hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater

City officials are suspicious that the church could be planning to do something with the land they now posses. L Ron Hubbard Lecture 31 Dec 1960, "Personal integrity is knowing what you know. A broker is trying to buy the building Peter and Emily Lares have owned for decades. Eventually, open tensions faded. In 2016, city consultants began planning what has become a $64 million effort to reinvigorate the waterfront called Imagine Clearwater. The Jerry Maguire star recently purchased a two-storey penthouse in downtown Clearwater, Floridaclose to the Scientology HQ. They cant even fix their own families. Gulf Coast Marine and ClearwaterPlumbing. As a Designed to Dream property, we've created a relaxing environment so that you can start your day well-rested. Lares declined again when Fischler met him at a restaurant in Pinellas Park for lunch, and once more when she tried in May. Thirteen were existing tenants when he bought the properties. '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. Scientology leader David Miscavige had his own redevelopment plan. He demanded to see their financials, their board of directors. (Everything owned by parishioner-run companies is still on the tax rolls. Real estate agent Brian Andrus controls seven properties bought around the citys public boat ramp. Your email address will not be published. Members have to answer to their ethics officer for any act of disloyalty to Scientologys mission. 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. Internal church documents detailed missions that planted spies in the state attorneys office, the Chamber of Commerce and the Clearwater Sun newspaper. 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. Main Menu Many of the properties werent on the market. Fischler, a local real estate agent, negotiated at least 10 of the downtown deals, according to interviews with sellers. 1991: An investment firm owned by Joel Feshbach, an acknowledged Scientologist, purchased Cocolat, a West Coast candy company that was having some financial . The plan. Scientologists make up a diverse group in Clearwater. The churchs influence comes from its massive wealth, estimated around $3billion in cash and assets, collected from devoted followers. Thats not happening with almost any of these properties., [ More reaction: What Clearwaters City Council thinks about Scientologys downtown takeover ]. The Church of Scientology offered $15 . They started hosting concerts on the waterfront that now draw thousands. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. The Tampa Bay Times reports that recent purchases doubled the combined real estate footprint of the church and its followers. Im concerned, Mayor Frank Hibbard said. Not so shipshape! In those cases, four or more parcels purchased together clearly comprised a single piece of real estate. 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. Then in 2017, companies controlled by parishioners began buying retail property at an unprecedented rate. Huestler said broker Terri Novitsky calls him every now and again to see if hed be interested in selling. I saw a business opportunity, Ezra said. Once we dug into the data and pulled records, we found that LLCs tied to the Church of Scientology had bought about 100 properties. A few months after Yarbrough relocated, a new electrical company moved into his old building. How Boris Johnson's Partygate tormentor Sue Gray is now enmeshed in her own row - as it is DAN HODGES: This grubby Sue Gray recruitment annihilates all pretence that Sir Keir Starmer is a man of 'He was a natural leader': Mourners gather for the funeral of Thai cave survivor who died aged 17 after 'You'll be missed forever': Elizabeth Hurley and son Damian share heartfelt tribute to her late ex Shane Mamma Mia! Bosi wasnt interested. Some have donated millions to the church. 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. 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. If the council in 2020 isnt on board with doing something his way, hes going to do it himself.. This makes no sense, except of course to a bigot.. The Fort Harrison Hotel is located steps from Clearwater City Hall, close to the downtown waterfront area,. Big Brother is a character and symbol that represents a society where every citizen is under constant surveillance, constantly reminded of this by the slogan "Big . 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 dowtown area of Clearwater is dominated by buildings owned by the Scientologists. Hes starting to assemble properties, Allbritton said. Scientology leader David Miscavige told city officials the properties were part of the churchs proposed retail redevelopment plan. They have completed courses and spiritual counseling that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. 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. Thank you very much. Concerned he wouldnt be able to pay his mortgage, Argall said he deeded the building, appraised at $780,000, back to the previous owner. 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 city received an informal inquiry last year related to vacant land at the southeast corner of Seminole Street and North Fort Harrison Avenue. Its members bought property on surrounding blocks. 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. A broker who was a Scientologist approached a downtown property owner. "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 Church of Scientology acquired the building in 2017 as part of its downtown redevelopment plan. But just how has the church expanded at such an alarming rate? Hotel in Clearwater. The project broke ground in August and is aimed at helping bring businesses and foot traffic to the empty storefronts in the surrounding blocks. 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. Agami also signed two more leases on the same block with restaurants owned by people not connected to the church. Argall left the church and was forced to abandon his business of more than 20 years. For Sale: 500000 - Residential, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,315 sqft at 1359 HOWARD STREET in Clearwater South. The memos were later seized by the FBI. Save. Scientology spokesman Ben Shaw said in a statement that the church is not involved with the acquisitions. What a difference in Mike from then and now., The Q&A session began at 2PM. srini devadas linkedin That's the findings of a story in the Tampa Bay Times that's headlined clear takeover. 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 Facebook 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. Then, the . In just three years, starting with a frantic land grab in January 2017, Scientology doubled its footprint in the city. Breakfast options. Didn't like the Grab N Go Idea for a continental Breakfast. When you stay with us at the Sleep Inn Clearwater-St Petersburg hotel, you can expect stylish accommodations for an affordable rate. But many of those purchased properties remain shuttered or in disuse. 