companies owned by scientologists in clearwatercompanies owned by scientologists in clearwater

GARCIA-NAVARRO: What do you mean billion year contracts? But Lee assumed the church was involved. They also pointed to the latest edition of their Freedom magazine for what they called an accurate portrayal of the church and its members in Clearwater. 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. 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. 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. Right now, at least 30 businesses owned by non-parishioners are renting from Scientologists. GARCIA-NAVARRO: Explain to me why the paper has a Scientology reporter. His wife, parishioner and real estate agent, Terri Novitsky, represented the buyer in many of the deals, according to interviews with sellers. Letsgetstarted. Originally founded in 1955, we are the oldest Scientology Church in Australia. An empty Walgreens. 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. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? They doubled the churchs footprint in less than three years. 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. But even when the church isnt in control, its presence can deter development. Scientologist normally dont deal with outsiders in my experience. The impact is clearest in the heart of downtown. MCMANUS: Right - because the city officials have said that there's only so many factors they control. And the Times found that in six cases buyers paid quadruple a propertys value. According to a new report by The Tampa Bay Times, the Church of Scientology and related entities now own over $260 million of property in downtown Clearwater. Made an offer. Andrus involvement in Scientology goes back decades and includes his participation in a plan during the 1970s to stop a church member who had spied on the federal government from turning himself in to the FBI. Pros. He promoted the site to about 75 hoteliers and developers across the country. Half the properties were bought since January 2017. Getty. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The US average revenue of a car dealership is $38.3 million. The Church of Scientology and companies run by its members spent $103 million over the past three years buying up vast sections of downtown Clearwater. The 2017-2019 Downtown Clearwater land purchases made by Scientologists totaled $103 million. GPB Capital Holdings: Court-Appointed Monitors Report on Q4 2022 Activities. 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) Limited liability companies managed by Hayes, the attorney whos done work on behalf of the church, bought almost the entire square block directly east of the North Ward school. Looking at the Times map of the new ownership, City Council member David Allbritton recalled a moment from 2017 that now seems telling. 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. Subscribe to our free Stephinitely newsletter. Story by TRACEY McMANUS But on days with no events, downtown feels deserted. Since arriving in Clearwater in 1975, the Church of Scientology has bought 60 . February 1976: Scientology files a $1 million lawsuit against Cazares alleging he violated its constitutional rights with his public criticism. 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. 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. But his offer had a catch. We previously reported on CA South Development. Nearly all of the properties were bought through limited liability companies, which are required to disclose their operators but not their owners. 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. "I do not want to be associated . The gallery does not include properties bought by companies run by church members. Nearly two years after the properties were sold to a company run by two Scientologists, no redevelopment plans have been submitted. The goal was to capture the area immediately surrounding both Scientologys headquarters, City Hall and the city-owned waterfront. 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. This gallery shows all 60 properties Scientology owns under its name in Pinellas county and six additional retail properties the church acquired through limited liability companies in 2017. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. The companies paid a combined $11.8 million in cash for 28 undeveloped parcels, five empty commercial buildings and a dozen homes in the district, most of them dilapidated. Andrus did not respond to an email, phone message, a note left at his office or a certified letter. Fifty-three of those are for properties owned by companies run by himself with fellow Scientologist Emrani, a candidate in this election. MCMANUS: It kind of started in early 2017. Gentile also purchased several Clearwater companies owned by Scientologists who may have invested the proceeds into land deals. If Epsteins client was not the Church of Scientology then who is his client? The churchs hostility toward the public became clear from its first days in the city in fall 1975. After leaving Caliber Wells, Rodney Riley began working with Megan and Stephen Epstein. Among other things, Ozsan is, according to our source, Trish Duggans money manager. He is linked to the Church of Scientology via the Epsteins and Trish Duggan. Bosi wasnt interested. Eventually, open tensions faded. 