State of Florida agrees to its part in bringing back Cypress Gardens

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

Under a deal that even Gov. Jeb Bush acknowledged "would only happen in Florida," the governor and Cabinet voted to spend $11-million from the state's environmental land-buying funds for a conservation easement on the 150-acre Polk County park. The easement severely limits the land's future development. The vote was the final step in a complex, $20.5-million deal aimed at preserving "Florida's first theme park" while updating it to draw enough tourists to keep it open. Kent Buescher, owner of Wild Adventures, will operate the theme park portion of the land.

Read more from The St. Petersberg Times.

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I visited the park as a kid, and though I don't remember a whole lot, I thought it was a very nice looking park (I seem to remember glass-bottom boats also). It'll be interesting to see what kind of thrill rides Mr. Buescher adds. I would imagine something along the lines of Bonfante Gardens (which is in bad financial trouble again.).

Three words, stock Vekoma coasters (maybe a Graviity Group woodie if were lucky). It makes sense after all, that's how he developed Wild Adventures so quick and it will do well to keep the formerly defunct park out of financial trouble.
*** This post was edited by Stan 1/28/2004 7:08:18 PM ***

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