CLEARWATER, Fla., Sept. 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Church of Scientology will host its Fall Downtown Block Party on Saturday September 23^rd in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, on the corner of Cleveland Street and Fort Harrison Avenue. The event which will feature a Hispanic theme welcomes all people from all communities. The event starts at 5pm.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured here is the Church of Scientology 2016 Fall Block at Cleveland and Fort Harrison in downtown Clearwater. The 2017 Fall Block Party will be held on Saturday the 23rd of September starting at 5:00 pm.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/63ead1b9-b99f-46fa-bdd3-c6bffcd052db

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15^th to October 15^th, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of 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^th, 1988.

The day of September 15^th is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16^th and September 18^th, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12^th, falls within this 30 day period.

“This party celebrates the community and partnerships with local non-profits and our social betterment programs,” said event organizer Nicole Biancolini. “Local charities participate alongside programs sponsored by the Church of Scientology - helping educate youth about the truth about drugs, teaching kids about their human rights and bringing common sense values to help people to make good decisions in life.”

This is the 5^th block party the Church will have held since the opening of the Scientology Information Center on Cleveland Street and the Humanitarian Centers on North Fort Harrison on July 11^th, 2015.

Block Party activities will include:

• Live Music
• Food
• Raffles
• Prizes
• Carnival games, bouncy houses, face painting, a petting zoo, and a caricature artist.

There is no cost to attend or to participate in the various activities.

For more information about this event, or to participate as a non-profit please contact Amber at 727-467-6966 or amber@cos.flag.org.

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.

Contact Amber Skjelset
(727) 467-6966