Florida's Theme Park Legacy: A Story of Local Innovation
One of the biggest perks of living in an HOA managed community in Florida is of course the proximity to incredible entertainment destinations. Florida has its sandy beaches, but it is near-impossible to separate Florida and the Florida living experience from its theme park history. The Florida tourism industry began as early as the late 1800s, attracting visitors with our warm climate, beautiful natural sights like freshwater springs, and booming citrus industry, bringing railroads and real estate developers with them.
(For more information on early tourism of Florida's natural landscape, visit here: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/naturalists/tourism/)
It’s hard to imagine Florida without the large corporate parks we know today and their wide influence, but the theme parks that first began drawing people to the Sunshine State pioneered the creativity and immersive experiences that would continue to be synonymous with Florida. When Disney World opened in 1971, its size and scope meant that it quickly began to outshine many of the smaller, more homegrown Florida theme parks and attractions, leading to the closure of many of the locations that originally put Florida on the map as an entertainment destination. These original parks may now belong to Florida’s past, but they played an integral role in creating the tourist state that Florida is today. Read on to take a look into a few important building blocks in Florida’s theme park history.
Cypress Gardens: Florida's First Tourist Attraction
This botanical gardens and theme park was the original large-scale tourist attraction in Florida, opening in 1936 and drawing people from all over down to the Sunshine State.
A Garden of Wonder
Full of beautifully crafted floral garden displays, this park was like gliding through a postcard for Florida’s tropical beauty on the park’s electric boats.
But the plants weren’t the only attractions – Cypress Gardens became known for its Southern Belles – women dressed in brightly colored Antebellum dresses – and its water ski shows full of stunts and tricks. In fact, Cypress Gardens became known as the water ski capital of the world. The iconography of the park was so alluring and recognizable that it even became a notable Hollywood filming location.
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Open until 2009, this park spent many years shaping the Florida theme park landscape and the memories of many who visited throughout the decades.
To explore more about Cypress Gardens, visit:
Is your HOA community looking for more engaging outdoor experiences? Contact Artemis Lifestyles today to learn how we can help enhance your community’s recreational spaces!
Six Gun Territory: Florida's Wild West Experience
Opening in 1963, Six Gun Territory offered visitors a taste of the Old West right in Florida. Located near Ocala, this Wild West-themed park remained popular until 1984.
Step Back in Time
The most notable landmark of this park was their steam locomotive on a real railroad that guests would ride to and from the park, transporting them into this wild world of the past.
The park itself was meant to replicate an old west town and had plenty of places for guests to stop in: shops, a saloon, and even a courthouse and jail. These were all fully constructed buildings meant to look authentic, not simply theme park facades.
While guests explored town, performers would enact shoot-outs in the street – the perfect way to get up close to the action and experience being in an old western movie without getting caught in the crosshairs.
Six Gun's Enduring Entertainment
Six Gun Territory did eventually close its saloon doors after losing business to the big name parks, but the original railroad from the park is now housed at the Kirby Family Farm, where the original performers from the theme park still reenact their wild west performances at a special yearly event to keep the energy of the park alive and celebrate its legacy.
To learn more about the history of Six Gun Territory, visit:
https://sixgunterritoryofficial.com/
https://insidethemagic.net/2017/04/lost-theme-parks-six-gun-territory/
Is your HOA providing the level of management your community deserves? Contact Artemis Lifestyles today to learn how we can help improve operations, maintenance, and homeowner satisfaction!
The Lasting Impact
Florida’s tourism and theme park industry was built by local Floridians who wanted to create places for the whole family to find entertainment. Their dedication to telling a story through a visual landscape allowed these unforgettable places to flourish and become cherished memories for many families throughout the years. Florida’s original parks played a large part in the state’s history and shaped this warm-weathered vacation destination into a place full of wonder.
In the spirit of these pioneers, part of our goal as an HOA management company is to bring creative thinking and innovation to your community so that your everyday environment is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. If you are looking for expert management to enhance your community experience, connect with Artemis Lifestyles today!
Q&A Section
Q1: Can an HOA change rules after I buy my home?
A: Yes, but changes usually require a board vote and homeowner approval.
Q2: What happens if I ignore an HOA violation notice?
A: Ignoring a violation can result in fines, suspension of privileges, or legal action.
Q3: Are HOA fees tax-deductible?
A: Generally, HOA fees are not tax-deductible unless the property is used for rental purposes.
Q4: How can I challenge an unfair fine?
A: Submit a formal appeal and request a hearing with the HOA board.
Q5: Can I opt out of HOA membership?
A: No, if your property is within an HOA, membership is mandatory.
