Fashions with Flair 8th Annual Fashion Show at The Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization's Historic Fort Harrison

Church of Scientology's Fort Harrison Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Clearwater's Leading Ladies Fashion Show.

Clearwater Community Volunteers of the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization announces its 8th Annual “Fashions with Flair” Silent Auction and Fashion Show Fundraiser on Saturday, August 7th, 2010 11 AM – 2:30 PM. The event will be held at the historic Fort Harrison which is owned by the Church of Scientology and is located at 210 S. Ft. Harrison Ave. Clearwater, Florida. The show is sponsored by Clearwater Community Volunteers, a volunteer arm of the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization in Clearwater, a non-profit charitable organization made up entirely of volunteers.

Clearwater, FL, July 21, 2010

Scientology in Clearwater on Scientology.org

My trust in my relationship is back!

The Church of Scientology of Tampa, Dianetics Foundation, published this success story on their Dianetics website.



“Before my first session of Dianetics I didn’t trust everything my girlfriend told me. I thought a lot of the time the was always ‘someone else’. Afterward I realized that this was not from anything she had done but from a previous relationship. I realized those feelings from the previous relationship were not correct and they were coming out now in my present relationship. I discovered that my mistrusts were not actually coming from my current situation!"

C. R.

Scientology in Clearwater on Scientology.org

Scientology in Tampa

Right next to Clearwater is Tampa, Florida. The Church of Scientology of Tampa was actually the first Ideal Scientology Church. It was the bright idea of David Miscavige to pilot creating a church like that next to the Scientology spiritual HQ in Clearwater.

Here's the story, from Scientology.org

Tampa, Florida

World's First Ideal Church of Scientology

March 29, 2003

Tampa Scientologists and guests celebrated a watershed achievement in Scientology history when they dedicated the new Church of Scientology of Tampa on March 29, 2003. On that day, Tampa became the world’s first Ideal Church of Scientology, ushering in a new breed of Church capable of providing services to both parishioners and the community at large at at an unprecedented level.

Carrying out strategic planning directed by Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center, Mr. David Miscavige, Tampa Bay Scientologists joined forces to create this ideal Church of Scientology and attain the goal set years earlier by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. Staff and parishioners accomplished the target less than one year after the building was acquired and so made the historic Andres Diaz Building in West Tampa their new home.

Three times the size of the previous Church, the four-story structure comprises numerous spiritual counseling rooms, two course rooms seating 200 students and a Chapel for Sunday services and other Scientology ceremonies.

The Diaz Building not only allows the Tampa Church to preserve a Tampa landmark but to also fulfill its revitalization initiatives through secular programs in literacy and drug abuse prevention.

Scientology in Clearwater on Scientology.org

Travolta is the best

Just saw this cool video interview of Travolta where he talks about the movie "Be Cool" and techniques her learned from Scientology to help heal people.

Travolta is the best.



Scientology in Clearwater on Scientology.org

Youth for Human Rights Creates Awareness Against Racial Discrimination

I found this interesting article about Youth for Human Rights in Clearwater. These kids to a great job to raise awareness of human rights issues:

Youth for Human Rights Florida stepped out onto the streets on March 20th to create awareness against racial discrimination. March 20th was International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, a day when people around the world came together in their communities to work toward ending racism. The group, which promotes education of the 30 human rights based on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, went to the people in the streets, gathering hundreds of signatures on a petition to get human rights taught in schools.

Youth for Human Rights Florida believes that when people fully understand human rights, they will demand their rights and respect the rights of others. Making racial discrimination a priority, the group works toward tolerance and peace through various avenues. They have marched on Martin Luther King Jr. Day; represented youth at Passing the Torch to America’s Youth—the historical fight at Selma, Alabama to gain voter’s rights for all races; and represented the USA in the International Walk for Human Rights on UN Human Rights Day, when the United Nations stated their motto as “Embrace Diversity—End Discrimination.”

“The dream of a world free of racial hatred and bias remains only partially recognized, as according to FBI statistics racial hate crimes in America are on the rise,” said Youth for Human Rights Florida President Dustin McGahee.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was first established in 1966 because of the shocking violence on March 21, 1960, when 69 young students peacefully protesting against apartheid laws in South Africa were massacred. The United Nations General Assembly called upon the international community to work together throughout the world to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

Youth for Human Rights Florida is a secular, non-profit organization with the mission to educate people of all ages about their rights. The uniqueness of the program lies in the educational materials created in collaboration with the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International. Its founder L. Ron Hubbard in fact stated: “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.”

