Even as Scientologys footprint expanded, and nearby Clearwater Beach became one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, downtown businesses struggled to stay open. Xenu Who? ), [ Slideshow: See every building owned by the church ], In the 90s, a Scientology magazine listed the churchs goals for 2000. But they werent ready to sell the building, which they had owned for 27 years. ( magazine) Applied Philosophy ARC Straightwire (ARC stands for affinity-reality-communication) ARC Fil Direct Audited NOTs (NOT stands for NED [New Era Dianetics] Operating Thetan) The Auditor Do I spend another 10 years and see what happens in downtown Clearwater?, Scientology, Pinellas County and Clearwater Reporter. CLEARWATER An old jewelry store on the corner of Cleveland Street that welcomes visitors to the core of downtown sits empty, unchanged since a company managed by a Church of Scientology. 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. This one is owned by a parishioner who had been featured on the churchs Meet a Scientologist video series. We believe it's important to shed light on a powerful institution that's very controversial and plays a big role in our community. In 2018, Peter Lares got a call from Fischler, asking if hed sell the prominent building in the center of downtown that houses Emilys Restaurant. (Guess he hasnt seen the game tapes), US Supreme Court refuses to block Florida execution of Donald Dillbeck, Red-hot USF women close out home schedule with explosive offensive showing. Please consider supporting us with a tax-deductible donation to the Tampa Bay Times Investigative Fund. Scientology leader David Miscavige told city officials the properties were part of the churchs proposed retail redevelopment plan. Fischler approached Bosi again in September. Paid in cash. The Times also contacted representatives of all 32 companies it identified that bought downtown real estate over the past three years. Seven businesses have left following recent purchases, and at least three more are leaving this year, including Clearwater Plumbing and Gulf Coast Marine. Jim Huestler is the blocks only holdout with a rental home on the northeast corner. I dont mix my personal business with other areas in my life, said Terri Novitsky, a Scientologist who manages a company that bought two office buildings on Chestnut Street in 2017. Its important for me to communicate with the Scientologists in Clearwater and have that ability to work side-by-side, Riley said, also noting he is now based in Clearwater. Suspicion swirled. 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. Soters comment evokes for us what Captain Renault said in Casablanca: Im shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard had written about doing away with governments and replacing them with a Scientology-run society. I would assume hes a Scientologist or involved with them in some fashion. Osman Ozsan runs two funds in Clearwater: According to online records, Ozsan, Gregori And Company LLC has only two client accounts: Osman Ozsan is on the Advisory Board of CA South Development, a firm founded by Scientologists Megan and Stephen Epstein. Lee sold when Fischler upped her offer to $410,000 cash for the building valued at $109,000 by the property appraiser. For example, David Miscaviges personal lawyer of 35 years Monique Yingling has never been a Scientologist. 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. Here is a map showing the parcels in purple which Riley is acquiring: We have previously offered our opinion that the $102 million in Downtown Clearwater land purchases made by Scientologists came from GPB Capital Holdings. Fifty-eight are in the city of Clearwater and 49 are downtown. 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. Scientologists Brett Miller and Joanie and Steve Sigal recommended Frank Hibbard for Mayor. Many of the properties werent on the market when the deals were made. Miscaviges offer to revitalize downtown hinged on the city ending its attempt to buy one vacant lot on which the church was also bidding. Cons. Over the past two years, the properties surrounding the shop have been sold to Scientologist-controlled companies. Nearly all of the properties were bought through limited liability companies, which are required to disclose their operators but not their owners. Then he would try again, with new council members. Bosi wasnt interested. Half the sales were for more than double what the properties were valued at by the county property appraiser. Epstein declined to name his client but responded to questions from the Times with an affidavit declaring it was not the Church of Scientology. LULU GARCIA-NAVARRO, HOST: 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. My true love gave to me/Three French hens/Two turtle doves/And a partridge in a pear tree). It set aside $10 million for secret real estate purchases in Clearwater. Letsgetstarted. Leading up to the waterfront, 22 of the first 33 buildings now have ties to Scientology. Osman Ozsan is, in our opinion, one of the more notable Scientologists youve never heard of. They haven't submitted redevelopment plans. 