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Lealman, FL

Lealman is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Pinellas County, Florida, centrally located between St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park near the Interstate 275 corridor.

About Lealman

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Lealman is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Pinellas County, Florida, United States . While not an incorporated municipality, it functions as a recognized population center within the county. It is situated in the Tampa Bay area, a vibrant and economically significant region on Florida's west coast known for its beautiful beaches, thriving arts scene, professional sports teams, and major industries including healthcare, finance, and technology.

Historical Names and Nicknames

Commonly known simply as "Lealman," the area was formally designated by the U.S. Census Bureau as "West and East Lealman" until the 2010 census, when it was split into two separate CDPs: Lealman (formerly East Lealman) and West Lealman . The area is also locally recognized as part of the broader "Lealman Community," a name reflected in its central public park .

Date of Foundation and Age

While Lealman does not have an official founding date like a city, its development as a suburban community began in the early-to-mid 20th century, with significant growth occurring post-World War II. It was first recognized as a CDP in the 1980 census . The area's history is tied to the arrival of the Orange Belt Railway in the late 19th century, a line that once ran through Lealman connecting Sanford to St. Petersburg .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Lealman is located in central Pinellas County at coordinates 27°49′12″N 82°41′12″W . It is a landlocked community situated on the Pinellas Peninsula, approximately 15 meters (49 feet) above sea level . It is immediately adjacent to the cities of St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, and Kenneth City . This location places it roughly 10 km (6 miles) south of Clearwater and about 20 km (12 miles) southwest of Tampa .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Lealman is primarily a residential suburb and unincorporated community within the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan area. Its economy is closely linked to the broader region, with many residents commuting to work in the surrounding cities of St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, and Tampa. The area includes local businesses and services catering to its population.

Population and Demographics

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the Lealman CDP had a population of 21,189 residents . It is classified as a medium-sized community for the region. The population is diverse, with a median age of 44 years . The racial and ethnic makeup reflects a mix characteristic of the Tampa Bay area, with 78.6% identifying as White, 8.5% as African American, 6.9% as Asian, and 9.5% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Lealman has a humid subtropical climate, typical of Florida's Gulf Coast. This is characterized by long, hot, and extremely humid summers, and short, mild to cool winters. The area experiences a very distinct wet season and dry season .

Average Temperatures Throughout the Year

Temperatures in Lealman are warm year-round. The hottest months are July and August, with average high temperatures reaching 32°C (89°F) and average lows around 26-27°C (79°F) . The coolest month is January, with average high temperatures of 21°C (69°F) and average lows of 13-14°C (56°F) .

Precipitation and Humidity

The region receives significant rainfall, with an annual average of 936 mm (37 inches) . The wet season runs from June through September, with July and August being the peak months, each averaging over 20 days with measurable rain . During this period, monthly rainfall can exceed 160 mm (6.3 inches) . Humidity is extremely high during the summer months, with August experiencing 31.0 days of oppressive, muggy conditions . The drier season runs from October through May, with November being the driest month, averaging only 4.6 days of rain .

Sunlight and Seasons

Lealman enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in the spring. The clearest months are April and May, with around 63% of days being sunny or partly sunny . Daylight hours vary from 10.4 hours in December to 13.9 hours in June .

Best Time to Visit

Based on tourist scores, the best times to visit Lealman for warm-weather activities are from late February to early May and from mid-October to early December . These periods offer comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and a lower chance of rain, making them ideal for exploring the area and its nearby attractions.

Landmarks

Lealman Community Park

Lealman Community Park is the primary public park serving the area . Located at 27.82156° N, -82.68466° W, it offers green space and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The park is a central gathering place and a key landmark in the community .

Parks in the Surrounding Area

The Lealman area is also near several other local parks. North Central Neighborhood Park, Kelly Lake Park, and Sirmons Lake Park are popular spots located in the vicinity . To the west, near the town of Kenneth City, lies Stanley B and Doris Broderick Park, another green space offering recreation for the surrounding communities .

Transport

Major Highways and Roads

Lealman is well-connected by several major roadways. The Interstate 275 (I-275) freeway runs through the eastern part of the community, providing direct access north to Clearwater and south to St. Petersburg . U.S. Highway 19 (US 19) is another major north-south thoroughfare that passes through Lealman, serving as a key commercial artery . Other important local roads include 34th Street N, 54th Avenue N, and 28th Street N .

Public Transportation

Public transit in Lealman is provided by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) . Several PSTA bus routes serve the area, connecting Lealman to the wider St. Petersburg and Pinellas County region. Key bus lines include:

Airports

The closest major airport to Lealman is St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) , located approximately 10 km (6 miles) north in Clearwater. For a wider range of domestic and international flights, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is about 20 km (12 miles) northeast, accessible via I-275.

Museums

While the community of Lealman itself has limited museum offerings, its location in Pinellas County places it within a short drive of world-class museums in nearby St. Petersburg.

The Dali Museum

A visit to the area is incomplete without experiencing The Dali Museum (The Dalí Museum) in St. Petersburg . It houses an unparalleled collection of works by the legendary surrealist artist, Salvador Dalí. The museum's collection is the largest outside of Europe and includes masterpieces that showcase the breadth of his creative genius. The stunning building itself, with its massive glass geodesic dome, known as the "Enigma," is an architectural marvel .

Florida Holocaust Museum

Another significant cultural institution nearby is the Florida Holocaust Museum (Florida Holocaust Museum) in St. Petersburg . Founded in 1992, the museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and educating the public about its history and lessons. Its permanent collection includes powerful artifacts, photographs, and testimonies, making it one of the most important museums of its kind .

Museum of Fine Arts

While not detailed in the search results, St. Petersburg is also home to the Museum of Fine Arts, which features a diverse collection ranging from ancient Greek and Roman artifacts to works by European masters like Monet, Gauguin, and O'Keeffe.

Tampa Bay Automobile Museum

For those with an interest in engineering and classic cars, the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum (Tampa Bay Automobile Museum) in nearby Pinellas Park showcases a unique collection of vintage and classic automobiles. The museum focuses on vehicles with pioneering engineering, featuring front-wheel-drive, rear-engine, and aerodynamic designs from the 1920s through the 1980s .

Heritage Village

To explore local history, Heritage Village (Heritage Village) in Largo offers a glimpse into the lives of Pinellas County's early settlers. This living history museum features over 28 historic structures, including a church, a general store, and pioneer homes, all furnished with period artifacts. It's a great place to understand the region's cultural roots .

Sport and Sports Legends

Lealman and the greater St. Petersburg area have a vibrant sports culture, anchored by major professional teams, historic stadiums, and facilities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Professional Sports Teams

Major Sports Venues

Sports and Recreation in Lealman

The Lealman community itself offers excellent facilities for recreational sports.

Universities and Educational Institutions

While there are no four-year universities located directly within Lealman's borders, the community is surrounded by numerous higher education options within a short driving distance .

Major Research Universities

Prestigious Private Colleges

State and Community Colleges

Medical Institutions and Healthcare

Residents of Lealman have access to a robust network of healthcare facilities, anchored by nationally recognized hospitals and specialized care centers in nearby St. Petersburg.

Major Hospitals and Medical Centers

Specialized Care

The area around Lealman is also home to specialized medical facilities. Team Resources, located near Bayfront Medical Center, represents the kind of specialized administrative and support facilities common in thriving medical districts . The concentration of hospitals and associated medical buildings around the St. Petersburg area makes it a regional hub for healthcare.

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