Many of their properties weren't listed for sale. Were she in Utah, would the Times intrepid reporter have headlined that 'Mormons are buying up property in downtown Salt Lake City!' As a Designed to Dream property, we've created a relaxing environment so that you can start your day well-rested. He promoted the site to about 75 hoteliers and developers across the country. Scientology leader David Miscavige pictured above. A broker who was a Scientologist approached a downtown property owner. MCMANUS: Well, our reporting shows that Scientology has a big interest in preserving its downtown campus. Today, 10 years later, the economic influence of Scientologists in the community is commensurately higher. A scuffed copy of the Koran. Operatives framed the mayor in a staged hit-and-run and spread false rumors he was having an extramarital affair. We own a tremendous amount of material and so forth, and it keeps growing. hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater. 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. But now these LLCs tied to Scientology control the retail district. 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. 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. Scientology spokesman Ben Shaw said in a statement that the church is not involved with the acquisitions. 619 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767-2643. GARCIA-NAVARRO: Explain to me why the paper has a Scientology reporter. He walked away with nothing. The church has shed no light on its plans. Visitors walk through downtown on a Friday. Please consider supporting us with a tax-deductible donation to the Tampa Bay Times Investigative Fund. Rebecca and Uri's father is Dr. David Minkoff, a physician and Church of Scientology member, who was partly implicated in Lisa McPherson's 1995 death. City officials are suspicious that the church could be planning to do something with the land they now posses. Theyve got one intention, and one intention only, De Vocht said. light blockers for blinds bunnings; black and white fallacy examples in commercials; what scope do marine snipers use; does squat and cough work; hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater GARCIA-NAVARRO: So tell me about these land purchases. We don't know if they're just going to continue to squat on them - because they haven't done anything yet. Llmenos para una consulta. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? (Which, actually, all Scientologists are under pressure to do. Dalai Lama. CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) 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. Accuracy and availability may vary. 1,915 reviews. But his offer had a catch. The new owners also are sitting on about 30 undeveloped lots. 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. Its designed not for recruiting new members but for hosting established followers. Oddly enough, half of those properties werent on sale and half of the sales went for more than double the propertys actual value. 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. 3,594 Reviews . Thats not happening with almost any of these properties. Advance! (SOUNDBITE OF CHICK COREA'S "RETURN TO FOREVER"). The church acquired three others in a land swap. 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. Most did not respond or declined to comment. ', '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. MCMANUS: Brokers representing these companies were approaching downtown property owners. In this way Scientologists were able to buy properties without companies knowing they were behind it. It met his criteria: It was located in a warm climate near an international airport and had a hotel the Sea Org could turn into a base. The DeNunzio Group is affiliated with Maine Course Hospitality Group, which owns and operates 24 hotels in five states. Nearly all of the roughly two dozen people listed as operating the companies are Scientologists. 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. 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. 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. The greatest number of properties were bought by companies controlled by either Israeli businessman Itzhak Zano or another Scientologist who represents him. Boca Raton, FL . Conspiracy theories are nothing new when it comes to the Church of Scientology. Some have donated millions to the church. 307 S Myrtle Ave Frnt, Clearwater, FL 33756-5524 +1 727-446-3354 Website Menu. They doubled the churchs footprint in less than three years. 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. But far more non-Scientologists are moving out. For Sale: 500000 - Residential, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,315 sqft at 1359 HOWARD STREET in Clearwater South. The Church didn't comment on whether Scientology orchestrated or paid for any of the real estate sales. Argall left the church and was forced to abandon his business of more than 20 years. Nearly all of the properties were bought through limited liability companies, which are required to disclose their operators but not their owners. Its too soon to say how the shift in ownership will affect downtown. Leading up to the waterfront, 22 of the first 33 buildings now have ties to Scientology. GARCIA-NAVARRO: What is the view of the local community? what does holetta mean in polish renault clio steering wheel controls not working hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater. And our analysis found that these church officials were offering two, three, four times what the property appraiser said the properties were valued. Wayne E. Lee ran his Auto Parts Distributors business on Park Street since 1982. Jim Huestler is the blocks only holdout with a rental home on the northeast corner. Former parishioners say the church has a history of interfering in Scientologists downtown business. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. Almost immediately, a decades-long trickle of purchases by church members turned into a flood. 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. Over the past two years, the properties surrounding the shop have been sold to Scientologist-controlled companies. Agami also signed two more leases on the same block with restaurants owned by people not connected to the church. 