The gallery does not include properties bought by companies run by church members. (SOUNDBITE OF CHICK COREA'S "RETURN TO FOREVER"). Letsgetstarted. Scientologists from across the globe make pilgrimages to the campus, called Flag. Hubbard had a vision of making Clearwater a spiritual home for his Church of Scientology. Didn't like the Grab N Go Idea for a continental Breakfast. 0. warrants st martin parish. Hotel in Clearwater. They include consumer products, a lighting manufacturer, development firms, fitness, advertising and marketing, environmental services and financial advisers. It is headed by David Miscavige [1] . Andrus was named an unindicted co-conspirator in Scientologys government espionage scheme, which sent 11 Scientologists to federal prison. Terri Novitsky and Hayes did not return calls and emails requesting comment. Your email address will not be published. New Pasco County commissioner accused of faking his residency, Guide to Plant Citys Strawberry Festival, one of the largest festivals in the nation, Gov. Flag is supposed to be an insulated oasis. 307 S Myrtle Ave Frnt, Clearwater, FL 33756-5524 +1 727-446-3354 Website Menu. 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 . Take away the church footprint, a few condo towers and all buildings owned by the government. 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. 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. But many of those purchased properties remain shuttered or in disuse. All five City Council members said they doubted the rash of purchases were unrelated. Businesses might see this city project and say, yeah, let me take a chance on downtown and open up a business. The Times counted each parcel that was assigned a value by the property appraiser as a single property with five exceptions. 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? They were very secretive, he said. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Church of Scientology's presence in Pinellas County Since arriving in Clearwater in 1975, the Church of Scientology has bought 60 properties in Pinellas County under its name: 58 are in the. A scuffed copy of the Koran. My plan is to keep renting, Huestler said. By then, he had found an auto garage he could buy in Dunedin. Then in 2017, companies controlled by parishioners began buying retail property at an unprecedented rate. Cruise, 56, is moving into a multimillion-dollar penthouse apartment at The SkyView, a 10 . After negotiations, Kerrs company paid Yarbrough $1.1 million in cash for the lots, then valued by Pinellas County at $331,000. So we kept our eye on the downtown purchases. The acquisitions mirror the pattern that unfolded downtown between 2017 and 2019, when companies tied to Scientology bought 100 properties within walking distance of the waterfront and the. The most widely publicized death of one of 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 1995.. What religion is Scientology similar to? Non-Scientologists who get too close are a threat to the operation, said Mat Pesch, who spent 27 years in the Sea Org and worked as Flags treasury secretary before defecting in 2005. Its a business, Pesch said. Click here to read the story. Scientologys survival depends on the preservation of its headquarters in Clearwater. Former parishioners say the church has a history of interfering in Scientologists downtown business. Scientology came to downtown Clearwater in 1975. Story by TRACEY McMANUS 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. '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. The Church of Scientology and its members are rapidly buying up a vast downtown neighborhood in a Florida city, according to a major investigation by the Tampa Bay Times. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Did you do your taxes? Then he would try again, with new council members. Longtime City Manager Bill Horne said he cant tell whether the church wants the same thing. The Boca Raton Beach Club. In those cases, four or more parcels purchased together clearly comprised a single piece of real estate. Andrus did not respond to a phone message or email inquiring if he was involved in the 45 purchases in the blocks surrounding his condo project. In a letter to the Times, the church denied it ever tried to take control of the city. Of the $103 million spent, $99 million was paid in cash. A broker is trying to buy the building Peter and Emily Lares have owned for decades. The other side of that is flag is run by the Sea Org, the Scientology's full-time workforce. But in the 70s, Andrus was named an unindicted co-conspirator in Scientologys government espionage scheme, which sent 11 Scientologists to federal prison. The only record of redevelopment that has occurred among the 45 properties is a roof replacement on a vacant building on North Fort Harrison Avenue and internal demolition in a former flooring center two blocks north, according to notices in Pinellas County records. 1 (727) 205-9357. Hes still holding out. The greatest number of properties were bought by companies controlled by either Israeli businessman Itzhak Zano or another Scientologist who represents him. Hubbard had a vision of making Clearwater a spiritual home for his Church of Scientology. Church officials used a straw corporation to buy the historic Fort Harrison Hotel and moved in under a fake name. What Clearwaters City Council thinks, Scientologys 40 years of conflict with Clearwater, recapped, See a slideshow of all the churchs buildings. Both are supposed to open soon. Hillsborough forms had errors, companies tied to Scientology bought 100 properties, Winter the dolphin died of twisted intestines, necropsy report confirms. The memos were later seized by the FBI. Five unexpected signs in your 20s and 30s you're at risk of developing heart disease later in life. