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Welcome to The Lealman Voice

Welcome to the Lealman Voice!

Your ultimate guide to everything happening in our vibrant neighborhood! We're dedicated to highlighting the heartbeat of our community by sharing upcoming events, the latest news, and stories that matter most to you. Whether it's a local gathering, community initiative, or notable achievement, we want to hear from you. Let's celebrate the spirit of Lealman together and keep our neighborhood thriving. Share your news with us, and let's continue to make your voices heard!

Photo Credit: Deb Rayburn Friends of Ray Neri Park

UF/IFAS Extension grows presence in Lealman

The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension is increasing its presence and impact in the Lealman area, aiming to bring valuable educational resources and programs to local residents that address specific community needs.

UF/IFAS Extension is the local branch of a nationwide network of land-grant universities providing research-based information to citizens. Extension is based on the Federal Land-Grant system established in 1862 to "extend" university resources out to the people where they live.

In Florida, this organization operates through a cooperation between the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and Florida A&M University, maintaining offices in each of the state's 67 counties. Cindi Hetz, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County, works regularly out of the Lealman Exchange, offering programming, services and education to the community. This includes:

• Financial education and counseling

• First time homebuyer education and counseling

• Youth development programs with a focus on life skills for teens and young adults

Another one of the services Hetz offers is free tax preparation through the VITA ( Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. In 2024, the first year UF/IFAS Extension implemented the program in Pinellas, Hetz helped Pinellas County residents get $46,440 back in federal refunds.

“Some people had never even done their taxes, so we were able to go back three years for them, and since they were low income, they were able to get the refunds from all those years,” Hetz said. “That money generally goes right back into the county where they live to pay their bills, to go to the store, to get groceries. So it was significant, a real savings for the community, especially the seniors that are on a fixed income.”

Hetz said some residents who also had not claimed their previous Covid relief stipend were able to file their taxes and claim that, as well. Hetz hopes to grow the program in Pinellas County and specifically Lealman, where six residents just in the Lealman community alone got back more than $8,000 in federal refunds in 2024.

“I really encourage people in Lealman to set up an appointment, because it has an impact,” Hetz said. “They might be surprised with what they get back.” ​​Appointment scheduling for tax assistance will start in February. To learn more, you can contact Cindi Hetz at clhetz@ufl.edu or call (727) 582-2656.

Hetz is also working to develop additional programming for the community, and your input is needed! Visit this website to view programming ideas and vote for which you think would be the most useful: https://forms.gle/9ec5bNUUpPv3zB9RA.

Upcoming UF/IFAS Extension Programming in Pinellas: 

• Vegetable Gardening with a Master Gardener at Chester Ochs 4-H Educational Center, 14644 113th Avenue North in Largo. Cost: $5. Click here to register.

• Rainwater Harvesting free online class. Click here to register.

County celebrates community hub’s collective impact

Via St. Pete Catalyst

Pinellas County officials took a leap of faith by relinquishing control of an expansive yet underutilized community hub. That public-private partnership has paid dividends in an historically impoverished area.

The St. Petersburg Foundation (SPF) began operating the county-owned Lealman Exchange in April 2022. Amy J. Cianci, project manager and engagement director, told county commissioners Thursday she had a celebratory update, and detailed how programming and partnerships have uplifted the unincorporated city.

The Lealman Exchange is a 77,000-square-foot, six-acre campus built to help meet the needs of an underserved community with over 20,000 residents. Commissioners congratulated SPF for exceeding their expectations.

“I had no idea you offered so much – this was really educational for me,” said Commissioner Brian Scott. “I’m really proud of all the great work you’re doing in Lealman.”

SPF is the philanthropic arm of the St. Petersburg Group, which owns the St. Pete Catalyst. Community Foundation Tampa Bay is an anchor partner.

Cianci said the initiative’s first themes were foundations, facility and fact-finding. That progressed to people, partnerships and programming in year two.

SPF’s overarching goal is to invigorate the community – particularly its youth – through a collective impact. That occurs when leaders representing various organizations and industries work together to achieve a common goal.

