Good for Travis!

Keep up the good work Travis !

Idiots don't like facts :)

Good luck Travis. It would be interesting to see how many business owners are like you.

At least you are paying your taxes are the bunesses of Scientoloy paying local taxes or are they using the church clause to get around paying taxes. Good for U. Ray ;Tax payer. Retired.

I think this is great. Frankly, I normally stay away from downtown businesses because I am so Anti Scion!
I would love it if everyone in that area had signs up. I personally do not want one thin dime of my money to go to that evil entity of space cootie carrying crazies.

I'm glad this is being done. The church of scientology is an abomination and more people need to stand up to it. Perhaps this could be the beginning of the renewal of down town Clearwater.

Should the cultists whine about discrimination, do not let them forget the signs they all put up in 2008.

NO ANONYMOUS. Remember?

This is a beautiful, CLEAN spa with GREAT pricing! What a change from the Scientology-owned spa I used to go to because I want to support my local businesses. My hair style was corrected by a professional who knows what she is doing when it comes to cutting and treating hair. The fact this business is not owned by a Scientologist is icing on the cake. The more I learn about the dealings of this organization and the people who are sucked into it, the more I close the door to them. They walk along the streets of downtown Clearwater like anyone not in one of their uniforms is a worthless p.o.s. They don't make eye contact with anyone...they don't smile...they don't say "pardon me" or show others ANY courtesy when they barge in front of them as they scurry to their next brain-washing session...they are remote zombies. I used to laugh at those who called Scientology a cult...I'm not laughing any more...not after moving to downtown Clearwater and seeing what they truly are.

Speaking of signs...what about the cameras the "church" has put up on public property (parks) in Clearwater? Normal citizens have absolutely NO need for them.

I hope you quickly get those 15 other business owners! This sentence is really the heart of the matter, isn't it: “It would have to be a unified effort because people are afraid.” Any "church" that inspires fear in the public based on that churches historic and present activities and member behavior is no church.

There should be a non-Scientologist sign in every business owned by a normal person. No business owner should be afraid to stand up to Scientology.

Clearwater is absolutely one of my most favorite places to visit. I was raised in Ft. Lauderdale, then lived in Orlando for 4 years after high school. Also lived in San Jose CA before moving back here to Southwestern Indiana. I'm strongly considering buying a vacation home in the Clearwater Beach area. I NEVER knew until "TomKAT" got their divorce that Scientology and it's followers were so abundant there. I feel like I've been living under a rock.... maybe I'll give Tampa another look...

Thanks for all the support. I just finished interviews with ABC and NBC that will air tonight. NBC plans to do a live broadcast at 6.

The website is under construction, but is located at www.clearwatersbc.org

How long until the donation link is working??? I would be glad to make a donation to help take back our downtown.

Good job Travis! As someone who lost a family member to the "church" of Scientology and is well aware of their human rights abuses, I refuse to support any company that donates to this group. I go out of my way to support non-Scientology businesses- your idea makes it much easier for me to do that

This is a bad sign. What if someone put a sign up that said "We're not Jehovah's Witness" or "We're not Mormon". Why not make all the Scientologists tatoo a Scientology symbol onto their forehead? Would you feel better?

Travis... I have donated and I am passing the word to everyone I know. We come down to the area every winter (ya I'm a snobird!) and until I started researching Scientology I had NO IDEA what had happened. Hopefully these donations will get you both the exposure and additional businesses needed to make this happen. You have a LOT of support on this, believe me, it is being watched very closely!

Said it on the last article (I think?) but I still agree this is such a great idea. If the city government isn't willing to step in and do something about stopping Scientology from driving everyone out of downtown Clearwater, the residents will just have to do something about it themselves. After all, we've already learned the Mayor's office's idea on how to bring business back to downtown is to just renovate Cleveland Street a few dozen times. People don't avoid downtown because they think it needs more palm trees. People avoid downtown because they get treated like second-class citizens by Scientology.

Scientology BAD. Entrepeneurs GOOD. PERIOD.

We need to have a vibrant active downtown. The cult is blocking that by design. Time for the citizens and business owners to step up to the task. There are too many empty storefronts on Cleveland Street. There are plenty of willing investors out there. But. They are scared away by the rich and powerful perception of The Cult.

