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DeSantis takes over Disney See every property owned by the Church of Scientology - Tampa Bay Times Wayne E. Lee ran his Auto Parts Distributors business on Park Street since 1982. The lack of action from Scientology-tied buyers has precedent. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? List of trademarks owned by the Church of Scientology and its hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater. View Hotel. Save. The Boca Raton Beach Club. It's not clear how many followers are based in Clearwater. People arrive for the celebration of the opening of the new Scientology Flag Building on November 16, 2013 in Clearwater, Scientology boasts 10million followers, but surveys and accounts from former members suggest there are no more than 30,000 worldwide. And Scientology has an interest in keeping that insulated according to former executives that we've interviewed. The companies paid a combined $11.8 million in cash for 28 undeveloped parcels, five empty commercial buildings and a dozen homes in the district, most of them dilapidated. Andrus did not respond to an email, phone message, a note left at his office or a certified letter. 21 day forecast key west, florida. It's Clearwater, FL. At least eight businesses that got new landlords tied to Scientology moved out and have not been replaced. Tyler Rice has run Carillon Flooring Center on North Fort Harrison for 30 years, the business his father started there in 1964. The Fort Harrison Hotel is located in Clearwater, Florida, and besides being an exclusive Scientology hotel, it is a high-level training center and the church's spiritual headquarters. Llmenos para una consulta. Scientology has said it has 10 million followers, but surveys and accounts from former members suggest there are no more than 30,000 worldwide. Letsgetstarted. Source: Lived in Florida for 15 . 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. They keep their operations going. I had to make a decision, Bosi said. Trump congratulates Justin Trudeau on winning a second term Three soldiers died when their tank fell off a bridge into a Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, TN residents say Jack Daniel's distillery spews black mold, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' Seventy-three percent of the property is tax-exempt for religious purposes. The reason lies in rising tensions between the church and the Clearwater City Council. Before: This map shows the extent of Scientology owned property in downtown Clearwater Florida in 2016, After: By 2019 the Church had greatly expanded, doubling its footprint and covering 101 acres of land, The Scientology Flag Building in Clearwater, Florida pictured above in 2013. (Everything owned by parishioner-run companies is still on the tax rolls. Each had proposed major redevelopment projects, designed to lure new business into the empty storefronts that surround the city-owned waterfront and the churchs spiritual headquarters. Top Hotels Closest to Church of Scientology in St. Petersburg TRACEY MCMANUS: Hi, Lulu. By then, the churchs intelligence unit was already deploying an elaborate scheme to establish area control in the city. Miscaviges offer to revitalize downtown hinged on the city ending its attempt to buy one vacant lot on which the church was also bidding. TIN CAN CAFE, Clearwater - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor Zano did not respond to questions about what his plans for the properties. But,so far, there have been only 4 comments posted to, It was fantastic stream! Huestler said broker Terri Novitsky calls him every now and again to see if hed be interested in selling. Visit hotel website. Seven businesses have left following recent purchases, and at least three more are leaving this year, including Clearwater Plumbing and Gulf Coast Marine. The DeNunzio Group is affiliated with Maine Course Hospitality Group, which owns and operates 24 hotels in five states. Instead, the aquarium sold it to the city in April 2017 for a lot less $4.25 million. I mean, how big is the Church of Scientology where you are? After a workout in our fitness center, begin your morning with our free hot breakfast, free hot coffee and free weekday newspaper in our . But on days with no events, downtown feels deserted. Scientologys international spiritual headquarters is anchored by the Flag Building, on left. Scientologists buy dozens of properties in Florida city, newspaper We reported at that time that a handful of limited liability companies bought about six downtown properties, and Scientology leader David Miscavige had presented a retail plan to two city staff officials. 