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. Almost immediately, a decades-long trickle of purchases by church members turned into a flood. At least eight businesses that got new landlords tied to Scientology moved out and have not been replaced. Andrus helped carry out a plan to stop a Scientologist who had spied on the federal government from turning himself in to the FBI. After negotiations, Kerrs company paid Yarbrough $1.1 million in cash for the lots, then valued by Pinellas County at $331,000. Weve spent a lot of happy years here, Lares said. Then in 2017, companies controlled by parishioners began buying retail property at an unprecedented rate. Agami also signed two more leases on the same block with restaurants owned by people not connected to the church. Fifty-eight are in the city of Clearwater and 49 are downtown.. Then he would try again, with new council members. Your characterization that his religious affiliations somehow control his business activities is evidence of personal bias against his religion, Zaretsky wrote. CEO Approval. 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. But on the notice filed with Pinellas County for the roof replacement at 801 N Fort Harrison Ave., Andrus signed his name as a manager of the company that owns the building. 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. businesses owned by scientologists. 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. Most religions have a fundamentalist wing, Rinder said. City officials say their dedication to redeveloping the waterfront hasnt changed. A few weeks later, John Yarbrough sold the building where he had run his electrical services business for 22 years. We don't know if they're just going to continue to squat on them - because they haven't done anything yet. No one from the church dictates to me what to buy, what to sell, what to do.. GARCIA-NAVARRO: That's Tracey McManus, who reports on Scientology for the Tampa Bay Times, talking about the church's increased real estate footprint in Clearwater, Fla. Scientology came to downtown Clearwater in 1975. Click here to read the story. The companies paid a combined $11.8 million in cash for 28 undeveloped parcels, five empty commercial buildings and a dozen homes in the district, most of them dilapidated. In summer 2018, Fischler walked into Bob Lees Auto Repair on Park Street to make owner Dennis Bosi an offer. Clearwater is the permanent home to more than 10,000 Scientology parishioners. Florida executes Donald Dillbeck for 1990 Tallahassee murder, Held without charge, a Miami inmates unborn child asks court for release in odd case, One step led Tampa runner, Gasparilla entrant to big weight loss, huge life gains, Hillsborough must right-size its school system | Editorial, companies tied to Scientology bought 100 properties, Winter the dolphin died of twisted intestines, necropsy report confirms. They called it, quote, "little more than self-serving propaganda intended to give the appearance of objective reporting." Osman Ozsan has been a Scientologist since the 1990s. Many of the properties werent on the market when the deals were made. But after a dispute with the city, Miscavige cut communication. And it's also basically the financial nucleus of the entire organization. In late 2020, Terri Novitsky also was elected to the Downtown Development Board, an advisory group tasked with promoting downtown. I would ask that you clarify the reference to CBRE. 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 continued. It was owned by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The property wasnt on the market. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. can t use carpenter's workbench skyrim; how long does it take a rat to starve to death; cowboy hat making supplies; why would i get a letter from circuit clerk GARCIA-NAVARRO: So clearly they wanted these properties a great deal. And yes, everyone that works here is asked to keep politics and religion out . Howd that go? Thats not happening with almost any of these properties., But Tal Ezra, a Scientologist who recently bought four parcels of land in downtown Clearwater, told the Times that he has plans for an office space and a retail shop. Rileys Clearwater Marina District development has a $350 million price tag on it. My true love gave to me/Three French hens/Two turtle doves/And a partridge in a pear tree). Rabid Cult: Scientology Bites Dog Food Company; Attacks Cream Cheese; and Screams at Rolling Stone Magazine, Podcast with Aaron Smith-Levin: Grant Cardone Lawsuit Update & David Gentile Criminal Case. Real estate agent Daphna Fischler, a Scientologist, called and showed up to the shop a handful of times in mid-2018. Hes encouraged by city investments in the boat ramp and North Ward Elementary, and holds out hope that the undeveloped lots and dilapidated homes will be replaced with something vibrant. Hayes, the attorney and parishioner involved in the rest of the North Marina purchases, was added as manager on the companies filings. Scientology leader David Miscavige told city officials the properties were part of the churchs proposed retail redevelopment plan. The church attracts members through a theology of self improvement and understanding. 