Pastor behind Quran plan may face $200,000 bill
TAMPA — The preacher from Gainesville who ignited a firestorm of criticism over his plan to torch 200 copies of the Quran says he wants to move his church to the Tampa Bay area by the end of the year, NBC affiliate WFLA reported.
He’s also facing a $200,000 bill for policing costs during the firestorm his plan created, The Gainesville Sun newspaper said. However, officials say they’re not sure they can force him to pay.
“A fresh start is a good term,” Terry Jones said. “There’s a more favorable atmosphere for the church and our message in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area.”
A site for a future church here has not been selected, but the Tampa Bay area is at the top of the list for relocation, he told WFLA.
Jones, 58, owns a condominium on Treasure Island, according to Pinellas County property records, WFLA reported.
Jones said the move could happen as soon as he can sell his current church, Dove World Outreach Center. The property, a prefab warehouse turned into a sanctuary and an adjoining building, has been for sale for some time, he said.
Ramzy Kilic, communications director of the Tampa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, told WFLA that if Jones does move to the Tampa
“If he ever chooses to come here with open arms and good intentions, the interfaith community would receive him,” Kilic said. “If you want to be a member of the Tampa community, you should exemplify neighborly qualities. Tampa is a great city and he’s more than welcome.”
Before he goes, though, Gainesville authorities say they want him to cover the cost of policing the Dove World Outreach Center for the planned Quran burning that never happened, The Gainesville Sun reported.