GARCIA-NAVARRO: What do you mean billion year contracts? Oddly enough, half of those properties werent on sale and half of the sales went for more than double the propertys actual value. A newspaper report says the Church of Scientology and companies run by its members spent more than $100 million over the past three years buying up huge sections of downtown Clearwater. Weve spent a lot of happy years here, Lares said. 307 S Myrtle Ave Frnt, Clearwater, FL 33756-5524 +1 727-446-3354 Website Menu. They also pointed to the latest edition of their Freedom magazine for what they called an accurate portrayal of the church and its members in Clearwater. Scientology leader David Miscavige pictured above. wikipedia.en/Flag_Building.md at main chinapedia/wikipedia.en Review. What Clearwaters City Council thinks, Scientologys 40 years of conflict with Clearwater, recapped, See a slideshow of all the churchs buildings. According to a new report by The Tampa Bay Times, the Church of Scientology and related entities now own over $260 million of property in downtown Clearwater. Limited liability companies managed by Hayes, the attorney whos done work on behalf of the church, bought almost the entire square block directly east of the North Ward school. City Council member Mark Bunker said although the church is not the official buyer of the downtown and North Marina properties, there is reason to believe Scientology leader David Miscavige is orchestrating the parishioner-operated companies making the acquisitions. Clearwater is home to one of the Church's most important bases, a campus called Flag (above), which Scientologists across the globe make pilgrimages to. Please consider supporting us with a tax-deductible donation to the Tampa Bay Times Investigative Fund. But his offer had a catch. In addition, more is planned to occur on the "Ides of march" (March 15th) Which also happens to be L. Ron Hubbard's . All together, 32 companies bought 92 downtown properties since 2017. After the Times reported the purchases, Miscavige acknowledged the properties were bought for a second revitalization strategy one devised by the church. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. The Church takes seriously its responsibility and interest in the future of the area. The churchs campus grew slowly over decades. They now own most commercial property on every block within walking distance of the waterfront, putting the secretive church firmly in control of the areas future. Did you do your taxes? The Church was unaware of the significant number of properties owned by Scientologists in the Clearwater area and are delighted you provided the information, the letter continued. The Resort at Longboat Key Club . Some landlords tied to Scientology have helped bring life to portions of downtown. Scientology members have quietly spent millions in a land - MarketWatch Claimed. Fischler did not respond to phone messages, a certified letter or a note left at her condo. Block after block, vacant lots sit untouched, and storefronts remain empty: A former jewelry store. But thats not important. The logical conclusion is Scientology must have some sort of a game plan in mind, but theyre not public with what it is, City Council member Hoyt Hamilton said as he looked at a map of downtowns new ownership. Although that arrangement is standard in real estate, it makes it impossible to know whether the properties are owned by the Scientologists who manage the companies, the wealthy church or another hidden party. Conspiracy theories are nothing new when it comes to the Church of Scientology. Scientologists make up a diverse group in Clearwater. Clearwater Scientology Information Center Religious Technology Center (RTC) is the primary manager of Scientology intellectual property. About $15.9 million was paid in cash. Just make more income with Scientology. Since 2017, limited liability companies tied to the Church of Scientology have scooped up at least 100 properties on or near the downtown waterfront and approximately 60 others in residential. Run away!!! Seventy-one percent of the 60 parcels the Church of Scientology owns under its name in Pinellas County are tax-exempt for religious purposes. 275 reviews #24 of 428 Restaurants in Clearwater $ American Cafe Diner. Shahab and Catherine Emrani who manage companies that purchased four commercial buildings, retail space in a condo and vacant land have given at least $1.75 million to the church. wolf trace homes for sale; "Working from home" after a hurricane means going to a hotel, since the power always goes out for between 2-7 days. City officials plan to partner with a developer on ways to adapt the red brick schoolhouse, like turning it into a hub for restaurants, retail, or apartments. Walking through Clearwater people will find vacant lots, an empty former jewelry store, an dead laundromat and an abandoned Walgreens. New Pasco County commissioner accused of faking his residency, Guide to Plant Citys Strawberry Festival, one of the largest festivals in the nation, Gov. So we kept our eye on the downtown purchases. That point is brought home in an editorial ('One Community, Many Good People' ) in the new edition of our Freedom Magazine. and last updated 7:53 PM, Oct 21, 2019. I'm glad you brought this up! Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. Searcy felt like hed created a canvas for a dream hotel, condo and retail project: near the bridge to Clearwater Beach, no height restrictions, all under $5 million. Shephard's Beach Resort. Mayor George Cretekos listens at a City Council meeting in April 2017 as residents pushed the council to purchase a vacant lot that Scientology also wanted. How Boris Johnson's Partygate tormentor Sue Gray is now enmeshed in her own row - as it is DAN HODGES: This grubby Sue Gray recruitment annihilates all pretence that Sir Keir Starmer is a man of 'He was a natural leader': Mourners gather for the funeral of Thai cave survivor who died aged 17 after 'You'll be missed forever': Elizabeth Hurley and son Damian share heartfelt tribute to her late ex Shane Mamma Mia! Construction on eight townhomes on the south end of the marina began Oct. 1, according to county records. Most did not respond or declined to comment. Visitors are expected to stay in Scientologys hotels and eat at private church restaurants. In private meetings with council members, the Scientology leader described a plan for high-end shops, Cleveland Street facade renovations and an entertainment complex involving actor Tom Cruise, Scientologys most famous parishioner. Theyve got one intention, and one intention only, De Vocht said. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. See every property owned by the Church of Scientology - Tampa Bay Times 9,523 Scientologists live in the Tampa Bay area. Dalai Lama. The church, its members and companies they control now own 185 properties that cover 101 acres in the center of downtown. We've got 2511 hotels to choose from within 5 miles of Church of Scientology. hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater. hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater. The city, meanwhile, moved ahead on its now-$84 million Imagine Clearwater project, a plan to transform the city-owned downtown waterfront with an outdoor amphitheater, a garden, bluff walk and plaza. But after a dispute with the city, Miscavige cut communication. And inside those findings was a plan that Scientology operatives had created and written to establish area control. what does holetta mean in polish renault clio steering wheel controls not working hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater. They called it, quote, "little more than self-serving propaganda intended to give the appearance of objective reporting." But the couple isnt ready to let go. But on the notice filed with Pinellas County for the roof replacement at 801 N Fort Harrison Ave., Andrus signed his name as a manager of the company that owns the building. Advance! Scientologys survival depends on the preservation of its headquarters in Clearwater. Nearly all of the properties were bought through limited liability companies, which are required to disclose their operators but not their owners. Many of their properties weren't listed for sale. Even as Scientologys footprint expanded, and nearby Clearwater Beach became one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, downtown businesses struggled to stay open. In mid-2018, one year before the string of North Marina purchases took off, a company controlled by developer Brian Andrus, a longtime member of Scientology, bought the private marina next to the citys Seminole Boat Ramp. Scientology Exposed: Residents Fear 'Creepy Ghost Town' Where Tom Hubbard had a vision of making Clearwater a spiritual home for his Church of Scientology. Because the city rebuffed Miscaviges offer, Bunker, who has advocated against alleged abuses in Scientology for 20 years, said he sees the parishioner-involved real estate purchases that followed as a vindictive and desperate play to interfere with Clearwaters revitalization efforts. 'However, it hasnt always been clear to me as to just what does that actually mean.'. In 2017 the church acquired six downtown Clearwater retail properties through limited liability companies. You have well connected, https://m.facebook.com/jobs/job-opening/332924608432320/, Scientology a cult of lies scientology a cult of lies, https://www.mikerindersblog.org/scientology-businesses-in-clearwater/, Dealing With Scientology Critics - L Ron Hubbard Playbook, Buzzazz Business Solutions (Keanan Kintzel), Consumer Sales Solutions (Tom Cummins and Jim Bridgeforth), MGE Management Experts (Luis Colon, Greg Winteregg), Nelson Construction and Renovations (Gregory Nelson), NTC Nationwide Title Clearing (John Hillman, Todd Kugler, Norm Novitsky), Root Cause Medical Clinic (Rick and Vikki Petersen), Ted McGrath Brands (Jasmin Napier daughter-in-law of Mike Napier), The Tub Guy (Randy and Molly Baxter, she is the former CO FOLO EUS), Silkin Management Group (located in Portland OR), USA Tree Service LLC (Jim and Karen Kettner). Thank you for having us. Scientologists from across the globe make pilgrimages to the campus, called Flag. Share. The Imagine Clearwater project aims to transform the city-owned waterfront into a vibrant park with gardens, a concert green, a walkway with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and mixed-use projects. The city received an informal inquiry last year related to vacant land at the southeast corner of Seminole Street and North Fort Harrison Avenue. The only thing you see is the Scientology minions ." Irwin said the church members are spotted wearing "brown dress . 3,594 Reviews . Hotel in Clearwater, FL | Sleep Inn Official Site | Sleep Inn The Church of Scientology wanted a vacant lot. So did the city of Hotel in Clearwater, FL | Rodeway Inn Official Site | Rodeway Inn He promoted the site to about 75 hoteliers and developers across the country. Almost immediately, a decades-long trickle of purchases by church members turned into a flood. Then he would try again, with new council members. He took over Bob Lees Auto to continue the business legacy and served on the Downtown Development Board for a decade. The goal was to capture the area immediately surrounding both Scientologys headquarters, City Hall and the city-owned waterfront. Save. Jim Huestler is the blocks only holdout with a rental home on the northeast corner. The DeNunzio Group is affiliated with Maine Course Hospitality Group, which owns and operates 24 hotels in five states. A broker is trying to buy the building Peter and Emily Lares have owned for decades. City officials are trying to make the area a regional destination for food, drink and entertainment. It set aside $10 million for secret real estate purchases in Clearwater. George Orwell's astonishing novel 1984 depicts a dystopian world that has many remarkable similarities to scientology. The Church told DailyMail.com: 'The Times article is simply the latest in its continuing and unending obsession with Scientology and is little more than self-serving propaganda intended to give the appearance of objective reporting without reporting the actual facts to the reader.'