Before anyone warms up their keyboard, let’s get one thing straight:

This isn’t an article about whether the Church of Scientology should or shouldn’t get a section of downtown Clearwater.

If this were a hotel chain, a stadium developer, a luxury condo builder, or any other private organization asking the city to hand over public land, I’d be writing the same article and asking the same question:

Why don’t the people who live here get to decide?

In fact, we’ve already had a version of this conversation.

When I covered the push to let a developer build a sports complex on 70 acres at The Landings without a public vote, the argument was that the change didn’t legally require one.

Maybe not.

However, “we don’t legally have to ask voters” and “we shouldn’t ask voters” are two very different things.

Different land. Different developer. Same council members. Same question:

When something belongs to all of us, who gets to decide what happens to it?

This time, we’re talking about South Garden Avenue.

In June, the Clearwater City Council voted 3–2 to vacate a section of South Garden Avenue; the road running in front of the Church of Scientology’s Flag Building to clear the way for a long-planned event hall.

If you’re wondering what “vacate” means in city-government language, it does not mean the road packed a suitcase and headed to Clearwater Beach.

It means the city would give up its public rights to that section of the street.

Before the vote, a resident group called Save the Garden had already been collecting signatures to try to put the decision before Clearwater voters.

Their argument is pretty simple: if Clearwater is giving up a public street, Clearwater residents should get the final say. Not just five people sitting behind the council desk.

According to reporting last week by The Wall Street Journal, Council member David Allbritton said the church asked him to involve Florida’s Attorney General in the dispute.

That reportedly happened after Scientology representatives requested a meeting with him specifically to ask how he planned to vote when the application came back before the council.

That was the part that made me stop scrolling and say:

Wait. What?

Now, set aside the fact that this involves Scientology.

If a hotel developer asked for a private meeting with a council member to find out how he planned to vote, and then asked him to call Florida’s Attorney General…I’d be asking the same questions.

If a sports developer did it, same questions.

If a luxury condo developer did it, same questions.

This isn’t about who asked. It’s about the access, and the fact that Clearwater residents still haven’t had the chance to vote on the underlying issue.

To be clear, I’m not saying anything improper happened. Meetings between council members and people with business before the city aren’t unusual.

However, when public property is involved, and the City Council is divided 3-2, maybe the public should have more than three minutes at a microphone before five people make the final decision.

Call me old-fashioned, but if something belongs to all of us, asking all of us seems like a reasonable idea.

Brooks Gibbs, campaign director for Save the Garden, has been clear about what the group wants: keep downtown streets public, open, and active. He stated, “For the love of Clearwater, we want to see our downtown activated.”

The group believes keeping the street grid open is important to downtown Clearwater’s future.

Council member Ryan Cotton, one of the three council members who voted yes, defended his decision on public-safety grounds. He said he wanted to make sure people attending the church could safely get where they needed to go; a concern also raised by Scientologists who spoke at the public hearing.

Gibbs strongly disagrees. He argues that public safety can sometimes be used to justify restrictions on public access and freedoms, and that those arguments deserve more scrutiny, not less.

So here’s where I land:

Both sides believe they’re right.

I’m not going to pretend I can settle a decades-long Clearwater debate between breakfast and hitting “publish” on Monday’s newsletter.

But that’s exactly the point.

When there are two very different arguments about what should happen to public land, and even the City Council can’t agree by more than one vote…that sounds like something Clearwater residents should decide.

Put it on the ballot.

Let both sides make their case.

Then let the people who live here choose.

Save the Garden is collecting signatures again and this time to trigger a referendum on the City Council’s vote under Section 6.02 of the Clearwater City Charter.

The group has roughly 90 days from the council vote to collect the required signatures. Tampa Bay 28 reported that they need 7,067 valid signatures.

That’s a lot of signatures.

Apparently, democracy comes with paperwork. Who knew?

If the group collects enough valid signatures and the City Council doesn’t repeal the ordinance, the issue would go to Clearwater voters.

Yes, I went down and signed the petition myself.

Not because I have every detail of the South Garden Avenue debate figured out.

I don’t.

I signed it, because I think Clearwater residents should have the opportunity to decide what happens to Clearwater property.

