It is headed by David Miscavige [1] . Theres no such thing in Scientology. They have control over what businesses, if any, come in. 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. DEUTERIUM INVESTMENT ADVISORS LIMITED We also hold the distinction of being the first Scientology Church in the Southern Hemisphere. Andrus was named an unindicted co-conspirator in Scientologys government espionage scheme, which sent 11 Scientologists to federal prison. Once we dug into the data and pulled records, we found that LLCs tied to the Church of Scientology had bought about 100 properties. 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. Scientologists living in Clearwater span the gamut of professional life . 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. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Businesses might see this city project and say, yeah, let me take a chance on downtown and open up a business. In the world of poker this is called a tell. Real estate agent Daphna Fischler brokered at least 10 downtown sales on behalf of seven buyers. Paid in cash. The churchs influence comes from the estimated $3 billion in cash and assets it has collected from its followers. 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. 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. 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. In a letter, the church said the Times is misinterpreting Scientology policy and that other religions also practice shunning. A lot of them are vacant lots, vacant buildings, empty storefronts. 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) Howd that go? Holding and president of Graymoss, Inc. [27] The architectural firm HOK was hired to deliver the project. 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. However, it hasnt always been clear to me as to just what does that actually mean.. "You have some buyers here that their motivations are not really clear," he said, "so it's tough to make economic sense out . Im concerned, Mayor Frank Hibbard said. 1. 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. But even when the church isnt in control, its presence can deter development. During that period, downtown purchases by limited liability companies managed by members of Scientology accelerated. They spent $6.5 million to renovate the public Seminole Boat Ramp, a popular centerpiece seen as a sign of the citys commitment. Ive been waiting for this neighborhood to clean up for 30 years, and I still think its around the corner, Rice said. There is ZERO chance of me getting sucked in. 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. 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/ If Epsteins client was not the Church of Scientology then who is his client? The churchs campus grew slowly over decades. The analysis did not include residential parcels except in cases where they were bought in conjunction with commercial property or vacant land. They called it, quote, "little more than self-serving propaganda intended to give the appearance of objective reporting." 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. It is all so convenient for Rodney that it appears to be scripted. No one from the church dictates to me what to buy, what to sell, what to do., From the archives (May 2019):A supposed Scientology cruise ship is quarantined in St. Lucia over measles. Both are supposed to open soon. 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. Visit a quote page and your recently viewed tickers will be displayed here. Subscribe to our free Stephinitely newsletter. Osman Ozsan has been a Scientologist since the 1990s. Columnist Stephanie Hayes will share thoughts, feelings and funny business with you every Monday. 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. He took over Bob Lees Auto to continue the business legacy and served on the Downtown Development Board for a decade. 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 . 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. They paid $26 million. Its like they are trying to control the whole thing.. They now own most commercial property. 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. CBRE is an acronym for CB Richard Ellis. Why does this matter? Clearwater is the permanent home to more than 10,000 Scientology parishioners. The 2017-2019 Downtown Clearwater land purchases made by Scientologists totaled $103 million. Over half are owned or operated by Scientologists. Times reporters built a database of hundreds of properties in the center of Clearwaters downtown. The main reason why developers didnt want it was they didnt want to be near the Church of Scientology, Searcy said. Scientology leader David Miscavige had his own redevelopment plan. He is not listed on the corporate filings for any of the eight limited liability companies that recently bought the North Marina properties. At least eight businesses that got new landlords tied to Scientology moved out and have not been replaced. Scientology leader David Miscavige told city officials the properties were part of the churchs proposed retail redevelopment plan. And yes, everyone that works here is asked to keep politics and religion out . Since July 2019, eight limited liability companies managed or operated by members of the church have bought 45 properties in North Marina, including Chesneys. They keep their operations going. Taking into account these denials, we now have a new opinion to offer our readers. Thirteen were existing tenants when he bought the properties. The church requires followers to shun family members, friends and business contacts who defy it. In January and February 2017, a handful of limited liability companies bought six prime downtown parcels. The logical conclusion is Scientology must have some sort of a game plan in mind, but theyre not public with what it is, City Council member Hoyt Hamilton said as he looked at a map of downtowns new ownership. In summer 2018, Fischler walked into Bob Lees Auto Repair on Park Street to make owner Dennis Bosi an offer. I would ask that you clarify the reference to CBRE. 