Yes and our taxes paid for the several renovations of Cleveland Street and it is a shame that the citizens are revolted by the character of it, not the beauty. Oh sure they attend Coachman Park for an event. With businesses having signs it will make the area more interesting, safe and that will lead to business.

Unfortunately, "high ranking church" members own those storefronts. The ones in the 600 block of Cleveland Street look like they belong in a ghetto...yet the owner lives in a swanky condo building in the same block. He's a "high ranking church memberl".

I believe it and agree, ghetto looking. Some other buildings, I hear that they are charging enormous rents and waiting for the to scio's to rent. So they are just money hungry too it seems. T'would be nice if the city got after all these landlords with empty space and make them look even better than they have. They do it at malls. Someone must be in charge and have some power, no? LOL, sorry!

You would have my business absolutely if I lived there. This is a great idea and a way for the unsuspecting public not to give $cientology any money. I applaud your efforts. Stay strong!

I miss downtown Clearwater, growing up here and having a family owned business in Dunedin since 1947 I can clearly remember walking the streets, taking the bus, sitting on park benches and being amazed at the cool old hotel. I'm not sure the sign is the answer but I understand the frustration. To not understand it would just be kidding yourself. This is a much bigger problem than just here. Because of the way the law has been changed starting in the 50's it has allowed this kind of activity to grow. I can see a Church not having to pay property tax on a main building like a chapel or worship area but that's it. If it's not a public school then pony up. Our laws breed loopholes and until they are changed all the signs in the world wont change that. Stop the money and you will alter the outcome. Some churches will not like this but it does keep a religion separate from Government favors like exemptions etc. If I were to start a religion I would not want to be beholden to anyone or any city, state or government for giving me any kind of break/status. The reason a church like this can grow and take over a city is because as they get more and more property the city grow weaker and weaker till the city ends up depending on the church. Scientology is a good example of that regardless of your like/dislike of their doctrine. I don't have all the answers but if something is not done soon we might as well rename Clearwater, L. Ron Hubbardville!

McLovin I know I know, I was just saying that because it would be helpful if they could not point their finger at other large churches that are major land/building owners and say if they get it we should too. If you take the bullet outta the gun the gun wont fire. Unlike other churches that don't abuse the law they would go under faster than you can say L Ron Hubbard! lol I doubt their status will ever get revoked. Which is another thing that should be updated. It should be hard to get that status and easy to lose. Right now it's easy to get and hard to lose.

I guess that is where I have the problem... just the fact that they are operating under the facade of a religion. You obviously know where I am coming from so I won't belabor these comments with more frustration :-) As I said before, my hope is this opens folks eyes to the reality....

All they have to do is ride down the street and see the flood of uniforms, reminds me of the movie Body Snatchers lol just keep your eyes down and show no emotion lol

BUMP LOL!

You CAN change things, but it won't be easy to find candidates who are openly critical of Scientology's behavior in Clearwater. You can't elect idiots who buy into the "New era of understanding" garbage, because the cult won't change. It will always lie, cheat and steal behind the guise of a nice "business casual" rep with a smile and a load of glossy brochures about how great they are.

You need another Gabe Cazares. Or possibly a Senator Xenophon.

Thanks to the help of Clearwater Patch, ABC 28, and NBC 8, The Clearwater Small Business Coalition, Inc., has already received enough donations through the website to pay for most of the expenses of setting this thing up and the printing of the signs. What ever we don't collect in donations, I'll pay for personally. Although I can't be specific due to the confidentiality of the other interest businesses, we only need 8-12 more to sign up and we will reach the magic 30 number and put this plan into action. Be sure to spread the word to any local business owners and tell them to go to www.ClearwaterSBC.org to sign up. As I stated in the interviews, I will not release the names of any businesses involved until we reach 30 as there is strength and security in numbers.

I am new to the Clearwater area and often go to Starbucks downtown since I live very close, thinking well at least I'm not giving $ to scientology (OK so I know giving $ to Starbucks is not the best either, but...) Anyways, now I find out it's part of a scientology owned building. Does anyone know if non-obvious (suit wearing) scientologists are also the ones working/ hanging out at that spot or is it just your everyday "normal weirdos" like me?

