Times Staff WritersOct. Hi, this is Stu, KnowBe4's CEO. 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. He owns Stonebridge Real Estate and served as president of the Florida Gulfcoast Commercial Association of Realtors in 2017. 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. It's not clear how many followers are based in Clearwater. 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. [ The full history: Scientologys 40 years of conflict with the City of Clearwater, recapped ]. The church offered $15 million for the parcel. Flag is run by the churchs full-time workforce, the Sea Org, whose members sign billion-year contracts and work around the clock. The dowtown area of Clearwater is dominated by buildings owned by the Scientologists. MCMANUS: Scientology arrived in downtown Clearwater in 1975. 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. The church bought the 220-room hotel secretly in 1975, and since then, it has witnessed a number of unusual deaths. We don't know if they're just going to continue to squat on them - because they haven't done anything yet. Real estate agent Daphna Fischler brokered at least 10 downtown sales on behalf of seven buyers. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Ukraine soldiers shoot down enemy drones with drones of their own, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Two Russian tanks annihilated with bombs by Ukrainian armed forces, Isabel Oakeshott clashes with Nick Robinson over Hancock texts, Dozens stuck in car park as staff refuses to open gate for woman, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA. Assistant City Manager Michael Delk said the citys priority is turning the spectacular land it owns into a community destination, no matter who owns the private property around it. Investigative journalism like this is the most expensive work that we do. 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. Scientology came to downtown Clearwater in 1975. 275 reviews #24 of 428 Restaurants in Clearwater $ American Cafe Diner. Businesses might see this city project and say, yeah, let me take a chance on downtown and open up a business. The Church of Scientology doubled its footprint in Clearwater, Florida in just three years after shelling out $103million The Church first landed in Clearwater in 1975 with one hotel. 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). You have some buyers here that their motivations are not really clear, he said, so its tough to make economic sense out of it.. The Church didn't comment on whether Scientology orchestrated or paid for any of the real estate sales. Philip Kirkpatrick, Clearwaters senior economic development coordinator, said Stephen Epstein spoke with city officials in December about a potential commercial and multifamily project on the site. DeSantis vetoed a $1M Day of Service program that was worth so much more | Column, DeSantis calls for open market to compete with Advanced Placement, Supreme Court weighs Biden student loan plan worth billions, Maple Leafs: Lightning, other division rivals did not spur deal, The youngest Grand Prix of St. Petersburg driver? The church acquired three others in a land swap. It bought a hotel and wrote plans to take control of the city. 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. She reported full-time for six months, interviewing more than 90 people and reviewing more than 1,000 documents, to bring you this story. 0. warrants st martin parish. Clarion Inn & Suites Central Clearwater Beach. 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. (Everything owned by parishioner-run companies is still on the tax rolls. (SOUNDBITE OF CHICK COREA'S "RETURN TO FOREVER"). Claimed. 'The true story of downtown development is presented in an article in that Freedom, 'Who Is The Real Block To Downtown Revitalization?' Hes starting to assemble properties, Allbritton said. CLEARWATER, Fla. In this small beachside community sits a 1.4-acre patch of dirt that has become a flash point in a fight between church and state. Delk described the projects which require voter approval as key to the plans success. Scientologists in Clearwater. the Church of Scientology and Clearwater is incapable of being an honest hard-working partner with the city of Clearwater in revitalizing this town it's not possible because it's against their fundamental best interests this is the reason all of the Scientologists in the in Clearwater were instructed by the Office of Special Affairs to . Then,. Inc. magazine's 2019 report on the 5,000 fastest-growing privately owned businesses in America cites 16 firms based in Clearwater. #1 of 10 resorts in Clearwater. They come from all walks of life, professions and ethnic groups. Five unexpected signs in your 20s and 30s you're at risk of developing heart disease later in life. In a letter to the Times, the church denied it ever tried to take control of the city. Then the council interfered with a land deal that Scientology demanded for its plan. Scientology boasts 10million followers, but surveys and accounts from former members suggest there are no more than 30,000 worldwide. 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 Just how many is tough to fact-check due to the church's many tenuously connected affiliates . A few months after Yarbrough relocated, a new electrical company moved into his old building. All rights reserved. Your email address will not be published. Its members bought property on surrounding blocks. The Church of Scientology acquired the building in 2017 as part of its downtown redevelopment plan. Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving; it consists of professing to believe what he does not believe." Copyright 2019 NPR. However, it hasnt always been clear to me as to just what does that actually mean.. 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. For Sale: 500000 - Residential, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,315 sqft at 1359 HOWARD STREET in Clearwater South. 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. An elevated walkway connects the building to the Fort Harrison Hotel, the churchs first purchase in the city in 1975. Theyve got one intention, and one intention only, De Vocht said. 3,594 Reviews . Lares and his wife, Emily, sold the diner inside a decade ago. He had committed to downtown in 1997. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. 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 The new owners also are sitting on about 30 undeveloped lots. He was overseeing the religion from aboard a ship to avoid investigations into tax evasion and fraud when he selected Clearwater as a spiritual headquarters. Tom De Vocht, a former Scientology executive who oversaw the churchs property in Clearwater from 1996 to 2001, said he believes Scientology is responding to the citys efforts by creating a buffer to keep the public away. 