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2003 Cypress Gardens to close Sunday - Drop in tourism since Sept. 11 cited as cause Pope opened gardens in 1936 Locals earned their skis at the Gardens Businesses will feel the impact Saturday, April 12, 2003 Gardens' future Some fear losing historical legacy of theme park Chamber takes lead in public effort to save part of Gardens Save botanical part of Gardens Sunday, April 13, 2003 Dressed in nostalgia - Gardens' belles meet for last photo opportunity Photos : Visitors bid farewell to Cypress Gardens A sad day for Winter Haven, many others Historic gardens should be preserved Don't allow the Gardens to shut down Monday, April 14, 2003 'It's like losing a member of your family' Visitors bid farewell to Cypress Gardens Wednesday, April 16, 2003 State may buy Gardens Gov. Jeb Bush on Tuesday directed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to meet with Cypress Gardens president and CEO Bill Reynolds to discuss the possibility of a state purchase in an effort to save the park. 'Good fight' might save the Gardens Thursday, April 17, 2003 State offers hope for Cypress Gardens rescue Don't give up on saving Gardens Friday, April 18, 2003 Save the Gardens, residents implore Tourism officials redirect campaign Shocking news Saturday, April 19, 2003 Gardens' salvation takes a first step Other parks help Gardens' passholders Fantasy of Flight will offer free admission for one year Sunday, April 20, 2003 Movement to save Gardens shows results Monday, April 21, 2003 Southern Breeze's big wheel keeps on turning Dinner cruises aren't halted by Cypress Gardens' closing summer special price of $14.95 per person Chamber uses Web to help with Gardens effort www.savethegardens.com Wednesday, April 23, 2003 Kent Buescher, president and CEO of Valdosta-based Wild Adventures reportedly wants to buy Cypress Gardens Buescher has invested $65 million in Wild Adventures since it was opened seven years ago. Thursday, April 24, 2003 Gardens task force meets today Gardens would do well as a state park Friday, April 25, 2003 Residents want all of Gardens saved Supporters pushing to save all 200 acres of Cypress Gardens turned out in droves at a public hearing on Thursday. Losing Gardens like saying bye to an old friend Gardens preservationists face deadline for resolution With a week remaining in the three-week period which the owners of Cypress Gardens agreed to maintain the grounds.... Tuesday, May 6, 2003 Chamber looks at maintaining Gardens until state Cabinet acts The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce task force, a group that has asked the state to buy 75 acres of the now-closed Cypress Gardens www.friendsofcypressgardens.org Thursday, May 15, 2003 Dinner boat undergoes repairs after vandal attack Crew members of the Southern Breeze dinner cruise paddle-wheel boat expect to complete repairs in time for a dinner cruise tonight after the boat was vandalized earlier in the week. Saturday, May 17, 2003 Next step for Gardens' solution set for June State officials will decide in early June whether to ask Gov. Jeb Bush's permission to start negotiating to buy part of Cypress Gardens. Sunday, May 18, 2003 Beneath the Chinaberry Tree Big dates in Cypress Garden's history Tuesday, May 20, 2003 Gifford seeks resolution on Gardens' future use The county commissioner is pushing for the board to approve a resolution at Wednesday's meeting that says the preferred use for the land is as a tourist attraction with botanical gardens. Wednesday, May 21, 2003 Commission gets behind state move to buy Gardens County commissioners are willing to take a stand on what Cypress Gardens owners should do with the property Thursday, May 22, 2003 Board passes Gardens resolution Georgia theme park owner says he has plans for purchase Kent Buescher has called a press conference so he can outline his vision for Cypress Gardens Saturday, May 24, 2003 Letters Why doesn't city purchase and preserve the Gardens? Jimmy Reynolds Sunday, May 25, 2003 The politics of saving the Gardens The rape and pillage of seven acres across the canal from Cypress Gardens -- apparently in violation of state law -- served to fuel the fires of opposition to commercial development and paving over of the legendary theme park. Thursday, May 29, 2003 Gardens suitor offers $30M upgrade For Cypress Gardens to make a profit, the park has to appeal to young people while preserving its history, prospective buyer Kent Buescher His top plans: To pump in $30 million worth of improvements the first year by adding thrill rides, a water park, animal attractions and a revamped entrance. After that, he said, he'd spend between $3 million and $5 million each year for improvements. Friday, May 30, 2003 Winter Haven will wait awhile on Gardens resolution City officials want to wait before following the lead of county