Clearwater group wants sales of public land downtown put to voters
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A community coalition formed earlier this year to counter the Church of Scientology’s attempt to purchase a public roadway in downtown Clearwater wants the City Council to seek voter approval for similar future transactions.
In the proposed ordinance by the Save the Garden group, the City Council could only vacate a public right-of-way in the Downtown Clearwater community redevelopment area if it passed in a municipal or special referendum.
For the initiative to make it to the March 11 ballot, it needs signatures from at least 10% of registered voters and to be submitted to the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections by Dec. 10.
Brooks Gibbs, a leader of Save the Garden, said the group is planning to submit its petition by the end of October and is shooting for more signatures than are required: 10 weeks, 10,000 signatures.
The group will attend all major Clearwater events, canvas houses and have stations Saturday mornings where residents can sign in support, Gibbs said.
”If Scientology wanted South Garden Avenue, it wouldn’t be decided by five council members,” Gibbs said in a video announcing the petition. “It would be decided by you, the voters. Imagine that.”
The group has made some exceptions. If a property request meets four conditions outlined in the proposed ballot initiative, it wouldn’t need a citywide vote.
The request must demonstrate a public need — such as flood mitigation, public transportation or utilities installation — and “not result in ownership transfer or exclusive use by any private or religious entity.”
Additionally, the City Council would have to approve any proposal by a supermajority vote of at least four out of five council members.
The council also would need to adopt a formal resolution with evidence that the street vacation serves “compelling public interest,” maintains or improves public access and is not associated with, or intended to benefit, a private entity.
“It’s not something we’ve received on a normal basis at all,” City Manager Jennifer Poirrier said of the ballot initiative. “We’re a neutral party. We’re not going to take a stance.”
Content retrieved from: https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2025/08/08/clearwater-church-of-scientology-garden-avenue/.
