Scientology’s Clearwater Takeover Now Includes a Massive Luxury Theater Project?

[gene]

At first glance, this new EVO Entertainment complex sounds impressive — giant premium screens, Dolby Vision and Atmos, bowling, restaurants, arcades, luxury seating, the whole “experience economy” pitch. But once you start digging into who is behind the downtown Clearwater redevelopment push, things start feeling a bit unsettling.

Scientology has been quietly buying up downtown Clearwater for decades, and many locals already feel like the area has become a strange corporate-religious bubble with empty storefronts, propaganda centers, and very little authentic community life left. Now there’s a flashy entertainment Megaplex tied to the same redevelopment ecosystem, which raises an obvious question: is this really about revitalizing Clearwater for residents, or creating an even bigger Scientology-controlled destination?

Curious what everyone thinks. Is this a good thing for the city, or does the Scientology connection completely change the conversation?

Read: Scientology Tied To EVO Entertainment’s Dolby Vision & Atmos EVX Theaters?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I've been in Clearwater before and after the Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010. This so-called "church" of scientology, or as it should be called, the cult of scientology, is apparently rapidly expanding in the area. It's a shame that such a nice area has been destroyed by not one, but two manmade disasters.

 

[highfigh]

I've been in Clearwater before and after the Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010. This so-called "church" of scientology, or as it should be called, the cult of scientology, is apparently rapidly expanding in the area. It's a shame that such a nice area has been destroyed by not one, but two manmade disasters.

I have to wonder why people would be attracted to this kind of organization (can't call it 'religion') just because so many 'stars' are involved.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I have to wonder why people would be attracted to this kind of organization (can't call it 'religion') just because so many 'stars' are involved.

Why do people join any cults? same reasons here

 

[Eppie]

The U.S. government failed big time when they caved in and gave Scientology religious status. That never should have happened. It's nothing more than a tax haven disguised as a religion. Plenty of good documentaries out there showing the true nature of the organization. Unfortunately it's grown too big and powerful to ever loose its religious designation. Sad to hear that Clearwater is being affected in that way.

 

[gene]

The U.S. government failed big time when they caved in and gave Scientology religious status. That never should have happened. It's nothing more than a tax haven disguised as a religion. Plenty of good documentaries out there showing the true nature of the organization. Unfortunately it's grown too big and powerful to ever loose its religious designation. Sad to hear that Clearwater is being affected in that way.

Agreed. It's completely ridiculous.

 

[lovinthehd]

As far as religions go, it's just newer. Well-monied, though and tax free status certainly doesn't hurt. Never cared for that bunch of loons, tho. OTOH, it is Florida.

 

[TankTop5]

Wild religion where wealth equals good.

I was in auto sales for many years and many dealer groups use Grant Cardone (the church’s hatchet man) sales training. Some went so far as to record phone calls and grade people on how well they follow the phone scripts. If you weren’t following the phone script at all, you were not allowed to answer the phones.

 

[Sal1950]

Scientology BLAH, I refuse to have anything to do with the CULT of Scientology and any business they own or are affiliated with. They brainwash potential members and children, destroy family's.