Clearwater, Florida -- The City of Clearwater may be about to witness a turf war. The two sides? Scientology vs. Winter the Dolphin.
The Tampa Bay Times reports the Church of Scientology has "questions" concerning expansion plans for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Last year the Aquarium -- which has gained nationwide fame thanks to Winter and the Hollywood hit "Dolphin Tale" movies -- announced plans for a huge new facility in downtown Clearwater.
The Church, which is based in Clearwater and the biggest property owner downtown, has not publicly come out against the Aquarium expansion plans. However, The Times reports an "increasing aggressive" campaign is underway behind the scenes, fighting the expansion.
According to the Times:
"We're not pro- or anti- the aquarium," Scientology spokeswoman Pat Harney wrote to Clearwater officials. "We just have questions and are pointing out facts."
Behind the scenes, it's a different story.
"The message was pretty clear to me. They didn't want an aquarium downtown," said County Commissioner Charlie Justice, who recently received a visit from Scientology officials.
Other commissioners who got visits were left with the same impression. They say church representatives argued that an aquarium isn't the best use for the City Hall site.
"I kept asking, "Why are you so against the aquarium?' " recalled Commissioner Karen Seel. "I never got what I considered to be a good answer. After the meeting I thought and thought, and it's because they want the rest of downtown for expansion. I think that's their purpose."
