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Tampa Area Amusement Parks Respond To Cold
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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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Reader Comments
Posted by ( nataS ) on January 2, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Jeez, Ted Jackovicz of the Tribune is really getting on every angle of this cold thing. It seems like that skyride is always closed...what's the big freaking deal. Of course they take care of their animals...do you really think that any of your readers were really sitting here biting our nails over the state of the animals at the park. Come on man, get relevant.
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Posted by ( Emac409 ) on January 2, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ted, since tourism is a major portion of our economy, I thought it was a good idea to give a little time to how these facilities are adapting to the weather, in addition to how the rest of us are. Thanks!
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Posted by ( buckmild12 ) on January 2, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Who cares about the animals. I'm glad they moved the plants inside. No one ever really talks about the poor forgotten plants anymore.
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Posted by ( wheelie45 ) on January 3, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ya'll need to come to Wichita, KS for cold weather...geeshhh. The temps your having is warm here. And sometimes, I get to enjoy some snow. I have had snow on the ground for two weeks now....Total snow for December 2007, 10 1/2 inches.
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Posted by ( beth ) on January 3, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Wheelie - that's why you live in Kansas and we live in Florida. Thanks for your input anyway...
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