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. Those six lots were bought in November 2020 by a limited liability company then-managed by an employee of CA South, a Nashville-based real estate firm founded by Megan Epstein and advised by her husband, Stephen Epstein, both members of Scientology. When the city was considering buying the aquariums lot, Miscavige threatened to stop communicating until the 2020 election, when term limits would force most of the council out of office. Most of the new owners have done little with their acquisitions. Fort Harrison Hotel - Wikipedia She reported full-time for six months, interviewing more than 90 people and reviewing more than 1,000 documents, to bring you this story. The Times used the date that transactions were recorded in Clerk of Courts official record as the date of sale. ), [ Slideshow: See every building owned by the church ], In the 90s, a Scientology magazine listed the churchs goals for 2000. Some landlords tied to Scientology have helped bring life to portions of downtown. The Church of Scientology and companies run by its members spent $103 million over the past three years buying up vast sections of downtown Clearwater. In January and February 2017, a handful of limited liability companies bought six prime downtown parcels. Hillsborough forms had errors, Church of Scientologys presence in Pinellas County, Clear Takeover: How Scientology doubled its downtown Clearwater footprint in 3 years, Scientologys 40 years of conflict with Clearwater, recapped, What Clearwaters City Council thinks about Scientologys downtown takeover, Typhoon cancels Clearwaters sister city visit to Nagano. But now these LLCs tied to Scientology control the retail district. Buy up as much property as they can for the church whether they use it or not, whether they let it sit there and rot so no one else can be there.. Then, the . It does not include properties recently bought by companies run by church members. No one from the church dictates to me what to buy, what to sell, what to do.. Scientology has been accused of using the information as blackmail. Then,. The Church of Scientology offered $15 . He walked away with nothing. The 1.4 acre lot was across the street from City Hall and adjacent to a 13-story Scientology religious retreat. Epstein declined to name his client but responded to questions from the Times with an affidavit declaring it was not the Church of Scientology. Brokers who are Scientologists approached at least 15 downtown owners about unlisted properties. The Church of Scientologyh first landed in Clearwater in 1975 with one hotel property to its name, but the organization had elaborate plans to spread its reach across the entire downtown area, In just three years, starting with a frantic land grab in January 2017, Scientology doubled its footprint in the city, The Church of Scientology doubled its footprint in Clearwater, Florida in a matter of just three years after shelling out $103million to snatch up 185 properties that cover 101 acres of the city's downtown area. The Fort Harrison Hotel is located steps from Clearwater City Hall, close to the downtown waterfront area,. 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. But its potential is still untapped, with prime vacant land overlooking Clearwater Harbor. 'There is nothing unnatural about Scientologists wanting to live in the same city that houses the international spiritual headquarters of their church,' a letter signed by Scientology attorney Gary Soter to the Times said. church of 8 wheels closing; forest fair village shopping mall; 10Jun. Tracey McManus is a Scientology reporter for the paper, and she joins us now. I believe its irrational to buy property and not fully utilize it.. Mike Rinder, who led Scientologys intelligence arm before defecting in 2007, said any property owned by a parishioner is in the churchs control. Scientology leader David Miscavige pictured above. Show more. GARCIA-NAVARRO: Explain to me why the paper has a Scientology reporter. February 27, 2023 7:03 PM. Facebook He demanded to see their financials, their board of directors. William Faulkner, "The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual's own reason and critical analysis." After the Times reported the purchases, Miscavige acknowledged the properties were bought for a second revitalization strategy one devised by the church. Discover a selection of more than 10,000 vacation rentals near Church of Scientology, Clearwater that are perfect for your trip. They haven't submitted redevelopment plans. Tom Cruise is moving to Clearwater, Florida to live just blocks away from the Church of Scientology headquarters. Designer Rebecca Minkoff's involvement in a Scientology front is pretty Real estate agent Daphna Fischler, a Scientologist, called and showed up to the shop a handful of times in mid-2018. Scientology leader David Miscavige had his own redevelopment plan. san jose state basketball recruiting; 5 types of imagery in the pedestrian. Clearwater leaders growing impatient with Church of Scientology New Pasco County commissioner accused of