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. Published: 04:56 GMT, 22 October 2019 | Updated: 08:39 GMT, 22 October 2019. Clearwater is a beautiful town and the downtown area is now a ghost town. Both have been there for decades. The Church's celebrity members Tom Cruise and John Travolta are known to have estates near Clearwater as well. After the City Council voted to buy the lot in April 2017, Miscavige refused to talk to city officials for the next two and a half years. 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. GARCIA-NAVARRO: That's Tracey McManus, who reports on Scientology for the Tampa Bay Times, talking about the church's increased real estate footprint in Clearwater, Fla. Huestler said broker Terri Novitsky calls him every now and again to see if hed be interested in selling. Scientology is all I have to say, There are no pros that unless you are a Scientologist. And the tactics they were using to establish area control included infiltration, spying, smearing enemies. June 9, 2022. hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater. They have completed courses and spiritual counseling that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. But even when the church isnt in control, its presence can deter development. [quote] Florida Gov. 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. 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. 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. Asked directly whether Scientology orchestrated or paid for any of the sales, the church did not answer. 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. And half the sales were for more than double what the properties were valued by the county property appraiser, the Times found. Ive been waiting for this neighborhood to clean up for 30 years, and I still think its around the corner, Rice said. Clearwater is the center of that revenue stream. Were she in Utah, would the Times intrepid reporter have headlined that 'Mormons are buying up property in downtown Salt Lake City!' In response to detailed memos summarizing the reporting, the church criticized the Times for portraying its members as mindless robots and for having a preconceived agenda to present every Scientology story in a false and unfavorable light.. These are the companies and names on this list (put into alphabetical order, I also added what are probably the largest scientology owned businesses in the area KnowB4, NTC, Consumer Sales Solutions and Energy Professionals: Axiom Bahia Property Management (Raul Aleman) Blue Streak Docs (Sam Gendusa) Buzzazz Business Solutions (Keanan Kintzel) Main Menu . The more its isolated and doesnt have people who are non-Scientologists around the area, the better.. The Fort Harrison Hotel is located steps from Clearwater City Hall, close to the downtown waterfront area,. It teaches that expanding Scientology is key to saving the world, then wields a system of totalitarian policies to keep parishioners in line. In Florida, limited liability companies that buy property are required to disclose administrative operators but not their owners. 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. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. He wanted the council to stop trying to buy a vacant lot on which the church was also bidding. 325 . Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving; it consists of professing to believe what he does not believe." He is not listed on the corporate filings for any of the eight limited liability companies that recently bought the North Marina properties. [ The full history: Scientologys 40 years of conflict with the City of Clearwater, recapped ]. 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. hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater. Flag is run by the churchs full-time workforce, the Sea Org, whose members sign billion-year contracts and work around the clock. Of the 100 properties bought by parishioner-managed companies near the downtown waterfront from 2017 to 2019, 24 storefronts and buildings remain empty, including a former Walgreens, an old jewelry store and prominent buildings along the North Fort Harrison corridor. Llmenos para una consulta. Businesses without ties to the church are moving into a few of those. And the mayor at the time, Gabe Cazares, really raised the alarm. The property wasnt on the market. The Fort Harrison Hotel serves as the flagship building of the Flag Land Base, the Church of Scientology 's spiritual headquarters in Clearwater, Florida, US. Paid in cash. The dowtown area of Clearwater is dominated by buildings owned by the Scientologists. The majority of this property now stands vacant, and given the Church's tax exempt status, has limitless potential for development. The only thing you see is the Scientology minions ." Irwin said the church members are spotted wearing "brown dress . The church acquired three others in a land swap. BBC's 1million star Zoe Ball, 52, lands big new payday for Abba show on ITV. 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. 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. 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!' The most widely publicized death of one of 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 1995.. What religion is Scientology similar to? View Hotel. They posted guards wielding billy clubs and mace. City officials are trying to make the area a regional destination for food, drink and entertainment. But Lee assumed the church was involved. And he was going to recruit high-end retail to some of the empty storefronts because downtown Clearwater's pretty depressed. Im concerned, Mayor Frank Hibbard said. This one is owned by a parishioner who had been featured on the churchs Meet a Scientologist video series. Reporters analyzed thousands of rows of data and pulled more than 1,000 records from the Pinellas County Property Appraiser, the Pinellas County Clerk of Court and the Florida Division of Corporations. 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. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. Miscaviges offer to revitalize downtown hinged on the city ending its attempt to buy one vacant lot on which the church was also bidding. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? A few months after Yarbrough relocated, a new electrical company moved into his old building. Your characterization that his religious affiliations somehow control his business activities is evidence of personal bias against his religion, Zaretsky wrote. For Sale: 500000 - Residential, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,315 sqft at 1359 HOWARD STREET in Clearwater South. and last updated 7:53 PM, Oct 21, 2019. We don't know what they're planning to do with the properties. 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.. But the couple isnt ready to let go. Lee sold when Fischler upped her offer to $410,000 cash for the building valued at $109,000 by the property appraiser. The Church is the largest property taxpayer in downtown Clearwater, paying nearly $1 million in property taxes last year. 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. 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. Reached at their condo, his wife declined to comment. 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. 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. Nearly all of the properties were bought through limited liability companies, which are required to disclose their operators but not their owners. GARCIA-NAVARRO: And we reached out to the Church of Scientology about the Tampa Bay Times report. In late 2020, Terri Novitsky also was elected to the Downtown Development Board, an advisory group tasked with promoting downtown. MCMANUS: Scientology arrived in downtown Clearwater in 1975. MCMANUS: The reason Scientology has such an outsized influence is because of the cash and assets it has, which is estimated to be $3 billion. Share. He had committed to downtown in 1997. In six cases, buyers paid quadruple the propertys value. There's parishioners that come here from all over the world to take courses in high level auditing that's not offered anywhere else. Rice said hes been surprised that he has not been approached by brokers trying to buy his 10,000-square-foot building. 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. And inside those findings was a plan that Scientology operatives had created and written to establish area control. 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. Argall left the church and was forced to abandon his business of more than 20 years. Another Scientologist, Rick Argall, owned a building on downtowns Garden Avenue that housed six Scientologist-run businesses, including a chiropractic clinic he operated with a fellow church member. ), 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. What a difference in Mike from then and now., The Q&A session began at 2PM. Project Normandy was described in one of hundreds of internal memos Scientology officials exchanged about their plans to infiltrate and control Clearwater. 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. It set aside $10 million for secret real estate purchases in Clearwater. 'Typically, when people buy commercial real estate, they move forward with construction or redevelopment. Ever since then the church stopped communicating with the city, and the rapid land grab commenced. Although Zano is not well known in Clearwater, the companies spent $16.7 million acquiring 26 commercial properties downtown. Real estate agent David Kerr represented a buyer that paid more than three times what a property was valued by the county property appraiser. In summer 2018, Fischler walked into Bob Lees Auto Repair on Park Street to make owner Dennis Bosi an offer. It is owned and operated by the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, Inc., a subsidiary of the Church of Scientology International . AND it is NOT in a Flood Zone! Tom Cruise is moving to Clearwater, Florida to live just blocks away from the Church of Scientology headquarters. Thats not happening with almost any of these properties. Some landlords tied to Scientology have helped bring life to portions of downtown. Nearly all of the roughly two dozen people listed as operating the companies are Scientologists. Four high-ranking defectors describe bizarre behavior and physical beatings inflicted by Scientology leader David Miscavige. They come from all walks of life, professions and ethnic groups. I, Scientology cant clear the planet or fix every issue. It's Clearwater, FL. (Everything owned by parishioner-run companies is still on the tax rolls. The 1.4 acre lot was across the street from City Hall and adjacent to a 13-story Scientology religious retreat. No one from the church dictates to me what to buy, what to sell, what to do.. But far more non-Scientologists are moving out. But companies controlled by different parishioners bought neighboring properties that create clear assemblages of land. Then,. ', 'Ever since Ive been here, and ever since Ive dealt with Scientology officials, I have heard the leaders articulate that they want to see a vibrant downtown,,' Longtime City Manager Bill Horne, who wanted to turn downtown into a mall and entertainment center, said. Its designed not for recruiting new members but for hosting established followers. 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. '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. About 72 percent of those properties are tax exempt for religious uses. It bought a hotel and wrote plans to take control of the city. 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. MCMANUS: Yeah, that's a good question. 21 day forecast key west, florida. The church promised to spend $55 million. Through a spokesperson, Epstein said in an email that CA South looked into developing the properties on behalf of a client but walked away when the city did not relax a rule prohibiting a parking lot level facing North Fort Harrison Avenue. L Ron Hubbard From HCOPL URGENT ORG PROGRAMMING, "We own a tremendous amount of property. Its members bought property on surrounding blocks. Then the council interfered with a land deal that Scientology demanded for its plan. He publicly asked why there were security cards with billy clubs and mace on the roof.