The long-gestating renovation of Lealman’s 38-acre Raymond H. Neri Park was unveiled Saturday, a $10 million investment by Pinellas County government in the future of the unincorporated and historically underserved district.

The ribbon-cutting was followed by the fourth annual Honey & Arts Festival, on the massive athletic fields (re-planted with new grass) near the new playgrounds, adult fitness equipment, dog parks and improved trails. There are picnic shelters and public restrooms.

The work, paid for with Penny For Pinellas dollars, along with state and federal funding, includes improved access to the former Joe’s Creek Greenway Park, behind the Lealman Exchange community services building at 175 45th Street N. in St. Petersburg.

Its official address is 4300 Duval Park Blvd., and it’s open to the public from 7 a.m. to sunset daily.

“This community had such potential,” Pinellas County Commission Chair Dave Eggers told the Catalyst. “It just needed some help – infrastructure help and services help. It just needed that lifting up.”

Among the speakers at the morning ceremony was Laura Neri, whose late husband was community activist Raymond Neri, longtime champion of putting a first-class park in the Lealman/Joe’s Creek area. Neri was unofficially known as the “Mayor of Lealman.”

Laura Neri, widow of park namesake Raymond H. Neri, spoke at Saturday’s event.

 

“I can say without a doubt that Ray would be absolutely delighted to see this today,” she said.

County Administrator Barry Burton was among the spectators. In Lealman, he said, “You’ve got 30,000 people – that would be a city in its own right. And by the commissioners coming together and really looking at this area, you’re able to do things that create private investment and create wealth for the entire community.

Ribbon cutters from Pinellas County: Adminstrator Barry Burton, left, Commisioner Brian Scott and Chair Dave Eggers.

“You’ve got the Honey & Arts Festival, you’ve got community pride to do events. And that’s what community development is all about.”

Neri Park’s signature event, the Honey & Arts Festival began four years ago as a way to introduce residents – from Lealman and the surrounding parts of the county – to the greenspace.

The event is centered around beekeeping and locally-produced honey – vendors sold the stuff all day long. The Pinellas Beekeepers Association boasts more than 150 members.

Local artisans and crafters joined the honey-makers Saturday, which also featured live music and food trucks. Approximately 3,000 visitors attend each year’s Honey & Arts Festival.

The Honey & Arts Festival included vendors of all varieties.

During his morning speech, before the ribbon-cutting, Eggers thanked the many organizations – including the Community Redevelopment Association, the Lealman Community Association and others – that contributed to the revitalization project, which began in 2024.

It was a long time coming, Commissioner Brian Scott told the Catalyst. “For decades, Lealman was the poorest area in the county,” he said. “I’d say it was a deferred investment, in that it was 0largely left alone. And that now has changed. It’s an area that people are now actually coming to because it’s still affordable, but it’s up-and coming.

“This park really elevates it to a level that is consistent with a lot of other communities and municipalities in the county. A good park system goes directly to quality of life, goes directly to mental health, directly to physical health … it’s huge.”

Photo: Pinellas County.