Alas, the drought has stranded our popular Christmas Boat Parade on a proverbial “sandbar.” As of this writing, (10-26-07) the level of the Chain of Lakes stands at 129.3 feet above sea level. Minimum desirable level for the Chain is 129.5 feet above sea level and though the Chain’s level was slightly above that last year, the parade encountered significant canal issues in the Howard/Cannon canal. We also have learned from past experience that low levels mean low numbers of participating boats as in 2002 we had seven boats in the parade. The canals must be passable to have an adequate flotilla.
After consultations with the Lake Region Lakes Management District, City Lakes Management Department and Polk County Sheriff’s Department the decision has been made that the Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade will be cancelled for 2007. Should Mother Nature elect to shower us with profound precipitation during November … this decision will be reconsidered Thanksgiving weekend.
In the interest of those who plan holiday parties in conjunction with the parade, we felt it necessary to make this announcement at this time.
Cypress Gardens Adventure Park has announced new daily admission prices effective immediately:
Juniors ages 3 - 9 and Seniors 55+ $29.95 plus tax (good for second day in same week*)
General Admission ages 10 - 54 $34.95 plus tax (good for second day in same week*)
Parking fee: $7
Park President and CEO, Kent Buescher, also announced the park has resumed full operations on a daily basis and approximately 75 employees will be added to improve the guest experience.
* - When a daily admission is purchased it may be exchanged at guest services for a second day voucher.
The Middle District Court in Macon, Georgia has approved the sale of Cypress Gardens Adventure Park to Land South Holdings of Mulberry. Brian Philpot and Robert Harper are the new owners of the 71 year-old theme park.
Previous owner Kent Buescher will stay with Cypress Gardens as CEO. He commented, “I believe this is the best possible outcome for the park and its employees. I am excited to have the opportunity to continue my association with the park and look forward to working with Brian and Rob.” Buescher added that there are exciting things under consideration for the park and announcements will be forthcoming.
Land South bid $16.8 million for the historic park founded in 1936 by Dick and Julie Pope. The park comprises 152 acres 30 of which are owned by the citizens of Polk County and maintained by the owners. Those 30 acres include the botanical gardens, ski show circle and most of the lakefront.
The legendary Bette Davis joins legendary Garden’s founder Dick Pope in this 1950s era photo at the park.
The Ledger has reported that Land South Group, Inc. of Mulberry was the successful bidder for Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in Macon, Georgia today. The park sold for $16.8 million and according to bankruptcy attorney, Ward Stone, the approval of the court on Thursday is a formality. The Chamber had learned earlier today that Land South had “prevailed” in the auction and Stone’s comments on The Ledger Web site confirm that information.
The auction was conducted by the Middle District Court-Georgia, Valdosta Division. According to the report, Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta was purchased by the Herschend Family Entertainment of Missouri (owners of such properties as Dollywood).
Land South Holdings includes partners Brian Philpot and Robert Harper. We have learned that Deputy DEP Secretary, Bob Ballard (instrumental in the original Gardens purchase by Kent Buescher) introduced the company to the process.
Polk Community College was recognized with the George W. Harris Jr. Award for promoting free enterprise, community service, economic stability and quality growth. PCC President Dr. Eileen Holden accepted the award crediting it to the college faculty and staff.
PCC was recognized for its impact on the local economy (estimated at $120 million in the past year). David Touchton, chairman of the NCT Group, CPAs noted that “Economic Development starts with education.” He also noted the school has received a $12 million gift in addition to 20 acres that will help PCC create a Center for Advanced Global Manufacturing Technology College in Bartow.
Florida Southern College received the Dick Pope Sr Award for tourism in recognition of the tourists, educators and students of architecture that visit its unique collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings. Accepting the Award from Fantasy of Flight’s Jessie Douthit, a surprised FSC President Ann Kerr said the award was totally unexpected.
The CFDC Annual Meeting was held in Sykes Hall at the Lakeland Center. More than 300 people from across Polk County attended the event.
Mulberry-based Land South Holdings LLC has submited a contract for the purchase of Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in the Middle District Court, Macon, GA. Land South partners Brian Philpot and Rob Harper delivered the $16.8 million contract for the historic park today (Friday, September 14, 2007).
