Proof Scientology Has Destroyed Downtown Clearwater

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  • čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
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    #scientology #fraud #truecrime

Komentáře • 935

  • @Dr_Turk_in_Texas
    @Dr_Turk_in_Texas Před 8 měsíci +484

    Scientology - Clearing the planet, one downtown at a time.

    • @MegandLuna
      @MegandLuna Před 8 měsíci +15

      Priceless

    • @Sahuaro_Christmas
      @Sahuaro_Christmas Před 8 měsíci +13

      Clever.

    • @shelleykapp9637
      @shelleykapp9637 Před 8 měsíci +11

      Brilliant 😂❤

    • @Snoozeroni
      @Snoozeroni Před 8 měsíci +11

      Smith-Levin & Streets… Taking back one town at a time! ✌🏼😎✌🏼 Get it ya’ll!!! I may be looking for property down there in the near future 🤗

    • @theelletrain4775
      @theelletrain4775 Před 8 měsíci +7

      It’s funny cuz it’s true!

  • @petgranny194
    @petgranny194 Před 8 měsíci +152

    What a shame - on so many levels... Shame on Clearwater City Council for supporting this destruction.

    • @nltaylor9570
      @nltaylor9570 Před 8 měsíci +3

      Right!?! 🤦🏻‍♀️

    • @mortalclown3812
      @mortalclown3812 Před 8 měsíci +3

      Look, I don't want to be one of those histrionic YT commentators, but what the actual...!?
      This is both infuriating and heartbreaking. It was the coolest little place once.
      All those livelihoods - all the fun people could be having.
      So wish there was something we could do.

    • @papishampoo5235
      @papishampoo5235 Před 8 měsíci +2

      They don’t care. Scientology is paying them.

    • @tylercook5130
      @tylercook5130 Před 3 měsíci

      Shame on the Gov for letting them traffick but that's what they do, department of commerce? Literal animal traffickers, Scientology? Human traffickers, music industry sucks ur music of its sauce and puts it on someone else's record so they can groom or do wild sh

    • @Quran01264
      @Quran01264 Před 22 dny

      Wait until Islam comes, you’ll be begging for Scientology.
      Besides I don’t think this is because of Scientology but more due to the government not investing in infrastructure and what not.

  • @GamingSaturnMoonManBoy
    @GamingSaturnMoonManBoy Před 8 měsíci +168

    I went to Florida for Vacation in 2017 and me and my family went to Clearwater to go to the aquarium and I see this huge building and I thought it was an expensive hotel and then I see these people in navy blue uniforms and my Mom figured it out and said it was the church of Scientology and I was like “WHAT!” and I just started laughing out of shock and quoted Stan from South Park saying “DAD TOM CRUISE WONT COME OUT OF THE CLOSET!” It was bizzare

    • @harvest44492
      @harvest44492 Před 8 měsíci +30

      I remember, i think i was 12, i was on the Hollywood walk of fame and me and my parents came across the scientology bookstore building, and I just went up to one of the recruiters and started quoting Lancaster Dodd from the master to them. Zero reaction from them but i got pulled away by my folks and they told me never to speak to those people again. I already knew about scientology being a cult but my Dad told me about the Billion year contract 😭 it shook me to my core. I was so much more grateful for the freedom I had after all that 😭😭😭

    • @Kreepyb5
      @Kreepyb5 Před 8 měsíci +4

      Hahahaaaa✌️😂😂

    • @auntisthenes2754
      @auntisthenes2754 Před 8 měsíci

      @@harvest44492 What freedom, though ? Sceintology back then had people barely older than you arrested by the FBI for DDos attacks that had them miffed. much more than protesters against disconnection and sectarian practices very much allowed. There is something rotten in the Kingdom of America..then again, it always has been rotten to the core under a Dream...which is a nightmare for minorities.

    • @AJ-yw7hf
      @AJ-yw7hf Před 6 měsíci +1

      They must only call it a "church" to get tax exemption! I think it's such a LIE that they use a symbol that looks like a cross of Jesus! What are they doing using a cross when their organization is not about Jesus? Don't you think that them using a cross is a bold-faced LIE? It is. A cult that reminds you of scammers. Sad & destructive to people's lives. People at the top filling their own wallets off of the virtual slavery of people under them. Heartbreaking.

    • @JeffreyJackson-dream75
      @JeffreyJackson-dream75 Před 5 měsíci +1

      They have to go

  • @TotallyNotDrea
    @TotallyNotDrea Před 8 měsíci +212

    Love this! Being a clearwater resident (on the safety harbor side) is what has really kept me coming back to SPTV. Such a gorgeous city if only Scientology would GET OUT.

    • @Kreepyb5
      @Kreepyb5 Před 8 měsíci +9

      Ocean front area?? It's so sad! Whyyy? I could just picture it bustling.. hopefully soon.❤

    • @pat56458
      @pat56458 Před 8 měsíci +10

      ​@@Kreepyb5not the oceanfront. This is downtown Clearwater and heartbreaking. I live a few towns over - about 20 minutes away.

