Comments on: Gardens Will Reopen March 28

By: Ron Hemke

Ron Hemke — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:54:35 +0000

I am a former employee, having worked in every single department for over 5 years while I was in college back in the 80’s and 90’s. I worked mostly in operations, but also in human resources, accounting, maintenance, horticulture, merchandise, custodial, entertainment, public relations, and assisted in design and engineering and even security and special events!!! I have many fond memories and even was interviewed by many members of the media when the park had closed back in 2003. I have worked in many capacities at Sea World, Universal, Disney, and currently travel all over the country producing entertainment and educational shows for kids. Even after having worked as an actor in LA and NYC, I miss Winter Haven and Cypress Gardens. My mother was so proud of me the day I started working at Cypress Gardens. My favorite role at the park was as a VIP tour guide through the botanical gardens and handling all sorts of VIP’s through the entire park. I have so many great memories. I am on the road until mid-May, but I plan on getting an annual pass when I return to my home in the Orlando area! This is very exciting, best of success to Mr. Sims, who was just finishing up his tenure at Cypress Gardens when I started as a teenager. Great!!!

By: Debbie (Lasseter) Cherok

Debbie (Lasseter) Cherok — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 05:37:19 +0000

SO happy to hear this great news! I am a past employee, having worked for my great-aunt, Mimi Pope, in the Main Gift Shop for many years. My parents were water skiers back in the 50’s, and every family member was employed here at some point in their lives. I have many wonderful memories of CG, and can’t wait to visit again this year.

By: Barbara Stock

Barbara Stock — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 13:59:39 +0000

I am so glad the gardens will be re-opening, and am hoping that the country music concerts will be scheduled very soon. We were season ticket holders, and are snowbirds, so we hope to be able to enjoy a little of it before our return to Iowa in April. We have missed it very much.

By: Andi Brannon

Andi Brannon — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:23:31 +0000

Such wonderful news! The community is thrilled to have you return to Cypress Gardens Bill Sims.

By: Robert Hebda

Robert Hebda — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:00:34 +0000

Has any one started to look at the impact on businesses not only from the short closing of Cypress gardens and the loss of the Indians ??? I would bet that this will have a substantial effect on the community. Just do not see all those Ohio license plates everywhere and all the money these people spent in town.

By: Nancy Sanders

Nancy Sanders — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:54:01 +0000

What wonderful news! We moved to Winter Haven four years ago “because of Cypress Gardens,” so I am thrilled to know the park is reopening. My grandparents introduced me to the Gardens in the early fifties, I brought my children to the park when they were small and now enjoy taking my grand-daughter when she visits. As our community approaches its 100th Anniversary in 2011, please let the community know what we can do to help incorporate the Gardens into that celebration. Nancy Sanders

By: Jean Reed

Jean Reed — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:50:49 +0000

Congratulations and Best Wishes. This is wonderful news.
I, for one, can’t wait to get back to beautiful Cypress Gardens!

By: bill Lewis

bill Lewis — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:23:35 +0000

Congratulations Bill- Those of us who have known you a lifetime respect you and your team’s ability to bring Cypress Gardens back to Winter Haven- We support you 100%-

By: Howard Wallace

Howard Wallace — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:15:08 +0000

Great! I am just planning a trip to Fla in May. We were going down the east coast but now plan to swing from Jax to Winter Haven and then on to Key West. We plan to visit the park in May.
Howard Wallace, Winston Salem, N.C.

By: BK

BK — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:52:37 +0000

This is terrific news! The separate admission charges makes perfect fiscal sense–we only pay for the part of the park we want to see/use. Bringing back the electric boats and ski show is a BIG step towards restoring the grandeur of this wonderful oasis! Mr. Sims, welcome home to Winter Haven!