The first annual LEX Listens event brought neighbors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders together for an open conversation about the future of the Lealman Exchange—and how it can better serve the people who call Lealman home.
A total of 40 attendees—including 23 residents and 17 nonprofit partners—gathered in the main space at LEX alongside team members, Deputy Redinger of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and two ASL interpreters. The vibe? Collaborative, energized, and ready to shape what’s next.
As guests arrived, they had the opportunity to connect directly with community partners at info tables stocked with resources and a little swag. Participating partners included:
- St. Petersburg College
- Family Healthcare Foundation
- Evara Health
- Lealman & Asian Neighborhood Family Center
- YMCA Community Health
- Pinellas County CRA
- Florida Dream Center
- Digital Education Foundation
- Pinellas Public Library Cooperative
Following a welcome from the Lealman Community Association, including the Pledge of Allegiance led by President Laura Simkanich, the LEX team—Amy Cianci and Becca McCoy—walked attendees through a short presentation about the Exchange: how it’s managed, how it works with local partners, and what residents have said so far through surveys and outreach efforts.
Community Feedback Highlights
Then, the mic was passed to the people. Attendees had the floor to share ideas, voice needs, and suggest ways LEX could be even more impactful. Here’s a quick roundup of what your neighbors proposed:
More Gathering Space
- A cozy spot to connect—residents want a coffee shop-style hangout at LEX.
- One creative suggestion: set up a pop-up coffee lounge in the Neri Room during the monthly Farmers Market.
Enhance the Farmers Market
- Guided shopping tours and cooking demos led by a local nutritionist.
- Art programming, like paint-and-sip style classes during market hours.
- Trying different market days—Saturdays or even two-day weekends.
New Program Ideas
- Evening support groups for various needs.
- A “Genius Bar” with local students volunteering to help with tech issues.
- A monthly “Parents’ Night Out” (childcare + fun = win-win).
- Movie nights and video game competitions in the gym.
- Free community CPR training.
- A Lealman parade float team to rep the neighborhood at local events.
- Community garden space and multicultural celebrations.
- Expanded gym time for casual play (basketball and yes—more pickleball).
- More arts and physical activity offerings for all ages.
Spreading the Word
When asked how to reach more residents beyond the Lealman Voice and social media, the group had a few clear suggestions:
- Signage throughout the neighborhood.
- Recruit volunteers to distribute flyers door to door.
Survey Takeaways (As of June 5)
LEX also shared results from the community-wide feedback survey. Here’s a snapshot:
- 95% knew LEX was a community center (woo!)
- 60% had visited the Farmers Market
- 55% attended a public meeting at LEX
- 70% subscribe to the Lealman Voice (but 18% hadn’t heard of it—yet!)
- 75% follow LEX on Facebook, while 15% said they’re not into social media
When asked what matters most:
- Top program focus areas: Community Connectivity and Health & Wellness
- Most-wanted features: a coffee shop-like space and more arts programming
- Most important community needs: reducing crime and drug use, followed by technology access, job skills training, and services for seniors
What’s Next?
LEX Listens was more than an event—it was a launchpad for bigger community conversations. Every idea, comment, and connection is helping shape what the Lealman Exchange becomes next. If you missed it, don’t worry: the conversation is still going. Fill out the survey, stop by the Exchange, or get involved with one of the programs you’ve just read about.
Let’s build a better Lealman—together.