Scientology drops Clearwater land deal after council shift

🚰 Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law that bans fluoride from tap water. It goes into effect July 1. (WLRN)

⏪ The Church of Scientology backed out of plans to buy a stretch of Garden Avenue in downtown Clearwater after a City Council member indicated he was withdrawing his support for the project. (Fox13)

• The church, which owns nearly 200 properties downtown, planned on closing the street to the public and building an auditorium and park.
• A group of residents opposed the plan and called for the land to be converted into a public park and green space honoring the city's history.