'I dont mix my personal business with other areas in my life,'Terri Novitsky, a Scientologist who manages a company that bought two office buildings on Chestnut Street in 2017, said. Did you do your taxes? I mean, do they view it as helpful for the community at large to have a major religious organization centered in their town or not? I, Scientology cant clear the planet or fix every issue. Fischler, a local real estate agent, negotiated at least 10 of the downtown deals, according to interviews with sellers. We profile several of them here. In 1975, Scientology creator L. Ron Hubbard bought a historic hotel in downtown Clearwater. The Resort at Longboat Key Club . hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater. Argall left the church and was forced to abandon his business of more than 20 years. hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater. Even city leaders said they didnt know the full extent of the purchases until they were shown maps created by the Times. Over half are owned or operated by Scientologists. When I have to go to that area, and see them in crowds moving from building to building doing their work ( whatever that is) I think of cockroaches, like whatever you do . Conspiracy theories are nothing new when it comes to the Church of Scientology. I mean, how big is the Church of Scientology where you are? In September, Andrus completed construction there on Marina Bay 880, two towers that hug the marina with 87 luxury condos and amenities like an Olympic-sized pool and sauna. I think it's comparable to say it's kind of, like, if there were to be a Vatican reporter in Vatican City. In interviews, sellers said most of the transactions unfolded the same way. They keep their operations going. MCMANUS: Yeah, I think that the key here is the uncertainty. 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. GARCIA-NAVARRO: And we reached out to the Church of Scientology about the Tampa Bay Times report. Review. And Clearwater is home to one of the Church's most important bases, a campus called Flag, which established Scientologists from across the globe make pilgrimages to. GARCIA-NAVARRO: What do you mean billion year contracts? Although Zano is not well known in Clearwater, the companies spent $16.7 million acquiring 26 commercial properties downtown. Log in, If the org slumps during this transition period, don't engage in "fund raising" Asked directly whether Scientology orchestrated or paid for any of the sales, the church did not answer. The most notable one is that of Lisa McPherson. We don't know what they're planning to do with the properties. When buildings get important to us, for God sakes, some of you born revolutionists will you please blow up central headquarters". The family of Moises Agami, a developer whose companies bought 20 storefronts and a parking lot last year, has donated at least $10 million. 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. A deserted coin laundry. Operatives framed the mayor in a staged hit-and-run and spread false rumors he was having an extramarital affair. Story by TRACEY McMANUS Boca Raton, FL . Then, the . GARCIA-NAVARRO: And I guess the larger concern is that this could really thwart the city's plans for redevelopment if the Scientologist organizations are going to have all this property that they're going to keep for their own purposes. Jim Huestler is the blocks only holdout with a rental home on the northeast corner. Tin Can Cafe. Save. GARCIA-NAVARRO: So tell me about these land purchases. commercial meat slicer rental near me. The property wasnt on the market. 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. They adopted a master plan in 2016 that envisioned housing, a hotel and shopping to complement what they hope will be Clearwaters revitalized downtown less than a mile to the south. "Then we realized our hotel room must have been bugged." After bolting from the center, $23,000 poorer, the Rowes say, they were chased repeatedly by Scientologists on foot and in cars. The city and the church fought in court for years. City officials are suspicious that the church could be planning to do something with the land they now posses. I think it throws a stake in it when one party owns 50 percent or so. He demanded to see their financials, their board of directors. ! The Church of Scientology and its parishioners now own a lot of real estate in Clearwater, Fla., as reported by the Tampa Bay Times. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? It was a very turbulent time. Scientology is a snitching culture and it's deeply embedded.) And it's all surrounding the city's downtown waterfront. The Tampa Bay Times discovered them by reviewing more than 1,000 deeds and business records, then interviewed more than 90 people to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding the transactions. Thank you for having us. Since July 2019, eight limited liability companies managed or operated by members of the church have bought 45 properties in North Marina, including Chesneys. Reached at their condo, his wife declined to comment. In this way Scientologists were able to buy properties without companies knowing they were behind it. And inside those findings was a plan that Scientology operatives had created and written to establish area control. Thats not happening with almost any of these properties., [ More reaction: What Clearwaters City Council thinks about Scientologys downtown takeover ]. Of the $103 million spent, $99 million was paid in cash. Internal church documents detailed missions that planted spies in the state attorneys office, the Chamber of Commerce and the Clearwater Sun newspaper. The more its isolated and doesnt have people who are non-Scientologists around the area, the better.. William Faulkner, "The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual's own reason and critical analysis." There is nothing unnatural about Scientologists wanting to live in the same city that houses the international spiritual headquarters of their church, said a letter signed by Scientology attorney Gary Soter. There comes a time when silence is betrayal. - Martin Luther King Jr. Communication is the universal solvent - L Ron Hubbard, When men yield up the privilege of thinking, the last shadow of liberty quits the horizon. Thomas Paine, "Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. Scientologists from across the globe make pilgrimages to the campus, called Flag. ^ ??? Flag is what they call it, and it's the international spiritual headquarters of the church. Agami, the developer whose family gave $10 million, leased a storefront to a non-Scientologist that has become a successful restaurant since opening in 2017. 