    • @cathieknight7464
      @cathieknight7464 Před 8 měsíci +4

      It is very pretty, I live on the Bay side of Clearwater and sometimes I wish that when I moved to Clearwater I had moved down there but since there is nothing ever happening it would feel so out of the way

    • @mothersgauri4137
      @mothersgauri4137 Před 8 měsíci +11

      Hope you can help with Mark Bunker's campaign. He seems the only hope.

    • @jjordan3263
      @jjordan3263 Před 8 měsíci +2

      How is it so beautiful with such huge losses of sales taxes???

  • @soultheinterrogator
    @soultheinterrogator Před 8 měsíci +67

    My friend went to Clearwater on vacation and he didn't know why the whole town was dead. He had no clue about what scientology was. When I told him about it, he almost didn't believe me 😂

    • @mcmlxii4419
      @mcmlxii4419 Před 6 měsíci

      @soultheinterrogator ~ Seriously? Someone has actually never heard of them?

    • @DUCKY2018
      @DUCKY2018 Před 5 měsíci

      I visit Clearwater often and am just finding out about this, granted i go to CLB not the city.@@mcmlxii4419

  • @TampaBMan
    @TampaBMan Před 8 měsíci +58

    Lived in Tampa for over 20 years. Downtown Clearwater is a place to drive through to get to the beach. Seeing the robot Scientologists is always sad. I’ve even had condos on the beach. Never once thought about going into downtown Clearwater for anything.

  • @FullyBakedPotato
    @FullyBakedPotato Před 8 měsíci +40

    This is actually a really sad video. I had no idea that the city was actually SHUT DOWN to this degree due to Scientology. WTAF

  • @orvilleredenpiller338
    @orvilleredenpiller338 Před 8 měsíci +228

    If you feel weird about this video, don't. This is fascinating to see on the ground in Flag just how messed up Scientology has become.

    • @aurorawolfe6060
      @aurorawolfe6060 Před 8 měsíci +39

      the only thing weird here is how Clearwater local government allowed scientology to destroy the downtown area.

    • @BaronFeydRautha
      @BaronFeydRautha Před 8 měsíci +3

      There was heavy rain and winds just before he filmed this. This street isn't dead because of scientology, it's dead because it's a Tuesday and people stayed home because of this winter front that came through today.

    • @kevinnelle6208
      @kevinnelle6208 Před 8 měsíci

      @@BaronFeydRauthathey also don’t want to be near buildings run by a human trafficking cult.

    • @Ieezeca
      @Ieezeca Před 8 měsíci +23

      Floridians aren't kept inside post storm. Before or during the storm either...​@@BaronFeydRautha

    • @BaronFeydRautha
      @BaronFeydRautha Před 8 měsíci

      @@Ieezeca We have been in a government declared state of emergency since 1000 yesterday to 0900 today.
      Sure, we aren't kept in but I feel like the folks who don't know anything about what happened here today deserve to know.
      I'm a certified Florida Man and I don't blink for Cat 3s or below. I wouldn't have gone out tonight.

  • @BeagleLove13
    @BeagleLove13 Před 8 měsíci +87

    I can remember going to Clearwater Beach and staying for anywhere from a week to a month with my family and several other families we were friends with when I was little. (Since we live in Hillsborough county the dads would just stay home during the week, go to work and join us on weekends.) I asked my mother before she passed why we stopped going to Clearwater and started going to Indian Shores because we always had a blast in Clearwater. She said it was because of that damn cult that moved into Clearwater. They started harassing everyone to join and she said it wasn’t worth it.

    • @Pamela-wg4lx
      @Pamela-wg4lx Před 8 měsíci +12

      That really sucks

    • @Kreepyb5
      @Kreepyb5 Před 8 měsíci +7

      What awesome memories Carol 🫶🏼I have faith! It will comeback

    • @SpykersB
      @SpykersB Před 8 měsíci +3

      Wow! Thx for sharing. 🍻

    • @VisibilityFoggy
      @VisibilityFoggy Před 8 měsíci +5

      Cheaper parking in Indian Shores too, ha. But I assume this is before Clearwater Beach began turning into Malibu with the fancy hotels and restaurants (not that I complain about them!).

    • @BeagleLove13
      @BeagleLove13 Před 8 měsíci +2

      @@VisibilityFoggy, This was way back in the late 60s to early 70s when the beaches had tons of mom and pop motels with rooms that included kitchens that the average family could afford.

  • @ericaparsley8534
    @ericaparsley8534 Před 8 měsíci +48

    I grew up in Clearwater and we avoided downtown because the scientologists walking around were intimidating.

    • @miriades
      @miriades Před 8 měsíci +1

      What did they tell you?

    • @forrestfey
      @forrestfey Před 8 měsíci +5

      Crazy cultists are scary.

    • @mcmlxii4419
      @mcmlxii4419 Před 6 měsíci +5

      @@miriades They don't have to TELL you anything to be intimidating. They just are.