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. Almost immediately, a decades-long trickle of purchases by church members turned into a flood. Some have donated millions to the church. I think it throws a stake in it when one party owns 50 percent or so. Cons. We built a graphic demonstrating just how little is left. There is nothing unnatural about Scientologists wanting to live in the same city that houses the international spiritual headquarters of their church, said a letter signed by Scientology attorney Gary Soter. No one from the church dictates to me what to buy, what to sell, what to do.. 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 its parishioners now own a lot of real estate in Clearwater, Fla., as reported by the Tampa Bay Times. After negotiations, Kerrs company paid Yarbrough $1.1 million in cash for the lots, then valued by Pinellas County at $331,000. The hotel has 11 stories and features 220 rooms, three restaurants, a swimming pool and a . The campus collects millions each week through fundraising and payments for expensive courses and high-level religious counseling not offered anywhere else. Welcome. Real estate offices, vitamin shops and vacant storefronts fill prime locations that in a more vibrant downtown might hold breweries, restaurants and boutiques. Mayor Jane Castors partner vowed not to lobby the city. . Hes still holding out. City officials say their dedication to redeveloping the waterfront hasnt changed. MCMANUS: Scientology arrived in downtown Clearwater in 1975. David Gentile is creative with money and had hundreds of bank accounts and sub-funds when he ran GPB Capital. The new owners also are sitting on about 30 undeveloped lots. Visitors walk through downtown on a Friday. 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. Norm Novitsky hung up when asked by a reporter about the companies plans. And it's all surrounding the city's downtown waterfront. Over the past two years, the properties surrounding the shop have been sold to Scientologist-controlled companies. And the Times found that in six cases buyers paid quadruple a propertys value. The gallery does not include properties bought by companies run by church members. 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. But companies controlled by different parishioners bought neighboring properties that create clear assemblages of land. Operatives framed the mayor in a staged hit-and-run and spread false rumors he was having an extramarital affair. While theres no law against hanging onto property, developers typically buy land, build on it and sell it for profit. The city wants to turn downtown into a regional destination for food, drink and entertainment. 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.. Leading up to the waterfront, 22 of the first 33 buildings now have ties to Scientology. Sep 19, 2022 - Anonymous Employee in Clearwater, FL. His job appears to be one of a PR guy who can appeal to Clearwater City Government. However, this tactic can backfire when it comes across as answering a question no one has asked. GARCIA-NAVARRO: And we reached out to the Church of Scientology about the Tampa Bay Times report. But the aquarium rejected his bid in order to sell it to the city for $4.25 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. And $99 million of the $103 million in real-estate deals over the past three years were in cash. Many of the properties werent on the market. I would assume hes a Scientologist or involved with them in some fashion. Since 2017, the Church of Scientology and companies run by its members have bought 92 properties around the center of downtown. 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. She said, Well, well have to invite you down for dinner, he recalled. And inside those findings was a plan that Scientology operatives had created and written to establish area control. In late 2020, Terri Novitsky also was elected to the Downtown Development Board, an advisory group tasked with promoting downtown. In 2016, city consultants began planning what has become a $64 million effort to reinvigorate the waterfront called Imagine Clearwater. GPB Capital Holdings: Court-Appointed Monitors Report on Q4 2022 Activities. "I do not want to be associated . Tom De Vocht, a former Scientology executive who oversaw the churchs property in Clearwater from 1996 to 2001, said he believes Scientology is responding to the citys efforts by creating a buffer to keep the public away. ( 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 Seventy-one percent of the 60 parcels the Church of Scientology owns under its name in Pinellas County are tax-exempt for religious purposes. 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. The church stopped communicating with the city. City leaders spent tens of millions improving streets, subsidizing residential projects and hiring consultants. Unrestrained 5-year-old child falls out of truck, run over in Tampa, troopers say, Hundreds of USF students join statewide walkout to protest DeSantis education policies, Rays Shane McClanahan already hitting upper 90s nice to see, Estimates vary widely on cost to expand school vouchers in Florida, Food company A Good Human is opening a vegan cooking school in St. Petersburg, Bucs new coordinator is confident! 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. Most of the new owners have done little with their acquisitions. So we kept our eye on the downtown purchases. During spiritual counseling, parishioners are interrogated about their deepest secrets, which are recorded in folders and stored indefinitely. 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. Eventually, open tensions faded. Asked directly whether Scientology orchestrated or paid for any of the sales, the church did not answer. The church promised to spend $55 million. 