08/12/2026
CLEARWATER — Pinellas County officials are reportedly considering the sale of Fort De Soto Park as one of several options for reducing expenses if a proposed property tax amendment passes this November.
County officials have warned that the amendment would force significant cuts to police, fire and EMS, while making public parks impossible to maintain.
In addition to cutting public services, officials say privatizing parks would eliminate unsustainable maintenance costs while offsetting lost tax revenue.
Development consultant Graham Whitmore says selling Pinellas County's largest park makes more sense than attempting to run it on a shoestring budget.
“At some point you have to ask whether government is really the best entity to manage 1,136 acres of prime waterfront property,” Whitmore said.
Whitmore believes the Church of Scientology would be an especially strong candidate to acquire the park, citing the organization's extensive presence in Clearwater.
“I think Scientology would be a great choice,” Whitmore said. “They've done great things in Clearwater, and they've demonstrated a willingness to make long-term investments in the communities where they operate.”
Whitmore stressed that no decision has been made and dismissed concerns that private ownership could fundamentally change the character of the park.
“We're getting way ahead of ourselves here,” Whitmore said. “Nobody is coming for your precious park.”
Still, Whitmore says residents uncomfortable with the possibility of a sale should carefully consider the consequences before voting.
“Ultimately, voters are going to have to decide what matters to them,” he said. “If you don't want to see a Celebrity Centre at Fort De Soto, that's something you may want to keep in mind this November.”