    • @l2xsniper1
      @l2xsniper1 Před 4 měsíci

      FL is a stand your ground state, they won't do shit

    • @orange222...
      @orange222... Před 2 měsíci

      they don't do that anymore. You won't see anyone at all on different streets/

  • @caydenrichards303
    @caydenrichards303 Před 8 měsíci +29

    It’s worse than I thought. Absolute ghost town

  • @jo-annmcintyre7717
    @jo-annmcintyre7717 Před 8 měsíci +44

    How can the owners keep up with mortgages, taxes, utilities?

    • @prettylady995
      @prettylady995 Před 8 měsíci

      The owners are scientology

    • @merp9211
      @merp9211 Před 7 měsíci +2

      Maybe Door Dash type delivery services….

    • @chizorama
      @chizorama Před 5 měsíci +3

      Religion is tax exempt? It's also a pay to play religion from what I gather.

    • @chizorama
      @chizorama Před 5 měsíci +1

      @@ellebelle4094 Ok COS agent...

    • @7Vibrant2Vixon7
      @7Vibrant2Vixon7 Před 3 měsíci

      Believe it or not.. so many shut down and others open. Its a vicious cycle. I was born and raised in clearwater (only 5 min from here).. they get business IF there are events like farmers market..or concert or other thing at coachman park by the library. Dunking donuts closed... the bus terminal is down there but that's it

  • @Rainy_day_puddles
    @Rainy_day_puddles Před 8 měsíci +42

    Wow. We could have a hell of an SP Block party

  • @bes03c
    @bes03c Před 8 měsíci +59

    Aaron's walking around makes the scientologists scatter like roaches clutching their pearls.

  • @USA1492
    @USA1492 Před 8 měsíci +32

    I think you should do more of these walk-and-talks!!!! (there's a lot of locations to highlight alone in Clearwater) The public at large needs to see what it really looks like here. It's SHOCKING!!!!

    • @cathieknight7464
      @cathieknight7464 Před 8 měsíci +3

      I literally take everyone who comes to visit me on s tour because it's just so weird

    • @USA1492
      @USA1492 Před 8 měsíci +9

      @@cathieknight7464 it looks like an abandoned movie set

    • @cathieknight7464
      @cathieknight7464 Před 8 měsíci

      @USA1492 omigosh that's it! I could never explain that street where all the store fronts have been redone and look like an abandoned Mayberry.... good point!

  • @Amers-77
    @Amers-77 Před 8 měsíci +39

    This was so eye-opening and sad. Thank you for always going above and beyond to expose Scientology.

  • @PuffyPinkPoodle
    @PuffyPinkPoodle Před 8 měsíci +65

    Hi Aaron (and friend), thanks for the eye opening peek into the dynamics of what's going down in Clearwater. To say that Scientology is spiteful towards those in CW that refuse to be bullied by them is an understatement. Sending all of you righteous Clearwater folks love and encouragement to keep fighting the good fight! Behind you all the way, Aaron and company!

  • @cgirl111
    @cgirl111 Před 8 měsíci +82

    Scientology has gutted Clearwater buying up all the commercial property and leaving it empty but that couldn't happen if they had to pay tax on that property. Scientology is not the root cause, it's a symptom. The IRS is the cause.

    • @SpykersB
      @SpykersB Před 8 měsíci +8

      👍🏻 you are absolutely right!🍻

    • @cobimayes8863
      @cobimayes8863 Před 8 měsíci +9

      Absolutely right! Makes you think about why COS was made in the beginning, because LRH wanted to make money and to do that he figured not paying taxes and being a cult leader( with a background in sci-fi )was the way to do it. And now it’s a world wide human trafficking organization.

    • @bodythetan
      @bodythetan Před 8 měsíci +4

      Saying COS is just a symptom is a bit of a reach tho

    • @auntisthenes2754
      @auntisthenes2754 Před 8 měsíci

      @@cobimayes8863 They called that a monday when the Old man was here, but not anymore. Alas, because they would have lost everything if they had kept at it. what remains is a whole lot of illegal work hidden under volunteering/ Church work. It's entirely unacceptable if you ask ME, YOU and most people. THAT is what must be stopped.
      Big words that can be applied to very few unrelated cases and will condemn individuals for individual choices, that's how the Church operates. The hand caught in the cookie jar takes one for the team. Take it from a European. You need to attack what is systemic. Don't watse time and money on anything else to get a few pawns down.

    • @simonfea2
      @simonfea2 Před 7 měsíci +5

      ​@@ellebelle4094 The Church has entered the chat.

  • @Annettespetessentials
    @Annettespetessentials Před 8 měsíci +63

    Wow that is so sad - I just don’t get why the council members wouldn’t start taking back those empty store fronts to get people down town

    • @nunyabeezwacks1408
      @nunyabeezwacks1408 Před 8 měsíci +17

      That's because they're either Scientologists or they're owned by Scientologists.

    • @Snoozeroni
      @Snoozeroni Před 8 měsíci +4

      I think there’s been talk of eminent domain, so the city can take back some of the properties.

