Clearwater, Florida – City officials have voted to vacate a public street, South Garden Avenue, and transfer control to the Church of Scientology, a decision that has ignited widespread outrage among local residents. The narrow 3-2 vote on June 18 followed months of opposition and a petition signed by thousands of residents who are concerned about the religious group's expanding presence in the city.
The controversy centers on the Church of Scientology's plans to utilize the block for a large event hall named after its founder, L. Ron Hubbard. This proposal has intensified existing anxieties among residents, with many viewing it as the latest step in the Church's increasing consolidation of power and property within Clearwater. The organization reportedly owns more than 200 properties in the downtown area, a fact that has led to complaints from some locals who claim numerous buildings remain vacant, contributing to a perception of a diminished city vibrancy.
The proposed event center would be an addition to the Church's already substantial headquarters, which borders South Garden Avenue. Church representatives have stated that the permanent closure of the street would enhance the safety of the auditorium. However, a local organization named Save The Garden has emerged as a primary challenger, arguing that the acquisition is part of a larger pattern of the Church strengthening its hold on Clearwater.
During a city council meeting, downtown bar owner Tonatiuh Tello articulated the sentiment of many residents, stating, "We stand here not to discuss a street or to debate policies but to decide what Clearwater is and who it belongs to." He added, "For too long the city has been shaped by hidden hands, silent deals and the system that thrives on secrecy." Save The Garden reported having garnered over 9,000 signatures on their petition approximately two weeks prior to the vote.
Councilman Ryan Cotton, who voted in favor of the street closure, expressed a desire for unity and revitalization. "I think it's time that we find a way in our city to unite, to accept each other for our differences, to find beauty in those, to build on our commonalities and our shared interests," Cotton said. "And make Clearwater the most unbelievable, beautiful city that we all know it can be."
Earlier in the dispute, the Church of Scientology had offered $1.3 million for the street. Save The Garden countered with an offer of $1.6 million, coupled with a commitment to build a memorial for black-owned businesses that contributed to the area's development and to complete the construction in half the time proposed by the Church.
Further complicating the issue, Councilman David Allbritton, initially hesitant about the street closure, contacted Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in 2025. Allbritton sought clarification on whether the street was owned by the city or the Church. Uthmeier, whose political committee had received a $1 million donation from a Scientologist, concluded that the land beneath South Garden Avenue was likely owned by the Church. A spokesperson for Uthmeier stated that the Attorney General intervened due to concerns of First Amendment discrimination by city officials. Previously, Florida attorneys general typically avoided weighing in on local governmental matters unless requested by a majority of the body's members. Guidelines suggesting this approach were reportedly removed from the Attorney General's office website after appearing as late as November 2025. A spokesperson for Uthmeier indicated that those previous guidelines do not apply to him and that their removal was part of a website update.
