Clearwater leaders have taken significant steps towards establishing an 83,000-square-foot entertainment center in downtown Clearwater, which will feature a multiplex with the world’s largest screen. The EVO Family Entertainment Center project, backed by Elevate Entertainment Group and funded by the Church of Scientology, will be located at Cleveland Street and Myrtle Avenue.
As part of the development process, the Clearwater City Council approved vacating Grove Street, Laura Street, and an alleyway to make way for the center and sold adjacent city-owned land. Erin Banks, a spokesperson for the Church of Scientology, highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader $200 million private investment aimed at revitalizing downtown Clearwater, which is expected to attract approximately one million visitors annually, primarily from outside Pinellas County.
The Cleveland Street Alliance, comprising various stakeholders including urban planners, supports the project, which plans to include a movie theater, bowling alley, laser tag, and more entertainment options. However, some community members expressed concerns about the vacating of public rights of way, fearing it could limit public access in the future. Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector, who preferred leasing the city land instead of selling it, raised concerns about potential exclusivity.
Despite these worries, proponents believe the center will invigorate the downtown area. Local business owners view the project positively, anticipating an increase in visitors that could benefit their establishments. There are ongoing renovations of properties along Cleveland Street that are reportedly linked to Church of Scientology members, and Banks confirmed that preparations for the entertainment center’s construction are underway.