Lealman, a designated Community Redevelopment Area north of St. Petersburg and south of Pinellas Park, could use the help. Many residents lack transportation, grocery and suitable housing options.

Cianci noted that SPF has already forged nearly 100 area partnerships at the Lealman Exchange (LEX). Those who operate offsite are “only a phone call away.”

Cianci believes the themes for year three are services, support and sustainability. A recently established onsite navigation system will aid those efforts. “So, no matter who reaches out to us, no matter who comes in our front door, we have a way to help them,” she said.

“But the idea is not just that immediate triage help,” Cianci added. “We are looking for … the long-term sustainability of the community. And we’re working very hard to make that happen.”

LEX now has a new commercial kitchen, basketball courts and security upgrades. The facility houses a school, and Cianci stressed the importance of safety to all tenants.

The community hub also provides a satellite library and recently hosted a “Reading with the Rays” event. Tampa Bay Rays players read to roughly 150 local children, who each received two books and a ballcap.

The USF College of Nursing is also a partner and brings its Mo-Bull Health Clinic to LEX on the first Tuesday of every month. Cianci noted the walk-in services are free.

“They don’t ask for insurance – they don’t even ask for ID,” she said. “If you have something they can’t handle on site, they will make sure you get a referral somewhere you can afford for further health care.”

LEX hosts Lealman STEAM Day, now in its second year. Over 150 children received engaging science-based education at this year’s event.

AmSkills provides boot camps at LEX to connect manufacturing trainees with high-paying jobs.

Cianci said the building was locked and primarily empty on her first visit.

“We hit the ground running and made sure it is an active, vibrant and full facility,” she added. “And every day, people come to us offering new opportunities to share things with the community.”

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Lealman Fire District sees increase in water rescue calls

Water rescues are rising in Pinellas County, and local first responders said they are working to bring that number down.

Lealman Fire Division Chief Jim Millican said that before the pandemic, there were roughly 20 rescue calls a year, but in 2022, that number hit 59.

"A lot of, like me, tourists don't have a clue what is safe and what is not safe," said Jeremy Brainerd, who visits Florida's beaches regularly.

Brainerd has heard about quite a few water emergencies.

"Somebody was out on a raft, they were drinking, and they ended up getting caught in the water, where it just pulled them out from the undertow and they didn't make it, unfortunately," he said.

Lealman Fire District covers the waterfront of Tierra Verde and Fort DeSoto Beach.

Water rescue calls in that area have more than doubled in the last few years.

"The majority of them are shallow water rescues, people who are out there sailboarding, kayaking, maybe canoeing things you do in shallow water, and they get themselves stuck in the mangroves sometimes, so they need rescue out of the mangroves," said Millican.

Officials said a major reason they are seeing more rescue calls is the increase in tourism in the area. The only equipment Lealman Fire District has to reach shallow rescues is an emergency board and small boat.

"Currently when we get out there, if we can't reach the patient, we are waiting for another fire boat to arrive from somewhere else, and that generally takes time," said Millican.

Now, Pinellas County is purchasing a new rescue Jon boat and a Jet Ski for Lealman Fire District to help them keep up with the number of calls they are receiving.

The new equipment will be up and running in about three months.

"It could potentially save somebody who wouldn't normally have that option, so I think it's a good thing," said Brainerd.

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Local Habitat for Humanity affiliate announces rebrand, renews commitment to Lealman

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties is proud to announce its rebranding to Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. This new name reflects the affiliate’s commitment to serving its recently expanded service area in Hernando County.

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is a part of a global nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope. An extensive name-change process must be conducted for an affiliate to change its localized name. Habitat International’s branding considerations include a three-pronged approach to ensure accuracy, clarity, and simplicity. After much deliberation, it was deemed that “Tampa Bay Gulfside” is a clearly defined geographic identifier, as the affiliate represents three of the four counties in the Tampa Bay MSA.

This rebranding comes at a pivotal time for the organization, which is recognized as the second largest based on its new home construction out of the US network of 1,100. In April, Habitat for Humanity International selected Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties to expand its service area to include Hernando County. Its 900th Home build was celebrated in the Greater Ridgecrest Community in Largo in June. Most recently, Pinellas County selected Habitat for Humanity as the top proposal for 62 lots designated for a mixed housing development in Lealman.

