A classic tourist attraction on the comeback trail suffered a setback by the name of Hurricane Charley. The eye of that storm passed over Cypress Gardens in August. Park owner Kent Buescher said "We had spent so much time restoring and rejuvenating the park that it was heartbreaking to see six months of hard work disappear overnight." Estimates for structural damage total between $3.5 and $5 million. Theme park developer Buescher has been recasting the park to include thrill rides, after it abruptly closed in April, 2003. Four roller coasters under construction in the new ride area of the park escaped the storm unscathed. The park, if it opens as scheduled in the Fall, promises 37 exciting rides, the world's tallest spinning rapids ride, an all-new ice-sakting extravaganza, and concerts starring celebrities such as Pat Boone, Chubby Checker, and Loretta Lynn.

Update - December 12, 2004: The revamped Cypress Gardens theme park opened this week. The southern Belles still stroll the grounds, but the human pyramid of water skiers has been eliminated to cut operating costs.

[09/11/2004]