Cretekos blasts Scientologists over tree removal - 2013-09-03
Cretekos blasts Scientologists over tree removal September 3, 2013,
CLEARWATER -- Mayor George Cretekos blasted the Church of Scientology in a letter to several constiuents last week, saying the church's decision to cut down two live oak trees on its property without city permission was disrepectful.
His letter was written the same day a story appeared in the Tampa Bay Times about the church's action on a downtown site where it planned to erect a massive tent for a planned November gathering of international Scientologists.
"I regret, as you, that two trees have have been stealthily removed. The City of Clearwater was attempting to work with representatives of the Church of Scientology to ensure that any action taken would be in compliance with city codes. Unfortunately, another approach was found to be more convenient," Cretekos wrote on Aug. 28.