County celebrates community hub’s collective impact

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.”

Amy J. Cianci, project manager and engagement director for the St. Petersburg Foundation.

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.”

A list of reoccurring programming highlights at the Lealman Exchange. Screengrab.

SPF has partnered with the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg to provide free swimming lessons for Lealman youth. Participants meet at LEX and then take a bus to Jim & Heather Gills YMCA, as building and maintaining an onsite pool is cost-prohibitive.

Cianci said the nonprofits provide a swim bag, towel and swimsuits, so impoverished children “don’t have to feel weird about showing up in improper clothes.” Many kids in the first cohort, even in their teens, have never visited a pool or the beach.

The partners also pay for lifeguard certifications, which provide a pathway for summer jobs. Multiple commissioners stressed the importance of swimming safety in an area surrounded by water.

“We don’t do this alone,” Cianci said. “That’s why it’s called collective impact.”

Commissioner Charlie Justice credited SPF for creating a monthly farmer’s market in a nutritional food desert. He also reiterated his commitment to bringing a grocery store to the area.

Administrator Barry Burton recalled arriving early for a meeting with Cianci at LEX. He observed a group of nonprofit leaders brainstorming collaborative solutions regarding its school.

“It really was amazing,” Burton said. “I had no idea that those types of discussion and programming were going on. So, just a huge kudos to them for all their efforts.”