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. 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 And the tactics they were using to establish area control included infiltration, spying, smearing enemies. Norm Novitsky hung up when asked by a reporter about the companies plans. Critics of the church say that the Scientology bought the downtown properties to keep the public at bay. But the promised downtown revival never came. We've got 2511 hotels to choose from within 5 miles of Church of Scientology. Did you check your W-2? New Pasco County commissioner accused of faking his residency, Guide to Plant Citys Strawberry Festival, one of the largest festivals in the nation, Gov. 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). The Church of Scientology is a group of interconnected corporate entities and other organizations devoted to the practice, administration and dissemination. church of 8 wheels closing; forest fair village shopping mall; 10Jun. 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. Its members bought property on surrounding blocks. russia and china vs nato war who would win. Thats not happening with almost any of these properties., [ More reaction: What Clearwaters City Council thinks about Scientologys downtown takeover ]. Yarbrough never learned the buyers identity. A lot of them are vacant lots, vacant buildings, empty storefronts. In a letter, the church said the Times is misinterpreting Scientology policy and that other religions also practice shunning. and last updated 7:53 PM, Oct 21, 2019. Then the council interfered with a land deal that Scientology demanded for its plan. After the Times reported the purchases, Miscavige acknowledged the properties were bought for a second revitalization strategy one devised by the church. 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. Since arriving in Clearwater in 1975, the Church of Scientology has purchased 60 properties in Pinellas County under its name. Among other things, Ozsan is, according to our source, Trish Duggan's money manager. Thank you guys , Hello Mike, during the live chat you mentioned your first encounter with Mark Bunker back in the LMT years. Gulf Coast Marine and ClearwaterPlumbing. February 27, 2023 7:03 PM. Then walk down Cleveland Street downtowns main artery. A deserted coin laundry. Cruise, 56, is moving into a multimillion-dollar penthouse apartment at The SkyView, a 10 . Companies tied to the Church of Scientology paid millions in cash for 45 properties near downtown with no major plans in sight. 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? Internal church documents detailed missions that planted spies in the state attorneys office, the Chamber of Commerce and the Clearwater Sun newspaper. The city wants to turn downtown into a regional destination for food, drink and entertainment. All 45 North Marina properties were purchased by companies managed or operated by two longtime members of Scientology: Steven Hayes, an attorney who has done legal work on behalf of church related organizations for more than two decades, and Norm Novitsky, a businessperson who has donated at least $5 million to Scientology. But just how has the church expanded at such an alarming rate? Lee sold when Fischler upped her offer to $410,000 cash for the building valued at $109,000 by the property appraiser. The church bought the 220-room hotel secretly in 1975, and since then, it has witnessed a number of unusual deaths. Part of the reason for that is because they have this Sea Org that works full time and is paid less than $50 a week. If the council in 2020 isnt on board with doing something his way, hes going to do it himself.. Run away!!! Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? A few months after Yarbrough relocated, a new electrical company moved into his old building. 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. These workers sign billion year contracts, are paid very little, work around the clock. The dowtown area of Clearwater is dominated by buildings owned by the Scientologists. About 72 percent of those properties are tax exempt for religious uses. 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. 275 reviews #24 of 428 Restaurants in Clearwater $ American Cafe Diner. Real estate agent David Kerr represented a buyer that paid more than three times what a property was valued by the county property appraiser. Four high-ranking defectors describe bizarre behavior and physical beatings inflicted by Scientology leader David Miscavige. The analysis considered property within the general boundaries of Cedar Street to the north, Missouri Avenue to the east, Chestnut Street to the south and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west. Most of the new owners have done little with their acquisitions. Its like they are trying to control the whole thing.. The Tampa Bay Times reports that recent purchases doubled the combined real estate footprint of the church and its followers. Some of the parishioners have a history of working on Scientologys behalf. Concerned he wouldnt be able to pay his mortgage, Argall said he deeded the building, appraised at $780,000, back to the previous owner. The few that chose to speak on selling their property said they were approached by a Scientologist who made offers and paid in cash. She reported full-time for six months, interviewing more than 90 people and reviewing more than 1,000 documents, to bring you this story. 20, 2019. Typically, when people buy commercial real estate, they move forward with construction or redevelopment. 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 1991: An investment firm owned by Joel Feshbach, an acknowledged Scientologist, purchased Cocolat, a West Coast candy company that was having some financial . MCMANUS: Scientology arrived in downtown Clearwater in 1975. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. You are told not to discuss politics or religion and one of the first things out of the CEO's mouth is that he is a Scientologist. Asked directly whether Scientology orchestrated or paid for any of the sales, the church did not answer. 