The problem lies not within COS but within the law. Simple solution always seem to escape our leaders. Like going for sales tax instead of property tax. The city relies on it but when org's get a free pass they can, will and do take advantage of it. Switch to a sales tax and have no exemptions no free passes and you will anyone and everyone pay an even percent of what they can afford instead of having other dictate what we should pay. You would control it by what you buy. In the end the field would level.

Dear Travis,
As you probably are aware, when Scientology is challenged it resorts to stupid stuff like posing as an adult book store calling to tell your wife your order is in.
http://www.vyuz.com/100306_cos1.php

Please let us know of any harassment, no matter how small, over at whyweprotest.net where Project Chanology can be found. Tell everyone to be aware of the possibility and tell them we want your harassment reports.

I also emailed you some security measures based on years of experience with these jerks here in California. Learn them, live them, be them! And share them!

Dude, try to avoid mentioning weapons. Cult has used that against some of us in the past to stir up unwanted trouble with LEO.

The "you're going to cause someone to blow up the church" is an old, old theme they've tried to impose against Anonymous, portraying them as "terrorists." Strangely, in the past 4 years, the only violence during our protests has come from the cult.

Most important, you and your fellow participants in this must absolutely keep a log, recording any and all curious incidents. This could be useful for LEO later on. And don't forget to let us know, too! You don't need to register to post on our forums. Anonymous is a handy thing to have on your side.

Take away the funding and the project will die on it's own. Stop watering the plant and it will wither. Simple easy solutions. COS has spent years perfecting it's defenses, while a sign may feel good and catch a laugh it will not solve the problem. Cut off the money! I have nothing against any religion, most of them don't take advantage of the loop holes in the laws, but the bigger they have gotten over the past 2000 years the greedier they get. COS will not be happy till it consumes all of Clearwater and then it will move onto Tampa Bay. Is this bad for them. No. It's within the law. So change the law! Cut off the money, cut off the tax breaks, cut off the tax exemptions. Any Church that is taking advantage of the law will not survive without it! The Churches that are honest, caring and have true sense of helping those in need wont miss a beat.

Yes that too will help! I'm just saying not to focus on core religious beliefs because that can be turned around on all of us. Focus on the law. Btw where do I join?

imominous totally agree with this.... if you take religion out of the equation, there is no where to hide. See: Catholic church priest abuses.....

Amen!

What a beautiful Salon you have. Your lovely wife gave me, and will give others I'm sure, a nice tour. You will be the place for my next beauty step. Thank you for the brochure showing excellent prices for all pocketbooks.
I was happy to see that you had much more parking in the rear of the building off the street behind.

Never heard of the place. Wonder how Tonys Pizza and Starbucks and Cleveland St Cafe and The Capital Theatre feel about your claim, duh!

Lived in Clearwater 20 years, Scientology everywhere. As long as they don't bother me......I won't bother them. Businesses are businesses all should welcome PAYING customers. If posting a sign brings more business GREAT!

But Tony, they DO "bother you," every time they talk some idiot politician into spending money that would be better used elsewhere. Like downtown, all pimped up on your dime, benefits nobody but the cult. Does that not bother you?

Tony...what bothers me is this. I am a friendly person; I was raised to "live and let live...each individual is on his/her own journey". I love downtown Clearwater; I love walking to wherever I want to go, whether it's to the library, a restaurant, or to a park to enjoy the day. What I don't like...and what I find extremely annoying...is people barging in front of me without regard to where I'm walking and not having the DECENCY to say, "Excuse me" or showing they were sorry for their rude behavior. When driving, I think it's really ignorant of these people to simply step off a curb in front of me, expecting me to stop...like it's their Xenu-given right to have others bow to them because they are so "enlightened" and the rest of us are lowly peons who haven't a clue what's really going on in this world. I watch this happen time and again, even when I'm not driving. I believe Florida's law states that drivers will yield and stop for pedestrians in legitimate crosswalks. It doesn't not state one must yield to illegal jaywalkers who have their heads in the clouds.

At imominous...I appreciate your dialog; but I must interject that one of the reasons we purchased a home in Clearwater was because Cleveland Street has been spruced up. The politicians need to get on the slumlords who do nothing to improve the buildings they own, like those in the 600 block of Cleveland Street. If the guy can't afford to improve them, he needs to sell them to someone who can and will.

PS - Tony, I am obviously referring to the rude Scientologists that have no regard for anyone except themselves.