faking his residency, Guide to Plant Citys Strawberry Festival, one of the largest festivals in the nation, Gov. Police were quick to respond. You might want to consider one of these options that are popular with our guests: Clearwater Beach Hotel - 1.8 mi (2.9 km) away 4-star hotel Free WiFi 3 restaurants Spa Central location Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach - 1.9 mi (3 km) away Tom Cruise's New Florida Penthouse Near Scientology - Celebrity Clearwater is the center of that revenue stream. The gallery does not include properties bought by companies run by church members. The Church's celebrity members Tom Cruise and John Travolta are known to have estates near Clearwater as well. The church has shed no light on its plans. Big Brother is a character and symbol that represents a society where every citizen is under constant surveillance, constantly reminded of this by the slogan "Big . Clearwater Scientology Information Center Run away!!! The Times counted each parcel that was assigned a value by the property appraiser as a single property with five exceptions. Tin Can Cafe. ! Toxic trauma expert Gabor Mate diagnoses Prince Harry with attention deficit disorder but tells him it CAN 'I felt different to the rest of my family - and my mum felt the same': Prince Harry opens up on his 'broken 'He's completely beige drained of all his feisty ginger life-blood': JULIE BURCHILL'S verdict on Prince 'I was a bit of a mess': Amanda Abbington reveals she considered suicide after split from ex Martin Freeman DR ELLIE CANNON: My breast has not got lumps but it's itchy, should I be concerned about cancer at age 72? He wanted the council to stop trying to buy a vacant lot on which the church was also bidding. The city wants to turn downtown into a regional destination for food, drink and entertainment. But the couple isnt ready to let go. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? GARCIA-NAVARRO: So tell me about these land purchases. The history of Scientology in Clearwater, Florida - FSView All together, 32 companies bought 92 downtown properties since 2017. 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. She said, Well, well have to invite you down for dinner, he recalled. I saw a business opportunity, Ezra said. And the tactics they were using to establish area control included infiltration, spying, smearing enemies. Typically, when people buy commercial real estate, they move forward with construction or redevelopment. The churchs influence comes from the estimated $3 billion in cash and assets it has collected from its followers. Why Scientology not recruit Clearwater citizens - Aaron Smith-Levin New details about the case of Lisa McPherson, who died in the care of Scientologists, from the executive who directed the Church of Scientologys handling of the case. Times Staff WritersOct. But Scientologist-controlled companies are also sitting on at least 26 vacant lots and 31 empty storefronts and offices. Copyright 2019 NPR. Scientologys extraordinary influence over its members has been documented in government investigations and testimony from former parishioners throughout its 65-year history. What you know is what you know and to have the courage to know and say what you have observed".- LRH from Personal Integrity, "It is necessary to happiness of man, that he be mentally faithful to himself. MCMANUS: Brokers representing these companies were approaching downtown property owners. The Church didn't comment on whether Scientology orchestrated or paid for any of the real estate sales. Flag is supposed to be an insulated oasis. He saw the area improve when police cracked down on drugs and prostitution decades ago. 1 (727) 205-9357. Its designed not for recruiting new members but for hosting established followers. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. Four high-ranking defectors describe bizarre behavior and physical beatings inflicted by Scientology leader David Miscavige. Hubbard had a vision of making Clearwater a spiritual home for his Church of Scientology. Brian Andrus controls companies that last year bought a marina on N Osceola Avenue and six nearby properties, all bordering a redevelopment project at the citys public boat ramp. Save. They include consumer products, a lighting manufacturer, development firms, fitness, advertising and marketing, environmental services and financial advisers. Please consider supporting us with a tax-deductible donation to the Tampa Bay Times Investigative Fund. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard had written about doing away with governments and replacing them with a Scientology-run society. Hillsborough forms had errors, companies tied to Scientology bought 100 properties, Winter the dolphin died of twisted intestines, necropsy report confirms. According to court records, Andrus accompanied two guards as they handcuffed and gagged the man, dragged him into a car and drove him to a hideout, where he was held for a month before escaping. It was a very turbulent time. 