Illusionist may escape from Clearwater building
By ALEXANDRA CALDWELL
Article published on Wednesday, July 16, 2008  |
CLEARWATER – If all goes according to plan, illusionist Criss Angel will escape from the Spyglass Resort in Clearwater this month as it is demolished, according to city officials.
Angel stars in the A&E television show, “Criss Angel Mindfreak,” in which he does stunts and illusions. Clearwater is a finalist for the first live episode in the show’s four-year history. The episode, “Building Implosion Escape,” will air Wednesday, July 30, 10 p.m.
“Clearwater is a favorite of ours, and it’s looking like the event will take place there,” said Emily Spitale, publicist for the show.
Angel would attempt to escape from restraints and run to the roof to escape by helicopter before the building implodes, Spitale said.
The city has secured most of the necessary permits, said Douglas Matthews, public communications officer for the city. The Spyglass Resort, 215 Gulfview Blvd., is famous for its mural of a hot air balloon but has been closed for years due to code violations, Matthews said. It will be replaced by the Kiran Grand Resort and Spa, which plans for 350 condominium suites to be rented and 75 permanent residences.
Matthews said Angel’s stunt would bring great publicity to Clearwater, especially after investing in the beach and the Beach Walk project.
“Any time you can put your destination on an international stage like this, the publicity value isn’t something you can put a dollar amount on,” Matthews said.
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Article published on Wednesday, July 16, 2008
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