Once again dramatic scenes at the latest Clearwater City council meeting.

Mitch Roberts, CEO of EVO Entertainment, presents the entertainment complex. He deems the street vacations of Grove and Laura streets, as well as an alleyway, necessary for 400 space surface parking lot due to safety concerns for families entering the complex and opposes to raise a parking garage: “Off-site parking doesn't work for us. Tabletops don't work for us and garage parking doesn't work for us.“ https://www.youtube.com/live/jee3l5D7hxc?si=o9m74YTYi9-J3mWi&t=2024

Council members David Allbritton, Ryan Cotton and Mike Mannino are full of praise and excitement for the entertainment complex, as are countless Scientologists speaking during public comment. The actual street vacations on the agenda are mentioned circumstantially.

EVO Entertainment investing $50 million with no expense to the taxpayer will make downtown Clearwater "a destination", a place for families to stay, come back to any day of the week. Them potentially spending their money at other businesses while at it is worth the loss of public streets in the core downtown.

When Council member Lina Teixeira asks about other options for parking, Mitch Roberts makes it clear that he will walk away from the project, if his site requirements are not met: "That was negotiated at the beginning for my very first site visit and if those conditions are not met, I'm unable to make that investment. Correct."

Teixeira: "Who did you negotiate with?"

Roberts: "With my landlord, Myrtle Development."

Teixeira: "But the vacations weren't even before us to review when you had those discussions."

Roberts: "Council woman, I do not need city council approval to sign a lease."

https://www.youtube.com/live/jee3l5D7hxc?si=aGtNRN-YG9UwoMrM&t=2708

Mayor Bruce Rector points out the street vacations are not for the benefit of EVO Entertainment, but for the property owner [Myrtle Development LLC, comprised of property owned by Scientologists]: 

"The property owner can choose to have EVO Entertainment as its tenant or not. That there's a lease agreement they have to work out with EVO, but this property owner could decide at any point that they no longer want to operate it or lease it to EVO Entertainment and they could operate it for private purposes or whatever they want to do to make it a private entity." https://www.youtube.com/live/jee3l5D7hxc?si=sQQFm5WnafJIiNDD&t=13265

Rector notes that EVO Entertainment can build the center on the plot of land as is. The street vacations are just for parking and access to the facility. He doesn’t feel comfortable to have a 400 space surface parking in downtown where there is little area for housing or other developments and agrees with the city staff recommendation that erecting a parking garage would provide save access and preserve space for other development in downtown. The question remains open whether the open parking would be restricted to users of EVO Entertainment.

Council member David Allbritton demands an unanimous vote for the street vacations, banging on the table reminiscent of his performance in May. The audience filled with Scientologists claps. https://www.youtube.com/live/jee3l5D7hxc?si=MU51bcGOifxiy4rk&t=13329

[Council member David Allbritton in May: "We don't have a democracy. We have a, a democratic republic. You guys elected us to make decisions" https://www.reddit.com/user/TryingToBeExact/comments/1tlt6uc/aclu_sues_clearwater_for_throwing_out_garden/ ]

Ultimately, Allbritton, Mannino and Cotton vote for the street vacation, Teixeira and Rector vote against.

As with the last council meetings regarding street vacations requested by Scientology, access for citizens not affiliated with the church becomes a challenge.

After one hour of public comments all in support of the street vacations, the mayor asks if different opinions can be heard. The city attorney, Owen Kohler, replies: "It’s first come, first speak. First come, first serve." 

Ryan Cotton: "The last time that we had a topic like this come up, you were able to do aside for and against to get equal comment. Are we not allowed to do that now?"

Kohler: "The rule was changed a couple months ago and it's just first come first serve is how we're, you know, applying it now."

https://www.youtube.com/live/jee3l5D7hxc?si=oyXECCgPXZoGH6yP&t=7504

After a recess, the mayor asks the remaining citizens who want to speak in favor to stand up and simply voice their support in order give way to opposing comment if they feel their points have already been made. https://www.youtube.com/live/jee3l5D7hxc?si=yPLyqe0axvFdbfUY&t=8959

Despite this, some Scientologists still feel compelled to address the council. No opposing opinion has yet been heard. Eventually, a Scientologist involved with the presentation of the entertainment complex puts her foot down:

"On behalf of the Church and EVO, we would like to just address the crowd and ask them to follow your recommendation to just say support or against so that way we get through everybody and we don't continue to use all of the rest of the time." https://www.youtube.com/live/jee3l5D7hxc?si=iOS1V-4YPEF7EcEt&t=10435

Finally, opposing comments can be heard, four people make it before the council to speak against the street vacations. https://www.youtube.com/live/jee3l5D7hxc?si=84K-4y74Y8TZ0Ir4&t=10718

Highlights:

Kelly Meyer: "The most poignant is at the end of this [city] staff note, 'It should be either outright rejected or delayed because the owner is not the same on each side of the street.'"

