FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 9, 2004
CONTACT: Jacob DiPietre, (850) 488-5394

Lt. Governor Jennings Opens Gates to Cypress Gardens

--Florida's first theme park reemerges with 21st century rides and vintage entertainment--

WINTER HAVEN - Lt. Governor Toni Jennings today took part in an official ceremony marking the reopening of Florida's oldest theme park, Cypress Gardens. The ceremony comes less than two years after Governor Jeb Bush advocated preserving the world-renowned park. The Lt. Governor was joined at the ceremony by park operator Kent Buescher.

"From its beginning as the state's first theme park more than six decades ago, Cypress Gardens helped to establish Florida as a modern-day vacation destination," said Lt. Governor Jennings. "Public and private partners found a creative way to breathe new life into this cultural icon, bringing the park into the 21st century complete with jobs and economic benefits."

Early last year, Cypress Gardens closed its doors after 68 years and 50 million visitors, ending a legacy that included water-ski shows, breathtaking botanical gardens and Southern Belles in hoop skirts. Governor Bush renewed hope for its survival after directing the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to explore options for the park's preservation through Florida Forever.

In August 2003, the State of Florida joined forces with the Trust for Public Land, Polk County and Buescher, owner of the popular Wild Adventures theme park in Georgia, in a $40 million plan to save the park. Florida invested $11 million to protect the park's historic gardens and ski area through a conservation easement.

"Protecting Cypress Gardens embodies the mission of Florida Forever to preserve the state's natural and cultural heritage," said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille. "The leadership of Governor Bush, along with the cooperative efforts of the Trust for Public Land, Polk County and countless supporters, preserved this unique Florida experience for future generations."

Now one of the largest employers in the area, hundreds of workers were hired to overhaul and staff the renovated park. Newly opened as Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, the establishment is expected to create an estimated 600 additional jobs at local restaurants, hotels and businesses.

Dozens of new roller coasters, rides and restaurants drew close to 30,000 visitors during a three-day trial opening over the Thanksgiving weekend. During its first year of operation, an estimated 750,000 visitors could bring an indirect economic impact of about $80 million to the community, increasing to more than $200 million annually as attendance grows.