Clearwater left in the dark on Scientology-linked entertainment project

Public messaging has left many Clearwater residents believing a $50 million downtown entertainment project is already a done deal, even as city officials say they do not know who is leading it or how it would move forward.

City leaders said the project, described as an EVO Entertainment complex with dining and attractions, has not entered development review, has not been approved by the City Council and has not been submitted with a formal proposal outlining ownership or next steps.

The messaging contrasts with public statements from project backers, who said demolition is underway and described the development as entering an “active construction phase” as the site is cleared for what they call a future $50 million entertainment destination.

A Cleveland Street Alliance promotional video describes the EVO Entertainment project as “a reality,” even as Clearwater officials say it has not entered formal review or received approvals.

The plan is tied to broader redevelopment concepts involving downtown Clearwater properties linked to the Church of Scientology and the Cleveland Street Alliance.

“The volume and persistent messaging suggest a level of certainty that just isn’t there,” Councilmember Lina Teixeira said during Monday’s City Council workshop. “None of the required reviews, land acquisitions, vacations and approvals have been done.”

Mayor Bruce Rector said he does not know who is leading the effort or how the parties involved are connected.

“I would very much like to get to the bottom of who’s playing what role here,” Rector said. “No one has explained how all these entities are involved together, who’s leading and who’s not leading this.”

Those entities include Cleveland Street Alliance LLC, which has promoted the redevelopment effort, the Church of Scientology’s Flag organization, EVO’s parent company Elevate Entertainment Group and a separate property-owning LLC tied to the proposed site. Rector said the city has not received a clear explanation of how those groups relate to one another or who is responsible for advancing the project.

Developers have promoted the project through advertising, press releases and social media before entering the city’s review process, prompting questions from residents about whether approvals were granted outside public channels.

“Was this a backdoor deal? Because they’re saying it’s happening,” Teixeira said, describing questions from constituents. “So, did you give away that road that I use every day? What about that other road? What about the parcel?”

“The perception is it is a done deal,” she said. “All I’m asking is for clarity and responsible verbiage because it is not a done deal.”

Councilmember Ryan Cotton pushed back on criticism of the project and cautioned against discouraging interest before more details are known.

“When you have a large theater group and Dolby Digital Atmos championing something that’s going to be put into downtown Clearwater, you have to champion it,” Cotton said.

“We don’t know, but we’re going to find out more facts,” he added. “We need to remember that as elected officials, our words matter.”

City officials plan to hold a public work session to bring developers and stakeholders together to explain the proposal and answer questions.

“Let’s have them come in and tell us what’s happening and be more public-facing about it, because it needs to be reviewed,” Councilmember David Allbritton said.

Until then, the project remains a proposal without approvals or a defined path forward, even as public messaging continues to suggest otherwise.

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