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This is obviously a very positive step forward as it has been our position from
the beginning
that AT A MINIMUM the historic portions of the original attraction must be preserved.
Should State officials and/or the Trust for Public Lands
find it feasible to purchase acreage beyond the original park, we applaud their success.
Secondly, on Tuesday, August 26, Governor Jeb Bush and the Cabinet
voted to place Cypress Gardens on the state list for endangered lands
which authorizes state officials to negotiate a potential conservation easement.
State officials have fast-tracked the process of determining
Cypress Gardens historic attributes, appraisals and fate.
This allowed the Governor and Cabinet to reach their consensus
just seventeen weeks after the beloved attraction closed.
A grateful community and Polk County as well as millions of Cypress Gardens advocates
appreciate the extraordinary efforts of these dedicated public servants.
As mentioned earlier, the Winter Haven Chamber has been asked to mobilize volunteers
to mow, weed, prune and love the Gardens back to life.
Plentiful summer rains have allowed both the botanical gardens and the weeds to thrive.
We know that many of you live too far away to assist physically,but there are two ways to help...
If you want to take part in one or more clean up days (to be announced in the near future)
just reply to this email and mention what you might be willing to do.
The Trust for Public Lands is accepting tax deductible contributions
to be used in maintaining the grounds over the next several months.
Any amount will help. Mail your tax-deductible contributions to:
The Trust for Public Lands
306 N. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
ATTN: Kathy Baughman |
Winter Haven area leaders are now gathering information
in preparation for working with the Trust for Public Lands
in finding a successful solution for Cypress Gardens preservation.
Finally, Cypress Gardens employees are having a reunion this weekend here in Winter Haven.
They will meet at downtown's Lake Silver from Noon to 4 pm on Sunday.
The cast of the final ski show at the Gardens will perform that same show.
It is free and open to the public. We hope many of you are able to enjoy this historic event.
The magnitude of your concern and support is making a difference.
Bob
Gernert
Greater Winter Haven Chamber
of Commerce
This message was e-mailed to ACTWON : Aug 28 2003
Sunday, August 31, 2003
Some of you who received yesterday's Cypress Gardens update
had difficulty in replying to that message.
We are confirming messages from the volunteers as they are received.
If you wish to volunteer,
please send your name and the skill, equipment or task you wish to volunteer to:
chamber1@winterhavenfl.com
We will notify you when clean up days for Cypress Gardens are scheduled later in September.
We regret the inconvenience and appreciate your support.
Greater Winter Haven Chamber of
Commerce
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Botanicalgardens (37 acres)
