Pastor behind Koran burning looking for Tampa Bay location

A Florida pastor who has created international controversy by burning copies of the Koran is looking to relocate to south Pinellas or Manatee county.

Terry Jones, senior pastor of Dove World Outreach Center, said in a phone interview Monday that he hopes in the next month to secure a new location for his church. Last week, the sale of the church's 20 acre property in Gainesville was completed.

Jones gained notoriety in 2010 when he announced plans to burn the Koran on the anniversary of Sept. 11. He backed off after pleas from worldwide officials.

Subsequently, he has burned copies of the Muslim holy book. And on the coming anniversary of Sept. 11, he plans to burn 2,998 copies of the Koran at a private property in Polk County's Mulberry.

Jones said he has been visiting the Tampa Bay region for years.

He plans to live temporarily in a Treasure Island condo that he has owned since 1991, before moving into a permanent home at his church's new location.