The Bucky Dent Water Park in Hialeah, Florida, was abruptly closed on August 5, 2026, just five days after its grand reopening, due to operating without a valid state health permit.
The Breakdown of the Closure
- The Background: The water park celebrated a highly anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mayor Bryan Calvo on July 31, 2026, marking its return after a seven-year closure.
- The Incident: On August 4, an 80-year-old guest suffered a medical emergency in the pool. While lifeguards successfully administered CPR and saved the man’s life, the subsequent review and inspection uncovered that the facility lacked proper state documentation.
- The Health Order: The Florida Department of Health issued a shutdown notice for violating Florida Statute 514 and Administrative Code 64E-9. Pink warning signs were posted on the doors, checking the box for “operation without a valid permit”.
- City Response: Hialeah city officials attributed the situation to an administrative error, stating that while rigorous internal safety inspections were completed, a form-filling oversight left the official health department permit pending.
The closure affects all three aquatic facilities—the main pool, activity pool, and water slides—though the surrounding 25-acre park complex remains open. The community has expressed widespread frustration, especially since the city had promised free admission through mid-August to celebrate the reopening