“This will spark a tidal wave of economic development in one of the area’s most deserving communities,” said David Lee, the manager of Residents for a Better Lealman Facebook group. “Lealman is a geographic gem located right in the center of Pinellas County. Tesla figured it out, many others will follow.”
At least one other major tech company has also “figured it out”. Just two miles from the proposed Tesla facility, Amazon recently broke ground on a new 40,000 square foot “last-mile” delivery station at 6101 45th Street North. In e-commerce, a last-mile facility refers the final step in the supply chain, when a product transfers from a distribution center to the customer’s home.
Additionally, the new Tesla facility will create high paying jobs for the area. Many of the technicians require extensive software training given that Tesla’s automobiles utilize advanced technology to power their electric vehicles. This location will employ more than 50 software service automotive technicians.
“Tesla coming to Pinellas, coming to Lealman is exciting on multiple levels,” said Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice in an email to St Pete Rising. “First we get an improved use and quality of the property with better paying jobs. Secondly, this kind of high profile name brand choosing Lealman will help continue to share the message that Lealman is the right location for your company. Pinellas is ready and open for business.”
On April 6th, the project was approved by the Pinellas County Board of Adjustment and Appeals (BOAA) subject to site plan approval and obtaining all required permits.