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. Audited NOTs (NOT stands for NED [New Era Dianetics] Operating Thetan) Tracey McManus is a Scientology reporter for the paper, and she joins us now. Defectors have said they were paid less than $50 a week. At least eight businesses that got new landlords tied to Scientology moved out and have not been replaced. We believe it's important to shed light on a powerful institution that's very controversial and plays a big role in our community. CLEARWATER Ed Chesney had two rental homes and two vacant lots in the North Marina Area on the market for a year before his real estate agent called in late 2019 with good news. Then he would try again, with new council members. They have control over what businesses, if any, come in. Breakfast options. One of the factors they do control is the waterfront land that's protected by city charter, that they are in the middle of a $64 million plan right now to redesign and develop into a park with gardens and a concert venue. From $150.62 per night. And the tactics they were using to establish area control included infiltration, spying, smearing enemies. Members have to answer to their ethics officer for any act of disloyalty to Scientologys mission. The impact is clearest in the heart of downtown. Norm Novitsky hung up when asked by a reporter about the companies plans. Real estate agent David Kerr represented a buyer that paid more than three times what a property was valued by the county property appraiser. 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. Scientologys survival depends on the preservation of its headquarters in Clearwater. Huestler said broker Terri Novitsky calls him every now and again to see if hed be interested in selling. Over the next four decades, the church gradually amassed 58 properties in Clearwater under its name, 49 of them downtown. 1 (727) 205-9357. And in 1977, the FBI raided Scientology's headquarters in LA and D.C. And they uncovered hundreds of thousands of memos and documents. Terri Novitsky and Hayes did not return calls and emails requesting comment. Scientology spokesman Ben Shaw said in a statement that the church is not involved with the acquisitions. Scientology has been accused of using the information as blackmail. Brokers who are Scientologists approached at least 15 downtown owners about unlisted properties. Tampa Bay Times reporter Tracey McManus has spent the last four years writing about Scientology and the churchs relationship with the city of Clearwater. If the council in 2020 isnt on board with doing something his way, hes going to do it himself.. The memos were later seized by the FBI. Thats not happening with almost any of these properties. He saw the area improve when police cracked down on drugs and prostitution decades ago. And he was going to build an entertainment complex with Tom Cruise. And he was going to recruit high-end retail to some of the empty storefronts because downtown Clearwater's pretty depressed. I saw a business opportunity, Ezra said. It's GRAYGATE! But Scientologist-controlled companies are also sitting on at least 26 vacant lots and 31 empty storefronts and offices. It has terrorized defectors with private investigators, smear campaigns and relentless litigation. Clearwater 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. MCMANUS: Well, our reporting shows that Scientology has a big interest in preserving its downtown campus. 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. It is now 6PM. Seven businesses have left following recent purchases, and at least three more are leaving this year, including Clearwater Plumbing and Gulf Coast Marine. wolf trace homes for sale; Flag is run by thechurchs notorious full-time workforce, the Sea Org, whose members sign billion-year contracts. All together, 32 companies bought 92 downtown properties since 2017. GARCIA-NAVARRO: Just out of curiosity, when you say the tactics that they used in the '70s, what were those? Lee sold when Fischler upped her offer to $410,000 cash for the building valued at $109,000 by the property appraiser. The analysis did not include residential parcels except in cases where they were bought in conjunction with commercial property or vacant land. Thats a factor we do not control, Delk said. 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. Thomas Paine, Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. - Martin Luther King, The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. - Martin Luther King. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. The church stopped communicating with the city. The Church's celebrity members Tom Cruise and John Travolta are known to have estates near Clearwater as well. Help us keep bringing stories like this to you. Welcome. The comments below have not been moderated. 'Theyve got one intention, and one intention only. The Church of Scientology has firmly made Clearwater, Floridaits home in the blink of an eye - shelling out $103million to sweep up 101 acres of the city's waterfront downtown area over the course of three years. On Sept. 7, Epsteins employee was removed from the corporate filings of the company that own the land. New Pasco County commissioner accused of faking his residency, Guide to Plant Citys Strawberry Festival, one of the largest festivals in the nation, Gov. They didnt say what they were going to do with them, and I never asked, said Chesney, who works as the citys marine and aviation department director. Fischler offered Bosi $1.4 million, almost three times what the property was valued. But after he forwarded an email critical of the organization in 2012 to another parishioner, the church began an excommunication process that would have forced his partner of 24 years to stop working with him and his tenants to move out. The other side of that is flag is run by the Sea Org, the Scientology's full-time workforce. Clearwater is the center of that revenue stream. You'll find plenty of sites, activities, and attractions to explore near our pet-friendly Clearwater hotel, including downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg, which is only 30 minutes away, Celebration Station, Honeymoon Island State Park, Clearwater Beach, Caladesi Island State Park, and Busch Gardens. Weve spent a lot of happy years here, Lares said. It also operates the Fairfield Inn & Suites on Clearwater Beach.