Jill Gibbs: "What happened outside these doors today when all we wanted to do was to let our voices be heard on this topic was exceedingly disheartening. Allegedly, this isn't a Scientology project, so I'm not really sure why they worked so hard to keep us out of this meeting. I'd encourage you as a council to investigate what type of first come, first serve process is in place. I'll tell you right now, I've been here since 9:30 this morning. There is not one."

Brooks Gibbs: "This area of our downtown core has been a source of contention for decades. Decisions are often made without the citizens being aware. They get caught off guard when changes happen and justifiably get angry with this, when the city makes, makes deals with developers and the people don't have a voice in the matter. 

Our charter amendment gives voters a seat at the table as we all work together to revitalize our downtown core. 10,000 people believe that this is the best way to create a true citywide partnership. If you let the people vote to give away these streets or alleyways and a city lot for the development of a theater, they will take ownership of its success and ensure the project is successful through their patronage."

Todd Lancy: "My family and I moved here 5 years ago, excited to be in Clearwater. But what we've seen here with the council over the past five years and more recently has been embarrassing for our families and just, I've been proud to work with the Save the Garden crew over the past year and speak with residents in the city.

And you notice tonight most of the people that are speaking out tonight in favor of, of vacating the street live live here already. You want to bring more people down. The people that live outside of this downtown corridor aren't here representing. We're here to represent them. They do not want to give away any more streets. We hear it every day. Thank you."

Mark Bunker advocates against another street vacation for a development involving members of Scientology in a residential area. He uses the opportunity to criticize Scientology’s modus operandi to prevent citizens from speaking at the council meeting:

"I’m Mark Bunker and it's a pleasure speaking to you tonight at the Scientology city council meeting. You know, at least one couple contacted you all this morning to say that they weren't coming tonight because Scientology was packing the room at 8:30 this morning. That's not an accident. That's that's how they get hundreds of people out in the street for the unveiling of a..." - Mayor: "Can we speak to the agenda item?" - Bunker: "Sure." https://www.youtube.com/live/jee3l5D7hxc?si=R2FLuPG7V2u5puBf&t=14318

Before the city attorney, Owen Kohler, provides the council with direction on the referendum petition to repeal the ordinance that gave South Garden Avenue to Scientology, filed by Save The Garden the previous day, another public comment opportunity is used by citizens to criticize the council’s handling of public comment and the street vacations, despite the agenda item being designated to "topics pertaining to city business but not on the agenda." https://www.youtube.com/live/jee3l5D7hxc?si=O50XemSe9xx27YLd&t=18925

Highlights

Kelly Meyer: "How could an item be up for a vote tonight when there's no legal precedent to have a street vacation when the applicant does not own both sides of one of the streets in question. According to the Pinellas County property records, the CRA is still in possession of 103 North East Avenue, which was specified in the staff recommendations that you all have in your packets. 

And so I think the public deserves an explanation on that, maybe where that proposal is. I know it was up for sale for a certain amount of money. I believe around $800,000. And I do not believe the property has been closed on yet […]

There is no procedure for determining who is first come, first serve. I will be filing a more formal explanation. There was miscommunication. Our wonderful police officers, who've been so hospitable all day, told us where the front of the line was going to be and then it got moved to a different spot. And so many people were let in that were not at the front of the line. 

And that's what I was explaining about our first amendment right to speak. There's many people that were left outside tonight. And so it's crucial for the next meeting that's coming up to please have a process in place to determine who is first come first serve whether it's a numbering system, something, because this process is broken."

Christopher Cotton: "Do you not want us to go back to 6.2 because I'm in the same position where we weren't allowed to."

Mayor: "Right. This is for this is for items that were not on tonight's agenda and for everyone. There'll be a second reading on that agenda item."

Christopher Cotton: "But if I can't attend the second reading, that's why I'm trying to exercise this right now, Sir."

Mayor: "This agenda item is for things that weren't on tonight's agenda."

Christopher Cotton: "I’m going to go back to it anyway because it's my turn to speak. I, I apologize for being redundant here, but at the end of the day, again, you had mentioned we're talking about vacating a street. 

