Took a little drive recently that took me through downtown Clearwater.

The recent photos posted that referenced "ghost town" were accurate. At high noon, when I worked downtown Clearwater more than ten years ago, I used to brace for the "running of the clams" as Sea Org suited people scurried to lunch from whatever building they were in to another building they ate in.

Used to be hundreds. Now, there are dozens. Even when you count the different uniforms, there just aren't as many people. Nor are there many shops open downtown anymore, but lots of For Rent and For Sale signs.

The Super Power building still has a giant hole on the northwest side, and has the look and feel of an unfinished theme park ride building.

There was something going on at the Ft Harrison, guards were at the gate on the side street watching everyone who drove by and stopping people at the gate.

There were giant colorful posters advertising some big event on November 4, but they were located inside the parking entrance, and not readily visible to public.

One thing about people-watching in Clearwater, *nobody* looks happy. There are no animated conversations, no one is taking their time, everyone walks with brisk and purposeful strides. Nobody smiles and says hello.

Saw the old LMT building, it has been vandalized, holes in the glass of the door, etc. There was a Sysco food delivery truck parked in the back. Saw a couple other Sysco trucks, delivering to the Osceola condos across from the Sandcastle, and to that unmarked Sea Org berthing hotel with the permanent No Vacancy sign just off Cleveland Ave. The delivery guys didn't look happy, either.

What a sad little town.

-maggie, human being

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