    • @John-lk7mg
      @John-lk7mg Před 8 měsíci +4

      It’s because they bought most of the town including the police department

    • @reinajalana
      @reinajalana Před 5 měsíci +1

      I read an article from the past few years of a battle between the city and SCN over a crucial, very coveted piece of land, where the city ended up winning, despite SCN having been willing to pay significantly more for it. So, it could be a money thing, where 1. The city can't afford to buy those properties back and 2. However much they've made from SCN's ownership of them, even if many of buildings go unused.

  • @gulfcoastlife3901
    @gulfcoastlife3901 Před 8 měsíci +22

    This is one of your most impactful videos in my opinion. What a shame! I live 45 mins north in little ol' New Port Richey and our downtown is hopping compared to this. Unbelievable.

  • @lindazwalsh217
    @lindazwalsh217 Před 8 měsíci +45

    Thank You for this, Aaron. This is so damned sad. It's such a beautiful downtown area. Once Shitology is gone this will be a really great place! I would seriously consider vacationing there. Thanks for letting us wogs know about this sad disaster!

    • @lindazwalsh217
      @lindazwalsh217 Před 7 měsíci +1

      Uhmmmm..... Okay. Wow.
      First off, I have no idea what ASL is. Ole' Lady from Wyoming here, and I'm pretty sure that I just got insulted by a Shitologist? Maybe not.... I don't really know. But, whatever.......

  • @KCNicole
    @KCNicole Před 8 měsíci +13

    My mom recently bought a winter house in Leesburg. Her and my stepdad went on a little road trip checking things out since they are new to Florida. She sent me of picture of herself. I asked where she was and she said "Clearwater." I said "Get the hell outta there, they'll get you!!!" She goes "For real, it's so quiet and creepy." 😂

  • @kristaw2686
    @kristaw2686 Před 8 měsíci +11

    What a beautiful area. So sad. 😢

  • @CheshireCat337
    @CheshireCat337 Před 8 měsíci +24

    Thank you for taking us out on a little adventure.
    Looking forward to Clearwater George’s channel. He has a warm, friendly way about him.

  • @paulstork2866
    @paulstork2866 Před 8 měsíci +10

    I've driven down through that area a few times, and each time I get creeped out. There is no soul to Flag base. All of their buildings have fogged glass and just seem to lack a soul.

    • @pats8219
      @pats8219 Před 7 měsíci +2

      Yea, it looks like a fake Disney town or movie set.

  • @tengallonhat2741
    @tengallonhat2741 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Scientologists don't get a big enough weekly "allowance" to dine at those restaurants!

  • @richardm3023
    @richardm3023 Před 8 měsíci +10

    I remember Clearwater in the 70's and 80's. The main strip along gulf to bay was always busy. Last time I was there, it was a ghost town.

  • @Travelling_with_my_dog
    @Travelling_with_my_dog Před 8 měsíci +13

    Wow, it's like a ghost town.

  • @HolleeTX
    @HolleeTX Před 8 měsíci +11

    It makes me sad for the Floridians having to live with this. Clearwater is such a beautiful place and the non-culty people are so kind and welcoming. Much love from West Texas. ❤❤❤

    • @MikeFL2TX
      @MikeFL2TX Před 6 měsíci +1

      There has been drama with them for years. From lawsuits to crimes. West TX as in North of Waco, or Weat TX as in oil field country?

    • @HolleeTX
      @HolleeTX Před 6 měsíci +1

      @@MikeFL2TX West Texas as in Lubbock

    • @MikeFL2TX
      @MikeFL2TX Před 6 měsíci +1

      @@HolleeTXnice. Been through there a couple times in a past life lol. It’s near to see other people who have been in the area I grew up in, then live in the same state now. Came across a few that are pretty close to me, outside of the Ft. Hood area.

  • @1timepad
    @1timepad Před 8 měsíci +63

    Awesome live and thanks of a first hand look at what scn has done to the place. It's terrible and what a ridiculous situation for people that want to try to run a business. The loss of scn tax free status needs to happen.

  • @sarmadhabibkhan3036
    @sarmadhabibkhan3036 Před 2 měsíci +5

    The amount of money laundering going on in this place must be insane

  • @shirley-anncocks1126
    @shirley-anncocks1126 Před 8 měsíci +59

    For us non US citizens, this gives us a much clearer idea on the devastating lack of business opportunities in downturn Clearwater. They really must do something to rid themselves of this horrific Cult.

    • @Kreepyb5
      @Kreepyb5 Před 8 měsíci +2

      Agree🙋‍♀️

    • @BaronFeydRautha
      @BaronFeydRautha Před 8 měsíci +2

      No,it doesn't.
      I live in Sarasota. We just had a major cold front that rolled in all day and we are in a state of emergency until 0800 tomorrow. This street is not dead because of Tom Cruise. It's dead because we had tornado warnings all day long and are in a tornado watch until tomorrow morning.
      I like Aaron but sometimes he can be a bit of a dunce. Not his fault, he grew up in a cult.

    • @robbieogle8622
      @robbieogle8622 Před 8 měsíci +2

      The only way would be for the government to dismantle it.

