r/ClearwaterFl

https://www.wsj.com/us-news/locals-are-clashing-with-scientologists-over-the-future-of-this-florida-downtown-4f438234

"...we wanted to remind the people of Clearwater what they’re dealing with as once again their political leaders are caving to the Church of Scientology, pretending that this is a legitimate organization that means what it says. We figure it’s best if they heard directly from Scientology’s founder himself.

As I started my trek to Coachman Park on July 3rd, the sun was beating down on the sidewalk. It was 5 PM—the hottest part of the day—and a light rain began to fall. I figured it wouldn’t last long. Once I found a good spot in the park, I sat down and watched everyone coming and going.

It was a great atmosphere. Families were laughing and interacting, people were walking their dogs, and crowds moved between vendors and carnival games. I stayed until around 10 PM when the laser show ended. I was thoroughly impressed with the whole evening. I knew they were saving the big fireworks for the actual Fourth, so I headed home happy.

On my walk back, though, I started noticing piles of water bottles, Gatorade bottles, beer bottles, and cans scattered everywhere. It was disheartening to see such a beautiful park trashed like that. The park did an excellent job placing trash cans every 200 feet or so, yet many people couldn’t be bothered to use them.

The next day, July 4th, I woke up around 3 PM (after sleeping in). I packed smarter this time after learning from the night before: a thick blanket, a large water jug, and my camping bug zapper. Bugs had been harassing people on the 3rd, so I came prepared.

My dog and I arrived at the park around 5:30 PM and claimed a nice spot on the hill overlooking Clearwater Sound. We enjoyed the talent show inside the park and the music coming from the amphitheater behind us, along with other events, games, and small rides.

Kids dragged their parents around to enjoy the festivities for America’s 250th birthday. I was especially excited for the fireworks—this was my first year in five living in Clearwater that I was off work and able to catch a big display. After reading reviews and articles, I chose Coachman Park because it was supposed to have the largest show in the Bay area.

The talent show ended as the sun started to set. TL Jentgens gave a fantastic performance, getting the crowd to sing along to classics like “Sweet Caroline.” The hill filled up quickly as people claimed their spots. In the distance, we could see small fireworks going off over Clearwater Beach from private parties.

By 9 PM, the crowd was packed in tight—people were just inches from my blanket. The couple behind me kept inching closer after noticing my bug zapper (which created a solid no-bug zone within about 20 feet). As the first warning shot went off, people rushed back to their spots.

Right as the fireworks began, a loud buzzing drone started circling the park, followed by a low-flying propeller plane. It was distracting and aggravating for my tinnitus. My dog loved watching the fireworks at first, but soon went back to people-watching.

The show itself was only about 15 minutes long. Afterward, they played the National Anthem softly. Half the crowd immediately started packing up and talking, completely ignoring it. I’m not particularly patriotic (I don’t even own an American flag), but I still stood respectfully. It disappointed me that so many people didn’t.

After the anthem, the silent disco started up again. The event was listed as running until 11 PM, so I stayed and played with my dog as the crowd thinned out. The positive vibes from those who remained were nice.

While people-watching and playing with my dog, I noticed a guy suddenly run to a bush and clamber into the weeds. Moments later, a woman with her camera and flashlight sprinted toward him. Their argument erupted—he claimed he was just using the bathroom because he had to go and the facilities were locked. She said she had the whole thing on video. He tried to snatch her phone, but her friends showed up. He eventually walked away still defending himself.

Around 10:15 PM, a security guard approached me and aggressively told me the park was closing. I was confused since the event was supposed to go until 11, but everyone else started leaving, so I packed up my blanket, chair, and dog toys.

On the walk back to my car, the trash situation was even worse—bottles, cans, and plates everywhere. It was a huge letdown. The park and organizers had placed plenty of trash cans, but many people left the place looking like a disaster zone.

The walk downtown was smooth thanks to police directing traffic well for pedestrians. However, many businesses looked like a regular weekday night and were already closing by 11 PM. Not as lively as I expected for a Saturday on Fourth of July weekend.