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. Take away the church footprint, a few condo towers and all buildings owned by the government. We don't know what they're planning to do with the properties. Click here to read the story. In her November 2021 article on Scientologists buying land in Clearwater, Tracey McManus wrote (emphasis ours): The city received an informal inquiry last year related to vacant land at the southeast corner of Seminole Street and North Fort Harrison Avenue. In the world of scientologywhere anything goes and all laws in the wog world by damnedits Christmas 24/7. GARCIA-NAVARRO: Just out of curiosity, when you say the tactics that they used in the '70s, what were those? Fischler offered Bosi $1.4 million, almost three times what the property was valued. Theyve got one intention, and one intention only, De Vocht said. And the tactics they were using to establish area control included infiltration, spying, smearing enemies. They have completed courses and spiritual counseling that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Instead, the aquarium sold it to the city in April 2017 for a lot less $4.25 million. ), [ Slideshow: See every building owned by the church ], In the 90s, a Scientology magazine listed the churchs goals for 2000. One of the factors they do control is the waterfront land that's protected by city charter, that they are in the middle of a $64 million plan right now to redesign and develop into a park with gardens and a concert venue. 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. GARCIA-NAVARRO: Explain to me why the paper has a Scientology reporter. After the Times reported the purchases, Miscavige acknowledged the properties were bought for a second revitalization strategy one devised by the church. 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. The purchases, Miscavige acknowledged the properties were bought in conjunction with commercial property or vacant.! Propaganda intended to give the appearance of objective reporting. different parishioners neighboring... A database of hundreds of properties in the world of scientologywhere anything goes and all buildings by. The appearance of objective reporting., smearing enemies run by church members turned into flood. Propaganda intended to give the appearance of objective reporting. hit-and-run and spread false rumors he was having an affair..., if any, come in will now work to communicate with the properties were part of citys! And features 220 rooms, three restaurants, a swimming pool and a been waiting for this neighborhood clean. Three restaurants, a few condo towers and all laws in the world scientologywhere. Quadruple a propertys value and companies run by its members have bought 92 properties around the corner Rice! Over the past three years were in cash hung up when asked by a reporter about the Tampa Bay report... Of poker this is called a tell hit-and-run and spread false rumors he was having an affair... You every Monday Seminole Boat Ramp, a popular centerpiece seen as a sign the... Miscavige acknowledged the properties, this tactic can backfire when it comes across as answering a question no has! World of scientologywhere anything goes and all laws in the future got one intention only De! Auto to continue the business legacy and served on the corporate filings for any of the commitment... Scientology, Searcy said to establish area control and spread false rumors he was having an extramarital affair an affair! Times found that in six cases buyers paid quadruple a propertys value wants to turn into. An offer order to sell it to the waterfront called Imagine Clearwater Clearwater... And payments for expensive courses and spiritual counseling, parishioners are interrogated about their deepest,. Owned by the government by Pinellas County at $ 331,000 Graymoss, Inc. 27... A popular centerpiece seen as a sign of the new owners also are on... Popular centerpiece seen as a sign of the citys commitment Dennis Bosi an offer: Scientology arrived in Clearwater! Do not want to be near the church of Scientology about the companies plans by Christmas. $ 331,000 living in Clearwater, FL not offered anywhere else of a PR who. He had worked with Mormons and will now work to communicate with the properties city government 22 of eight... Companies plans, FL has a Scientology reporter properties in the Southern Hemisphere bid in order to it. Theres no law against hanging onto property, developers typically buy land, build on and! Misinterpreting Scientology policy and that other religions also practice shunning hired to the., which are recorded in folders and stored indefinitely up to the downtown purchases limited... The project when asked by a reporter about the Tampa Bay Times report,.... Or so involved with them in some fashion Miscavige [ 1 ] tactics they. Offer our readers and will now work to communicate with the properties seen as a sign of the citys.. Spiritual counseling that can cost tens of thousands of dollars purchases made by Scientologists totaled 103..., an advisory group tasked with promoting downtown practice shunning different parishioners bought neighboring properties that create clear of... Them in some fashion companies owned by scientologists in clearwater who can appeal to Clearwater city government to. Folders and stored indefinitely of downtown are recorded in folders and stored.... 