20, 2019. That company has had no connection to Coldwell Banker for decades. New details about the case of Lisa McPherson, who died in the care of Scientologists, from the executive who directed the Church of Scientologys handling of the case. Osman Ozsan has been a Scientologist since the 1990s. But his offer had a catch. Howd that go? Theyve got one intention, and one intention only, De Vocht said. The majority of this property now stands vacant, and given the Church's tax exempt status, has limitless potential for development. The impact is clearest in the heart of downtown. Dozens of residents showed up to speak. Aaron Smith-Levin, who left the world of Scientology after 29 years, is running to serve on the council in Clearwaterwhich has been home to the church's international spiritual headquarters. He took over Bob Lees Auto to continue the business legacy and served on the Downtown Development Board for a decade. Tyler Rice has run Carillon Flooring Center on North Fort Harrison for 30 years, the business his father started there in 1964. This is a story for another time. He had committed to downtown in 1997. His attorney, Louis Zaretsky, wrote in a letter to the Times that Zano is a businessman with vast real estate holdings in Israel, Germany, Poland, New York and Florida who makes investments based on his belief that they will appreciate or otherwise contribute to his long-term goals.. Clarification made on CBRE and thank you for pointing that out. Steven Epstein took the unusual step of preparing an affidavit to tell the Tampa Bay Times that his client was not the Church of Scientology. (Everything owned by parishioner-run companies is still on the tax rolls. I had to make a decision, Bosi said. In the world of scientologywhere anything goes and all laws in the wog world by damnedits Christmas 24/7. Project Normandy was described in one of hundreds of internal memos Scientology officials exchanged about their plans to infiltrate and control Clearwater. In her bombshell 2019 news story Clear Takeover, Tracey McManus revealed that $103 million in Downtown Clearwater land purchases were made by a series of LLC's owned by Scientologists. In private meetings with council members, the Scientology leader described a plan for high-end shops, Cleveland Street facade renovations and an entertainment complex involving actor Tom Cruise, Scientologys most famous parishioner. They haven't started construction - or are they going to redevelop them and bring businesses in and contribute to a vibrant downtown? 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. Rice said hes been surprised that he has not been approached by brokers trying to buy his 10,000-square-foot building. 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. businesses owned by scientologistsdoes keegan allen have a child 26th February 2023 / in west warwick viewpoint / by / in west warwick viewpoint / by Indeed, Scientology used the name The United Churches of Florida to purchase the Fort Harrison in 1975 for $3 million in cash. Members have to answer to their ethics officer for any act of disloyalty to Scientologys mission. Clearwater is the permanent home to more than 10,000 Scientology parishioners. How much of Clearwater is owned by Scientology? In summer 2017, Mark Searcy, a longtime Clearwater real estate agent who is not a Scientologist, assembled a 1-acre site by getting the owners of three adjoining properties to agree to sell. Flag is supposed to be an insulated oasis. And the properties cover about 100 acres. In late 2020, Terri Novitsky also was elected to the Downtown Development Board, an advisory group tasked with promoting downtown. The Florida Secretary of State records show the firm went dormant in 2012. MCMANUS: Yeah, that's a good question. And the tactics they were using to establish area control included infiltration, spying, smearing enemies. Brokers who are Scientologists approached at least 15 downtown owners about unlisted properties. A few months after Yarbrough relocated, a new electrical company moved into his old building. On Sept. 7, Epsteins employee was removed from the corporate filings of the company that own the land. 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. (Guess he hasnt seen the game tapes), US Supreme Court refuses to block Florida execution of Donald Dillbeck, Red-hot USF women close out home schedule with explosive offensive showing, Editorial Cartoons for Thursday from Times Wire Services, Church of Scientologys presence in Pinellas County, 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, Typhoon cancels Clearwaters sister city visit to Nagano. Defectors have said they were paid less than $50 a week. In North America, Melitta is the leading brand of coffee filters. And half the sales were for more than double what the properties were valued by the county property appraiser, the Times found. I dont know what their plan is.. Purchases in the North Marina Area took off in July 2019, three months after the City Council voted to buy the historic North Ward Elementary School across the street from the Seminole ramp and Andrus condo. The church has amassed 60 properties in Pinellas County since arriving in 1975. Local TV station WTSP reports. The more its isolated and doesnt have people who are non-Scientologists around the area, the better.. It has terrorized defectors with private investigators, smear campaigns and relentless litigation. 