commissioners in adopting a resolution to support the state's move to buy part of the now-closed Cypress Gardens Beneath the Chinaberry Tree... Dick Pope, Julie and away we go ... Julie Downing was a popular and lovely young woman from Brewton, Ala. She caught the eye of Dick Pope, who was in his mid 20s at the time. It is said that upon meeting her, he boldly claimed she would be his wife, and on April 7, 1926, that is exactly what she became. Wednesday, June 4, 2003 Lake Alfred passes Cypress Gardens resolution Commissioners decided Monday night to lend their helping hands to the fight to save Cypress Gardens. Friday, June 6, 2003 Cypress Gardens vote today Supporters urge state panel to preserve the entire park Saturday, June 7, 2003 Council OKs state buy of Gardens It's now up to Gov. Jeb Bush to decide whether the state should try to buy all of Cypress Gardens. Sunday, June 8, 2003 Progress in quest to save the Gardens The state's purchase of all or part of the Gardens would protect all or part of it from commercial development Wednesday, June 11, 2003 City passes Gardens resolution Winter Haven supports state purchase of park, but may annex property Winter Haven is now officially backing the state's efforts to buy Cypress Gardens, but city officials confirmed this week that they're talking with owners about annexing the closed attraction. According to the Polk County Property Appraiser's Web site, the main park property -- totaling 60.7 acres -- has a total taxable value of nearly $4.9 million with the land, buildings and miscellaneous items. Property taxes from 2002 total $87,047.21. Polk County Property Appraiser Thursday, June 12, 2003 City should do more to save Gardens Winter Haven city officials E-mail address list Friday, June 13, 2003 Orlando mogul waits for response from Gardens owners to his offer It's been three days since Orlando timeshare mogul David Siegel made a concrete offer to buy Cypress Gardens, but there's been no response from park owners Siegel has said the park owners are looking to sell the park for $16 million or $17 million www.westgateresorts.com Siegel's Westgate Resorts Thursday, June 19, 2003 Display, film highlight life of Dick Pope Cypress Gardens founder Dick Pope Sr.'s involvement in a state public relations association will be part of one of the first historical exhibits being unveiled today at the Woman's Club. A film highlighting the life of Pope, "If It Ain't Fun, The Heck With It" will also be shown. Saturday, June 21, 2003 Former employees sue Gardens A WARN Act lawsuit was filed in Tampa and a sick time/vacation pay suit was filed in Bartow. "There are two separate suits -- one on the federal level and a state claim," The WARN Act prohibits employers from staging a mass layoff without 60 days' written notice. The suit claims that about 400 employees were affected The National Lawyers Guild/Maurice and Jane Sugar Law Center Friday, June 27, 2003 Timeshare mogul offers jobs to former Gardens staff David Seigel has yet to receive word on his proposal to buy Cypress Gardens, he has taken steps to ensure the displaced employees have jobs. Seigel will host a job fair at 9 a.m. Monday in the lobby of the Greenelefe Resort in Haines City for all former Gardens employees "We'll try to hire all 529 of them if they all show up." Grenelefe Resort Hotel 3200 Statt Road 546, Haines City, Florida, USA, 33844 Monday, June 30, 2003 Firecracker fun The closing of Cypress Gardens may have ended one of the more popular Fourth of July events in the area, but that doesn't mean there's no place to go for a day of family fun and fireworks Google: Fourth of July Job fair nets half of ex-Gardens employees With a promise to hire all former Cypress Gardens employees, Orlando timeshare mogul David Seigel opened the doors to his Grenelefe Resort on Monday, and more than 200 workers came in search of jobs. . . . Gov. Jeb Bush and his Cabinet will decide in August whether to place the property on the Florida Forever list. "There will be two meetings in August, one on the 12th and one on the 26th. I am not sure which agenda it will be on, but they will vote in August," said Florida Department of Environmental Protection spokeswoman Kathalyn Githere. Florida Governor's Office Contact the Governor Google: Florida Government Monday, July 14, 2003 Annual holiday festival City Lights to still be held The annual holiday festival City Lights, Cypress Nights will go on this year despite the closure of Cypress Gardens. The 67-year-old Winter Haven landmark, which closed in April because of declining attendance, was the heart of the month-long festival, now in its eighth year Tuesday, July 15, 2003 Polk's tourism council launches $75,000 ad blitz "And we have other things in Polk County besides Cypress Gardens." Google: Polk County Thursday, July 17, 2003 3 Gardens owners booted out Cypress