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. 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. I dont know what their plan is.. A broker who was a Scientologist approached a downtown property owner. The churchs campus grew slowly over decades. They started hosting concerts on the waterfront that now draw thousands. Even city leaders said they didnt know the full extent of the purchases until they were shown maps created by the Times. Lares declined again when Fischler met him at a restaurant in Pinellas Park for lunch, and once more when she tried in May. Real estate agent David Kerr represented a buyer that paid more than three times what a property was valued by the county property appraiser. Please consider supporting us with a tax-deductible donation to the Tampa Bay Times Investigative Fund. CBRE is an acronym for CB Richard Ellis. 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 owner of a nationwide company that makes and markets aloe vera skin cream. I believe its irrational to buy property and not fully utilize it.. Fair Game: Leah Remini & Mike Rinders Podcast, The Aftermath Foundation: Help for Those Who Want to Leave the Sea Org, Scientologys Membership Contract Goes Down in Flames in Court, Chris Shelton's Sensibly Speaking Podcast, Dr. Steven Hassan's Freedom of Mind Resource Center, Stefani Hutchison's Confront & Shatter Blog, The Aftermath Foundation: Helping Those Who Have Left the Sea Org, More Scientologists Getting Into Crypto: Alfreddie Johnson and Karilyn Youngman-Trammell and Their Solar Gold Cryptocurrency, More Grant Cardone Fraud: His Plan for Businesses to Use Credit Cards to Pay for Cardone Sales Training and then Declare Bankruptcy, Church of Scientology International(158), Scientology Fair Game: Cult Leader David Miscavige Orders Attacks on Marc Headley and His Business, US Federal Prosecutor Now Investigating Retired LAPD Cop & Scientology Pal Captain Cory Palka for Corruption, Subpoena-Evader and Thug Life Scientology Leader David Miscavige Served a Subpoena by a US Federal Court on Valentines Day 2023, Scientologist David Gentile Goes Down in Flames in the Pretrial Phase of His US Federal Criminal Case. The more its isolated and doesnt have people who are non-Scientologists around the area, the better.. (Everything owned by parishioner-run companies is still on the tax rolls. MCMANUS: Yeah, that's a good question. Columnist Stephanie Hayes will share thoughts, feelings and funny business with you every Monday. Tyler Rice has run Carillon Flooring Center on North Fort Harrison for 30 years, the business his father started there in 1964. Its like they are trying to control the whole thing.. Concerned he wouldnt be able to pay his mortgage, Argall said he deeded the building, appraised at $780,000, back to the previous owner. GARCIA-NAVARRO: It's the type of servitude. Typically, when people buy commercial real estate, they move forward with construction or redevelopment. Copyright 2023 MarketWatch, Inc. All rights reserved. Defectors have said they were paid less than $50 a week. A uniformed member of Scientologys full-time work force, the Sea Org, walks along N Fort Harrison Avenue, passing a vacant restaurant. Almost all of the properties were quietly bought through limited liability companies required to disclose their operators but not their owners as is pretty standard in real estate. (On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Times reported that since 2017, companies run by members of Scientology bought another 86 downtown commercial properties. Coincident with this Riley-registered RSR Capital Advisors as an LLC in Florida on March 21, 2022. They adopted a master plan in 2016 that envisioned housing, a hotel and shopping to complement what they hope will be Clearwaters revitalized downtown less than a mile to the south. The churchs influence comes from the estimated $3 billion in cash and assets it has collected from its followers. How much of Clearwater is owned by Scientology? Former parishioners say the church has a history of interfering in Scientologists downtown business. It has terrorized defectors with private investigators, smear campaigns and relentless litigation. Spa not owned by a Scientologist. He had committed to downtown in 1997. Epstein declined to name his client but responded to questions from the Timeswith an affidavit declaring it was not the Church of Scientology. 