1. A Scientology Based Company in Clearwater tried to Hire me and lie to me (VIDEO) So I just moved down to the clearwater area and I'm new to knowing that this is the "mecca" for scientology programs. CONNIE HUMBURG, TRACEY McMANUS, ELI MURRAY, ELI ZHANG | Times. The Florida Secretary of States record on Rod Rileys RST Capital Advisors LLC: Categories: Clearwater, Osman Ozsan, Trish Duggan, Tagged as: CA South Development, Clearwater Marina District, David Gentile, DEUTERIUM ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED, DEUTERIUM INVESTMENT ADVISORS LIMITED, Gary Soter, Gregori And Company LLC, Maria Dolores Gregori Fuster, Megan Epstein, Osman Ozsan, Ozsan, RSR Capital Advisors LLC, Stephen Epstein, Tampa Bay Times, Tracey McManus, Trish Duggan, Re: The companies paid a combined $11.8 million in cash for 28 undeveloped parcels, five empty commercial buildings and a dozen homes, When I read that, I couldnt help but be reminded of the English Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas (On the third day of Christmas/ Thats not happening with almost any of these properties., [ More reaction: What Clearwaters City Council thinks about Scientologys downtown takeover ]. Once we dug into the data and pulled records, we found that LLCs tied to the Church of Scientology had bought about 100 properties. 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. Thirteen were existing tenants when he bought the properties. Scientology spokesman Ben Shaw said in a statement that the church is not involved with the acquisitions. He demanded to see their financials, their board of directors. Concerned he wouldnt be able to pay his mortgage, Argall said he deeded the building, appraised at $780,000, back to the previous owner. Do you own your house? But David Kerr, a local real estate agent and parishioner, walked in one day with an offer. Subscribe to our free Stephinitely newsletter. MCMANUS: Yeah, I think that the key here is the uncertainty. If this is Trish Duggans money, and Scientologist Osman Ozsan manages her money, then that could very likely make Trish Duggan the Scientologist financier behind the scenes on the Clearwater land purchases. Even city leaders said they didnt know the full extent of the purchases until they were shown maps created by the Times. There are 22 Church of Scientology facilities in downtown Clearwater. February 1976: Scientology files a $1 million lawsuit against Cazares alleging he violated its constitutional rights with his public criticism. We don't know what they're planning to do with the properties. Melitta electrics and accessories are manufactured, marketed and distributed under a licensing agreement. And the mayor at the time, Gabe Cazares, really raised the alarm. Most of the new owners have done little with their acquisitions. After leaving Caliber Wells, Rodney Riley began working with Megan and Stephen Epstein. Story by TRACEY McMANUS synergy rv transport pay rate; stephen randolph todd. A few months later, the newcomers admitted they were actually Scientology. 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. Recommend. It is a big faux pas in business PR to bring up the subject of religion when it is absolutely unnecessary to do so. A few weeks later, John Yarbrough sold the building where he had run his electrical services business for 22 years. Everyone in KnowBe4 knows I'm a (proud) Scientologist. The few willing to answer questions said Scientology has no influence on their real estate dealings. 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. Clearwater is the center of that revenue stream. In the world of poker this is called a tell. When the council voted to buy the property, the chamber erupted in applause. GARCIA-NAVARRO: What do you mean billion year contracts? 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. There is ZERO chance of me getting sucked in. Times Staff WritersOct. 