Cypress Gardens Closing

[1disfan]

I don't know if this has been covered before but I just saw on the news that Cypress Gardens will be closing Sunday, after 67 years in business. They claim that they have never recovered from lost business after 9/11. A big shock to employees who were busy working on the property and putting in new plants. There are also booked weddings and other events that must be cancelled. Too bad, it was a great place to spend a relaxing day.

 

[DianeV]

We went there a couple years ago and did think it was a nice relaxing day..its no Disney however and maybe that is the problem..people want the glitz and this place was a bit more sedate

 

[mcnuss]

My DH is going to be very upset. He has wonderful childhood memories from CG. (And he has wanted to go back for years, and we've put it off.)

Maybe another company will buy it? Fingers crossed.

 

[Steve P]

Though nothing 'offical' yet, it's a reliable rumor that Condo's will be built on the grounds. The chances of Annh. Busch selling to another theme park operator are nill. CG is yet another casualty of 9/11. It has had a net operating loss of 5 million since AB bought it in 1995.

 

[DisOrBust]

They had beaiutiful gardens and a HUGE banyan tree. I hope someone buys it.

 

[kellymonaghan]

This is truly sad news.

Cypress Gardens was Florida's first "themed" attraction and one of the prettiest.

There has been some talk of a letter writing campaign to Governor Jeb Bush, appealing for his help in saving the attraction. I'm writing. How about you?

His address is:

Office of the Governor
The Capitol
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001

You can also email jeb.bush@myflorida.com

 

[BarryHom]

I'm wondering if Six Flags can buy this park. Six Flags may not be the best management for it, but it would help keep the park alive. They'll probably put a Batman ride in it somehow.

 

[jeannej]

Anheiser Busch doesn't own Cypress Gardens. The company sold the place several years ago. The principal owner is a man whose last name is Maxwell and is a big developer in the area. He already removing trees from the southern part of the gardens.
There will be homes, not condos built their.

Having spent my middle school and high school years in Winter Haven it really saddens me and aggravates me that the city let this happen.

jeannej