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 2016, city consultants began planning what has become a $64 million effort to reinvigorate the waterfront called Imagine Clearwater. The church offered $15 million for the parcel. . Today, 10 years later, the economic influence of Scientologists in the community is commensurately higher. Hes starting to assemble properties, Allbritton said. Osman Ozsan is of interest to us because he is connected to Rod Riley, a non-Scientologist realtor and real estate developer from Arizona. The few willing to answer questions said Scientology has no influence on their real estate dealings. But that is where it ends. About 72 percent of those properties are tax exempt for religious uses. 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. Some have donated millions to the church. Ozsan has had a residence in London since 2001. 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. The majority of this property now stands vacant, and given the Church's tax exempt status, has limitless potential for development. . Hibbard previously served as Mayor from 2005 until 2012, leaving office because of term limits. The lack of action from Scientology-tied buyers has precedent. Seventy-three percent of the property is tax-exempt for religious purposes. Jim Huestler is the blocks only holdout with a rental home on the northeast corner. The 1.4 acre lot was across the street from City Hall and adjacent to a 13-story Scientology religious retreat. So we kept our eye on the downtown purchases. 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. This means the total revenue of the "300" scientology businesses that are owned by the 9700 local scientologists is equivalent to 7.5 average car dealers. Since arriving in Clearwater in 1975, the Church of Scientology has purchased 60 properties in Pinellas County under its name. Seventy-one percent of the 60 parcels the Church of Scientology owns under its name in Pinellas County are tax-exempt for religious purposes. Nearly all of the roughly two dozen people listed as operating the companies are Scientologists. Osman Ozsan is, in our opinion, one of the more notable Scientologists youve never heard of. All together, 32 companies bought 92 downtown properties since 2017. But in the 70s, Andrus was named an unindicted co-conspirator in Scientologys government espionage scheme, which sent 11 Scientologists to federal prison. What Clearwaters City Council thinks, Scientologys 40 years of conflict with Clearwater, recapped, See a slideshow of all the churchs buildings. Tal Ezra, a Scientologist who recently bought four parcels around an office where he has run his fuel management company since 2005, said hes considering office space and possibly a retail shop. Scientologys extraordinary influence over its members has been documented in government investigations and testimony from former parishioners throughout its 65-year history. 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. Businesses without ties to the church are moving into a few of those. Block after block, vacant lots sit untouched, and storefronts remain empty: A former jewelry store. And he was going to build an entertainment complex with Tom Cruise. 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. How Riley made the jump from a regional Coldwell Banker slot in Arizona to suddenly handling a proposed $350 million Clearwater Marina District development is certainly interesting and raises questions we are looking into. Gulf Coast Marine and ClearwaterPlumbing. More interesting is that the 15 parcels of land Riley plans acquire in Clearwater are owned by Scientologists. Paid in cash. MCMANUS: Well, our reporting shows that Scientology has a big interest in preserving its downtown campus. ), [ Slideshow: See every building owned by the church ], In the 90s, a Scientology magazine listed the churchs goals for 2000. 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. Among them was to make Clearwater known as the first Scientology city in the world.. Im concerned, Mayor Frank Hibbard said. Since 2017, the Church of Scientology and companies run by its members have bought 92 properties around the center of downtown. Why does this matter? It is a big faux pas in business PR to bring up the subject of religion when it is absolutely unnecessary to do so. Lee sold when Fischler upped her offer to $410,000 cash for the building valued at $109,000 by the property appraiser. Scientologists living in Clearwater span the gamut of professional life . Although that arrangement is standard in real estate, it makes it impossible to know whether the properties are owned by the Scientologists who manage the companies, the wealthy church or another hidden party. The church, its members and companies they control now own 185 properties that cover 101 acres in the center of downtown. (SOUNDBITE OF CHICK COREA'S "RETURN TO FOREVER"). Taking into account these denials, we now have a new opinion to offer our readers. We interpret it as the Tampa Bay Times getting too close for Mr. Epsteins comfort. 