Designed to present the subject of human rights in multimedia formats suitable for all ages, the materials include “The Story of Human Rights,” a documentary video that illustrates the history of human rights through the ages; booklets; public service announcements that educate youth and adults on the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and teaching aids that include a study guide, activities manual and educator's classroom kit. For more information about the 30 human rights go to: www.youthforhumanrights.org


Scientology in Clearwater on Scientology.org

Scientologist Chairs Fourth Annual Human Rights Walkathon to Raise Awareness of Abuse and Solutions

St. Petersburg, FL—More than 1,200 Tampa Bay residents of all ages walked quarter-mile laps around Straub Park in St. Petersburg Saturday, March 6, to raise human rights awareness. Ms. Linda Drazkowski, Founder and President of the Human Rights Group Inc., Scientologist, mother of two and Clearwater resident, created the Human Rights Walkathon four years ago, and has chaired it every year since. The fourth annual Human Rights Walkathon, produced by the Human Rights Group in partnership with Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking and the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope, featured performances by hip hop artist MC Lyte, recording artist David Pomeranz, and the Dundu Dole Urban Ballet. Speakers included Mrs. Anna Rodriguez, founder of the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking; Mr. James Evans, founder of the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope; Rev. Alfreddie Johnson, founder of the World Literacy Crusade; and Dustin McGahee, president of Youth for Human Rights Florida.

The day before the walkathon, an article in the Fort Meyers, Florida, News-Press pointed out the vital role education plays in protecting human rights. A 15-year-old Guatemalan girl living less than 150 miles south of St. Petersburg, in Immokalee, might still be enslaved and forced into sex, pornography and field labor today had it not been for the alertness of a Florida woman who suspected she was the victim of human trafficking and reported it to authorities.

Some 800,000 men, women and children are trafficked across international borders each year. “People who know and understand human rights will not only stand up for their own rights but also for the rights of others,” said Drazkowski.

To raise awareness of this and other crucial human rights issues, the Human Rights Group uses educational booklets, DVDs and an educators’ guide created by Youth For Human Rights International in collaboration with the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International.

For more information on these programs and materials, visit United for Human Rights at www.humanrights.com.

This is a photo of the grand opening of the newly refurbished Fort Harrison Hotel in Clearwater. The celebration occurred in March 2009. It was dedicated by David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center.

SCIENTOLOGY - THE FASTEST-GROWING RELIGION IN THE 21ST CENTURY

March 14, 2009: More than 6,000 Scientologists from over 50 nations filled the streets and sidewalks at the 200 block of Fort Harrison Avenue to witness Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center, Mr. David Miscavige, officiate at the ribbon cutting of the Clearwater landmark—the new Fort Harrison.

“Her bones were good, her breeding impeccable and her choice of residence couldn’t have been more fitting: Clearwater, Florida,” began Mr. Miscavige as he addressed the crowd. “When she originally opened in 1926, they called her ‘the aristocrat of southern Florida hotels’ and described her as a ‘picturesque edifice’ known all up and down the coast, as the toast of this city and an ever-bustling hub of wedding receptions, fashion shows, bridge teas and Rotary Club functions.

“She additionally saw no inconsiderable parade of luminaries. In the ’60s and ’70s the Phillies used to stay here during spring training and Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Buddy Rich all performed in our ballroom.”

The Crystal Ballroom (upper left) that in earlier decades hosted the likes of Duke Ellington and Count Basie now stands fully restored to its original gold-leaf splendor. The Flag Auditorium (lower left) is the site for international Scientology events and seminars, as well as benefits hosted by nonprofit community groups. The Fort Harrison Grand Lobby (right), long the crossroads for the Clearwater community, is now fully restored with an elegance that far exceeds her opening day in 1926.

Mr. Miscavige’s concluding remarks expressed both the spirit and significance of the occasion:

“The bottom line is the same bottom line for the last 80-plus years: this Fort Harrison is and will always remain a landmark and home for all of Clearwater.”

And with that, he cut the 2,000-foot-long red ribbon and so ushered in a new beginning for the “Grand Dame of the West Gulf Coast.”

A Monumental Restoration Project

The grand opening of the new Fort Harrison was the culmination of an 11-month, million-man-hour restoration overseen every step of the way by Mr. Miscavige. All 267,000 square feet of the 83-year-old structure were stripped down to bare beams and rebuilt from the inside out.

The 21st century infrastructure eased into her 1920s framework, with every one of the 200 guest rooms rebuilt from floor to ceiling—not to mention energy-efficient, low-emission electrical and mechanical systems throughout.

More than 350 local tradespeople worked on the project, ultimately laying 100,000 square feet of carpet, installing 300,000 feet of plumbing and stringing a full 100 miles of electrical wire.

Restoration of the building’s hallmark features began in the elegant Grand Lobby, from the original wrought-iron and brass balustrades to the signature checkerboard marble floor and gold-leafed Corinthian columns. And high atop the Fort Harrison, the legendary Crystal Ballroom also underwent complete restoration—taking it, too, well beyond its original beauty.

Community Hub

The Fort Harrison has served as a hub for this community since the 1920s and continues to serve so today. In addition to the Scientologists who avail themselves of the accommodations, restaurants and amenities while staying in Clearwater for religious services, the community at large enjoys the Fort Harrison as well. Since grand opening, hundreds from across Tampa Bay have gathered for Open House brunches and community events, such as the Sunscreen Film Festival Broadway and Beyond Concert, benefiting local artists. Couple that with the dozen or more who simply walk in every day for a tour—and it is clear the Fort Harrison is, as it has always been, a home for Clearwater. More at freedommag.org

David Miscavige Dedicated the New Oak Cove

Last year David Miscavige dedicated the Oak Cove, fully refurbished. This then made it possible to do the full renovation of the Fort Harrison Hotel which is opened in March this year.