We're just, you know, you were talking about movie theaters you guys used to go to back in the day and Oldsmore in Tampa when we still have Clear Mall and Sunshine Mall. Both of those places were closed. Every place that you guys have mentioned, Steinmart, Pickles Plus gone. The Harborview Center is gone, where I had my prom is gone. 

I mean, are we sure this is the right place for a $50 million entertainment center? The biggest thing to hit downtown Clearwater is not going to be this $50 million theater. It's actually the Church of Scientology. It might not even get built, if, if we can't even come to an agreement on this. 

If, if he doesn't sign the lease, but hold the dots and we'll figure that. We didn't vacate properties for the Opal Sands and we didn't vacate properties for the Superpowers building. So, I'm trying to figure out why we can't build a catwalk and a garage."

Janice Basler: "There's got to be a better way, guys. People from the city can't show up at 9:00 in the morning and wait out in the hot sun and not get in. 

Your comment about 80 people speaking for the EVO Center is because you left many other people outside and many other people at home because they drive by, they see the lines, there's no place to park, they know they aren't going to get in, they aren't going to get a speaker card. 

You aren't hearing from all of your citizens because this system is broken. First come, first serve doesn't work. You got to figure out a better way. And I hope you can do it before the next two weeks. Thank you."

Finally, the city attorney, Owen Kohler, addresses the referendum petition:

https://www.youtube.com/live/jee3l5D7hxc?si=EPgtWL94yHseAGUP&t=19360

He explains that the city hired outside legal counsel after ACLU sued the City of Clearwater on behalf of Save The Garden for throwing out the first petition. Back then, the city clerk tossed 75% of the signatures collected.

The law firm argued on behalf of the city that the petition potentially violated state law as initiatives and referendum proceedings are prohibited for development orders. The court denied the motion for an injunction on other grounds and didn’t rule on whether the petition was prohibited. Save The Garden then voluntarily dismissed the case.

The law firm is of the opinion that the second petition, again, potentially violates state law for the same reason.

Kohler then lists the City’s options:

- The City verifies the signatures via the city clerk, the petition ultimately goes to a council vote, council can repeal the ordinance. If they don't appeal it, it goes to referendum. He warns that Scientology could sue the City or Save The Garden in response

- The City initiates legal action arguing that the petition violates state law, adding Save The Garden and even Scientology as a defendant if desired

- The City doesn’t process the petition saying that based on legal analysis the City believes that the petition violates state law. Then Save The Garden could initiate legal action against the city.

- The City asks state law [Florida Attorney General Uthmeier] to issue an opinion

The heated debate mostly centers around asking Uthmeier’s opinion. The city attorney seems eager to sent the request after Allbritton, Cotton and Mannino quickly agree to proceed with this option. 

The mayor curbs the enthusiasm by pointing out that the Attorney General’s opinion is not binding, that the City seems to be facing litigation either way and that there is no unanimous decision from the council to consult Uthmeier. If more than one council member wants to go forward with this, they can, but he won’t agree to send a request on behalf of the city council.

Lina Teixeira doesn’t want to split hairs whether she is named on the letter requesting the Attorney General’s opinion, she suggests to follow the procedure as outlined by the City Charter.

Since Save The Garden asked the City for the Supervisor of Elections to verify the signatures instead of the city clerk, Ryan Cotton suggests that Save The Garden pay the cost of $0.10 per signature instead of the city, David Allbritton and Mike Mannino agree. 

The mayor notes that the last petition bound resources of the city clerk’s office and it would cost the city less to pay for the supervisor of elections to verify than doing it themselves.

During public comment, citizens in support of the petition are baffled that they are asked to pay twice, since they, as taxpayers, already pay the city apparatus as is. A Scientologist asks for the state law in question to be read out loud.

The council agrees to proceed with processing the petition, grants the request to have the Supervisor of Elections verify the signatures and to have Save The Garden pay for the signature verification. They decide that Allbritton, Cotton and Mannino will be named as the requesting council members in the letter submitted to Attorney General Uthmeier.

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Save The Garden on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02ni9bygyQQmZiVcZ5VoVvcZoTRVw3ewjrDFJzpv8JGgMvjYyDZDFD1nvVo87h1hybl&id=61581558091465

News Coverage, 10 Tampa Bay News:

Clearwater residents say Scientologists are keeping them from speaking at meetings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUiaaNXY_Bs

Clearwater approves street vacation request for entertainment destination backed by Scientology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4DEdiQ0acg

Clearwater City Council gives more streets to the Church of Scientology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KE0thNhaWw

Yesterday, Save The Garden filed the petition to put the ordinance that gave South Garden Avenue to Scientology on the ballot with the city clerk.

