The Church of Scientology and EVO Entertainment are moving forward with a proposed $50 million family entertainment center in downtown Clearwater. The city council recently approved the first reading of an ordinance to vacate certain streets needed for the project, which will feature an array of entertainment options, including a movie theater with one of the world’s largest screens, bowling, dining, and arcade facilities.
Supporters of the plan, including council members David Allbritton, Ryan Cotton, and Mike Mannino, argue that closing these streets represents an economic development opportunity that could enhance downtown. They emphasize that this move would facilitate a significant private investment.
Conversely, council members Lina Teixeira and Mayor Bruce Rector raised concerns about losing public street access and questioned the necessity of permanently closing the streets, especially given the project’s ample parking. Teixeira advocated for maintaining east-west connectivity in downtown Clearwater, suggesting that public thoroughfares are irreplaceable once vacated.
The public’s reaction has largely leaned towards support of the project, with businesses expressing enthusiasm for the new center’s potential benefits. Nevertheless, some community members are asking for a more participatory approach, advocating that voters should have a say in such land transfers through a proposed charter amendment.
This first reading is just the initial step; a second reading will be required to finalize the vacation of the streets.