    • @tengallonhat2741
      @tengallonhat2741 Před 8 měsíci +9

      @@BaronFeydRautha - I visited there in April, and the place was DEAD. The only good thing about it was that I had the beautiful beach all to myself.

    • @BaronFeydRautha
      @BaronFeydRautha Před 8 měsíci +5

      @@tengallonhat2741 I know. It's not a bustling place. I used to go to the aquarium all the time when I was younger. It's never been close to the foot traffic in SRQ St. Armands circle. I just thought that this needed a little context though. He is out and about during a state of emergency, then acts like it's some mystery as to why no one is out. On a Tuesday. During a 24 hour long tornado watch and flooding potential until later this morning.
      I felt like the folks who don't live on the East Coast of America or in America deserved to know how everyone's day went today. That's all.
      I like Aaron. He lacks street smarts. Which isn't his fault. I'm not trying to call him out for being deceptive. I saw replies that thought this is what it looks like every night. Are scientologists to blame for some of it? Sure. This much? No.
      It can be tough to get a person's tone and inflection through plain text.

  • @CJBW
    @CJBW Před 8 měsíci +11

    This is very sad. And the corrupt city officials just let it happen😡I don’t understand why citizens en masse don’t come together and DEMAND changes!! Wouldn’t their lives and incomes improve? Thanks for the tour Aaron.

  • @mimil2023
    @mimil2023 Před 8 měsíci +19

    This is great to see... I've always wondered what Clearwater was like! I'd like to see more!

  • @mcmlxii4419
    @mcmlxii4419 Před 6 měsíci +6

    This is so sad. I was born and raised in Pinellas County. I remember what it was like before Scientology came along. First it was the Fort Harrison Hotel, now it's everything. 🙁

  • @gamerjaqi7873
    @gamerjaqi7873 Před 8 měsíci +8

    The area you were walking in is lovely. There is no reason for it to be dead like that. Scientology choking the life out of Clearwater

  • @LoriB58
    @LoriB58 Před 8 měsíci +21

    I’m sure Scientologist couldn’t eat at a bar because they don’t get a pay check !

  • @JennMarieX
    @JennMarieX Před 8 měsíci +6

    Clearwater used to be such a vibrant, beautiful beach town. Scientology ruins everything

  • @carrieatwood3328
    @carrieatwood3328 Před 8 měsíci +15

    The Scientologists can’t afford to go out. They have to pay for more auditing

  • @lilycastle9926
    @lilycastle9926 Před 8 měsíci +21

    A-Aron, this makes me so sad. I know it wouldn’t make a huge dent, but it makes me want to organize a day where SPs go eat at those businesses, and then protest afterwards. Even if it’s empty, that will just show exactly what you are saying. Maybe it could catch on and become the “cool thing to do.”

    • @theelletrain4775
      @theelletrain4775 Před 8 měsíci +3

      You never know! It would send a message

    • @follybeachusa
      @follybeachusa Před 8 měsíci +2

      We do need to do an SP takeover of downtown like once a month at least.

  • @thereallisamarchbanks
    @thereallisamarchbanks Před 8 měsíci +17

    Love the "man on the street" report!

  • @AJ-yw7hf
    @AJ-yw7hf Před 6 měsíci +7

    2:18: "Scientology is known for having beautiful buildings, but they're empty." Pretty good metaphor for Scientology itself.

  • @pross6525
    @pross6525 Před 6 měsíci +3

    This is unheard of for any downtown area on a Friday night. I hear my hometown of Ocala is dealing with Scientology nonsense. This is a Cult not a religion

  • @sonyaseybold9137
    @sonyaseybold9137 Před 8 měsíci +17

    Thank you Aaron! We're on the Atlantic side of our state. We love visiting time in "historic downtown" areas. However, Clearwater is not on the list. It's empty and creepy with no people ... energy. The city/local govt REALLY NEEDS to GET off their butts and take back what all of the tax payers in this state pay for!

  • @knowsmebyname
    @knowsmebyname Před 8 měsíci +5

    Just like a Cancer

  • @KansasCityScientologyAudit
    @KansasCityScientologyAudit Před 8 měsíci +8

    This is beyond sad! Such a beautiful area too!

  • @anonanon330
    @anonanon330 Před 8 měsíci +34

    Isn’t Jan/Feb/March, April known as high season in Florida? That’s really sad. You would think the city council would notice.

    • @kirstenmeadowsss
      @kirstenmeadowsss Před 8 měsíci +11

      The whole of downtown is dead, 24/7, 365. Meanwhile 30 mins away in St.Pete there’s 30 min waits for dinner on a Tuesday night.

    • @theelletrain4775
      @theelletrain4775 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@kirstenmeadowsssFacts

    • @merp9211
      @merp9211 Před 7 měsíci

      @@paulmark992I’m guessing all their customers are ordering through Grub Hub or Door Dash. No one is eating inside, but they must have customers.