Save The Garden: We Are Taking Back Garden Avenue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTlAWP_w8J0

Save The Garden: Take Back Garden Avenue (Full Speech) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVPUQZraqw4

https://www.savethegarden.org

According to the Clearwater City Charter, the ordinance "shall be suspended from taking effect" when a referendum petition is filed.

https://library.municode.com/fl/clearwater/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTICHRELA_SPACH_ARTVIINRERE

A Scientology spokesperson told 10 Tampa Bay News: "A petition cannot lawfully be used to undo an approval already granted for this development or halt work the City has authorized."

10 Tampa Bay News: Save The Garden submits over 10,000 signatures challenging Clearwater’s Scientology street transfer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9QwV_8Tc-M

This comes after Scientology started construction on South Garden Avenue this week, the city permit states it is for "Subsurface Investigation for Engineering Design Purposes"

10 Tampa Bay News: Garden Ave. closes for the construction of Hubbard Hall as residents in Clearwater push back https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcf1vHmmMj0 

Today, the petition will be discussed at the council meeting. Also on the agenda, three additional street vacations for the construction of Scientology’s movie theater/entertainment complex in downtown Clearwater (first reading).

https://legistar2.granicus.com/clearwater/meetings/2026/9/3153_A_City_Council_26-09-17_Meeting_Agenda.pdf

https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2026/08/21/clearwater-city-council-evo-entertainment-scientology/

Watch the city council meeting live on YouTube at 6pm.

https://www.youtube.com/@MyClearwater/streams

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0ExXcTyWK5S1oHB2SyL17t1Q9wgYtfzRk1jUTZt2Kmite5eHJtRsyQXaNZFou97uul&id=61581558091465

The signatures were pre-audited by Save The Garden, only valid signatures are counted. Collection of signatures will continue.

https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/leah-remini-rhobh-season-16-kyle-richards-erika-jayne-returning-1236829337/

Pic 1, 2 - Scientology security guards manhandling a person allegedly https://www.reddit.com/r/scientology/comments/1uricff/scientology_security_guards_manhandling_a_person/

Pic 3 - https://www.youtube.com/@AllegedlyCA/posts

Pic 4 - Lara Anderson and Nora Ames discussing the incident, "LFM TV - Emergency Live! Scientology Blue Building Security Abuse caught on video TODAY!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe79oFfaKCU&t=1s

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related posts

Aaron Smith-Levin downplays incident at Scientology’s Blue Building, "It was either a non-member trying to gain entry or a non-member just walking up and having a psychotic episode. That seems to be the most likely, the most sensible explanation for right now." Trigger warning -disturbing content https://www.reddit.com/user/TryingToBeExact/comments/1us7prc/aaron_smithlevin_downplays_incident_at/

Lara Anderson criticises Aaron Smith-Levin for talking down on Arthur, the man who filmed the incident at Big Blue where a man was held down by Scientology security guards https://www.reddit.com/user/TryingToBeExact/comments/1uube29/lara_anderson_criticises_aaron_smithlevin_for/

Mark Bunker: "Scientology Is Breaking Ground in Clearwater — And That’s the Problem" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4B52uOj_pE

Clipped segment: https://www.reddit.com/user/TryingToBeExact/comments/1vqvdy3/mark_bunker_campaign_update_the_press_release_for/

https://www.markbunker.com

The committee will have 90 days to collect approximately 7,000 valid signatures from registered Clearwater voters to challenge the ordinance through a referendum, "We are the citizens, we'll stand tall."

Tony Tello, the owner of The Nash Keys Piano Bar & Restaurant in downtown Clearwater, has retained a lawfirm to appeal to a judge to rule on who rightfully owns the land under South Garden Avenue.

Edit: The two strategies to fight the transfer of South Garden Avenue to Scientology were announced by citizens at the latest council meeting in Clearwater.

Additionally, information was given about the Scientology Organizations that own the properties west and east of South Garden Avenue, where L. Ron Hubbard Hall and the park are to be built. The ownership has the potential to mess with Scientology’s religious tax exempt status.

Watch here: https://www.reddit.com/user/TryingToBeExact/comments/1ucdox7/lawsuit_looming_over_scientologys_takeover_of/

Correction: his name is Howard "Gene" Walley. My apologies.

After a silver alert was issued in Clearwater, his daughter Reese suspects he is without proper care and locked away to avoid bad PR, "This is being watched right now by OSA and they're scrambling going, 'Oh, f*ck, we don't want that known.'" https://www.reddit.com/user/TryingToBeExact/comments/1u7act2/scientology_whale_harold_gene_walley_has/