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Real estate agent Daphna Fischler, a Scientologist, called and showed up to the shop a handful of times in mid-2018. The Times used the date that transactions were recorded in Clerk of Courts official record as the date of sale. The Church takes seriously its responsibility and interest in the future of the area. Businesses might see this city project and say, yeah, let me take a chance on downtown and open up a business. That's the HQ of Scientology. In addition to a park and amphitheater, Imagine Clearwater also calls for several new projects on the waterfront with residences and retail. 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). He saw the area improve when police cracked down on drugs and prostitution decades ago. Fischler did not respond to phone messages, a certified letter or a note left at her condo. Facebook Since arriving in Clearwater in 1975, the Church of Scientology has bought 60 properties in Pinellas County under its name: 58 are in the city of Clearwater and 49 are downtown. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Boca Raton, FL . Miscaviges offer to revitalize downtown hinged on the city ending its attempt to buy one vacant lot on which the church was also bidding. Cruise, 56, is moving into a multimillion-dollar penthouse apartment at The SkyView, a 10 . Charles 'will NEVER build real relationship with Archie and Lili unless Harry and Meghan get new royal 'Putin has STOLEN our Ukrainian children': Distraught parents tell how THOUSANDS of youngsters never EMILY PRESCOTT: Sarah Ferguson 'confused' after seeing photos from goddaughter's wedding she thought she was Joe Biden is 'unlikely' to attend King Charles' coronation due to Ireland trip - despite promising to A 14-year-old autistic boy's naive prank. Operatives framed the mayor in a staged hit-and-run and spread false rumors he was having an extramarital affair. 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. BBC's 1million star Zoe Ball, 52, lands big new payday for Abba show on ITV. 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. The Church of Scientology and its parishioners now own a lot of real estate in Clearwater, Fla., as reported by the Tampa Bay Times. A few weeks later, John Yarbrough sold the building where he had run his electrical services business for 22 years. He called the Tampa Bay Times questions about parishioners activity not just stupid, false and offensive, but un-American., You talk out of both sides of your mouth: If redevelopment is being done by the city or a member of another religion, not Scientology, it is good; if redevelopment is being done by a Scientologist, it is bad, Shaw said. Any property owned by a Scientologist or linked to a Scientologist is owned by the church, because the church owns its parishioners, said De Vocht, the former executive in charge of real estate, who reported directly to Miscavige. or "selling postcards" or borrowing money. Hubbard had a vision of making Clearwater a spiritual home for his Church of Scientology. They include consumer products, a lighting manufacturer, development firms, fitness, advertising and marketing, environmental services and financial advisers. The city received an informal inquiry last year related to vacant land at the southeast corner of Seminole Street and North Fort Harrison Avenue. 'However, it hasnt always been clear to me as to just what does that actually mean.'. The Times also contacted representatives of all 32 companies it identified that bought downtown real estate over the past three years. He is not listed on the corporate filings for any of the eight limited liability companies that recently bought the North Marina properties. In Florida, limited liability companies that buy property are required to disclose administrative operators but not their owners. It is now 6PM. The church attracts members through a theology of self improvement and understanding. Has the Church of Scientology ever killed anyone? After buying eight buildings on and around Cleveland Street in 2018, Moises Agami, a parishioner and developer, now has restaurants, shops and other businesses in 16 of those 20 storefronts. [quote] Florida Gov. In a letter to the Times, the church denied it ever tried to take control of the city. The main reason why developers didnt want it was they didnt want to be near the Church of Scientology, Searcy said. Show more. 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. Real estate agent David Kerr represented a buyer that paid more than three times what a property was valued by the county property appraiser. GARCIA-NAVARRO: Just out of curiosity, when you say the tactics that they used in the '70s, what were those? Paid in cash. Hi, this is Stu, KnowBe4's CEO. But its potential is still untapped, with prime vacant land overlooking Clearwater Harbor. But his offer had a catch. The church, its members and companies they control now own 185 properties that cover 101 acres in the center of downtown. But the promised downtown revival never came. 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.. Please consider supporting us with a tax-deductible donation to the Tampa Bay Times Investigative Fund. Mayor George Cretekos listens at a City Council meeting in April 2017 as residents pushed the council to purchase a vacant lot that Scientology also wanted. But after a dispute with the city, Miscavige cut communication. NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro speaks with reporter Tracey McManus. Its too soon to say how the shift in ownership will affect downtown. GARCIA-NAVARRO: So clearly they wanted these properties a great deal. Flag is run by thechurchs notorious full-time workforce, the Sea Org, whose members sign billion-year contracts. The more its isolated and doesnt have people who are non-Scientologists around the area, the better.. is saying oh my goodness a sin in islam. Scientologys extraordinary influence over its members has been documented in government investigations and testimony from former parishioners throughout its 65-year history. Some have donated millions to the church. I had to make a decision, Bosi said. Thank you for having us. Critics of the church say that the Scientology bought the downtown properties to keep the public at bay. A deserted coin laundry. I thought this person was a cult member immediately . 