  • @JB-1007
    @JB-1007 Před 7 měsíci +7

    DeSantis seems to like removing tax-exempt status for organizations….shame he hasn’t proposed doing the same for Scientology. They paying him off or something?

  • @markmaki4460
    @markmaki4460 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Beautiful buildings - but they're empty.
    Sounds like a good metaphor of scientologists in general.

  • @HoofHearted6
    @HoofHearted6 Před 8 měsíci +5

    I am absolutely shocked!! That downtown should be hustling and bustling and lively with people laughing, eating, and having fun. Just shocking.

  • @tl6988
    @tl6988 Před 8 měsíci +6

    I had no idea that they were right smack in the middle of Downtown! How could a City sell most of their town to Scientology?

  • @michealvorhees5600
    @michealvorhees5600 Před 7 měsíci +3

    That’s insane. I was just in Florida for a week and it was busy every night. People were everywhere. I loved it. I love all the activity and interactions. That’s ridiculously insane.

  • @bdayhaw
    @bdayhaw Před 8 měsíci +12

    I live nearby and was in downtown clearwater during the day -- almost nobody there then either. Here's what makes me crazy - the downtown areas is beautiful: great buildings, wonderful wide sidewalks, small green spaces. Its an area that would be great for cafes and local small businesses - but nobody goes there. Store fronts with nothing but Scientology signs on the windows - but totally empty. Its like this gorgeous ghost town. Such a pity.

    • @endlessnameless6494
      @endlessnameless6494 Před 3 měsíci +1

      I'm a former resident: there ARE two things that are always happening Downtown. One is the PSTA bus terminal; the other is the Pinellas probation office (where people on probation report in all day). A lot of folks don't realize the probation office is down there. But, I agree- their could be cafes and bars, etc. We were saying that as kids in 1998. Yet, here they all still stand, empty.

  • @willowraine725
    @willowraine725 Před 8 měsíci +6

    The Scientologists can't afford to eat in the restaurants. Probably not at Arby's or Micky D's either.
    Love your videos AARon!
    I'm a 73 year old SP. I've never run into a Scientologist. Just Hari Krishna's back is the 70's when I lived in Boston. Keep up the great work.

  • @MegandLuna
    @MegandLuna Před 8 měsíci +12

    Hey Clearwater time to take back your city ❤️

  • @OfficialFleaFactory
    @OfficialFleaFactory Před 8 měsíci +30

    In defense of Scientologists, it’s hard to afford dinner at a restaurant when you make $47 a week.

    • @mekan0001
      @mekan0001 Před 8 měsíci +4

      But you would think the public scientologists would support downtown. Oh wait, there aren't any.

  • @sueb2220
    @sueb2220 Před 8 měsíci +8

    Thank you for showing us this. It’s really hard to imagine living over here in Australia 🇦🇺.❤❤ It’s so sad such a beautiful city has been allowed to be destroyed by this bloody cult! 😡🤬

  • @candiboone6478
    @candiboone6478 Před 8 měsíci +6

    That’s really sad. I remember when I was younger I had an aunt in the Clearwater area. I remember how beautiful it was. Scientology sucks.

  • @bethst.hilaire5274
    @bethst.hilaire5274 Před 8 měsíci +19

    Great job, Aaron! A picture (or video) is worth a thousand words. So sad to see such a beautiful place abandoned. Also, although the wall you built is lovely it is nice to see you out and about.

  • @jomccracken4800
    @jomccracken4800 Před 8 měsíci +4

    Its one thing to talk about how empty downtown Clearwater is, but a whole different.level of wow to see a video of it! I'm so sorry.

  • @DRPyne89
    @DRPyne89 Před 8 měsíci +7

    This is great AAron, more content like this! It's one thing to talk about it, it's another to show it. Keep up the good work.

  • @jesusisGod1434
    @jesusisGod1434 Před 8 měsíci +6

    Thank you for eyes on the ground issue! I didn’t understand fully until you walked around and showed the empty streets! Please give Mark Bunker a shout out!

  • @marleneracine1229
    @marleneracine1229 Před 8 měsíci +12

    Thanks for the tour, Aaron. So eye-opening

  • @lonedinosaur13
    @lonedinosaur13 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Oh. My. God.! My town is more hopping and it’s freezing rain out! Creepy

  • @desertfish6821
    @desertfish6821 Před 8 měsíci +3

    My God, how will they ever get gone from Clearwater if the COS literally owns everything? I'm afraid that it likely will never happen. Beyond sad.

  • @kellyfempire
    @kellyfempire Před 8 měsíci +7

    When I protested scientology during the anon days in CW, EVERYONE there who was born and raised there was ANGRY AF that scientology had destroyed the downtown. Seems over a decade later things have gotten worse there. :(

    • @Cincinnatijames
      @Cincinnatijames Před 8 měsíci

      Since 2000, Clearwater's population has only gone up 8,500. How does that even happen in Florida?

