In 1926, Florida's land boom had gone bust, and economic hardship was on the horizon for the 28,000 residents of Pinellas County. But one resident, Clearwater's Ed Haley disagreed that the sparkle had gone out of Clearwater. At the beginning of 1927, he just finished completion on the 11-story Fort Harrison Hotel, the self-proclaimed "Jewel of the Gulf Coast." Offering fine dining, well-appointed guest rooms, a Turkish Bath and Saunas, as well as it's own orchestra performing nightly in the 10th floor Crystal Ballroom, the Fort Harrison was soon the center of Clearwater's social scene.

Now in celebration of the 83rd anniversary of the Fort Harrison, the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, who now own and have lovingly restored this facility, will be hosting "Sundays at the Fort Harrison", a weekly Open House every Sunday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.

In addition to a historical tour of the building and a special visual presentation on Scientology and its Founder, L. Ron Hubbard, refreshments will be served in the Garden Restaurant, staffed by chefs awarded gold medals for their cuisine by the American Culinary Institute.

The event is free and open to the public.

"83 years ago, a businessman had a dream for Clearwater to be a destination for people from all over the world," says Lisa Mansell, Community Affairs Director for the Church. "And now his dream is a reality."

Back in its early days, the stately Fort Harrison Hotel hosted the sparkling lights of Clearwater society for fashion shows, bridge tournaments, Kiwanis and Rotary Club meetings, wedding receptions and the annual George Washington's Birthday Ball.  Many local residents remember going to their high school prom, attending cotillion or swimming in the Fort Harrison pool.

Notable guests include noted humanitarian Helen Keller and the Rolling Stones, who stayed in the hotel's penthouse in 1965, writing the song "Satisfaction" after an especially disappointing concert at Jack Russell Stadium.

The Church of Scientology purchased the hotel in 1975 and undertook detailed renovations to restore the aging facility to its former grandeur and beyond.

Completed in 2009, the renovation and restoration of the property started in April 2008, when it was stripped virtually bare and rebuilt from its core.  This included installation of new state-of-the-art systems – plumbing, electrical and central air and heating – as well as fully modernized professional kitchens to service the retreat's three restaurants.  Particular care was taken to make the work and the final product environmentally friendly.  This included recycled "blue jean" insulation, high efficiency water systems to reduce consumption and energy- efficient lighting, electrical and air conditioning.

Despite all the modernization, the Fort Harrison still bears its hallmark historical touches, including the replication of the lobby's original black wrought iron work and gold leafed moldings, resurfacing of the entire exterior as well as restoring architectural detail that had been lost in the building's "modernization" in the 1950's.

The Fort Harrison is the international spiritual retreat of the Church of Scientology where parishioners come from all over the world to partake of the Church's religious services.  However, community groups and charitable organizations are invited to use the magnificent Crystal Ballroom, the grand auditorium and splendid gardens for their charity functions.

Since the Fort Harrison's grand re-opening in March of 2009, groups such as the North Greenwood Community Coalition, Jazztorians, the Sunscreen Film Festival and the Clearwater Downtown Partnership have utilized the facility for their fundraisers.

For more information and for scheduling tours and booking private and community events, contact Lisa Mansell at (727) 467-6860.

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