla Service Center.
The buying entity is connected to Eagle Labs Inc., which manufactures vitamins/minerals, specialty supplements and other nutrition-based medicine.
Ned Willis of Vector Commercial Real Estate Services represented the buying entity, which assumed a $5.1 million mortgage loan from Loanis LLC for the purchase of the building at 4711 34th St. N.
According to a report, Hilltop Research will lease back 31,000 square feet of the multi-tenant building. The property can be used for both office and light industrial tenants.
The transaction represents one of the latest investments in the unincorporated Pinellas County neighborhood, following the construction and opening of the 102,410-square-foot Tesla Motors center, which was formerly the site of a Kane’s Furniture liquidation center.
Lealman Job & Community Resource Fair
The Lealman Job and Community Resource Fair held on May 24th was a great success! CareerSource Pinellas connected 108 job seekers, 20 Employers, and 10 Community Resource Providers during the event. We’re excited to announce that 10+ job offers were made as some of the employers hosted on-the-spot interviews!
Next up for CareerSource Pinellas is a series of Job Fairs and Recruitment Events, June is going to be busy!
- June 9th, Veteran-focused Recruitment Event for Jabil at Epi, it is open to the public, as well
- June 15th, Anchors event in partnership with the Foundation for Healthy St. Petersburg at PTC in St. Pete
- June 28th, Government and Municipality Job Fair at Epi
We’re not slowing down on the quest to get Pinellas to work!
- Career Source Pinellas
Photo Provided by CareerSource Pinellas
Volunteers needed for local events
With more events coming to the Lealman Community, area organizations need your help! Have a few hours to spare to support your community?
Memorial Day BBQ Volunteers needed - Florida Dream Center Email Dawn@floridadreamcenter.org for details.
Independence Day Celebration Lealman - event support needed, groups or individuals Email zelda@floridadreamcenter.org
Laura Simkanichanich
Please introduce yourself to your neighbors.
My name is Laura Simkanich.
How many years have you lived in Lealman?
I was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. I attended Lealman Elementary, junior high, and North East High School. My husband and I reside in Lealman, and we raised our daughters here. My parents built their home here, and I lived there until I married in 1978. They resided in that house till they passed in 2010.
What organizations are you involved in?
I've been serving the Lealman area since 2010. Ray Neri asked me to be on the Lealman Community association board in 2010 when my mom passed away, as he was ready to ask her to be on the board. Both of my parents were active with LCA for many years. I've been assisting the Lealman fire dept and PAL since 2010. My husband and I started volunteering with the Florida Dream Center in 2015. I am also a part of the newly formed Lealman engagement event committee.
What gets you out of bed every day?
I'm blessed to be healthy and able to help those in need. I also have two grandsons that live locally and we are active in their lives.
What is one thing you've seen change for the better in Lealman in the last few years? I have seen a lot of changes in St Petersburg, especially the Lealman area. More lights, sidewalks, more new homes. Mobile home parks were cleaned up and removed for better housing. More low-income housing. More services for the low-income, cleaner alleys, and parks for residents to enjoy.
What's next for you?
Staying active. Enjoying family and friends. Volunteering. Working with local groups to make a difference in Lealman and getting more events in Lealman for residents to enjoy.
Career Corner
Join the team at Lealman Exchange!
The Needs Navigator helps clients get the support they need to access the wrap-around services available through the Collective Impact Model at the Lealman Exchange. Needs Navigator is committed to remove the client barriers to assistance by identifying critical resources for clients, helping them
navigate through the services and systems, and promote the client’s long-term and sustainable
success in finding, receiving, and benefiting from available services.
Healthy Families Father Services is Hiring
This is a community support position within the Maternal and Child Health Division and the Healthy Families program. The Community Based Father Support Specialist (Human Services Program Consultant I) functions as part of a team in Fathers Services component of the Healthy Families Program providing support/guidance/coaching education and assistance to fathers and other males with children to optimize their child(ren) for their physical and mental well-being.
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