In a prepared statement Philpot noted, “Land South Holdings is pleased with the opportunity to pursue the purchase of the park. If our contract is successful, we will keep Florida’s original theme park a locally owned and operated tourism destination. For more than 70 years, Cypress Gardens has been an integral part of Polk County’s landscape, providing millions of visitors with priceless memories and experiences. The park provides more than 600 jobs to our community and is a driving force in our economic engine. Over the next two weeks, we will focus all our efforts into acquiring Cypress Gardens.” The company added that they cannot comment further at this time.
The Middle District Court will conduct the auction of both Cypress Gardens and Wild Adventures Parks on Tuesday, September 25, 2007.
We wish them well. Send them your best wishes here.
Note: Our original post stated this was a “bid” for the park when in fact Land South Holdings, LLC has submitted a contract to the court for the purchase of the park. We regret the confusion. Bob Gernert
On Sept. 25, Cypress Gardens and Wild Adventures theme parks will be sold to satisfy requirements under the 2006 Chapter 11 filing by Adventures Parks Group, LLC.
The Chamber has been in direct communication with park owners for several months. In a conversation today, Kent Buescher, CEO of Adventure Parks Group stated there is no chance either park will close. He added there would be no changes in employees and new events and programming would be forthcoming.
He emphasized that annual passes will be honored until their natural expiration at year’s end and new passes will go on sale as usual in November.
It will be business as usual both before and after the sale. Based on our information, there are well-qualified, interested buyers in line for both of parks.
As more information is available, we will update you here.
Update: 3:45 p.m. 09/06/07 The United States District Court, Middle Court of Georgia, Valdosta Division will conduct the sale on September 25. There could be more than one bidder for a particular park. In light of that fact it is our understanding that no one will know the actual buyers until that date.
4:45 p.m. 09/06/07 In an interview with the News Chief, Sara Sumner with Adventure Parks Group said, “any potential buyers for one or both of the parks will have to go through a pre-qualifying process to enter the bidding process.
The opening bid for a package purchase of Wild Adventures and Cypress Gardens is set at a minimum $53.25 million, Sumner said. An opening minimum bid for Cypress Gardens alone is $17.4 million and the opening minimum bid for Wild Adventures alone is $38.85 million.
The opening of Cypress Garden’s Starliner Roller Coaster made it all the way to the jumbo trons of New York’s Time Square. In the photo above, (one of six 15 second displays) the top board notes that Friday the 13 proved lucky for the coaster and the bottom board shows riders about to crest the lift.
Park officials say the ride is now operating on a regular basis after several days of fine tuning were required following the opening of the restored 44 year-old classic wooden coaster.
Update: The State of Florida has issued an operational permit for the Starliner Roller Coaster. Cypress Gardens Adventure Park will open the ride to the public at 3:00 p.m. today, Friday, July 13, 2007.
This is the view from the top of the “lift” or first hill on the historic Starliner Roller Coaster set to open to the public as soon as State officials certify the ride.
The classic “out and back” design debuted in 1963 at Panama Beach as Florida’s first wooden coaster. It was designed by John Allen.
Cypress Gardens has completed a $4 million renovation of the Starliner. Riders will reach speeds of 70 mph with plenty of “air” time and stomach flutters as they fly over high hills, bunny hills and camel backs.
Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held Thursday, July 12 at 10:30 a.m. We will post the official opening when the certification is received.
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Cypress Gardens Adventure Park has announced new daily admission prices effective immediately:
The Middle District Court in Macon, Georgia has approved the sale of Cypress Gardens Adventure Park to 
The park comprises 152 acres 30 of which are owned by the citizens of Polk County and maintained by the owners. Those 30 acres include the botanical gardens, ski show circle and most of the lakefront.
the report, Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta was purchased by the Herschend Family Entertainment of Missouri (owners of such properties as Dollywood).
Polk Community College was recognized with the George W. Harris Jr. Award for promoting free enterprise, community service, economic stability and quality growth. PCC President Dr. Eileen Holden accepted the award crediting it to the college faculty and staff.
The Official Website of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