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. You are a fundamentalist Scientologist, or youre not one at all.. They spent $6.5 million to renovate the public Seminole Boat Ramp, a popular centerpiece seen as a sign of the citys commitment. 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. But Scientologist-controlled companies are also sitting on at least 26 vacant lots and 31 empty storefronts and offices. 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). And he was going to recruit high-end retail to some of the empty storefronts because downtown Clearwater's pretty depressed. GARCIA-NAVARRO: So the fact that the church is now buying up these properties through proxy organizations would maybe ring some alarm bells for the community because of what has happened in the past. (SOUNDBITE OF CHICK COREA'S "RETURN TO FOREVER"). Real estate agent Daphna Fischler, a Scientologist, called and showed up to the shop a handful of times in mid-2018. TRACEY MCMANUS: Hi, Lulu. The majority of this property now stands vacant, and given the Church's tax exempt status, has limitless potential for development. The Boca Raton Beach Club. 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. 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. 'The true story of downtown development is presented in an article in that Freedom, 'Who Is The Real Block To Downtown Revitalization?' And the mayor. After the Times reported the purchases, Miscavige acknowledged the properties were bought for a second revitalization strategy one devised by the church. Thank you for having us. Lares and his wife, Emily, sold the diner inside a decade ago. what does holetta mean in polish renault clio steering wheel controls not working hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater. The church promised to spend $55 million. 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. But the couple isnt ready to let go. A scuffed copy of the Koran. 21 day forecast key west, florida. His partner is Scientologist Maria Dolores Gregori Fuster. Most did not respond or declined to comment. I mean, how big is the Church of Scientology where you are? Review. 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. Save. Weve spent a lot of happy years here, Lares said. Flag is run by thechurchs notorious full-time workforce, the Sea Org, whose members sign billion-year contracts. Miscavige cut off communication with the city. In six cases, buyers made four times the propertys value deemed by the county property appraiser. In 1975, Scientology creator L. Ron Hubbard bought a historic hotel in downtown 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 Clearwater. GARCIA-NAVARRO: And we reached out to the Church of Scientology about the Tampa Bay Times report. 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? by . George Orwell's astonishing novel 1984 depicts a dystopian world that has many remarkable similarities to scientology. Its designed not for recruiting new members but for hosting established followers. They include consumer products, a lighting manufacturer, development firms, fitness, advertising and marketing, environmental services and financial advisers. But its potential is still untapped, with prime vacant land overlooking Clearwater Harbor. Lee sold when Fischler upped her offer to $410,000 cash for the building valued at $109,000 by the property appraiser. It is owned and operated by the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, Inc., a subsidiary of the Church of Scientology International . It also operates the Fairfield Inn & Suites on Clearwater Beach. High-ranking defectors provide an unprecedented inside look at Scientology, its leader and the Lisa McPherson case. L Ron Hubbard From HCOPL URGENT ORG PROGRAMMING, "We own a tremendous amount of property. The reason lies in rising tensions between the church and the Clearwater City Council. The church offered $15 million for the parcel. . church of 8 wheels closing; forest fair village shopping mall; 10Jun. 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. 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. The church stopped communicating with the city. City leaders spent tens of millions improving streets, subsidizing residential projects and hiring consultants. In the 70s, Andrus was named an unindicted co-conspirator in a Scientology plan to infiltrate the government. 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. Wayne E. Lee ran his Auto Parts Distributors business on Park Street since 1982. The only thing you see is the Scientology minions ." Irwin said the church members are spotted wearing "brown dress . Some of the parishioners have a history of working on Scientologys behalf. MCMANUS: Yeah, that's a good question. That point is brought home in an editorial ('One Community, Many Good People' ) in the new edition of our Freedom Magazine. 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. The Times counted each parcel that was assigned a value by the property appraiser as a single property with five exceptions. All together, 32 companies bought 92 downtown properties since 2017. Asked directly whether Scientology orchestrated or paid for any of the sales, the church did not answer. While theres no law against hanging onto property, developers typically buy land, build on it and sell it for profit. MCMANUS: Right - because the city officials have said that there's only so many factors they control. Companies controlled by Hayes have bought about half the property on Rices block and nearly the entire block directly south. Scientology in Clearwater Big Brother is Watching You. hotels owned by scientologists in clearwater. The impact is clearest in the heart of downtown. Theyve got one intention, and one intention only, De Vocht said. 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. The church attracts members through a theology of self improvement and understanding. They posted guards wielding billy clubs and mace. And inside those findings was a plan that Scientology operatives had created and written to establish area control. It's not clear how many followers are based in Clearwater. 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) 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. 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. Has the Church of Scientology ever killed anyone? Rice said hes been surprised that he has not been approached by brokers trying to buy his 10,000-square-foot building. He walked away with nothing. About 72 percent of those properties are tax exempt for religious uses. 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 Disloyalty has life-changing consequences. Then,. 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. 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 .