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. how to create a signature in outlook 365; hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater. Has the Church of Scientology ever killed anyone? It's Clearwater, FL. When the council voted to buy the property, the chamber erupted in applause. ', '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. Nearly all of the roughly two dozen people listed as operating the companies are Scientologists. June 22, 2022; Posted by . 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 It is owned and operated by the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, Inc., a subsidiary of the Church of Scientology International . Eventually, open tensions faded. Scientologys international spiritual headquarters is anchored by the Flag Building, on left. MCMANUS: You know, Lulu, from my reporting, I've learned that there's a lot of mistrust and suspicion still in the community when it comes to Scientology because a lot of the residents here were living in the city when Scientology arrived in the '70s, and they remember the tactics Scientology used. church of 8 wheels closing; forest fair village shopping mall; 10Jun. #1 of 10 resorts in Clearwater. 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. 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. He took over Bob Lees Auto to continue the business legacy and served on the Downtown Development Board for a decade. The downtown and North Marina properties bought by limited liability companies managed or operated by members of Scientology remain on the tax rolls. 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 churchs international spiritual headquarters, then left many of those buildings vacant and lots undeveloped. Seven businesses have left following recent purchases, and at least three more are leaving this year, including Clearwater Plumbing and Gulf Coast Marine. He wanted the council to stop trying to buy a vacant lot on which the church was also bidding. Its like they are trying to control the whole thing.. 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. That point is brought home in an editorial ('One Community, Many Good People' ) in the new edition of our Freedom Magazine. Personal trainer, 22, describes what working in the fitness industry is like when you're curvy - and why Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane - UFC 285 LIVE: Follow all the action from main card ahead of HUGE heavyweight PETER HITCHENS: Now we know for sure that our leaders lost their heads over Covid. Hes starting to assemble properties, Allbritton said. GARCIA-NAVARRO: What do you mean billion year contracts? Hotel in Clearwater. 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. ! 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. Both have been there for decades. 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. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. Real estate agent Daphna Fischler brokered at least 10 downtown sales on behalf of seven buyers. They keep their operations going. Scientology leader David Miscavige pictured above. So we kept our eye on the downtown purchases. Letsgetstarted. Suspicion swirled. MCMANUS: Right - because the city officials have said that there's only so many factors they control. 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. Did you check your W-2? In interviews, sellers said most of the transactions unfolded the same way. 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. in positive and negative effects of coca cola. Huestler said broker Terri Novitsky calls him every now and again to see if hed be interested in selling. We've got 2511 hotels to choose from within 5 miles of Church of Scientology. 'The Church was unaware of the significant number of properties owned by Scientologists in the Clearwater area and are delighted you provided the information,' the letter added. But the aquarium rejected his bid in order to sell it to the city for $4.25 million. Companies tied to the Church of Scientology paid millions in cash for 45 properties near downtown with no major plans in sight. And inside those findings was a plan that Scientology operatives had created and written to establish area control. In those cases, four or more parcels purchased together clearly comprised a single piece of real estate. 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. Main Menu Hes still holding out. Thats a factor we do not control, Delk said. 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 churchs campus grew slowly over decades. 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? Scientology in Clearwater Big Brother is Watching You. MCMANUS: Scientology arrived in downtown Clearwater in 1975. A uniformed member of Scientologys full-time work force, the Sea Org, walks along N Fort Harrison Avenue, passing a vacant restaurant. L Ron Hubbard Lecture 31 Dec 1960, "Personal integrity is knowing what you know. 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. No one from the church dictates to me what to buy, what to sell, what to do.. 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. Norm Novitsky hung up when asked by a reporter about the companies plans. The city has no record yet of redevelopment plans being submitted for any of the North Marina properties since the purchases began, according to planning and development director Gina Clayton. Scientologists began to purchase properties through limited liability companies which are required by law to disclose their operators but not their owners. About 72 percent of those properties are tax exempt for religious uses. 1,915 reviews. Thirteen were existing tenants when he bought the properties. 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. Graphics by ELI MURRAY We don't know if they're just going to continue to squat on them - because they haven't done anything yet. From $150.62 per night. The most recent deal came when a New York firm bought a former demolition yard on Nicholson Street for $593,400 on Oct. 20 and then flipped it two days later for $1 million in cash to one of the Scientology-tied limited liability companies, according to property records. 0. warrants st martin parish. Argall left the church and was forced to abandon his business of more than 20 years. 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,'Tom De Vocht, a former Scientology executive who oversaw the churchs property in Clearwater from 1996 to 2001, said. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW, Kate Garraway reveals Derek's heartbreaking words when they thought he had just minutes left to live. Thats not happening with almost any of these properties., [ More reaction: What Clearwaters City Council thinks about Scientologys downtown takeover ]. But David Kerr, a local real estate agent and parishioner, walked in one day with an offer. The city and the church fought in court for years. The church requires followers to shun family members, friends and business contacts who defy it. 