Is Clearwater Florida still a Scientology city?

Scientology came to downtown Clearwater in 1975. It bought a hotel and wrote plans to take control of the city. The church’s campus grew slowly over decades. Leading up to the waterfront, 22 of the first 33 buildings now have ties to Scientology.

How many Scientologists are in Clearwater Florida?

There are 12,000 Scientologists in the Tampa Bay area, including 1,400 staffers of the church’s Flag religious retreat, she said, and there are 1,500 visiting Scientologists in Clearwater on an average day. “Florida’s illiteracy rate is one of the highest in the nation,” Harney said.

Did Scientology take over Clearwater?

Project Normandy was a top secret Church of Scientology operation wherein the church planned to take over the city of Clearwater, Florida, by infiltrating government offices and media centers. Gabe Cazares, who was the mayor of Clearwater at the time, used the term “the occupation of Clearwater”.

When did Scientology move to Clearwater?

1975
In 1975 the Church of Scientology slipped into Clearwater, Fla., and began acquiring downtown property. Soon it had created a major headquarters and changed the face of the city, causing friction and discord in many quarters.

Is Clearwater Florida a ghost town?

Clearwater is a beautiful town and the downtown area is now a ghost town.

What percentage of Clearwater is Scientologists?

8.2 percent
According to FreedomMag.org, an affiliate company of Scientology, there are nearly 10,000 Scientology members within the Tampa Bay area alone. Additionally, they report that there are 22 Church of Scientology facilities in downtown Clearwater and 8.2 percent of Clearwater’s population are Scientologists.

Is Clearwater Florida Safe?

The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Clearwater is 1 in 36. Based on FBI crime data, Clearwater is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Florida, Clearwater has a crime rate that is higher than 71% of the state’s cities and towns of all sizes.

What is Clearwater Florida known for?

Clearwater is an ideal destination for travelers of all ages and interests, occupying prime real estate along Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast. The City’s beaches are consistently ranked among America’s most beautiful, offering miles of sugar white sand, tranquil Gulf breezes, and crystal clear waters.

How many Scientologists live in Clearwater, FL?

Clearwater is the permanent home to more than 10,000 Scientology parishioners. Moreover, tens of thousands of Scientologists travel to the city each year from around the world to participate in religious services at the Church’s spiritual home.

When did Scientology protest the Tampa Bay Times?

December 1997: Several thousand Scientologists protest downtown. They accuse the Clearwater Police Department of enabling the church’s critics and the St. Petersburg Times of printing lies about McPherson’s death. (The St. Petersburg Times was later renamed the Tampa Bay Times.)

Who is the mayor of the Church of Scientology?

Cazares responds with an $8 million libel suit against the church. Clearwater Mayor Gabe Cazares publicly criticized Scientology’s deception upon its arrival in the city. Cazares’ activism put him on the church’s enemies list, along with the St. Petersburg Times, Clearwater Sun and others.

When did the federal government sue the Church of Scientology?

Residents grow wary of the religion, already embroiled in legal battles with the federal government and defectors. February 1976: Scientology files a $1 million lawsuit against Cazares alleging he violated its constitutional rights with his public criticism. Cazares responds with an $8 million libel suit against the church.