Gardens minority owners Tom Trupiano, Glenn Labuda and Dennis Brock have been fired from their positions with the closed attraction. . . Combined, Trupiano, Labuda and Brock own less than 30 percent of the park Cypress Gardens is divided into two separate entities Florida Cypress Gardens, which operated the park and has no real assets First Gardens LLC, which owns the land and the buildings The main park property, totaling 60.7 acres, has a total taxable value of nearly $4.9 million including the land, buildings and other items, according to the Polk County property appraiser. Officials have estimated that the entire park property is between 200 and 230 acres. Gov. Jeb Bush and the Cabinet will decide in August whether to place the property on the Florida Forever list. Let governor know you want Gardens saved If you wish to see him take strong action that will lead to reopening of a vigorous and beautiful Cypress Gardens, then you need to send e-mail and/or phone messages to : Jeb Bush, Jeb@jeb.org; phone (805) 488-4441 -- Joan and Ed Houston Winter Haven Saturday, August 2, 2003 Polk wants voice in Gardens talks When state officials meet on Aug. 20 to discuss the fate of Cypress Gardens, Polk County will have a voice in Tallahassee. . . board members are encouraging each other to attend the decisive Aug. 26 meeting where Gov. Jeb Bush and his Cabinet will finally determine whether to pursue buying the failed attraction. Saturday, August 2, 2003 Gardens vandalism estimated at $7,000 An unknown vandal(s) broke into Cypress Gardens sometime last week, inflicting nearly $7,000 worth of damage upon the shuttered theme park's shops and attractions. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the suspects gained forced entry into four buildings at the theme park, sometime between July 25, and Monday. Wednesday, August 6, 2003 Actress films ad promoting Gardens preservation Television star and former Miss Florida Delta Burke has joined the fight to save Cypress Gardens. Burke, who played Suzanne Sugarbaker on the long-running series, "Designing Women," and is an Orlando native, has filmed a public service announcement to rally support for state efforts to preserve the 67-year-old landmark. Internet Movie Database (IMDb) : Delta Burke Google: Delta Burke Thursday, August 7, 2003 Commissioners endorse plea for state purchase of Cypress Gardens It took the board three tries to approve a letter to be read at a state meeting Aug. 20. Commissioners won't be at the meeting because that's the day they'll vote on an increase in the public service tax to balance next year's budget. The holdup came down to three words: "All or part." Friday, August 8, 2003 Winter Haven is water ski capital of the world During spring break of my senior year of high school, I took a Greyhound bus from Waterford, Mich., to Cypress Gardens to fulfill my dream of seeing, live and in action, the greatest skiers in the world. Sunday, August 10, 2003 Gardens goes to seed Nature reclaims Cypress Gardens as its future remains undetermined State officials are set to decide this month whether the state should buy all or part of Cypress Gardens, but the closed attraction might be overtaken by weeds before that happens. Four months after it closed its doors, the Gardens' famed landscaping and flora is overgrown and unkempt. Monday, August 11, 2003 Projects need support Gardens once provided Pat Gilder, executive director of Keep Winter Haven Clean and Beautiful, is one of the tireless and dedicated few who intends to see to it that such reputable area beautification projects as April's massive, day-long, lake cleanup event, Project EAGLE (Enhancing a Great Living Environment), remain intact and continual. "It's an ongoing process to keep the lakes clean," adds Gilder. www.winterhavenfl.com Wednesday, August 13, 2003 Helping to save Cypress Gardens The Former Executive Business Womens Network, will be holding a round table meeting at the Ranch House Motel to help save all of Cypress Gardens. We will be taking the bus to Tallahassee on Aug. 19 to have our views presented for the final count Aug. 26 to Gov. Bush. We care and support Polk County's Cypress Gardens. Join us today at 8:30 a.m. Contact Pati@pinkpagesdirectory.net Pati Mills, Lakeland www.pinkpagesdirectory.net Monday, August 18, 2003 Former Gardens employees plan 60-year reunion Former employees of Cypress Gardens will gather for a final ski show this Labor Day weekend. A 60-year reunion has been organized to celebrate the shuttered theme park's past. The highlight of the weekend will be a water ski show performed by the last cast of Cypress Gardens skiers on Lake Silver and is free and open to the public. Yahoo! Map Former ski show director Lynn Novaofski said she has been planning the event for more than a year. Reunion activities will include a casual gathering on Aug. 30 Aug. 31 