Back home, I checked social media and saw friends’ posts from Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, and Lakeland. Their fireworks shows were noticeably bigger, longer, and better synchronized with music. Clearwater’s was professional quality but felt mid-tier by comparison.

Overall Scores (out of 5 Body Thetans):

Crowd Reactions/Energy: 3/5 (Great during the talent show and family time, but the lack of respect during the National Anthem was disappointing)

Walkabout/Activities: 5/5 (Lots to do while waiting and its wheelchair-friendly paths, vendors, games, and rides made it easy and fun)

**Cleanliness: 2/5 (**The bush incident plus trash everywhere showed poor planning or follow-through. A simple 5 person team to walk the grounds and pick up trash would have triggered more people to pick up their trash. Also who locks bathrooms before the event is over?)

Fireworks Show: 3/5 (Solid but short, not very creative, and smaller than shows in Tampa and St. Pete)

Total: 13/20 Body Thetans (The city *cough church of scientology cough* could really look at the issues and see what can be done for next year. The bathroom issue was of some concern. The lack of trash collection during the event is a serious oversight.)

If you live nearby, it’s still worth going for the atmosphere, music, and family-friendly vibe—especially if you just want a relaxed local celebration. But the short fireworks, early closing, trash issues, and other incidents left me wanting more. I won't be back next year and look forwards to the shows elsewhere.

I am coming from out of state for a summer camp for my kids at the Clearwater aquarium. I have tentatively booked out the Courtyard. However, I am thinking it would be more economical to get a hotel with breakfast . That leaves the residence inn or Springhill suites. What are your thoughts on these hotels? We are not renting a car so we will have to use the trolley to get around. We will also be packing lunches and having some meals in the room. So many of these hotels just have a cooling fridge in the room and not a real fridge. Thanks.

Am moving to the area to be closer to family. What are some of the best country clubs in area within 30 mins of Clearwater?

I’m pretty social and a decent golfer.

Anyone have any insights on clubs/waitlist/initiation amounts?

TIA!

Looking to buy a new car nothing fancy looking at Toyota/honda/hyundai something that’s gonna last. Looking for recs for awesome car dealerships in pinellas county that won’t talk me into something I don’t need

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Please check on your loved ones and their pets.

Hey guys, I’m in town this weekend and looking for the best place to view the fireworks tonight. I’m looking at pier 60? Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thank you

thanks in advance!

I just graduated from college a couple months ago and had an idea this week...

What if I moved from PA to FL and found work on a charter as a first mate or something along those lines?

I'm fortunate enough that I can take some time off before starting a full-time job and, given that I've fallen in love with fishing over the past couple years, I thought why not look into doing a post-grad side quest for 6mo-1yr? Although besides my desire to learn and genuine love for being outside and on the water, I have no clue where to start, or even if I should. Who should I contact? What/where should I look for? Can anyone give me any advice?

I wouldn't be surprised if this idea as a whole ends up being a complete shot in the dark, but I figured why not take advantage of the time I have now to be adventurous and pursue something I'm passionate about. If anyone has any advice or contacts I would greatly appreciate it!

I just have to say, I love this place. I live in East Tennessee, and I've always considered it to be a little slice of heaven, but I'm very jealous of anyone that gets to live here full time lol. It's probably my favorite beach I've ever been to. I really enjoyed Tybee Island as well, it has a very similar "small" beach town next to a big city vibe. The beach is okay, but I prefer the gulf side.

My kids are already asking to come back next year. My wife and I prefer to try some place new every year, but we might have found our spot lol.

Y'all have a 10/10 area!

Hi everyone! Does anyone here go to the LA Fitness on gulf to bay? If so send me a DM I go often and would like someone to talk to every once in a while. Have a great day and enjoy the 4th! 38 M

Where do the singles enjoy to hangout and mingle?

Florida native but unfamiliar with the area. My wife works in Dunedin and we were wondering if it’d be better to park at her work and uber from there or park somewhere near the venue?

We would like to know how is flood situation there please . Planning to stay Dunedin Florida. I don’t want make wrong move on cross country move .