Juvenile Osprey in Lealman. Photo shared by Mike Parks

Hello there.
Welcome to The Lealman Voice

Welcome to the Lealman Voice!

Looking ahead, we’re closing out the Farmers Market season this Sunday, with a little extra flair: a Flower and Plant Show/Sale hosted by the Sunset Hibiscus Society. Fresh produce, blooming beauties, and good vibes—what more could you ask for?

We’re proud to be part of a community that shows up, pitches in, and keeps making Lealman better. Stay tuned—more great events and opportunities are just around the corner.

#lealmanstrong 

Don’t Miss the Last Lealman Farmers Market of the Season

This Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Lealman Exchange, we’re wrapping up the farmers market season with a day full of fresh finds and local flavor.

🛒 Produce Pac will be joining us with farm-fresh fruits and veggies—and yes, they accept SNAP!
❤️ The American Heart Association will be on-site to share info about CPR certification—because saving lives is always in season.
🌺 At 1 PM, the Sunset Hibiscus Society will kick off their annual Hibiscus Show & Sale. Step inside to cool off and take in the stunning blooms.
🚲 And don’t forget—free safety gear will be available thanks to Pinellas County.

Come support local vendors, learn something new, and send the season off in style. See you Sunday!

What's Happening @ LEX

View more events on the LEX Community Calendar!

NOAA predicts another ‘above normal’ hurricane season

Via St. Pete Catalyst

The 2025 hurricane season begins June 1, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued its official outlook. The agency predicts a 60% chance of an above normal season, using a combination of scientific models and forecasting tools.

The agency is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, six to 10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including three to five major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).

In a prepared statement, NOAA administrators said they have a 70% confidence in these ranges. “NOAA’s outlook is for overall seasonal activity and is not a landfall forecast,” the statement added.

“As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities,” said Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm. “NOAA is critical for the delivery of early and accurate forecasts and warnings, and provides the scientific expertise needed to save lives and property.”

Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton caused catastrophic flooding and wind damage to the Tampa Bay area, and other parts of the Southeastern United States, last fall. Government forecasters had accurately predicted a rough ‘24, naming an 85% probability of an above-average season.

Warming Atlantic and Gulf temperatures, NOAA said, are among the factors leading to the 2025 predictions. Others are weak wind shear and the potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon, a primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes.

Also noted were changing patterns in the global atmospheric climate systems known as El Niño and La Niña.

Full Article

Pickleball is Returning at LEX for the Summer!

Time to stretch, hydrate, and channel your inner champion—Pickleball is BACK at the Lealman Exchange (aka LEX) starting June 2!

Join us for summer sessions every Monday and Wednesday from 9:00–11:30 AM. Whether you’ve got a killer backhand or just learned pickleball isn’t something you eat with a sandwich, all skill levels are welcome.

📍 Where: The Lealman Exchange
🗓 When: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:00–11:30 AM (starting June 2)

It’s more than a game—it’s a low-key workout and high-energy social hour all rolled into one. Expect fun rallies, new friends, and plenty of laughs.

No registration needed—just show up ready to play. Don’t have a paddle? No problem, we’ve got extras. Just bring your game face (and maybe a water bottle).

Come see why pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport—we’ll save you a spot on the court!

Notice to the Public: Tree Removal at Lealman Neighborhood Park

The Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department has contracted J & J Diversified to remove invasive tree species from approximately 0.36 acres within Lealman Neighborhood Park.

📅 Start Date: May 20, 2025
📅 Estimated Completion: June 13, 2025 (weather permitting)

The work area is outlined in the attached map. This project is part of our ongoing efforts to preserve native plant life and improve the overall health of the park's ecosystem.

We appreciate your understanding as this work is completed.

For questions or more information, please contact:
Pam Leasure
📞 (727) 453-6505

All-Girls Construction Camp Returns This Summer 

All-Girls Construction Camp is back for another summer of hands-on learning, mentorship, and career exploration!

📍 Where: Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School
📅 When: June 9–12, 2025
🕗 Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM daily
🎯 Who: Rising 8th and 9th grade girls
💲 Cost: $75 for the first 20 registrants (lunch included)

Sponsored by the National Association of Women in Construction and iBuild, this unique camp is designed to empower young women with real-world experience in the construction trades. Campers will enjoy daily hands-on activities, guest speakers from the industry, and a supportive, all-girls environment that encourages curiosity and confidence.

🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/39dTtn9v1J

Spots are limited—please help us spread the word to students and families who may benefit from this incredible opportunity.

Questions? Contact Mike McCullough at mcculloughm@pcsb.org

Need Mental Health Support? You’re Not Alone—Help Is Here

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, substance use, or addiction, Care About Me is here to help. This new program connects Pinellas County residents with the right support services in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment.

Caring specialists are ready to listen, understand your unique situation, and guide you to the help you need—because healing starts with connection.

Here’s how to get started:
📱 Call: 1-888-431-1998
💬 Text: CARE to 1-888-431-1998
📧 Visit: careaboutme.org to chat or request assistance

Care About Me is not a crisis line. In an emergency, call 911.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call or text 988 for immediate support.

You don’t have to navigate this alone—help is just a call, text, or click away.

Grants Available for Lealman Property Improvements – Up to $15,000

Looking to give your property a refresh? Lealman property owners may be eligible for grants up to $15,000 to improve building facades and exterior spaces visible from the street.

To qualify:
🏡 The property must be located in Lealman
💵 The property owner's household income must be less than 120% of the Area Median Income (up to $87,600 for an individual or $125,160 for a family of four)

These matching grants are part of an effort to beautify the neighborhood and support local residents. Funding amounts are based on income eligibility and available through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s SHIP Program.

📲 Learn more and apply: pinellas.gov/lealman-community-redevelopment-area

Let your curb appeal do the talking—check your eligibility and get started today!

Hello Lealman