will begin with a display of photographs and memorabilia the Ski Show Spectacular at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2003 Cypress Gardens faithful head to Tallahassee First state hearing on Gardens is today Aides to Gov. Jeb Bush and Cabinet officials will discuss the future of Cypress Gardens in a public hearing today Park owners, including park President Bill Reynolds, have remained silent since the park closed and no longer respond to media inquiries. Wednesday, August 20, 2003 Many have fond memories of the Gardens I think it would be a terrible loss to Winter Haven and the state of Florida to lose the Gardens. I hope so much that it remains the Cypress Gardens. June Courson Liles Thursday, August 21, 2003 State may consider 'easement' at Gardens Polk County leaders intent on saving Cypress Gardens from a developer's bulldozer received a mixed bag of support Wednesday from state officials preparing the issue for next Tuesday's Florida Cabinet vote. The easement would require the 67-year-old park's owners to sell the attraction to a third party who would actually operate it. The full Cabinet is scheduled to vote Aug. 26. Thursday, August 21, 2003 Blairfoot Bananza set Oct. 4-5 The 16th annual Blairfoot Bananza for barefoot water skiers from across the United States will be held Oct. 4-5 on Lake Silver in downtown Winter Haven The Blairfoot Bananza is named after the ambassador of barefooting, 'Banana' George Blair. Banana George, who turned 88 in January, is still an active competitor in barefoot skiing and competes every year in the Blairfoot Bananza. www.bananageorge.com Tuesday, August 26, 2003 Gardens deal reached Land trust takes option on 107 acres of failed attraction Nearly four months after the gates swung shut on Cypress Gardens, a contract between the Trust for Public Land and park owners can possibly save 107 acres of the property. The trust, a national nonprofit conservation organization, announced Monday that it has a contract for the option to buy a major part of the property. Trust for Public Land (TPL) Google search Tuesday, August 26, 2003 Potential Gardens buyers left out of the latest deal National nonprofit agency, the Trust for Public Land, was able to do what neither Orlando timeshare mogul David Siegel nor Georgia businessman Kent Buescher could: Get park owners to agree to sell at least part of the property. Wednesday, August 27, 2003 Gardens on state 'protected' list One day after a national nonprofit agency announced plans to purchase the most historic parts of Cypress Gardens, Gov. Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet voted Tuesday to put the failed attraction on the state's protected list. Bob Gernert, executive director of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, said his agency will be involved in cleaning up Cypress Gardens, which has fallen into disrepair since it closed in mid-April because of falling attendance. Gernert said the Chamber would prefer people interested in volunteering to e-mail the agency at chamber1@winterhavenfl.com, but residents can also call (863) 293-2138. Wednesday, August 27, 2003 Credit due to all who tried to save Gardens The efforts of so many people to save all or part of Cypress Gardens appear to have paid off. Friday, August 29, 2003 Former employees plan Cypress Gardens reunion The fraternity of employees that has evolved since the beginning of the Gardens is invited to celebrate 60 years of water skiing. The reunion, scheduled for this weekend, is for everyone - belles, lawn and garden crews, E boat drivers, ticket sales, ticket takers, office staff, announcers and anyone else who worked at the gardens. Friday, August 29, 2003 Cypress Gardens Reunion turns into celebration Numerous activities planned for reunion Friday, August 29, 2003 Sunday's ski show to be full of surprises According to show director Nancy Daley, 20 men and 13 women from the last ski cast at Cypress Gardens will take to the water to perform their last ski show together. Since the cast is larger the recent shows, which averaged 9 men and six women, the show alone will be a spectacular event for everyone. Friday, August 29, 2003 Schedule of events Friday Event Schedule 4 to 6 p.m. - Registration at Admiral's Inn, Saturday Event Schedule 1 to 4 p.m. - Casual meet and greet at the Admiral's Inn 5 p.m. - Open house at Water Ski Hall of Fame Museum Sunday Event Schedule All day picnic at the Lake Silver Amphitheater and MLK Park Noon to 1 p.m. - Cypress Gardens Memories 1 to 1:30 p.m. - Glenn Johnson, former singer at Cypress Gardens, will perform 1:30 to 1:40 p.m. - Banana George Blair barefoot demonstration on Lake Silver 1:40 to 1:50 p.m. - Cypress Gardens Singers will perform a variety of patriotic songs 1:50 to 1:55 p.m. - Mayoral Proclamation by Winter Haven Mayor Mike Easterling 1:55 p.m. - National anthem performed