NewsTampa Bay TimesAugust 14, 2026Hillsborough
Clearwater Strong political committee linked to Scientology-connected donors
A political committee called Clearwater Strong, which has funded campaign mailers for Clearwater City Council candidate Jared Leone, received nearly all of its $70,100 in funding from organizations linked to donors with ties to the Church of Scientology. The Tampa Bay Times reports that the committee's money originated from three Miami-based groups that received $89,000 from nine individuals associated with the church shortly before Clearwater Strong was formed.
Clearwater City CouncilPolitical Action CommitteesChurch of ScientologyCampaign FinanceLocal Elections
Read the full story at Tampa Bay Times Why It Matters
The report highlights how political committees can obscure the original sources of campaign funding in local nonpartisan races, potentially influencing the Clearwater City Council election.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
personMike Mannino“Withdrew endorsement of Bianca Latvala”organizationChurch of Scientology“Religious organization with headquarters in Clearwater”personChristian Ulvert“Chair of the three Miami-based committees funding Clearwater Strong”personBianca Latvala“Clearwater City Council candidate and opponent of Jared Leone”personBrooks Gibbs“Resident who investigated the committee's funding sources”personJared Leone“Clearwater City Council candidate supported by Clearwater Strong PC”personChris Latvala“Husband of Bianca Latvala who investigated Clearwater Strong's funding”organizationClearwater Strong PC“Committee funding mailers for Jared Leone”personTom Cummins“Businessperson and major donor to the church who gave $50,000 to the Miami commi”personSarah Heller“Scientology spokesperson who stated the church is not involved in the election”