by Christy Swift
Photos courtesy of Visit Central Florida

Cypress Gardens water ski show is the stuff of Florida legend, but its beginnings were a mix of happenstance and quick thinking. Back in 1943, with park founder Dick Pope serving in World War II, a local newspaper mistakenly published a photo suggesting the Gardens featured a “water show.” Soldiers stationed nearby arrived, eager to see it for themselves. Julie Pope, Dick’s wife, wasn’t one to disappoint. She rallied their children and some friends to stage an impromptu water ski performance. The next weekend, 800 soldiers showed up, and with that, a Florida tradition was born.

Read the full article on Issuu >> Feb-Mar 2025 Issue