by Cypress Gardens Singers 2 p.m. - Water Ski Show Spectacular performed by Last Cast of Cypress Gardens Skiers. The ski show is free and open to the public. Photos by Alan C. Teeple Preservation efforts raise spirits Gardens reunion brings back memories Life's been a splash at the top of the pyramid for former Cypress Gardens water skier Shaune Stoskopf of Plant City. Tuesday, September 2, 2003 Gardens gains national exposure The park is mentioned as a "threatened" property in the September/October issue of "Preservation" National Trust for Historic Preservation magazine Tuesday, September 2, 2003 'Easy to Love' reminds us of the glory of the Gardens "Easy to Love" found itself back to television at a time when many of us are thinking about the Gardens' past and future. Once simply regarded as candy for the eyes and ears, the MGM Studios Christmas 1953 release now serves as a stunning record of what the site used to offer. The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) : Easy to Love Monday, September 15, 2003 Locals celebrate efforts to save Gardens The big news of the summer has been the effort to save Cypress Gardens. Burma Posey, who had worked hard to develop community support Sunday, September 21, 2003 Trust awaits Gardens price tag An appraisal of the closed Cypress Gardens' 107-acre core on behalf of the Trust for Public Land probably won't be finished ahead of the option deadline Cypress Gardens boosters want all 176 acres on Florida Forever's perpetual preservation list. The option agreement with TPL covers only the botanical gardens, the water-ski area, the antebellum Snively Mansion and the butterfly conservatory. Monday, September 22, 2003 More reunions for ex-Gardens workers planned Former Cypress Gardens employees will have a shot at a "family" reunion every three years. Thursday, September 25, 2003 SWFWMD prepares to take legal action against Gardens owners The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has authorized legal action against the owners of Cypress Gardens, claiming they violated District guidelines while clearing land along the Lake Eloise-Lake Summit canal. www.swfwmd.state.fl.us Thursday, September 25, 2003 Chamber director responds to criticisms over Gardens Bob Gernert, executive director of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, has responded to allegations by Friends of Cypress Gardens leader Burma Posey that he and Rick Dantzler, chairman of the task force to save Cypress Gardens, have not been earnest in their efforts to save the park. Friday, September 26, 2003 Contract gives trust until Feb. 24 to find a buyer Cypress Gardens was apparently saved from development Thursday when the Trust for Public Land entered into a contract with First Gardens, L.C. to purchase 142 acres of the failed attraction for $22 million. Trust for Public Land (TPL) Firm hired to restore Gardens The Trust for Public Land, which has a contract to buy 142 acres of the failed attraction, has hired a landscaping firm to go into the park and repair the damage done by months of neglect. One Source Landscape will begin evaluating the property next week The view from Lake Eloise showed decaying flowers, unrecognizable topiaries and overgrown grass. Algae and moss covered the famous Cypress Gardens pool, and the small canal used by tour boats was clogged with growth. The plan is to reverse that damage Friday, October 10, 2003 Trust moves into Gardens Security, landscaping hired; search begins for permanent buyer At least six potential buyers have expressed interest in purchasing Cypress Gardens from the Trust for Public Land, which has a contract on 142 acres of the property for $22 million. Friday, October 10, 2003 Upkeep tab for Gardens: $40,000 a month Sunday, October 12, 2003 Support for Gardens must remain high Members of the Trust for Public Land toured Cypress Gardens on Thursday, where they found both bad news and good. Friday, October 17, 2003 Wanted: A buyer with a big heart The Trust for Public Land is officially looking for buyers for Cypress Gardens, but not everyone should make an offer for the park. The deadline for offers on Cypress Gardens is Nov. 14. on 142 acres of the park property The park is up for sale for $22 million, but it likely won't cost the new owners that much. Sunday, October 19, 2003 Some see Gardens as eco-showcase Judy Howell, director of www.energysuperstore.com an online store for energy-efficient products, said the property could be used for a number of eco-friendly purposes, Sunday, October 19, 2003 Good signs for Gardens from trust It will take more than money to buy Cypress Gardens. That was the clear message conveyed by the Trust for Public Lands, which issued invitations to bid on the Gardens last week. Friday, October 31, 2003 Gardens owners to pay fine The owners of Cypress Gardens will pay a $12,575 fine for illegally