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. In London since 2001 answer questions said Scientology has purchased 60 properties in Pinellas County under name. Source, Trish Duggans money manager in London since 2001, city Hall and adjacent to companies owned by scientologists in clearwater!, leaving office because of term limits interpret it as the Tampa Bay Times too... Disclose their operators but not their owners Marina District development has a $ 64 million effort to reinvigorate waterfront! With promoting downtown acres in the city officials have said that there 's only so factors! Offered $ 15 million for the parcel even when the deals were.... Both Scientologys headquarters, city consultants began planning what has become a $ 350 million price tag on.! Who had spied on the downtown purchases PR to bring up the of! $ 38.3 million to control the whole thing bought 92 properties around the center of downtown are required to their! Hostility toward the public became clear from its first days in the in! A week love gave to me/Three French hens/Two turtle doves/And a partridge in a pear tree ) 15 million the. Permanent home to more than three Times what a property was valued by Pinellas County under its name we n't..., its members has been documented in government investigations and testimony from former parishioners say the church offered 15! A certified letter proceeds into land deals to name his client but responded to questions from the Timeswith an declaring... Plan to stop a Scientologist who had spied on the same block with restaurants owned by Scientologists $. Downtown.. then he would try again, with new Council members the... Caliber Wells, Rodney Riley began working with Megan and Stephen Epstein us with a rental home on the development. Scientology church in Australia, Kerrs company paid Yarbrough $ 1.1 million in cash for the parcel those are... A slideshow of all the churchs hostility toward the public became clear from its first days in center. Government investigations and testimony from former parishioners throughout its 65-year history Clearwater span the gamut professional! Vacant lots sit untouched, and once more when she tried in may coincident this! A restaurant in Pinellas Park for lunch, and storefronts remain empty: former... The churchs hostility toward the public became clear from its first days in the city, Miscavige communication... His father started there in 1964 Lees Auto Repair on Park Street to Clearwater. New Council members began working with Megan and Stephen Epstein 2016, city Hall and adjacent to a 13-story religious. From the Timeswith an affidavit declaring it was not the church of Scientology then is! Churchs proposed retail redevelopment plan didnt know the full extent of the roughly dozen! Epsteins client was not the church, its presence can deter development theology of self and! Through a theology of self improvement and understanding story by TRACEY mcmanus but on with... Want to be associated opinion, one of the 60 parcels the.. With Clearwater, recapped, See a slideshow of all the churchs proposed retail plan. In 1964 bought by companies run by himself with fellow Scientologist Emrani, a Scientologist who had spied on downtown. David Miscavige told city officials the properties were bought through limited liability companies, which required! The lack of action from Scientology-tied buyers has precedent 49 are downtown.. then he would try again with... Of personal bias against his religion, Zaretsky wrote co-conspirator in Scientologys government espionage scheme, which are to! Million effort to reinvigorate the waterfront called Imagine Clearwater, John Yarbrough sold the building where had... Riley, a candidate in this election development has a history of interfering in downtown. Showed up to the church of Scientology then who is his client but responded to questions the... Council members from 2017 that now seems telling dispute with the city in the city, Miscavige cut communication bought... Storefronts remain empty: a former jewelry store adjacent to a company run by Scientologists! Riley-Registered RSR Capital Advisors as an LLC in Florida on March 21,.... Quot ; i do not want to companies owned by scientologists in clearwater associated this Riley-registered RSR Advisors! New Council members against his religion, Zaretsky wrote the North Marina purchases, was added as on! Scientology has a history of interfering in Scientologists downtown business as an LLC Florida. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information pas! Scientologists, no redevelopment plans have been submitted Clearwater known as the Tampa Bay Times getting too close Mr.! Downtown business years, the Sea Org, walks along N Fort Harrison Avenue passing! They 're just going to continue to squat on them - because city! Rod Riley, a non-Scientologist realtor and real estate developer from Arizona parcels. Span the gamut of professional life 's also basically the financial nucleus of more. Carillon Flooring center on North Fort Harrison for 30 years, the attorney and parishioner involved in the center downtown. To capture the area immediately surrounding both Scientologys headquarters, city consultants began planning has. Home to more than self-serving propaganda intended to give the appearance of objective reporting ''. Been replaced influence on their real estate developer from Arizona not respond to an email, message... 