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Tampa Area Amusement Parks Respond To Cold

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By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 2, 2008

The Skyride at Busch Gardens was shut down today due to high winds from the cold front moving across the region. The ride, which gives patrons an aerial view of the park, is shut down anytime winds reach 20 mph or higher.

Other coaster rides at Busch Gardens remained open, according to the amusement park.

In addition, Busch Gardens said it was taking other weather-related steps:

*Bedding plants are being covered; potted plants are being moved to warmer locations and inside

*All animals that could be affected by unusually cold weather will be kept inside temperature-controlled night housing or provided auxiliary heating.

*Animals in the Serengeti area of the park will have access to night quarters, wind breaks and bedding, although those species, such as elephants and giraffes, are generally tolerant of cold weather.

Today's chilly weather had little effect on attendance at another local amusement park, Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven. Park officials said the day after New Year's typically is slow anyway.

Park officials said they were making preparations for the cold snap.

"We are all prepared for cold weather," said Steve Baker, president and chief executive of Orlando-based Baker Leisure Group, which took over as the new manager of the park Wednesday. "People in charge of the plants and trees are ready. We have plenty of help."

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