clearing land next to the park, damaging wetlands around the Lake Eloise-Lake Summit canal. First Gardens L.C., which owns the property, agreed to the penalty imposed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District this week after the $26,200 in fines originally proposed was reduced. www.swfwmd.state.fl.us An archive of Gardens memories Historical museum has six volumes of articles since 1935 Printed in the Winter Haven Herald on Jan. 4, 1935, the story heralded a preview of the now famous landmark that wasn't to officially open until weeks later. That story, and practically every other article that has been written by current and past local newspapers since, can now be found in one place: The Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library. After the park closed suddenly in April, library staff "realized immediately there would be a need for said information," Library Manager Joe Spann said Monday More news and information about The Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library. Sunday, November 16, 2003 Families discover their pasts The Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library Joe Spann - jspann@pclc.lib.fl.us Saturday, November 15, 2003 3 bidders meet Gardens deadline Public bidding on the park closed Friday afternoon with three proposals submitted to the Trust for Public Land, the nonprofit preservation organization that has a contract on 142 acres of the park for $22 million. Greg Chelius, the TPL's Florida director, declined to name the proposed buyers Tuesday, November 18, 2003 Two of 3 Gardens bidders confirmed Orlando timeshare mogul David Siegal and Georgia businessman Kent Buescher have been confirmed as possible buyers for Cypress Gardens. But the third bidder on the Winter Haven landmark remains a mystery Thursday, November 20, 2003 Gardens owner wants to build on nearby land Cypress Gardens owner Larry Maxwell is asking the county for access to seven acres of land illegally cleared a month before the park closed so he can build houses on it. . . .his company: Century Realty Funds Inc. . . Saturday, November 22, 2003 All Gardens bidders rejected None of the three prospective owners who offered to buy the park submitted qualified proposals to the Trust for Public Land Planners rebuff Gardens owner Developer seeks access to build houses on Swann Pointe The Polk County Planning Commission voted Tuesday to urge county commissioners not to give Lakeland developer Larry Maxwell a waiver that would let his companies cut through land a house is supposed to be built upon to access the property. Thursday, December 11, 2003 Letter To The Editor - By Dennis C. Orvis Christmastime wish for city of Winter Haven I am speaking about the beautiful Christmas lighting display at Cypress Gardens. More than 5 million lights that in previous years presented such an awesome pleasure for many thousands during Christmastime, and are now sitting in darkness in hopes that a miracle will somehow "turn the switch on." It is such a tragic waste of Florida's first theme park and Winter Haven's great treasure. Friday, December 12, 2003 No snow for Cypress Gardens Trust spokesman says another deal may be close Although Americas Choice Inc. was rejected by the nonprofit organization, the Trust's Florida director hinted Thursday that a deal is close with another potential buyer that would preserve the Winter Haven landmark. Americas Choice Inc., which says on its Web site that it has reached a deal for the park, was rejected outright, Chelius said. Americas Choice Inc Americas Choice Inc - Cypress Gardens Wednesday, December 17, 2003 Gardens deal close Cypress Gardens could be sold for $20.5 million in a complex deal that would have the state, city, county and a Georgia theme park owner, all pitching in to save the 67-year-old landmark. The Trust for Public Land's Florida director told Gov. Jeb Bush and cabinet members Tuesday that he is working on a deal with Kent Buescher, who runs Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Ga. Wednesday, December 17, 2003 Local officials will try to find $2.5 million If the Trust for Public Land expects to get any financial help from Winter Haven to save Cypress Gardens, the park may need be a little closer to the city limits. Thursday, December 18, 2003 County mulls Gardens finance plan Although county commissioners are interested in helping save Cypress Gardens, they don't know where they're going to get the $2.5 million to do it Friday, December 19, 2003 Rides and more planned for Gardens Georgia theme park owner Kent Buescher says that for Cypress Gardens to be successful, the 67-year-old landmark will have to be modernized to draw larger crowds And that means rides and other attractions for families, the owner of Valdosta's Wild Adventures said Thursday Buescher has agreed to pay $7 million for 120 acres of the