. City officials say their dedication to redeveloping the waterfront hasnt changed. Hillsborough forms had errors, companies tied to Scientology bought 100 properties, Winter the dolphin died of twisted intestines, necropsy report confirms. Former parishioners say the church has a history of interfering in Scientologists downtown business. After buying eight buildings on and around Cleveland Street in 2018, Moises Agami, a parishioner and developer, now has restaurants, shops and other businesses in 16 of those 20 storefronts. The most recent deal came when a New York firm bought a former demolition yard on Nicholson Street for $593,400 on Oct. 20 and then flipped it two days later for $1 million in cash to one of the Scientology-tied limited liability companies, according to property records. The Church of Scientology has doubled its footprint in Clearwater Tin Can Cafe. Since arriving in Clearwater in 1975, the Church of Scientology has bought 60 properties in Pinellas County under its name: 58 are in the city of Clearwater and 49 are downtown. Following a fallout with the City Council, Scientologists started to buy downtown property - $103million worth to be exact - at an unprecedented rate and now the church and its members own185 properties that cover 101 acres of downtown. It also operates the Fairfield Inn & Suites on Clearwater Beach. By then, he had found an auto garage he could buy in Dunedin. The pattern of Scientology-tied companies buying so many properties and sitting on them flies in the face of most land economics, said Tobias, who has been appraising property in Pinellas County for 50 years. After a workout in our fitness center, begin your morning with our free hot breakfast, free hot coffee and free weekday newspaper in our . Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW, Kate Garraway reveals Derek's heartbreaking words when they thought he had just minutes left to live. 20 Best Hotels in Clearwater. Hotels from $104/night - KAYAK The Church of Scientology acquired the building in 2017 as part of its downtown redevelopment plan. GARCIA-NAVARRO: It's the type of servitude. hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater. June 9, 2022. Lares and his wife, Emily, sold the diner inside a decade ago. I had to make a decision, Bosi said. Operatives framed the mayor in a staged hit-and-run and spread false rumors he was having an extramarital affair. City officials have long hoped for private investors to transform the North Marina Area, a 13-block district with undeveloped lots and 100-year-old bungalows overlooking Clearwater Harbor. In summer 2017, Mark Searcy, a longtime Clearwater real estate agent who is not a Scientologist, assembled a 1-acre site by getting the owners of three adjoining properties to agree to sell. Born in Germany, he began his career at the Hotel Restaurant Melber, followed by the Four Seasons in Munich and the Hotel Kempinski in Berlin. DeSantis takes over Disney Right now, at least 30 businesses owned by non-parishioners are renting from Scientologists. ! The stick out moment, is Tom Cruise auditing Marc, and failing., The live Q & A had great questions and answers. I saw a business opportunity, Ezra said. Its designed not for recruiting new members but for hosting established followers. Scientology in Clearwater Big Brother is Watching You. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Scientologists in Clearwater. Best Clearwater hotels Most recommended Clearwater hotels Clearwater Inn $27+ Free Wi-Fi Sonesta Simply Suites Clearwater 8.1 Very good $157+ Parking Free Wi-Fi Pool Pet friendly Courtyard St. Petersburg Clearwater 8.9 Very good $340+ Parking Airport shuttle Free Wi-Fi Pool Extended Stay America Suites - St Petersburg - Clearwater - Executive Dr Companies tied to the Church of Scientology paid millions in cash for 45 properties near downtown with no major plans in sight. But far more non-Scientologists are moving out. The Scientology leader had offered the Clearwater Marine Aquarium $15 million for that 1.4-acre grass lot on Pierce Street. Hi, this is Stu, KnowBe4's CEO. In Clearwater, Fla., there's been a quiet series of land purchases over the last three years, $103 million worth made by the Church of Scientology and its parishioners - a doubling of the church's footprint near its international headquarters. Of the $103 million spent, $99 million was paid in cash. Inc. magazine's 2019 report on the 5,000 fastest-growing privately owned businesses in America cites 16 firms based in Clearwater. Fischler offered Bosi $1.4 million, almost three times what the property was valued. The church now completely controls the heart of the city, save for a few condominium tower and buildings owned by the government, the Tampa Bay Times discovered after reviewing 1,000 deeds and business records, shocking city leaders and residents at the scope of the churchs dominance. Four high-ranking defectors describe bizarre behavior and physical beatings inflicted by Scientology leader David Miscavige. Clearwater has been home to fellow Scientologists Tom Cruise, who lives in a downtown penthouse, and Kirstie Alley, who owns a multi-residence waterfront compound in the area. And Scientology has an interest in keeping that insulated according to former executives that we've interviewed. More reaction: What Clearwaters City Council thinks about Scientologys downtown takeover, The full history: Scientologys 40 years of conflict with the City of Clearwater, recapped, Slideshow: See every building owned by the church, Scientologys 40 years of conflict with Clearwater, recapped, See a slideshow of all the churchs buildings. Epstein declined to name his client but responded to questions from the Times with an affidavit declaring it was not the Church of Scientology. They envisioned apartment buildings with ground-floor stores, winding paths with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and a concert venue that would draw visitors from across the region.