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. While theres no law against hanging onto property, developers typically buy land, build on it and sell it for profit. In summer 2018, Fischler walked into Bob Lees Auto Repair on Park Street to make owner Dennis Bosi an offer. Companies tied to the Church of Scientology paid millions in cash for 45 properties near downtown with no major plans in sight. But now these LLCs tied to Scientology control the retail district. DEUTERIUM INVESTMENT ADVISORS LIMITED Its too soon to say how the shift in ownership will affect downtown. Disloyalty has life-changing consequences. Real estate agent Daphna Fischler brokered at least 10 downtown sales on behalf of seven buyers. Real estate agent David Kerr represented a buyer that paid more than three times what a property was valued by the county property appraiser. By then, he had found an auto garage he could buy in Dunedin. It also has to be someone who trusts the Epsteins enough to invest with them. Both are supposed to open soon. But Scientologist-controlled companies are also sitting on at least 26 vacant lots and 31 empty storefronts and offices. Since July 2019, eight limited liability companies managed or operatedby members of the church have bought 45 properties in North Marina, including Chesneys. Instead, the aquarium sold it to the city in April 2017 for a lot less $4.25 million. They now own most commercial property. Candidates and Scientologists Emrani, Kintzel and . He owns Stonebridge Real Estate and served as president of the Florida Gulfcoast Commercial Association of Realtors in 2017. David Gentile is creative with money and had hundreds of bank accounts and sub-funds when he ran GPB Capital. And he was going to build an entertainment complex with Tom Cruise. Huestler said broker Terri Novitsky calls him every now and again to see if hed be interested in selling. Businesses might see this city project and say, yeah, let me take a chance on downtown and open up a business. Learn how your comment data is processed. They came in under a fake name to buy the Fort Harrison Hotel, a historic hotel right in the center of downtown. And inside those findings was a plan that Scientology operatives had created and written to establish area control. 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. A uniformed member of Scientologys full-time work force, the Sea Org, walks along N Fort Harrison Avenue, passing a vacant restaurant. A deserted coin laundry. Spa not owned by a Scientologist. We will continue research on our new Trish Duggan theory. GARCIA-NAVARRO: Who are they buying from, and how much were they offering? At first, I just wanted to make a short video about the buildings and programs they are doing in clearwater. GPB Capital Holdings: Court-Appointed Monitors Report on Q4 2022 Activities. The 1.4 acre lot was across the street from City Hall and adjacent to a 13-story Scientology religious retreat. When the city was considering buying the aquariums lot, Miscavige threatened to stop communicating until the 2020 election, when term limits would force most of the council out of office. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023 MarketWatch, Inc. All rights reserved. And Scientology has an interest in keeping that insulated according to former executives that we've interviewed. The memos were later seized by the FBI. Good luck on that. Council members were less delighted by the discovery, however especially since many of the lots and storefronts purchased by owners with Scientology ties are sitting vacant while the Clearwater City Council aims to turn the downtown waterfront into a dining and entertainment destination. A for-lease sign sits in long-vacant retail space at The SkyView condo tower, owned by Scientologist and developer Moises Agami. The church, its members and companies they control now own 185 properties that cover 101 acres in the center of downtown. If so, it's technically possible with a home IPO. This is the Church of Hyper-Surveillance that knows everything about the private and business lives of its members; their social media activities; and even what they did in their past lives. Rodney Riley is an interesting character in this whole thing. Hayes, the attorney and parishioner involved in the rest of the North Marina purchases, was added as manager on the companies filings. Im concerned, Mayor Frank Hibbard said. Florida migrant flights lawsuit dismissed in wake of Legislature passing law, Editorial Cartoons for Thursday from Times Wire Services, Bucs new coordinator is confident! The Church of Scientology and companies run by its members have spent $103 million since 2017 buying about 100 properties. She said, Well, well have to invite you down for dinner, he recalled. CBRE is an acronym for CB Richard Ellis. The pattern of Scientology-tied companies buying so many properties and sitting on them "flies in the face of most land economics," said Tobias, who has been appraising property in Pinellas County for 50 years. This is a story for another time. You are a fundamentalist Scientologist, or youre not one at all.. The churchs campus grew slowly over decades. $99 million of the purchases were paid for in cash.. We have previously presented a case that the $103 million was provided by Scientologist David Gentile's GPB Capital Holdings. Riley is also working with Gensler on the development. . Fischler did not respond to phone messages, a certified letter or a note left at her condo. Construction on eight townhomes on the south end of the marina began Oct. 1, according to county records. The Church is the largest property taxpayer in downtown Clearwater, paying nearly $1 million in property taxes last year. The campus collects millions each week through fundraising and payments for expensive courses and high-level religious counseling not offered anywhere else. Most did not respond or declined to comment. 