David Miscavige Officiated at the Grand Opening of the new Buffalo Org

David Miscavige Officiated at the Grand Opening of the new Buffalo Org

In November 2003, the new Buffalo Org opening its doors. This was one of the first of the new breed of Ideal Scientology Organizations (Orgs), the inspiration, planning and driving for for which was David Miscavige, seen here at the front of the line of dignitaries who cut the ribbon at its grand opening.

David Miscavige

It is always a treat to go to a Flag event when David Miscavige is the MC. He is not only great speaker, he is also a leader, and a genius.

David Miscavige: At the Helm of Scientology's Explosive Growth

Incredible photo of the new Fort Harrison. Such an upgrade for Clearwater!

By the Numbers: Scientology members
in the Clearwater Community

(Freedom Magazine Report) Since the Church moved its spiritual headquarters to Clearwater in 1976, Scientologists have become an integral part of the community. Not only do they travel from all over the world for extended stays while participating in religious services, many Church members and families have made Clearwater their home. The presence of the Church generates thousands of jobs, boosting the economy and revitalizing the area. Independent studies on the overall economic impact of the Church found its presence had a decisively positive effect. At the end of the 1990s, the Church and its members accounted for 5.4 percent of the area’s sales, 10.7 percent of its employment and 3.4 percent of area income. While direct spending by Scientologists totaled almost $100 million, the Church’s greater impact on the Clearwater economy was estimated at almost half a billion dollars which, in turn, generated more than 5,000 jobs. The studies reported that without the Church’s stabilizing presence, the entire city would be far less viable economically. Today, 10 years later, the economic influence of Scientologists in the community is commensurately higher.

• 9,523 Scientologists live in the Tampa Bay area.
• There are 22 Church of Scientology facilities in downtown Clearwater.
• The Church is the largest property taxpayer in downtown Clearwater, paying nearly $1 million in property taxes last year.
• 1,500 Church staff provide religious services at the Scientology facilities in downtown Clearwater.
• 8.2 percent of Clearwater’s population are Scientologists.

THE RELIGION OF SCIENTOLOGY A DESCRIPTION

Scientology comprises a body of knowledge which extends from certain fundamental truths. Prime among these truths:

• Man is an immortal spiritual being.
• His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime.
• His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized.

Scientology further holds man to be basically good, and that his spiritual salvation depends upon himself and his fellows and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe. In that regard, Scientology is a religious philosophy in the most profound sense of the word, for it is concerned with no less than the full rehabilitation of man’s innate spiritual self — his capabilities, his awareness and his certainty of his own immortality. Furthermore, as religion deals with the spirit in relationship to itself, the universe and other life, and is essentially the belief in spiritual beings, Scientology follows a religious tradition that is at least as old as mankind. Yet what Scientology ultimately represents is new. Its religious technology is new, its ecclesiastical organization is new, and what it means to 21st-century man is entirely new.

At the heart of Scientology lie its axioms that precisely define the fundamental laws and truths of life, including who we are, what we are capable of, and most importantly, how we might realize our native spiritual abilities. These axioms form the foundation of a vast body of wisdom that applies to the entirety of all life. From this wisdom has come a great number of fundamental principles people can use to improve their immediate lives, as well as to achieve spiritual immortality. In fact, there is no aspect of life that cannot be improved through the application of Scientology principles.

Scientology Bursting at the Seams in Clearwater

It's pretty exciting being in Clearwater these days. New OT VII completions at every Friday night graduation. Literally hundreds of people completing courses on the new editions of the Scientology and Dianetics books and a totally new level of optimism and cooperation.

David Miscavige was here in March at the celebration of L. Ron Hubbard's birthday and he promised even more to come. I can't image what could top the last year!

Now on! Freewinds Maiden Voyage Events in Clearwater!

A roughly 150- by-200-foot tent was erected by the Church of Scientology in Tampa to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the maiden voyage of the Scientology training ship Freewinds. The celebrations were presented by Scientology leader David Miscavige and took place on the newly refitted motor vessel Freewinds at the end of June 2008. The recordnings are being shown in Churches of Scientology all over the world.

Quilt Exhibit Celebrates African-American Art

In celebration of Black History Month, Clearwater City Hall is honoring the achievements of African-Americans with a display of quilts created by artist Anthony Jones.
Jones continues the American tradition of quilting that is hundreds of years old yet explores innovative techniques in his work. “My work is grounded in the traditional, yet is hopefully a thoroughly modern expression of that tradition,” he says.
Now through March 28, the quilts will be on view. The exhibit is free to the public in the building’s lobby at 100 S. Osceola Ave. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For further information, contact Elizabeth Minor in the city of Clearwater’s Cultural Arts Division at 562-4814.

One of my favorite videos of all time is, This is Scientology, in which Mr. David Miscavige describes the Scientology religious movement and it's impact on the world.

In addition to full religious recognition in Spain, the Church of Scientology has gained full religious recognition in Portugal in the month of December 2007! This again shows the exponential expansion of Scientology in countries throughout the world.

I love the Way to Happiness public service announcements, particularly the one "Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others".