    • @kellyfempire
      @kellyfempire Před 8 měsíci +1

      It's seriously so sad. They just take so many buildings and land that could be in use for small businesses and even low income housing. In so many ways scientology devastates. It's a destruction machine. @@Cincinnatijames

    • @Cincinnatijames
      @Cincinnatijames Před 7 měsíci

      @@ellebelle4094 most Florida cities have grown and thrived to a much greater degree than Clearwater. Bustling with restaurants, local businesses and live entertainment nearly every night of the week. Pretty buildings mean nothing if there is no one enjoying them.

    • @MikeFL2TX
      @MikeFL2TX Před 6 měsíci

      @@Cincinnatijamesyou probably already figured it out, but you are talking to a cult member. They keep posting the same responses to many other commenters.

  • @tengallonhat2741
    @tengallonhat2741 Před 8 měsíci +6

    Seeing is believing, how destructive Scientology is to the quality and livelihood of the community, as well as the negative impact on the City of Clearwater infrastructure.

  • @nickboi3784
    @nickboi3784 Před 2 měsíci +4

    I was in downtown Clearwater last week, and it was SO DEAD it was actually creepy. And the bank of Clearwater was completely empty with the “all welcome” sign out front. So strange.

  • @jamfish3
    @jamfish3 Před 8 měsíci +10

    LOVE THIS!!! Keep doing it. Go on location, we will fully support you.

    • @lisanorton7963
      @lisanorton7963 Před 8 měsíci +1

      Yes , Aaron can you do one during daylight hours . Enjoying this one .

  • @omarsyed1980
    @omarsyed1980 Před 4 měsíci +3

    I live in a podunk town 1 hour outside of Oslo, Norway. Even my town is more alive on a weekday evening. And Norway is notorious for businesses closing early and regulations against late night open establishments.
    We only have 6 cities larger than Clearwater, Florida, USA.
    Jeezus H Christ!

  • @deannagordon550
    @deannagordon550 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Wow how sad it looks like a beautiful place

  • @stardust4225
    @stardust4225 Před 8 měsíci +6

    what an absolute shame. such a beautiful yet eerie place. are we sure Rod Serling isnt hanging around there somewhere narrating the story of downtown Clearwater? lol seeing this on camera after hearing about it for so long really is impactful. i hope this changes someday. 😢

  • @SZALESKI55
    @SZALESKI55 Před 18 dny

    It is such a shame what Scientology has done to downtown Clearwater. I am looking for an office job and they could have so many job openings in the downtown area if it was a normal city, but Scientology turned it into a dead zone!

  • @lisadeery6705
    @lisadeery6705 Před 8 měsíci +4

    THIS is the type of film that needs to be shown at city council mtgs EVERY WEEK.

  • @kaceycyp
    @kaceycyp Před 8 měsíci +26

    I lived in Old Clearwater Bay for years. The difference between downtown Clearwater and Dunedin is striking. Before Super Power opened you’d see SeaOrg and Outer org trainees walking around at meal times. Now it’s a ghost town. There have been great restaurants around there but honestly as a local I stopped thinking about downtown Clearwater when considering places to eat. Most of the city officials are willfully ignorant to the fact that despite was he says to them DM has no interest in revitalizing Clearwater.

    • @pat56458
      @pat56458 Před 8 měsíci +4

      Exactly! When you don't know which businesses are Scn and which aren't you just don't go to any of them

    • @theelletrain4775
      @theelletrain4775 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@pat56458excellent point! I wouldn’t want to accidentally support the Cult either.

    • @pryzmmagick2384
      @pryzmmagick2384 Před 8 měsíci +1

      The city did to that street what New Orleans did to Bourbon St
      But Scientology came along and ruined everything. 😢

  • @Cincinnatijames
    @Cincinnatijames Před 8 měsíci +5

    It is wild that a city with a population density of nearly 4500/sq mile does not have a thriving downtown. Clearwater is a beautiful Florida coastal city, it deserves better.

  • @xINVISIGOTHx
    @xINVISIGOTHx Před 5 měsíci +2

    how does that bar stay in business ?

  • @bethst.hilaire5274
    @bethst.hilaire5274 Před 8 měsíci +5

    Yes, Aaron. Take a stroll on the next beautiful Friday or Saturday night for everyone who thinks the weather is the problem. I visited on a sunny day. The only populated areas I’ve seen so deserted were ones with either bars on the windows and/or lots of buildings with roofs that don’t keep the rain out.

  • @roryfulton90
    @roryfulton90 Před 3 dny

    Is was odd when I visited a few months back, only saw Scientologist, only the beach felt normal. It is a beautiful city!

  • @camandamob
    @camandamob Před 8 měsíci +6

    5 years ago when I visited it was a ghost town, and we felt like we were being followed/watched maybe both. Creepy as hell, we stayed for less than 12 hours. And the parking situation was a freaking joke never again. At the time, I was unaware of the Scientology grip, but we knew something was wrong.

  • @michaelperrigo
    @michaelperrigo Před 13 hodinami

    Lol i know that establishment. Yeah it's a shame how dead it is. Literally built for night life. Creepy.