'However, it hasnt always been clear to me as to just what does that actually mean.'. 1991: An investment firm owned by Joel Feshbach, an acknowledged Scientologist, purchased Cocolat, a West Coast candy company that was having some financial . City leaders spent tens of millions improving streets, subsidizing residential projects and hiring consultants. During that period, downtown purchases by limited liability companies managed by members of Scientology accelerated. A lot of them are vacant lots, vacant buildings, empty storefronts. He told Fischler that before Scientology bought the Fort Harrison Hotel in 1975 he worked there as a busboy. BBC's 1million star Zoe Ball, 52, lands big new payday for Abba show on ITV. Mike Rinder, who led the churchs intelligence arm before defecting in 2007, said that when it comes to property around Flag, theres no real distinction between whether its owned by the church or a parishioner. This gallery shows all 60 properties Scientology owns under its name in Pinellas county and the six retail properties the church acquired through limited liability companies in 2017. Ron DeSantis on Monday undid a looming $1.2 billion tax hike on Central Florida residents that he inadvertently imposed a year ago in a hastily passed bill meant to punish Walt Disney Co. for criticizing his so-called "Don't Say Gay" law. Argall left the church and was forced to abandon his business of more than 20 years. 20 Best Hotels in Clearwater. Hotels from $104/night - KAYAK We believe it's important to shed light on a powerful institution that's very controversial and plays a big role in our community. the organization's members was that of 36-year-old Lisa McPherson while in the care of Scientologists at the Scientology-owned Fort Harrison Hotel, in Clearwater, Florida, in . Terri Novitsky and Hayes did not return calls and emails requesting comment. Never seen anything like it': Medics and care workers hits back at Matt Hancock by revealing Rishi Sunak told Matt Hancock that Dominic Cummings' time in Downing Street was 'a nightmare', new WhatsApp Madonna's Skid Row brother: For years the superstar, 64, was accused of shunning him. 1359 HOWARD STREET, Clearwater, FL, 33756 Point2 Audited NOTs (NOT stands for NED [New Era Dianetics] Operating Thetan) The church also targeted the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Justice and scores of foreign governments. Lee sold when Fischler upped her offer to $410,000 cash for the building valued at $109,000 by the property appraiser. hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater. [quote] Florida Gov. But in the 70s, Andrus was named an unindicted co-conspirator in Scientologys government espionage scheme, which sent 11 Scientologists to federal prison. New Pasco County commissioner accused of faking his residency, Guide to Plant Citys Strawberry Festival, one of the largest festivals in the nation, Gov. Real estate agent Daphna Fischler brokered at least 10 downtown sales on behalf of seven buyers. They have completed courses and spiritual counseling that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Richard Tobias, an independent real estate appraiser in Pinellas County, said vast purchases of downtown real estate by entities tied to Scientology have cast confusion over the market. Hamilton, who owns the Palm Pavilion on Clearwater Beach, said if he was going to buy a piece of commercial property, then he would have plans for it before he acquired it and would head straight. "Working from home" after a hurricane means going to a hotel, since the power always goes out for between 2-7 days. Scientology is a snitching culture and it's deeply embedded.) 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. MCMANUS: Scientology arrived in downtown Clearwater in 1975. The Church of Scientology provided the following statement to 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. Fischler, a local real estate agent, negotiated at least 10 of the downtown deals, according to interviews with sellers. Moreover, tens of thousands of Scientologists travel to the city each year from around the world to participate in religious services at the Church's spiritual home. The majority of this property now stands vacant, and given the Church's tax exempt status, has limitless potential for development. In a letter to the Times, the church denied it ever tried to take control of the city. An elevated walkway connects the building to the Fort Harrison Hotel, the churchs first purchase in the city in 1975. The more its isolated and doesnt have people who are non-Scientologists around the area, the better.. Religious Technology Center (RTC) is the primary manager of Scientology intellectual property. 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.