Signing a petition to put something on the ballot isn’t the same as deciding how everyone should vote. It’s asking for the chance to vote in the first place.

Let both sides explain their positions. Let residents ask questions. Let the arguments happen.

Then let Clearwater decide.

You can sign the Save the Garden petition in person at:

📍 East Clearwater Community Library
2465 Drew Street, Clearwater Get Directions →

Check Save the Garden’s website before heading over because signing hours may change, and nobody wants to drive across Clearwater only to find out democracy closed early that day. https://www.savethegarden.org/

You can also find updates, volunteer opportunities, and more information about the group’s broader vision for the area, including a proposed memorial honoring Clearwater’s Black history along the same stretch of road.

Whether you sign is up to you.

Whether you ultimately support or oppose vacating South Garden Avenue is also up to you.

That’s kind of the whole point.

It should be your call to make. Not mine to make for you.

Sources: The Wall Street Journal, Tampa Bay 28, Tampa Bay Times, WFLA, and Save the Garden.

Back in June, we shared the story of a proposed 70-acre sports complex—and the debate over whether something that big could move forward without Clearwater residents getting a vote.

The argument was that the proposed land-use change didn’t legally require a public referendum.

And as we mentioned in today’s South Garden Avenue story, “We don’t legally have to ask voters” and “We shouldn’t ask voters” are two very different things.

Different property. Different developer. Same question:

When public land is involved, who gets the final say?

Well, that conversation isn’t over.

On Tuesday, July 21, from 5:30–7 p.m., representatives from Porter Development will attend a neighborhood-sponsored community meeting at Trinity Presbyterian Church. They’ll hear residents’ concerns and provide an update on what may happen next.

And yes, the question many people actually want answered is expected to come up:

Will Clearwater residents get a vote?

If you attend and want to speak, you’ll have approximately two to three minutes at the microphone to share your thoughts. So maybe don’t bring the 47-page version, but do bring your questions, concerns, and ideas.

The meeting is open to everyone, whether you’ve followed this issue from the beginning or are just now wondering, “Wait… someone wants to build what at The Landings?”

📅 Tuesday, July 21
🕠 5:30–7 p.m.
📍 Trinity Presbyterian Church Get Directions →

If you can attend, this is your chance to hear directly from the developer and make your voice heard.

And if you can’t make it, keep an eye on My Clearwater Scoop. We’ll be following what happens next, because apparently Clearwater has more than one debate happening over public land at the same time.

Read Our Original Article →

After two heavier stories today, I think we’ve earned a palate cleanser.

Meet Tuna and Wahoo, two California sea lions who recently moved into Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s brand-new Pinniped Pier exhibit.

Yes, Tuna and Wahoo may be two of the best sea lion names ever. Apparently, the seafood theme was nonnegotiable. 🐟

The pair relocated from Miami Seaquarium and have been settling into their new Clearwater home for nearly three weeks. According to CMA staff, the move has gone even more smoothly than expected.

Their new home was made possible by a $6 million exhibit funded through a grant from the Pinellas Tourism Development Council.

Tuna and Wahoo are just the beginning.

CMA plans to welcome three more animals from Miami Seaquarium, including seals, with hopes of having everyone moved in and settled later this summer.

Eventually, the aquarium would also like to remove the current viewing barriers, giving visitors a completely unobstructed view during presentations, which should make it easier to see Tuna and Wahoo doing whatever sea lions do when they know an audience is watching.

If it’s been a while since your last visit to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, these two may be the excuse you needed. 🦭🌊

Info →

Source: FOX 13 Tampa Bay

Before you load up the car, take a peek at the live beach cam to see exactly how busy it is out there. Sometimes the smartest move is knowing when to go and when to enjoy our little slice of paradise another day.

Check current water temperatures and conditions Here

Watch the live Clearwater Beach Cam Here

Our pets aren't just animals - they're family. If you've seen any of the pets below please email us at [email protected] and we will connect you directly with their families. One share could bring someone's baby home.

Zena has been missing for over 125 days from the Seville Condo area near Clearwater Costco. Her heartbroken family will not give up searching

LEARN MORE →

Leah has been missing since April 28th from the King Arthur Court in Dunedin. Her Mom has owned her since she was a puppy.