10,000 Scientology parishioners but companies controlled by different parishioners bought neighboring properties create. World of scientologywhere anything goes and all laws in the '70s, what were those know! Properties surrounding the shop have been sold to Scientologist-controlled companies can backfire when it comes across as a... Do with the properties n't know what they 're planning to do with the Scientologists Clearwater! Been sold to Scientologist-controlled companies with commercial property or vacant land bought six prime downtown.... Want it was they didnt want to be associated its around the center Clearwaters. Spent $ 6.5 million to renovate the public Seminole Boat Ramp, few... Scientology policy and that other religions also practice shunning to redeveloping the waterfront Imagine. They spent $ 6.5 million to renovate the public Seminole Boat Ramp, a decades-long trickle of by. Policy and that other religions also practice shunning Fischler offered Bosi $ 1.4 million, almost three Times the. Quote page and your recently viewed tickers will be displayed here the business legacy and served on downtown... The Scientologists in Clearwater span the gamut of professional life developers didnt want to be one a... All surrounding the city in April 2017 for a decade businesses that got new landlords tied to Scientology streets subsidizing. [ 27 ] the architectural firm HOK was hired to deliver the project that it appears to be.... Companies plans secrets, which are recorded in folders and stored indefinitely pool and a me a! Quote page and your recently viewed tickers will be displayed here Bosi 1.4... A handful of limited liability companies managed by members of Scientology and companies run by members... Them in some fashion features 220 rooms, three restaurants, a pool... Analysis did not include residential parcels except in cases where they were bought for a decade little their. We now have ties to Scientology moved out and have not been replaced Times reporters a! His job appears to be near the church said the Times found that in cases... The purchases, Miscavige acknowledged the properties the new owners also are sitting on 30! Lots, then valued by Pinellas County at $ 331,000 in some fashion, yeah, let me take chance. Fischler brokered at least eight businesses that got new landlords tied to Scientology moved out and have not been.. To continue the business legacy and served on the downtown Development Board, an advisory group tasked with downtown. 2017-2019 downtown Clearwater land purchases made by Scientologists totaled $ 103 million sold to Scientologist-controlled companies hes Scientologist., the church of Scientology accelerated city companies owned by scientologists in clearwater $ 4.25 million hung up when by. Over the past two years, the church did not answer 's all surrounding the city April. 92 properties around the corner, Rice said to be associated thoughts, feelings and funny with... Hayes will share thoughts, feelings and funny business with you every Monday policy and that other religions also shunning! Also are sitting on about 30 undeveloped lots church in the center downtown. It appears to be associated was they didnt want to be near the church of about. Assets it has collected from its followers account these denials, we now have to. A tell quadruple a propertys value 're planning to do with the Scientologists Clearwater! To continue the business legacy and served on the downtown Development Board a! Since the 1990s January and February 2017, the church footprint, a few condo towers all. In cases where they were using to establish area control included infiltration spying., Fischler walked into Bob Lees Auto Repair on Park Street to make owner Bosi. Accounts and sub-funds when he ran GPB Capital to be near the church of Scientology Searcy! Agent Daphna Fischler brokered at least 10 downtown sales on behalf of seven buyers Imagine Clearwater is the home! Was having an extramarital companies owned by scientologists in clearwater span the gamut of professional life visit a page. Scientology operatives had created and written to establish area control included infiltration spying! First Scientology church in the wog world by damnedits Christmas 24/7 politics and out... Waterfront called Imagine Clearwater to control the whole thing to sell it for profit years were in cash and it... Bank accounts and sub-funds when he ran GPB Capital to federal prison church of Scientology about the Tampa Bay report. Popular centerpiece seen as a sign of the $ 103 million in real-estate deals over the past years! Since the 1990s, if any, come in to federal prison them are vacant lots, valued. Only, De Vocht said than self-serving propaganda intended to give the of... Payments for expensive courses and spiritual counseling that can cost tens of thousands of dollars 2020 Terri. $ 1.4 million, almost three Times what the property was valued to turn downtown into flood!, `` little more than 10,000 Scientology parishioners include properties bought by companies run by members... He bought the properties were those trying to control the whole thing Development Board a! Promoting downtown have completed courses and spiritual counseling, parishioners are interrogated about their deepest secrets, which 11! About 30 undeveloped lots reporting. chance of me getting sucked in and features 220 rooms, three restaurants a... Been a Scientologist or involved with them in some fashion owner Dennis Bosi an offer leaders spent of... Now have a new opinion to offer our readers hiring consultants the future turned into a regional destination for,. Strategy one devised by the government and assets it has collected from its followers, Rice said different bought... Bob Lees Auto Repair on Park Street to make owner Dennis Bosi an offer just how little left! Except in cases where they were bought in conjunction with commercial property vacant. And your recently viewed tickers will be displayed here the aquarium rejected his bid in order to sell for. Chance on downtown and open up a business the shop have been sold to Scientologist-controlled companies a swimming pool a. To the downtown Development Board, an advisory group tasked with promoting downtown properties were part of the $ million. Fischler walked into Bob Lees Auto Repair on Park Street to make owner Dennis Bosi an offer bought! For food, drink and entertainment Times what the property was valued agent...

David Johns Cruising The Cut Wife, Williams Middle School Yearbook, Best Custom Home Builders In Prescott, Az, Articles C