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful comments and strong opinions. Has everyone seen Jack Mortimer's blog post about downtown revitalization? http://clearwater.patch.com/blog_posts/downtown-on-the-rise

You're all welcome to weigh in with your own blog - we want to hear your thoughts! http://clearwater.patch.com/blog/apply

As a tax paying resident of Clearwater I object to more public funds going into downtown. It is pretty enough now. If it can't fill those empty stores now, there's something else the matter. Scientology may be at least part of the problem, but it may even be more than that.
Instead lets look at where the potential lies. Drew street is getting pretty run down, but there are people living near it, and if it were a more interesting place to shop and dine, it could be easily accessed by people living in other areas of the county, north and south. Keene Rd makes it accessible. Also, once people started coming that far they might even venture to downtown.
There are already some little. Restaurants and food shops that cater to Mexican and other cultures. Wouldn't it be interesting to see an area in Pinellas county that had a multicultural flavor, sort of like tarpon Springs but with more cultures represented. You could dine at little outdoor restaurants, visit outdoor markets, buy specialty items, etc.
the City seems locked into an outdated vision. Why not think creatively? Instead of trying to make something work that hasn't, look at what is ready for improvement before we lose that, too.

I just finished another interview with CBS channel 10. It will air tonight at 6pm.

Mr. Wilkinson,
You are indeed a bigot! Religion does not deter customers for your day spa.
It is the business that you offer with your racist ways,discriminating against others.

By your statement it's very obvious that you don't understand the issue at all. OR that you are a bigot and racist discriminating against others. Most likely since you use the anonymous name, you are a troll by your chosen words.

I totally agree with DeElizabethan. Anonymous is the only bigot here.

http://www.wtsp.com/news/topstories/article/278745/250/Business-owner-seeks-other-non-scientology-businesses


I figured the press would spin this thing at some point and they finally did. This aired tonight on the local CBS station. The reporter twisted the interview and the president of the chamber met with me after his interview (I didn't know at the time what he had said) and had a completely different attitude with me. I thought I had met two faced people in my time, but this guy really takes the cake, I guess I won't be joining the Clearwater Chamber.

Knowing the organization and how they operate, I'm sure it is absolutely true. I will look forward to the progress of this story. This is a something that needs to be open to the public, to the government of Clearwater as well as the world where their underhanded tactics prevail.

Any community with Scientologists can expect them to infest Toastmasters, fraternal organizations, COC, etc. This shouldn't surprise you. It's what they do.

A little education on how a group or a person gets these awards would be helpful to you. They are very easy. Basically ask and it's given. Cof$ knows this and how to ask. They could never be proved and are strictly PR which people are blinded by.
Yes the lower levels can provide some gain, but that gain can be found elsewhere also. If and when one learns the dangers and lies of the cult, by honestly looking, then one should stop contributing to it further. The trouble is one gets hooked on a few gains and it blinds them to all the evils perpetrated by the so called church.

I got a notice that this was posted on this dialog. I can't find it anywhere....

steve szmidt also commented on Shop Owner's Scientology Sign Leads to Business Coalition.

"What does not add up to the above comments are all the recognitions Mr Hubbard have and are receiving every year, world wide. More keys to cities, more humanitarian awards, more recognitions for crime reduction, etc., than any other person in history. I've seen my daughter go from a shy person who had problem saying thank you, to a high spirited and outgoing person who loves to help others. And yes, I'm a proud Scientologist myself. Steve"

My response: This certainly says NOTHING about your parentling skills, STEVE. Or should I say, your lack of parenting skills. My children were raised in the Episcopal Church (a REAL church) by two parents who have been happily married for 35 years now...and counting. Although they have a sound foundation in the EPISCOPAL CHURCH, my husband and I never depended on ANY church's dogma to give them the confidence or ethics they need to be good, happy confident adults. We depended solely on the love we have for each other and our belief in the one TRUE God, not some made-up alien god that a failing L. Ron Hubbard came up with out of his deluded mind. May I remind you that L. Ron Hubbard is DEAD?

Today I noticed that on the new pillar that I think Clearwater built at the corner of Gulf to Bay blvd and Court st....... The East Gateway district the gateway to downtown .....Looks like a SCIENTOLOGIST symbol was placed on it..Like a dog pissing marking its territory >>>East Gateway... Gateway to Scientology

Whats next ? A wall around this town and armed Sea Org?????