park Sunday, December 21, 2003 How new life is charted for Cypress Gardens Just imagine, not only will the Gardens be saved, but the city and county can own the 30 acres that made up the original gardens, which should ensure the early gardens are preserved in perpetuity. It remains to be seen whether Kent Buescher can turn the failed attraction into a viable theme park. According to projections, the park could employ up to 250 people, attract 500,000 to 1.5 million visitors annually and generate millions in revenue. The best option would be for Cypress Gardens to be annexed, of course, in part because a park so closely associated with Winter Haven ought to be in the city Monday, December 22, 2003 Gardens could reopen in spring Weeks from closing on the deal, investors in a private-public take-over of Cypress Gardens are already devising a $50 million-plus development plan to nab younger crowds. Tilden Smith, a financial partner to intended Cypress Gardens rescuer Kent Buescher, tentatively offered a four-phase build-out Sunday that reopens the original Gardens next spring. Thrill rides and a much expanded water park would follow on 120 undeveloped acres, Smith said. Monday, December 22, 2003 Keep Gardens in the county Letter To The Editor - By Bob Sarno Polk County must work to guarantee that Cypress Gardens remains in the county. There must be a commitment from the county commissioners to support any efforts that will help the Gardens survive. The county needs to come up with $2.5 million. Wednesday, December 24, 2003 Officials lean toward funding for Buescher's plan for Gardens Commissioners Don Gifford, Randy Wilkinson and Paul Senft went to Valdosta to check out Kent Buescher's theme park -- and to also check out Buescher himself, the potential savior of Cypress Gardens. Wednesday, December 24, 2003 Valdosta visit impresses commissioners Heading north on Interstate 75, miles from Ocala and hours from Valdosta, the first one appears. Colorful and eye-catching, it promises roller coasters and exotic animals at Exit 13 just across the Georgia state line. The billboard advertising Kent Buescher's Wild Adventures theme park Tuesday, December 30, 2003 Don't burden taxpayers with a baby Disney Letter To The Editor - By Dave Riddle Turning the botanical gardens into a baby Disney World won't bring people into Winter Haven, and taxing the residents of the area won't win any friends or influence many thinking people. Our full-time residents will not ride a supersonic coaster or kiddyland train without their part-time grandchildren in the summer. The $2.5 million needed to imitate Disney, which is 30 some miles away, would be a burden on the taxpayer who is already burdened on a fixed income. Cypress Gardens lasted a long time without thrill rides for senior citizens. Spend the money on really needed projects -- all you have to do is look around you; people in need are very easy to find as well as city improvements. Google: Disneyworld |
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Preservation magazine This Monthly Page link will change Hope for Cypress Gardens, Florida's First Theme Park Story by Margaret Foster / Sept. 4, 2003 When Cypress Gardens, a 67-year-old theme park located in Winter Haven, Fla., 40 miles southwest of Orlando, closed suddenly this April, more than 500 people lost their jobs. That day, a grassroots group called Friends of Cypress Gardens began distributing flyers with Gov. Jeb Bush's personal e-mail address, urging park supporters to plead its case. "Gov. Bush was bombarded with mail," says Burma Posey, president of the Friends of Cypress Gardens. The assault continued last week, when bathing beauties and Southern belles dressed in Cypress Gardens costumes gathered outside the Florida Cabinet chambers to show their support for the state's first theme park. The tactic worked. On Aug. 26, Gov. Bush and his cabinet voted to make Cypress Gardens eligible for state preservation funds, which means the state could buy the development rights to the 176-acre park. The vote came days after the Trust for Public Land announced that it would buy 107 acres of the historic park to preserve it and its wetlands. On Jan. 2, 1936, entrepreneur Richard Pope opened Cypress Gardens. Later, Elvis Presley performed at its stadium, surrounded by botanical gardens, a butterfly conservatory, and a Florida-shaped pool. Owners Larry Maxwell and Bill Reynolds closed the park because of low attendance, but Posey says her group has learned that the owners had planned to develop the land. The Friends of Cypress Gardens want to keep the park open to the public. "If we are successful in saving the gardens, we plan to ad a history and collections center," Posey says. "We hope to make Cypress Gardens a 'Smithsonian of the South.'" Friends of Cypress Gardens |
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