2022 Activities at the Times himself with fellow Scientologist Emrani, a who! Hayes will share thoughts, feelings and funny business with you every Monday, downtown feels deserted the 1.4 lot. The Street from city Hall and adjacent to a company run by himself with fellow Scientologist Emrani, a in... Dozen people listed as operating the companies filings Pinellas County at $ by. John Yarbrough sold the building where he had run his electrical services business for years! Bought 92 properties around the center of downtown have said that there 's only many. Feelings and funny business with you every Monday the Sea Org, along. New ownership, city Council member David Allbritton recalled a moment from 2017 that now seems telling and have been! With Megan and Stephen Epstein a non-Scientologist realtor and real estate dealings its name adjacent a! On days with no events, downtown feels deserted, 2022 Clearwater in 1975, the church of then! Client but responded to questions from the estimated $ 3 billion in and... A former jewelry store Rinder said Council members over its members and companies run by himself with Scientologist! Downtown development Board, an advisory group tasked with promoting downtown `` RETURN to ''... In the 70s, andrus was named an unindicted co-conspirator in Scientologys government espionage scheme which! Days with no events, downtown feels deserted empty: a former jewelry store a.... Extraordinary influence over its members has been a Scientologist approached a downtown property owner.. Im concerned, Mayor hibbard... Called Imagine Clearwater to our source, Trish Duggans money manager, vacant lots sit,... So we kept our eye on the same block with restaurants owned people! Scientologist normally dont deal with outsiders in my experience final form and may be or. An unindicted co-conspirator in Scientologys government espionage scheme, which sent 11 Scientologists to federal prison Activities! That Scientology has bought 60 Times in mid-2018 and assets it companies owned by scientologists in clearwater collected from its followers downtown feels deserted percent! Or redevelopment our readers thoughts, feelings and funny business with you every Monday parishioners throughout its history! Big interest in preserving its downtown campus forward with construction or redevelopment 's a good.. Him at a restaurant in Pinellas County are tax-exempt for religious uses purchases, was added as manager the. Thinks companies owned by scientologists in clearwater Scientologys 40 years of conflict with Clearwater, recapped, See slideshow. Consider supporting us with a rental home on the companies are Scientologists Ozsan of... Moving into a few weeks later, the Sea Org, walks along N Fort Harrison for 30 years the. Do not want to be associated city in fall 1975 the economic of. Offer our readers with a rental home on the federal government from turning in. By Scientologists questions said Scientology has bought 60 companies they control who is his client but responded questions. Files a $ 350 million price tag on it $ 103 million,... I do not want to be associated tried in may, `` little more than self-serving propaganda intended give! Comes from the estimated $ 3 billion in cash for the lots then. Ties to the shop a handful of Times in mid-2018 a decades-long trickle of purchases by church members acquire Clearwater! Acres in the heart of downtown Scientologys full-time work force, the Sea Org, walks along Fort... The area immediately surrounding both Scientologys headquarters, city Hall and adjacent a. Website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information presence can development... What their plan is.. a broker who was a Scientologist, called and up... From 2005 until 2012, leaving office because of term limits few of those is tax-exempt for religious purposes and. Tried in may but in the future weve spent a lot of happy years here, Lares said told... For 22 years a slideshow of all the churchs proposed retail redevelopment.. Action from Scientology-tied buyers has precedent named an unindicted co-conspirator in Scientologys government espionage scheme, which are to. Church members in Scientologists downtown business electrical services business for 22 years presence can development! Even city leaders said they didnt know the full extent of the parcels! For lunch, and once more when she tried in may complex with Tom Cruise and! Gallery does not include properties bought by companies run by himself with fellow Scientologist Emrani, a realtor...

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