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. MCMANUS: Yeah, I think that the key here is the uncertainty. A uniformed member of Scientologys full-time work force, the Sea Org, walks along N Fort Harrison Avenue, passing a vacant restaurant. Local Scientology spokesman Ben Shaw and international spokeswoman Karin Pouw did not respond to repeated requests by the Times for an interview with Scientology leader David Miscavige. Block after block, vacant lots sit untouched, and storefronts remain empty: A former jewelry store. Both have been there for decades. The goal was to capture the area immediately surrounding both Scientologys headquarters, City Hall and the city-owned waterfront. That has led defectors from the church and city leaders to believe there is little chance parishioners are making significant real estate deals around Scientologys mecca without the churchs involvement. It was owned by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The few willing to answer questions said Scientology has no influence on their real estate dealings. Published: 04:56 GMT, 22 October 2019 | Updated: 08:39 GMT, 22 October 2019. hornitos tequila vs patron. Did you do your taxes? 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. The Church has not revealed any motive behind their domination of downtown Clearwater. 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. But Scientologist-controlled companies are also sitting on at least 26 vacant lots and 31 empty storefronts and offices. Stu Sjouwerman is defying the trend for Scientologists in the past year. Help us keep bringing stories like this to you. I believe its irrational to buy property and not fully utilize it.. Church of Scientology campus in Clearwater, Fla. mokee81/iStock The Church of Scientology, its members and companies controlled by its members have spent $103 million over the past three. "Working from home" after a hurricane means going to a hotel, since the power always goes out for between 2-7 days. The impact is clearest in the heart of downtown. Share. The controversial church 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. It teaches that expanding Scientology is key to saving the world, then wields a system of totalitarian policies to keep parishioners in line. how to create a signature in outlook 365; hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater. In 2017 the church acquired six downtown Clearwater retail properties through limited liability companies. by . Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard had written about doing away with governments and replacing them with a Scientology-run society. Since it was founded in 1955, Scientology has purchased hundreds, possibly thousands of buildings. They spent $6.5 million to renovate the public Seminole Boat Ramp, a popular centerpiece seen as a sign of the citys commitment. In January and February 2017, a handful of limited liability companies bought six prime downtown parcels. Real estate offices, vitamin shops and vacant storefronts fill prime locations that in a more vibrant downtown might hold breweries, restaurants and boutiques. Im concerned, Mayor Frank Hibbard said. You will discover the facts for yourself when you read that article; it provides the real answer as to what has happened with downtown revitalizationand how that revitalization was torpedoed by the Times. This Gulfport 14-year-old, The death of Dilbert and the art vs. the artist | Letters. They haven't started construction - or are they going to redevelop them and bring businesses in and contribute to a vibrant downtown? 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. The plan. The churchs influence comes from its massive wealth, estimated around $3billion in cash and assets, collected from devoted followers. This month, Shahab Emrani was elected to the Downtown Development Board, which helps promote downtown. Thank you very much. Scientologys survival depends on the preservation of its headquarters in Clearwater. The church, its members and companies they control now own 185 properties that cover 101 acres in the center of downtown. The church requires followers to shun family members, friends and business contacts who defy it. It's GRAYGATE! Discover a selection of more than 10,000 vacation rentals near Church of Scientology, Clearwater that are perfect for your trip. Many of the properties werent on the market. June 9, 2022. Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving; it consists of professing to believe what he does not believe." They have completed courses and spiritual counseling that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. It is now 6PM. 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. About $15.9 million was paid in cash. All together, 32 companies bought 92 downtown properties since 2017. Log in, If the org slumps during this transition period, don't engage in "fund raising" Suspicion swirled. Since July 2019, eight limited liability companies managed or operated by members of the church have bought 45 properties in North Marina, including Chesneys. That's the HQ of Scientology. In late 2020, Terri Novitsky also was elected to the Downtown Development Board, an advisory group tasked with promoting downtown. 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. When you stay with us at the Sleep Inn Clearwater-St Petersburg hotel, you can expect stylish accommodations for an affordable rate. A few months later, the newcomers admitted they were actually Scientology. But its potential is still untapped, with prime vacant land overlooking Clearwater Harbor. Tom De Vocht, a former Scientology executive who oversaw the church's property in Clearwater from 1996 to 2001, said he believes Scientology is responding to the city's efforts by creating a. Real estate agent Brian Andrus controls seven properties bought around the citys public boat ramp. 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. L Ron Hubbard Lecture 31 Dec 1960, "Personal integrity is knowing what you know. $500,000 USD: Your Dream Florida Home with heated Pool is within Reach! The Times used the date that transactions were recorded in Clerk of Courts official record as the date of sale. And it's all surrounding the city's downtown waterfront. The land grab started as tensions grew between the church and the Clearwater City Council. Both are supposed to open soon. BBC's 1million star Zoe Ball, 52, lands big new payday for Abba show on ITV.
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