Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, September 17, 2026 —

A significant citizen-led effort is underway in Clearwater to challenge a recent city council decision. The organization known as Save the Garden has presented a petition bearing over 10,000 signatures to the Clearwater City Council. The primary objective of this petition is to prompt the council to reverse its earlier vote that approved the transfer of public street rights-of-way.

The land in question is slated for development by the Church of Scientology. According to the organization’s plans, the acquired rights-of-way are intended to be utilized for the construction of a family entertainment center, situated in the downtown area of Clearwater. The submission of the petition signifies a direct appeal from a substantial number of residents and concerned parties to reconsider the city council’s disposition of public property.

The petition’s arrival at City Hall marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing public discourse surrounding the proposed development and the allocation of city-controlled street access. Save the Garden’s action indicates a strong community opposition to the council’s decision and highlights a desire for further deliberation or a change in course regarding the land transfer to the Church of Scientology. The specifics of the council’s decision, including the exact boundaries of the rights-of-way and the timeline for the transfer, have been central to the concerns raised by the petition’s organizers and signatories. The group’s substantial showing of support underscores the contentious nature of the issue within the local community. The next steps for the Clearwater City Council following this petition’s submission are anticipated by many, as the organization Save the Garden seeks to have the council’s prior resolution overturned.


Story summarized from the original created by Julie Salomone on www.tampabay28.com, see more information here.

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