Pinellas County Commissioner Kathleen Peters described Lealman as “probably the poorest community we’ve got,” according to the St. Pete Catalyst’s Sept. 24 report. The phrase “the poors” is our characterization of her remark.
At the same meeting, commissioners unanimously approved an $18.32 million redevelopment budget for Lealman for fiscal 2027. That includes $2 million for closing sidewalk gaps and improving neighborhood connections. Those are useful investments.
But a description that stops at poverty leaves out the work residents already do for this place.
Donna Wilder, commenting beneath the article, said she has lived in Lealman for decades. She takes pride in her older property. She described clearing roadside litter with neighbors and helping residents whose landlords were uninvolved.
Wilder also said residents had asked to pay for traffic calming themselves after the county told them certain measures were no longer in the budget. That account deserves a specific answer from the county.
She wants Peters to press for greater landlord accountability. She also acknowledged improvements, including more code enforcement activity and the Lealman Exchange’s growing role as a community gathering place.
There is no shame in having a low income. County officials should be willing to discuss poverty. They should be just as willing to answer residents about the services their neighborhoods receive.
“I’m a supporter of my community and positive growth,” Wilder said.