TAMPA, Fla. – A grassroots campaign to memorialize African American history in Clearwater – and thwart the Church of Scientology from purchasing another piece of downtown land – has picked up backers and detractors ahead of a key vote.
Dubbed #SaveTheGarden, local residents organized in recent weeks to create an alternative to the proposed sale of city-owned land on a portion of South Garden Avenue, between Franklin and Court streets.
They want to use this roadway for a green space with historical displays. It would serve as launchpad for a mile-long walking tour. The effort falls under a nonprofit called Reconnect Clearwater, which was created specifically for the effort…