Cypress Gardens closing for facelift

Winter Haven, Florida - The big sign out front says "Welcome to Cypress Gardens," but "Closed" is the sign of the times. In order to renovate, the Winter Haven theme park is closing until March.

"Long-term sustainability of the park is what we're most concerned with at this point," says park spokesperson Jennifer Mansfied. "And that's why we're making these changes."

The park is doing away with its rides. The Ferris wheel will be wheeled away and the carousel carted off. "The operating costs and maintenance of the rides is astronomical," says Mansfield.

Zoo animals are also being removed. An expanded water park will take the place of animals and rides. It's the one spot at the park that's made a splash.

"The water park area is by far our most popular area," says Mansfield.

About 200 park workers will be temporarily laid off. The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, Polk Works and the United Way are working together to provide assistance to the workers. For more information on that, click here.

The four-month closure is also sure to have a ripple effect on nearby businesses. At Somewhere Family Sports Café, park visitors will soon be nowhere.

"When they had concerts, they used to come in and eat before and after. So them closing I think will hurt any business around here," says Patricia Yorston, whose daughter owns the restaurant and bar.

Cypress Gardens says more information on the renovation plans will be available in December, but the old standbys of flowers and the water ski show will remain.

Cypress Gardens is holding a goodbye bash this weekend with a reduced admission price of $10 a person.

Click here to see what other family events are going on around Tampa Bay.