The new fire administration building at 4360 55th Ave. is one of the most modern.
LEALMAN – This roughly 11-square-mile unincorporated area nestled between St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park now has one of the most modern firefighting and rescue facilities in Pinellas County.
Located at 4360 55th Ave., the sprawling complex includes fire administration, a fire station and a modern maintenance bay that includes a hoist capable of lifting a multi-ton pumper 6 feet into the air.
Officially known as Station No. 18, the new site replaces a building at 4017 56th Ave. that outgrew its usefulness.
The fire district covers Lealman, Kenneth City and unincorporated St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park. With more than 50 employees, the department is operated by a five-member elected board of directors.
“We are among the busiest in the state,” Chief Richard Graham said. “That’s mainly because of our location and the major roads that intersect the district.”
Lealman Heights, as it once was known, was founded by Elza Lealman who moved here in 1872. He raised citrus and other crops that were shipped on the old Orange Belt Railroad that was launched in 1888.
It was a blaze that made residents realize the need for fire facilities. In 1948 a volunteer fire department was created. About a dozen volunteers responded to the call who, along with their families, raised funds to purchase the first firetruck.
There was no firehouse so in March 1949 the vehicle was stationed at Lindsay’s Garage on Haines Road. It later was moved to the Westbrook Printing Co. on 59th Street.
The first truck was a 1945 Navy surplus vehicle, a far cry from today’s modern equipment that includes an array of emergency vehicles.
“What is unique about the new complex is that it contains no fire poles,” Graham said. “There is a lot more room and we’re right on a major road that provides easy access to all sections of the district.”
Fire poles and slides, Graham said, are disappearing because of the injuries and other problems they create.
One of its vehicles that was purchased in the early 1990s will be replaced due to excessive mileage. The cost of refurbishing it would be prohibitive.
“The area we cover is built out and the only new development comes from redevelopment,” Graham said.
At one time, Graham said, there were 77 mobile home parks in the area. Many have been razed to make way for apartment buildings and other construction.
“While Lealman is 55 feet above sea level, parts of it are prone to flooding,” Graham said. “The area includes many businesses, housing developments and major roads.”
Lealman firefighters, although not part of an actual municipality with a mayor and council, are just as professional as their counterparts in surrounding cities.
“We train with St. Petersburg, Seminole and other departments,” Graham said.
They are ready to deal with any emergency, including hurricanes. The new complex can withstand winds of up to 150 mph.
The department receives $188,580 to provide services to Kenneth City. That figure increases to $194,240 in fiscal 2007-’08. Pinellas County boosted its share for emergency medical services by $240,000 to $1.1 million.
Lealman carries a lot of responsibility in an area that is largely urban and industrial.
“We’re proud of what we do,” Graham said. “We provide a service that is second to none.”
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