<p>Gov. Jeb Bush and the Cabinet voted Tuesday to contribute $11 million toward a deal that will let a Georgia theme park owner take over Cypress Gardens, one of Floridas oldest tourist attractions.</p><p>Under the arrangement, the Trust for Public Land will exercise its option to buy the 150 acres that make up Cypress Gardens, located just outside Winter Haven. The park, which is known for its botanical gardens, water ski shows and Southern belles in hoop skirts and parasols, closed last April after 67 years in operation.</p><p>Kent Buescher, who owns Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Ga., will then buy 130 acres for $7 million and Polk County will buy the historic 30-acre core of the park for $2.5 million.</p><p>The deal, which the trust brokered, required an $11 million conservation easement from the state.</p><p>Only in Florida would this be a cultural resource perhaps, Bush said before the unanimous vote. But thats what distinguishes us. We live in paradise and everybody else doesnt. So I dont feel bad about that at all.</p><p>The park could reopen as soon as Memorial Day weekend, said Sara Sumner, a spokeswoman for Wild Adventures.</p><p>The new owner plans to invest $35 million over the next 18 months to refurbish the gardens, buildings and construct a new entrance. Buescher also plans to add some roller coasters, bring back the ski shows and schedule concerts.</p>
