Friends of

Help to Preserve these Beautiful Gardens and Florida’s Rich History.

PURPOSE:
The Friends of Cypress Gardens was created to support the State of Florida in their effort to save the beautiful and historical "Cradle of Florida Tourism", Cypress Gardens.

We are a grass roots organization not unlike those who built this great Nation. We do not have political or financial motives. The passion we have comes strictly from our desire to save this treasured part of "Old Florida" for our beloved future generations. As our children and grandchildren visit Cypress Gardens in the years to come, we want them to be proud of the efforts that we made today.

The Friends of Cypress Gardens has now grown to include members in 117 Florida cities, ALL 50 states, and 15 countries. Our members have tirelessly worked, lobbied, organized and made many caravan trips to meetings in Tallahassee, written literally thousands of letters, sponsored a PSA by actress Delta Burke that has been shown all over the United States and in Canada, sent countless Press Releases to keep the public informed, and successfully received three unanimous votes from the Acquisition and Restoration Council, Governor Bush, and the Florida Cabinet to save Cypress Gardens. As a result, the state of Florida is contributing $11,000,000 towards preserving the land that has meant so much to over 50 million people for more than six decades.

HISTORY and PROGRESS:
Everyone was shocked when the world famous Cypress Gardens announced their closing after 67 years. On the final day of operation, April 13, 2003, former Miss Georgia Burma Davis Posey and her daughter, Shanna, handed out to tearful guests as they left the park 14,500 flyers with Governor Jeb Bush's three e-mail addresses and a plea to get the State involved. Those amazing people responded immediately by writing in overwhelming numbers to the Governor requesting the State save and purchase the Gardens. The people of Florida are most fortunate they have a Governor who is accessible by e-mail.

The following day, Governor Bush went on television stating he knew the historical and environmental importance of the Gardens and he would pursue the state of Florida purchasing these wonderful Gardens for a State Park!

Ms. Posey and the Friends of Cypress Gardens went to work! They traveled to Tallahassee wearing matching "Red shirts" on June 5-6, August 19-20, and August 25-26 to speak at the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) meetings as well as before Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet. They organized and included beauty queens, Cypress Gardens Belles, World Champion Skiers, and the Cypress Gardens singers. Charlie and Betty Dunn, publisher of Pageantry magazine, sponsored this beautiful website. Volunteers from across the country donated their time and talents. Ms. Posey and her daughter worked sometimes 20 hours per day, 7 days per week to coordinate the effort. As a result, at each meeting in Tallahassee, the State voted unanimously to save all of Cypress Gardens!!! On August 26, Governor Bush and his Cabinet voted to create an easement and place ALL the land on the State protected land buying list. The 150 total acres included the original botanical gardens, the waterfall, the topiary and rose gardens, the two water ski arenas, the "Tara" Snively Mansion, the butterfly conservatory, the Theatre and buildings at the Crossings, the Zoo, the nursery, the historic radio and train collections, Mr. Pope's archives, and a 35-acre parcel along Cypress Gardens Boulevard.

"After months of hard work, the Friends of Cypress Gardens are grateful for every square inch that is saved!" said Burma Davis Posey, President of the organization.

"Cypress Gardens is a state treasure, and we look forward to seeing the gardens open again." said Governor Jeb Bush.

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs said, "Cypress Gardens is one of Florida's cultural icons. By continuing to work together, this historical attraction will long endure, becoming a favorite to a new generation."

The Trust for Public Land stepped in at the end of August to find a buyer and new owner. They selected and negotiated a contract with Kent Buescher, owner of Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia. Mr. Buescher will pay $7 million in addition to the $11 million donated by the State. Polk County will purchase the original Botanical Gardens for $2.5 million. Mr. Buescher plans to add roller coasters and a water park to attract a younger audience. He hopes to have the Gardens open by Summer 2004.

CONTACT US:
If you would like to join Friends of Cypress Gardens, please feel free to e-mail us at Burma@friendsofcypressgardens.org with your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. We pray Cypress Gardens will once again become the world class destination founders Dick and Julie Pope meant for them to be! Please leave your name, addresses, E-mail address, and telephone number. And please tell others of this site!!!

© 2003 Friends of Cypress Gardens Organization