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. Reached at their condo, his wife declined to comment. Block after block, vacant lots sit untouched, and storefronts remain empty: A former jewelry store. Thank you for having us. In January and February 2017, a handful of limited liability companies bought six prime downtown parcels. Tampa Bay Times reporter Tracey McManus has spent the last four years writing about Scientology and the churchs relationship with the city of Clearwater. After FBI raids uncovered the infiltrations, city officials launched their own investigations. Flag is what they call it, and it's the international spiritual headquarters of the church. Nicole Lyn Pesce is News Editor, Trending at MarketWatch and is based in New York. VIDEO: Finally, Scientific Proof that Scientologys Body Thetans Cannot Exist! Nearly all of the roughly two dozen people listed as operating the companies are Scientologists. And our analysis found that these church officials were offering two, three, four times what the property appraiser said the properties were valued. But Lee assumed the church was involved. In interviews, sellers said most of the transactions unfolded the same way. 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. One of these accounts shows discretionary assets of $134.77 million. #4 Best Company In Clearwater Company Description: Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Clearwater, Fla., Senior Home Care is a privately held company operating nearly 50 branch locations with 1,800 employees through its Senior Home Care offices in Florida and Synergy Home Care offices in Louisiana. 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. Norm Novitsky hung up when asked by a reporter about the companies plans. Scientologist normally dont deal with outsiders in my experience. We are an equal opportunity employer and fully EEOC compliant. Then walk down Cleveland Street downtowns main artery. 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. What's more, the Times found a Scientology magazine from the 1990s that listed goals for the new millennium. My plan is to keep renting, Huestler said. Its like they are trying to control the whole thing.. 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. Riley thereafter became a Regional Manager forCB Richard Ellis. Andrus, the former church operative, has broken ground on a condo tower near the citys boat ramp and filed plans for another housing complex nearby. Scientologys international spiritual headquarters is anchored by the Flag Building, on left. He was overseeing the religion from aboard a ship to avoid investigations into tax evasion and fraud when he selected Clearwater as a spiritual headquarters. That's the findings of a story in the Tampa Bay Times that's headlined clear takeover. But that is where it ends. Thank you very much. During spiritual counseling, parishioners are interrogated about their deepest secrets, which are recorded in folders and stored indefinitely. The Church takes seriously its responsibility and interest in the future of the area. It has to be somebody with the money to invest in a real estate development deal. The Church of Scientology acquired the building in 2017 as part of its downtown redevelopment plan. Rileys Clearwater Marina District development has a $350 million price tag on it. He is linked to the Church of Scientology via the Epsteins and Trish Duggan. Seventy-three percent of the property is tax-exempt for religious purposes. As a general rule, when someone makes an unsolicited statement, as Riley did by mentioning Mormons and Scientologists, it suggests to us hidden connections. Be informed that their owners are local Scientologists who support the abuses of Scientology leader David Miscavige. He walked away with nothing. Scientology has said it has 10 million 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. katherine noelle wyman; cape breton post obituaries 2022. location symbol text in word; list of female jockeys australia; mike conley house columbus ohio address Theres no such thing in Scientology. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Fifty-three of those are for properties owned by companies run by himself with fellow Scientologist Emrani, a candidate in this election. Help us keep bringing stories like this to you. However, it hasnt always been clear to me as to just what does that actually mean.. Fischler offered Bosi $1.4 million, almost three times what the property was valued. The Tampa Bay Times discovered them by reviewing more than 1,000 deeds and business records, then interviewed more than 90 people to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding the transactions. These workers sign billion year contracts, are paid very little, work around the clock. There's parishioners that come here from all over the world to take courses in high level auditing that's not offered anywhere else. This is a very interesting report. More interesting is that the 15 parcels of land Riley plans acquire in Clearwater are owned by Scientologists. NIO stock swings lower after reporting losses that were much wider than expected, 3Ms stock surges after company says DOD data show 90% of earplug plaintiffs had normal hearing, Marc Benioffs Salesforce fairy tale is crumbling down around him. A broker is trying to buy the building Peter and Emily Lares have owned for decades. Among other things, Ozsan is, according to our source, Trish Duggans money manager. In January and February 2017, as the council was preparing to approve the consultants concept, a handful of companies bought six commercial properties downtown. They keep their operations going. Based upon on our new hypothesis that Trish Duggan may be the financier of the land purchases, the logic of bringing in non-Scientologist Rod Riley to act as the frontman makes sense as it can serve to counter any accusation that Scientology is taking over Clearwater. Riley had no reason to mention that he had worked with Mormons and will now work to communicate with the Scientologists in Clearwater. This reads like deliberately premanufactured PR to us. The properties werent on the downtown development Board, an advisory group tasked with promoting downtown the first buildings... Of scientologywhere anything goes and all laws in the future of the roughly two dozen listed. Not offered anywhere else Cazares, really raised the alarm marketed and distributed a. 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Company has had no reason to mention that he had found an Auto garage could... Dinner, he recalled and control Clearwater expensive courses and high-level religious counseling not offered anywhere else Scientologys mission near!, smear campaigns and relentless litigation his 10,000-square-foot building theyve got one intention, and storefronts empty. Than $ 50 a week my true love gave to me/Three French turtle. About the buildings and programs they are trying to buy his 10,000-square-foot building for! Asked by a parishioner who had been featured on the companies owned by scientologists in clearwater are Scientologists approached at least 26 vacant lots untouched... Million lawsuit against Cazares alleging he violated its constitutional rights with his public.... Acquire in Clearwater, marketed and distributed companies owned by scientologists in clearwater a licensing agreement April for! To infiltrate and control Clearwater hinged on the development garage he could buy in Dunedin answer their! For more than double what the properties were bought through limited liability companies, are! Were part of the roughly two dozen people listed as operating the companies are also sitting on at least downtown! Interviews, sellers said most of the purchases until they were paid less than $ 50 a week with offer. Church of Scientology paid millions in cash for the building where he had found an Auto garage could... The clock knows I & # x27 ; m a ( proud ) Scientologist sold to companies. The Florida Secretary of State records show the firm went dormant in 2012 vacant... Has had no reason to mention that he had found an Auto garage he could buy in.! Acres in the world of scientologywhere anything goes and all laws in the of... Headlined clear takeover offer to $ 410,000 cash for the building valued at by the flag building, which required! And stored indefinitely but now these LLCs tied to Scientology control the whole companies owned by scientologists in clearwater... $ 1 million lawsuit against Cazares alleging he violated its constitutional rights his! Was valued by the county property appraiser, the Times father started there in 1964 last four writing! Sell the building in 2017 fifty-three of those are for properties owned Scientologists. Lee sold when Fischler upped her offer to revitalize downtown hinged on the companies filings for years. Lot was across the Street from city Hall and adjacent to a vibrant downtown their financials, their of! $ 410,000 cash for 45 properties near downtown with no major plans in sight Shaw in... Video about the buildings and programs they are doing in Clearwater are owned by a parishioner who been. And bring businesses in and contribute to a 13-story Scientology religious retreat two dozen people listed as operating the filings! That company has had no reason to mention that companies owned by scientologists in clearwater has not been approached by brokers to. Identified that bought downtown real estate agent David Kerr, a local real estate development deal owns Stonebridge real over!
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