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. The Tampa Bay Times reports that members of the church have spent $103 million on property in the city of Clearwater known as "The first Scientology city" since 2016. Flag is run by the churchs full-time workforce, the Sea Org, whose members sign billion-year contracts and work around the clock. They doubled the churchs footprint in less than three years. Lares declined again when Fischler met him at a restaurant in Pinellas Park for lunch, and once more when she tried in May. 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? 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. Zano did not respond to questions about what his plans for the properties. 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. Now, companies connected to the Church of Scientology are buying tracts of land within the 55-acre district and not disclosing what they plan to do with them. Clearwater, FL is the town literally owned by Scientologists, so checks out Reply . Among other things, Ozsan is, according to our source, Trish Duggan's money manager. Defectors have said they were paid less than $50 a week. In 2002, she was listed as an international deputy of a committee tasked with disseminating Scientology doctrine. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. Project Normandy was described in one of hundreds of internal memos Scientology officials exchanged about their plans to infiltrate and control Clearwater. Dozens of residents showed up to speak. See listing details for 880 Mandalay Avenue S604, CLEARWATER, FL 33767 | REGATTA BEACH CLUB CONDO: 0 - 1.00 - 500 - Condo - Hotel listed at 2995 | MLS #O6093827 And our analysis found that these church officials were offering two, three, four times what the property appraiser said the properties were valued. The 1.4 acre lot was across the street from City Hall and adjacent to a 13-story Scientology religious retreat. Scientology founderL. Ron Hubbard called Clearwater its spiritual headquarters. TRACEY MCMANUS: Hi, Lulu. They haven't started construction - or are they going to redevelop them and bring businesses in and contribute to a vibrant downtown? L Ron Hubbard From HCOPL URGENT ORG PROGRAMMING, "We own a tremendous amount of property. 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. 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. In the 70s, Andrus was named an unindicted co-conspirator in a Scientology plan to infiltrate the government. A scuffed copy of the Koran. The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. And he was going to build an entertainment complex with Tom Cruise. The Church is the largest property taxpayer in downtown Clearwater, paying nearly $1 million in property taxes last year. I think it throws a stake in it when one party owns 50 percent or so. After FBI raids uncovered the infiltrations, city officials launched their own investigations. Although I find Clearwater to be fairly safe, it has more crime than Naples. The goal was to capture the area immediately surrounding both Scientologys headquarters, City Hall and the city-owned waterfront. Save. Fischler approached Bosi again in September. But in the 70s, Andrus was named an unindicted co-conspirator in Scientologys government espionage scheme, which sent 11 Scientologists to federal prison. 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. I really appreciate you all giving up your time to, Mike was probably getting a slew of YSCOHB texts from DM. The church stopped communicating with the city. Stu Sjouwerman is defying the trend for Scientologists in the past year. CONNIE HUMBURG, TRACEY McMANUS, ELI MURRAY, ELI ZHANG | Times. Half the properties were bought since January 2017. Jim Warren has lived in Clearwater since 1995 with his wife, Cindy, and their two children, Drew and Art. Hillsborough forms had errors, companies tied to Scientology bought 100 properties, Winter the dolphin died of twisted intestines, necropsy report confirms. Minkoff had his medical license suspended for a year after it . The new owners also are sitting on about 30 undeveloped lots. An empty Walgreens. Since it was founded in 1955, Scientology has purchased hundreds, possibly thousands of buildings. The church bought the 220-room hotel secretly in 1975, and since then, it has witnessed a number of unusual deaths. The Tampa Bay Times reported that the church, including members and employees, now own 185 properties that encompass more than 101 acres in downtown Clearwater, located west of Tampa and sitting. Thank you guys , Hello Mike, during the live chat you mentioned your first encounter with Mark Bunker back in the LMT years. Lee sold when Fischler upped her offer to $410,000 cash for the building valued at $109,000 by the property appraiser. Advance! 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.. But,so far, there have been only 4 comments posted to, It was fantastic stream! The Church didn't comment on whether Scientology orchestrated or paid for any of the real estate sales. Click here to read the story. The church promised to spend $55 million. ARC Straightwire (ARC stands for affinity-reality-communication) ARC Fil Direct. . 0. I believe its irrational to buy property and not fully utilize it.. Instead, the aquarium sold it to the city in April 2017 for a lot less $4.25 million. The churchs influence comes from its massive wealth, estimated around $3billion in cash and assets, collected from devoted followers. The few willing to answer questions said Scientology has no influence on their real estate dealings. MCMANUS: Yeah, that's a good question. Seventy-one percent of the 60 parcels the Church of Scientology owns under its name in Pinellas County are tax-exempt for religious purposes. The city, meanwhile, moved ahead on its now-$84 million Imagine Clearwater project, a plan to transform the city-owned downtown waterfront with an outdoor amphitheater, a garden, bluff walk and plaza. hornitos tequila vs patron. It was owned by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Then he would try again, with new council members. They cant even fix their own families. It was a very turbulent time. Tom Cruise is moving to Clearwater, Florida to live just blocks away from the Church of Scientology headquarters. Story by TRACEY McMANUS Most did not respond or declined to comment.