Black Modern Ballroom

Award-Winning Chefs Help Church Celebrate 83 YEARS IN THE HEART OF CLEARWATER

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.

 

- end -

About the Author

My Dream Is it a sign?

I had a dream where i entered different realms only to end up in a giant modern-styled city. I first entered an underground ballroom all black and white with a statue in the middle, i walked to a hallway and their a laid a door. I turn around and see another door. I look in each ( one is scary, another is one small floating rock) and go to the one with the rock. Then I see stairs heading down, walk to them and see alien-natured place. I got deeper into it and make it into the city. I do stuff that are fun and active and dangerous and thoughtful that I pictured before then in the end it crumbles and lightning thump's and I awake sweating and in a rainy day. i just wanna say I never had a dream like that and think it means something.

Well I dont have an answer. It seems a bit confusing, but I kinda have a picture what you dream of, I had somewhat what you said with the modern-styled city. Mine was from the ancient Aztec cities. No answers, but from what I'd learned...came from my mind, in my dream. It seem very rare and unique that I couldnt find these in any movies or book nobels, that made me think "hey i could make a movie out of this" It made me understand, I have ideas and very creative with my mind and self. Sometimes dreams doesnt have to mean anything, but it teaches us how fascinating our mind creates ideas never has been before....

Black Flag- Modern Man (live)

Swingin' at the Savoy: The Memoir of a Jazz Dancer $39.50 Dancer, award-winning choreographer, show producer, stand-up comedienne, TV/film actress, and author, Norma Miller shares her touching historical memoir of Harlem's legendary Savoy Ballroom and the phenomenal music and dance craze that "spread the power of Swing across the world like wildfire". It was a time when the music was Swing, and Harlem was king. Renowned as "the world's most beautiful bal...

Top grade Black leather of Ladies Ballroom Modern Waltz Tango dance shoes-Black(EU36~EU41) Top grade Black leather of Women's modern shoes Model # WMSNH-WM003B Series Women's modern shoes Product Name Top grade Black leather of Women's modern shoes Brand Colorfulworldstore Material Upper: leather Sole: A grade matte suede leather Size Number Optional ... 33/34/35/36/37/38/39/40/41/42 ... Heel 3.5,4.5,5.0,6.0,7.0,8.0 cm optional ...

Top grade Two red Genuine leather of ladies Ballroom Modern Waltz Tango dance shoes-Black(EU36~EU41) Top grade Two red Genuine leather of Women's modern shoes Model # WMSNH-WM004 Series Women's modern shoes Product Name Top grade Two red Genuine leather of Women's modern shoes Model # WMSNH-WM004 Series Women's modern shoes Product Name Top grade Two red Brand Colorfulworldstore Material Upper: Leather Sole: A grade matte suede leathe...

2 Inch Satin Wedding Pump, in Black, White, Ivory & Tan, Holly Hand Made by Freed of London, Over 75 Years of Ballet & Ballroom Dance Shoe Design Experience, Fashionable, Comfortable & Designed For Those Planning to Dance at Their Wedding! $116.00 Freed of London has been making all their shoes by hand since 1928. From the Freed of London Wedding Collection comes the Holly Satin T-strap with rhinestone diamonte and 5 strip vamp. Adjustable ankle strap with rhinestone clasp. 2.5 inch flare heel. Comes in Black, Tan, White and Ivory satin. Comes in US Sizes 4 to 10, medium width....

Yoga & Dance Two Piece Outfit by KD dance, Less Is More, Stretch Knit Crop Top & Boy Shorts, Fashionable At Yoga or Dance Class to Beach or Pool Party, Made In New York City USA Matching color dance outfit which includes the KD dance Bare Belly Crop Ballet Neck Top & Stretch Knit Boy Shorts in the color of your choice. Our fabric is blended to stretch, flow and accent your curves and unique sense of living in the moment beauty.Perfect for dance, yoga or looking and feeling good. Our Gauze like knit makes our clothing customizable to create looks all your own. From Dancin...

