Clearwater celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month with an upbeat Downtown Party

CLEARWATER, Fla., Sept. 28, 2017 -- On Saturday, September 23, Downtown Clearwater was turned into a dance floor for the entire community to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with an upbeat Block Party covering the 500 block of Cleveland Street and Fort Harrison Avenue. Charities from the area alongside nearly 2,000 locals joined the event organized by the Church of Scientology.

Members of Grupo Folklorico Mahetzi perform at the Church of Scientology Block Party in downtown Clearwater

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9582157f-4fdf-4375-b713-eec7ec661624

The National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed every year from September 15 to October 15 in honor of the American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The recognition started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.

This was the fifth downtown Clearwater Block Party by the Church of Scientology.  The Church started the block parties last year when they first in celebrated the one year anniversary of the opening the Scientology Information Center and six humanitarian offices along two blocks of Fort Harrison.  These offices feature help for human rights and drug abuse The Downtown Block Party started with a lively performance by the Grupo Folklorico Mahetzi which set the pace for the rest of the evening. In their colorful dresses they were an inspiring embodiment of the Hispanic heritage spirit.

The show continued with a stellar performance of the Puerto Rican native singer Brenda Berrios who brought attendees on their feet.

While local families strolled around enjoying the event a number of local charities grabbed the opportunity to promote their activities to the community. Among others the New Heights Destiny, the Cole Link Foundation, Owl's Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife and the Zaksee Parrot Sanctuary were present.

Activities for kids and adults alike included petting zoo, face painting, carnival games and more.

"The Downtown Block Parties of the Church of Scientology are becoming a tradition and there is demand to do more of those," said event organizer Nicole Biancolini. "Especially now while the community is still recovering in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria as well as the earthquakes in Mexico such an upbeat activity was really needed."

Despite the rainy periods of the evening everyone enjoyed the activities.

"I have come to the Church of Scientology Block Parties in the past," commented a local resident. "I keep coming back as they are fun; there are many activities and food for the thousands of people joining these events. Those parties are becoming part of the culture of Clearwater."

About the Church of Scientology:

The Scientology religious philosophy was founded by L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954 and has expanded to more than 11,000 churches, missions and affiliated groups, in 167 nations. Scientologists are optimistic about life and believe there is hope for a saner world and better civilization, and actively do all they can to help achieve this.

For more information please visit www.scientology-fso.org.

Contact: Amber Skjelset
(727) 467-6966