“Our new name not only reflects the expanded geographic reach but also underscores our commitment to transformative community development throughout the region,” explains Mike Sutton, president and CEO. Since its announcement of expansion in Hernando County, leadership has been diligently working to raise awareness of its services and create partnerships with community stakeholders. Habitat recently announced the hire of a new executive director, Whitney Dinu, to support efforts in the region.

“It’s an exciting time for Habitat for Humanity”, said Mike Sutton. “The most recent selection by Pinellas County for the Lealman Heights Development will allow over 60 families access to affordable homeownership in the community. In a time where too many of our neighbors are being priced out of the area they live, grow, and work in, homeownership helps anchor families to our region.”

The Lealman community is a focus area for Habitat for Humanity, with more than 60 homes built since the pandemic. The overall site plan for the Lealman Heights Development is designed to create a cohesive and sustainable community that addresses the area's diverse housing needs. The plan includes the development of 31 single-family infill homes and 31 townhomes, arranged to increase land use while maintaining a balance between density and the surrounding lower-density neighborhood.

At a nearly $14M investment, the development will feature a mix of 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom units, ranging in square footage between 1,100 to 1,400 square feet, serving an estimated 204 individuals and children. The development will be executed in three phases, ensuring prompt development of vacant single-family parcels, while concurrent development activities will occur on the additional parcels. This comprehensive approach ensures that the Lealman Heights Development meets current housing demands and sets a standard for future developments in the region.

“The primary goal of this development is to address the growing need for affordable housing in the Lealman community.”, said Mike Sutton. “By providing high-quality, affordable homes, we aim to create stable communities, reduce housing insecurity, and promote economic mobility among residents. Additionally, we seek to empower residents through homeownership, providing them with the tools and support necessary to build generational wealth.”

Through this development and its multiple ongoing projects throughout the region, Habitat intends to significantly impact the local housing market, offering an alternative to high-cost rentals and creating opportunities for first-time homebuyers. These new safe and affordable homes will allow the county to retain and attract residents who are vitally needed in the workforce and increase the tax base. By focusing on affordability and quality, Habitat aims to set a new standard for housing developments in the region, demonstrating the potential for sustainable and community-oriented growth.

New Farmers Market heads to Lealman

Know someone who grows fresh produce or herbs?  The Lealman Exchange is seeking vendors for the new Lealman Farmers Market!

This is your chance to showcase your products, engage with the vibrant Lealman community, and help foster a healthier, more sustainable local market. Plus, vendors can enjoy an exclusive offer: $0 vendor fees for the first two months, with significant discounts for continued participation.

Don’t miss out—click the button below to sign up!

This old creek

Via Tampa Bay Times 2001

Once upon a time, when Pinellas County was a wild place, crusty woodsmen used Joe's Creek as place to hunt, fish and tie down the turtles they caught.

One of them left behind his first name.

Joe Silva was a 19th century turtle trapper who filed a land grant here in 1843, historians say. He and his partner John Levique snared the shellbacks to be sold in Key West and New Orleans.

Old old-timers who knew Silva passed along generation by generation what they knew about the man and the stream. Eventually, Joe's Creek, labeled as such, made the maps.

Every day, thousands of motorists pass over it as they roll along 34th Street N, 49th, 58th and 66th. They probably don't know it. Most of the time, Joe's Creek looks like a simple drainage ditch, which is essentially what it is these days.

One big wild playground

In its way, Joe's Creek was one of the last south county frontiers. Twentieth century boys and tomboys, decades worth of them from Lealman and northern St. Petersburg, used the stream for adventure. Its deeper spots made swimming holes. Kids threw in rafts they cobbled out of tire tubes and foam plastic.

Kurt Petty, 34, grew up at 46th Street N and 40th Avenue, maybe two blocks from the creek.

"It was home away from home," he said. "Mom could always find us."

Sometimes rafters pushed west, downstream to find the mysterious bayous of lower Seminole, praying to be home before dark so Mom could indeed find them.

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