Complaints Spark Cypress Gardens Probe
POSTED: Wednesday, April 30, 2003
UPDATED: 10:35 am EDT April 30,
2003
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- Complaints by season passholders and others about the lack of refunds issued by the now-closed Cypress Gardens theme park has prompted a review by the State Attorney's office. 
Assistant State Attorney Chip Thullbery said Tuesday that the office is beginning to review the complaints in an effort to determine if a full investigation into the theme park's financial practices is necessary.Thullbery would not say how many complaints his office has received."Let's just leave it at several for now. I am not going to get into specifics," he said. "We are also waiting to see how Cypress Gardens reacts to the complaints."Financial woes forced Cypress Gardens to permanently close its gates on April 13, ending a 67-year run as a popular tourist destination. The park was well-known for its lush botanical gardens and water-ski shows.Some of the complaints suggest that Cypress Gardens sold tickets and took deposits for weddings on the park's grounds in the days leading up to the closing, before park officials announced the decision to shut down.Attempts to reach Cypress Gardens president and CEO Bill Reynolds were unsuccessful Tuesday.At least eight other Florida attractions have said they would honor Cypress Gardens' season passes for free or discounted admission. But it's unclear if the park has issued any cash refunds to passholders.
Copyright 2004 by Internet Broadcasting Systems and Local6.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Assistant State Attorney Chip Thullbery said Tuesday that the office is beginning to review the complaints in an effort to determine if a full investigation into the theme park's financial practices is necessary.Thullbery would not say how many complaints his office has received."Let's just leave it at several for now. I am not going to get into specifics," he said. "We are also waiting to see how Cypress Gardens reacts to the complaints."Financial woes forced Cypress Gardens to permanently close its gates on April 13, ending a 67-year run as a popular tourist destination. The park was well-known for its lush botanical gardens and water-ski shows.Some of the complaints suggest that Cypress Gardens sold tickets and took deposits for weddings on the park's grounds in the days leading up to the closing, before park officials announced the decision to shut down.Attempts to reach Cypress Gardens president and CEO Bill Reynolds were unsuccessful Tuesday.At least eight other Florida attractions have said they would honor Cypress Gardens' season passes for free or discounted admission. But it's unclear if the park has issued any cash refunds to passholders.Copyright 2004 by Internet Broadcasting Systems and Local6.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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