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Illusionist May Try To Escape Hotel Implosion

News Channel 8 photo by PAUL LAMISON

A Clearwater city spokesman says it will know next week whether Criss Angel will broadcast an attempt to escape from the implosion of the Spyglass Resort.

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 11, 2008

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TAMPA - Illusionist Criss Angel likely will show off his skills during the implosion of a Clearwater Beach hotel this month, a Clearwater spokesman said today.

If all goes as planned, Angel will be in the Spyglass Resort as the demolition countdown begins, and he will make his way to a helicopter on the roof before the implosion occurs, said Doug Matthews, a city of Clearwater spokesman.

Matthews said he will know for sure next week whether Angel will come to the hotel to perform.

If Angel performs, the event will be broadcast live on A&E from 10 to 11 p.m. on July 30.

Angel's representatives and Clearwater officials met today to discuss the plan.

Angel's publicist couldn't be reached today.

Matthews said he wasn't sure how what methods Angel would use to survive the stunt.

"That's the part that nobody knows," he said. "That's the magic."

The nine-story hotel has been vacant for years, Matthews said.

"It has fallen into very bad disrepair," he said. "It has numerous code issues, and from a city perspective, we were very glad to see it go down. Whether it's on live TV, whether it's an implosion, whether it's a wrecking ball."

Angel is the creator, executive producer and director of "Criss Angel MINDFREAK" on A&E and has been on several television specials, according to his Web site.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691.

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