1st Independence Day Celebration Planned In Lealman Community

LEALMAN, FL — The Lealman Community Redevelopment District will celebrate Independence Day with its first Lealman Independence Day Celebration Tuesday, July 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Raymond H. Neri Community Park with free parking at the Lealman Exchange, 5175 45th St. N., in unincorporated Pinellas County.

The free event will include food trucks, laser-light shows, a fireworks show at dusk, free hot dogs, a beer and wine garden, music and family-friendly activities.

Organized by the Lealman Engagement Events Committee (Pinellas County Dream Center, Lealman Fire District, Pinellas County Housing Authority, Lealman Community Association, Lealman Community District Services, St. Petersburg Foundation and Exquisite Events & Marketing), the free, family-friendly event is sponsored by Crown Automotive, Duke Energy, Pinellas County, Community Foundation Tampa Bay and Habitat for Humanity Pinellas.

"Independence Day is the great American holiday and we couldn't be more excited to welcome everyone to Raymond Neri Park in Lealman to celebrate," said Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice.

"Partners have been rebuilding and revitalizing Lealman since 2013. It is amazing to see the group get together to bring festivals and culture to the Lealman community," said Steve Cleveland, president and CEO of the Florida Dream Center.

"Events build a community," said Neil Brickfield, executive director of the Pinellas County Housing Authority. "We are a community in Lealman that doesn't have a lot of events, and it falls on some of us to ask why? And if we want it to improve, we have to take action. I'm proud to be part of this committee, and I'm excited to see the joy on Lealman residents' faces as they take part in these activities."

Lealman is an unincorporated neighborhood in central Pinellas County that is home to more than 30,000 residents.

Citing the potential for community redevelopment, Pinellas County has identified Lealman as a Community Redevelopment Area.

In June 2022, community stakeholders, local partners and county staff formed the Lealman Engagement Committee to plan and develop public events and celebrations in Lealman.