Ballroom Dance Outfit by KD dance, Stretch Knit Shadow Stripe Wrap Top & Drawsting Shorts, Made For Movement, Comfort & To Last In New York Matching T Top & Pull On Skirt in Stretch Knit Shadow Stripe. A fashionable, versatile outfit that can easily be worn individually. Shadow Stripe gives the illusion of being see threw but actually gives plenty of cover. KD dance knits are crafted to stretch, flow and accent your curves and unique sense of living in the moment beauty. You will never want to take them off.If you are discovering ...

The Black Keys - Live At The Crystal Ballroom $16.99 The Black Keys - Live At The Crystal Ballroom

Ballroom * $19.01 Ballroom *

At The Ballroom * $19.01 At The Ballroom *

Ballroom! $20.62 Ballroom!

MODERN BALLROOM DANCING $10.5 Excellent Condition Used

Modern Ballroom Dancing $9.75 This book is in New - Excellent condition

Ballroom $47.95 Competitive ballroom is much more than a style of dance...

Black-Tie Ballroom Floor Backdrop(Pack Of 18) $255.6 Blacktie ballroom floor backdrop. Instatheme. Size: 4' x 30'.1 per package....

Black-Tie Ballroom Backdrop(Pack Of 18) $255.6 Blacktie ballroom backdrop. Instatheme. Size: 4' x 30'.1 per package....

30' Black-Tie Carpeted Ballroom Floor Backdrop $12.59 Black-Tie Carpeted Ballroom Floor Backdrop is a deep, dark red with a baseboard of gold and black. Backdrop is made of lightweight plastic and measures approximately 30' wide x 4' high.

Disorient Ballroom $16.95 Disorient Ballroom

A Ballroom Repentance $26.36 A Ballroom Repentance

Neon Ballroom $11.46 Neon Ballroom

GHOST BALLROOM $22.99 GHOST BALLROOM

This Is Ballroom Dancing $17.16 This Is Ballroom Dancing

Electric Ballroom $19.3 Electric Ballroom

The Black Keys - Live At The Crystal Ballroom (DVD) $11.59 The Black Keys set Portland`s Crystal Ballroom ablaze with their soulful, hard-driving blues rock in this raw concert film from director Lance Bangs. The duo--guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney--traffics in a powerfully traditional, down South sound that belies their skinny, white kid appearances; as soon as they take the stage, the 20-something Ohioans transform into a classic rock act from a bygone era, and transfix the audience in the process. In this 2008 performance, the band plays a wall-to-wall set that includes "Same Old Thing," "Your Touch," "Girl Is On My Mind," and many others.

30' Black-Tie Ballroom Backdrop $12.59 Lightweight plastic backdrop measures approximately 30' wide x 4' high.

Craig Revel Horwood's Ballroom Dancing: Teach Yourself $11.81 Whether you are an absolute beginner, a Strictly Come Dancing wannabe or simply want a fun way to get fit, Craig Revel Horwood's guide to ballroom dancing offers something for everyone. Learn how to become a ballroom babe or a Latin lover as Craig shows you all the basic moves in a fun, lively and straightforward way. Easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations will help you to learn numerous dances, including the traditional foxtrot, waltz, and tango as well as the more modern mambo, rumba and samba. Each section of dance provides lots of suggestions for great music to strut your stuff to, with helpful tips from Craig to encourage you to practice until you have truly mastered your moves. NOT GOT MUCH TIME? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. AUTHOR INSIGHTS Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the authors' many years of experience. TEST YOURSELF Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress. EXTEND YOUR KNOWLEDGE Extra online articles at www.teachyourself.com to give you a richer understanding of ballroom dancing. FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBER Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. TRY THIS Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

Strictly Ballroom (DVD) $10.24 STRICTLY BALLROOM

Ballroom (Hardcover) $20.36 Describes the history, costume, training, and basics of ballroom dancing.

Modern Classics Black Mischief $15.2 Modern Classics Black Mischief

Ballroom Dancers, Including $18.81 Ballroom Dancers, Including

Ballroom Dancing - Intermediate $19.99 Ballroom Dancing - Intermediate

From Ballroom To Dancesport $24.5 From Ballroom To Dancesport

Ballroom Dancing Basics $30.59 Ballroom Dancing Basics

Samba Goldstar Ballroom $10.53 Samba Goldstar Ballroom