POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsWMNF Tampa Community RadioAugust 28, 2026Hillsborough

Clearwater city officials consider transferring Garden Avenue to the Church of Scientology

City officials are moving toward a proposal to transfer ownership of a portion of Garden Avenue in downtown Clearwater to the Church of Scientology. A local advocacy group, Save The Garden, is actively opposing the potential handover of the public street.

land useurban planningreligious organizationspublic property
Read the full story at WMNF Tampa Community Radio

Why It Matters

The decision involves the privatization of public infrastructure in downtown Clearwater, which could alter traffic patterns and public access to the area.

Key Facts

  • Clearwater city officials are considering a proposal to hand over a portion of Garden Avenue to the Church of Scientology.
  • The Church of Scientology currently owns a significant portion of downtown Clearwater property.
  • The advocacy group 'Save The Garden' is organizing a challenge against the proposed street transfer.
  • The proposal has been under discussion since the summer.

Who's Mentioned

organizationWMNF 88.5 FM“The news outlet reporting the story.”organizationSave The Garden“Advocacy group opposing the road handover”locationClearwater“The city where the property transfer is being considered.”organizationChurch of Scientology“Organization planning to build L. Ron Hubbard Hall”other7,000“Number of signatures collected by Save The Garden”personBrooks Gibbs“Director of Save The Garden”personMark Bunker“Clearwater City Council Seat 5 candidate”organizationCity of Clearwater“Local government body deciding on road vacation”personDeSantis“Governor associated with Hope Florida organization”personSam Wilson“Clearwater City Council Seat 5 candidate”locationGarden Avenue“The specific public street proposed for transfer.”