  • @hollywilliams1957
    @hollywilliams1957 Před 8 měsíci +6

    Such a shame.I live in Ocala and a few years ago they put a Scientology store in our downtown area. I think it was done more so because travolta calls this home. But we haven’t let it become a big deal. They have a little bitty store in an older building, no fanfare no big deal. I don’t think it will make it big in Ocala, too many people aren’t having it!

  • @laurawaldie456
    @laurawaldie456 Před 8 měsíci +13

    Hi Aaron! Loved your tour of downtown Clearwater. Beautiful historic buildings! But the lack of commerce and activity is quite sad. Then again, if Sea Org members only get a pittence every week, how can they afford any fun in the streets? It says a lot about how Scientology is seen by the overall population...as a group to avoid and their buildings to stay away from.

    • @lucag.lisickza425
      @lucag.lisickza425 Před 8 měsíci +3

      "historical buildings" come to italy to see the real ones

    • @laurawaldie456
      @laurawaldie456 Před 8 měsíci +5

      @@lucag.lisickza425 I lived in Europe for 10+ years so I'm well aware of the centuries old cultural and architectural heritage there, including in Italy. Clearwater is a young city, yes, but the 1920s Beaux Arts and Neo Classical Revival style buildings there obviously reflects the early history of the city, and they are still beautiful. 😊

    • @danlowe8684
      @danlowe8684 Před 8 měsíci

      Reminds me of the saying, 'Americans think 100 years is a long time and Europeans think 100 miles is a long way'@@lucag.lisickza425

  • @emmagudsell59
    @emmagudsell59 Před 8 měsíci +5

    The council has to do something. The people deserve to have their Downtown to enjoy. I hope this can open everyone's eyes a little wider to vote for Mark. Look how important it is to have Mark on council. I'd vote for h is I could. Great work Aaron, thank you 🎉❤

  • @Mrs.Massey
    @Mrs.Massey Před 8 měsíci +8

    Love the shirt Aaron! 🤣🤣🤣

  • @matthewnewton8812
    @matthewnewton8812 Před 8 měsíci +3

    “As a child, I assisted in the renovation of this building” is, all by itself, a phrase that tells you everything you need to know about Scientology.

  • @SweetStephee
    @SweetStephee Před 8 měsíci +1

    George, "PACK IT UP" classic❤😂

  • @Sandwichturtlelettuce
    @Sandwichturtlelettuce Před 8 měsíci +7

    I feel like what’s happening in Hollywood has opened a whole new way to expose Scientology for everybody. A new genre has been born that can be employed in so many differing ways. And it’s crazy effective.

    • @kevinnelle6208
      @kevinnelle6208 Před 8 měsíci

      Scientology is over run by old people, That are too old to get out. To them Scientology was a cool idea in the 80s and 90, and now they’re stuck in it, especially since they spent so much money on bullshit classes and auditing sessions. Most people who like at Scientology with some objectivity, know it’s a scam.

  • @WonderWoman430
    @WonderWoman430 Před 8 měsíci +2

    What an absolute waste of great real estate. Beautiful buildings and social environment!

  • @ChristinaLembo
    @ChristinaLembo Před 8 měsíci +3

    Makes me so angry they have so many properties that could be used for other things!

  • @arthurdrake3274
    @arthurdrake3274 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Scientology is to crazy for me- Charles Manson

  • @bethotoole6569
    @bethotoole6569 Před 8 měsíci +7

    I don't think you've done a live since 'Dining with the SP's' with Mark Bunker!!

  • @Allthingsdesigner
    @Allthingsdesigner Před 8 měsíci +1

    What a shame

  • @nancystephens8726
    @nancystephens8726 Před 8 měsíci +3

    I just moved to Ocala after living in St. Pete for the last 38 years..Numerous times I’d go to the Capitol for concerts..it was really a turn off to see all the empty buildings and “the marching ants” as we referred them to walking up and down the streets..Keep up the good work and clean up Clearwater!!!

  • @bearbait7405
    @bearbait7405 Před 7 měsíci +2

    They buy and leave empty storefronts. Pay no taxes. Heart-breaking.

  • @johnharbaugh9471
    @johnharbaugh9471 Před 8 měsíci +4

    Will be in Florida for two (2) weeks, planned on spending couple days in Clearwater to view the city and possibly meeting A A Ron in person. Such a shame that a city is eroding from the inside.

  • @Blakeneyd
    @Blakeneyd Před 8 měsíci +2

    What a beautiful downtown. How sad.

  • @travelrn
    @travelrn Před 8 měsíci +7

    Great video. Would love more.

  • @MtnGrrrl
    @MtnGrrrl Před 8 měsíci +2

    Sooo creepy. I almost felt like I was watching a post apocalyptic movie. I have a very close friend in St Pete and visit here and there. What a difference and they're right next to each other! So creepy. I hope they don't get into St Pete. Love it there

  • @happytrails699
    @happytrails699 Před 8 měsíci +3

    I lived in Sarasota for 33 yrs. It was always hopping. I remember going to a wedding in Clearwater and was freaked out by the weird ghost town vibe it gave off. Now I know why.