LEARN MORE →

Lobo has been missing since May 11th from Gladden Park in St. Petersburg. Her Mom has owned her since she was a puppy.

LEARN MORE →

River is a one-year-old male tabby (brown, white, and gray) who slipped out the front door on May 30th, and last seen near 134th Ave and Trotter Rd in Largo.

LEARN MORE →

Mama Kitty is a 15 year old black cat with with a clipped left ear that went missing on June 4th, and last seen near Druid and Belcher in Clearwater.

LEARN MORE →

🎸 Mello Vibes Tuesday July 14th - FREE - 5:00 pm Crabby’s Dockside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🤠 Wednesday Night Line Dancing — OCC Roadhouse Clearwater Free lessons. 6:00pm to 7:30pm — All ages welcome DJ Brandon takes over at 7:30pm playing requests all night 10575 49th Street North, Clearwater INFO →

🎸 Josh Higgins Thursday July 16th - FREE - 5:00 pm Crabby’s Dockside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎸 Full Throttle Thursday July 16th - FREE - 7:00 pm OCC Roadhouse Clearwater, FL INFO→

🎸 John Lodge Celebration Friday July 17th - Doors open at 7:00 pm Bilheimer Capital Theater Clearwater, FL TICKETS & INFO→

🎸 Men at Work with Toad the Wet Sprocket Saturday July 18th - 8:00 pm The BayCare Sound Clearwater, FL TICKETS & INFO→

🎸 The Fixx Monday July 20th - Doors open at 7:00 pm Bilheimer Capital Theater Clearwater, FL TICKETS & INFO→

🌳📅 Save The Landings: Speak Up. Show Up. - Tuesday, July 21st at 5:30pm - 7:00 pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church 2001 Rainbow Drive, Clearwater FL MAP →

Join this neighborhood-sponsored community event to learn more about the future of The Landings and make your voice heard.

Representatives from Porter Development will be there to listen to community concerns and provide an update on possible next steps. Attendees who wish to speak will have approximately two to three minutes to share their thoughts.

Questions expected to be discussed include: Will residents get a vote? What happens next? And how can the Clearwater community stay involved?

This event is open to everyone and is intended to help educate Clearwater residents about the issue.

📍 Trinity Presbyterian Church
⏱️ Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
🌎 Open to the public

Speak up. Show up. Let the people decide. INFO →

Hosted by Keep Keene Green.

READ MORE →

🧘 Free Sunset Yoga Monday at 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm - FREE admission - Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, 33764, Meet on The Green LEARN MORE →

🚶‍♀️ SilverSneakers: Zumba Gold Class Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 am - Aging Well Center @ The Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, 33765, View Map LEARN MORE →

🧘 Yoga Tuesday and Thursday 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm - Aging Well Center @ The Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, 33765, View Map FEES & LEARN MORE →

🧘 Golden Hour Yoga - FREE - Wednesday at 7:00 pm - Pier 60 Clearwater Beach View Map

🚶Indoor Walking at the Countryside Mall: Beat the heat and rain with some indoor walking, grab a bite to eat, browse the shops, or catch a movie…all while letting the mall’s A/C do the heavy lifting. MAP →

If you must be out in nature, please don’t forget to bring water

🌳🥾 Beat the Heat: Peaceful Nature Parks Looking to escape the crowds and cool off in the shade this weekend? Tampa Bay is loaded with hidden natural gems, all free to explore:

🦅 Moccasin Lake Nature Park (Clearwater) — A peaceful 51-acre preserve with shaded oak trails, boardwalks over the lake, and a wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary where you can see rescued eagles, hawks, and falcons.

⛵ Clearwater Community Sailing Center A nonprofit sailing center at 1001 Gulf Blvd offering boat rentals, sailing lessons for all ages, and Summer Camp. Open Tuesday through Sunday 9am to 5pm. LEARN MORE →

🏓 Pickleball Court Locations: Here is the easiest way to find Pickleball courts near you with an interactive map. LEARN MORE →

🏖️ Near the Beach

🏙️ Inland

⚠️ Trivia nights and schedules can change. We recommend confirming directly with the venue before heading out. Know of a change or a new spot? Tell Scout →

Thanks for reading My Clearwater Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone that you think would enjoy it.

Until next time,

Stan, Scoop and Scout