I can't help but feel like SeaWorld is being forced to take money from their Tampa sister. I don't have any proof of this, but it seems plausible, given the situation. What's also strange is that the park told Behind the Thrills that no replacement is planned. That only seems to further support my theory about possible money reallocation between parks.
Also, (so nobody is confused) Tidal Wave is not the log flume. It was an Intamin spillwater/ shoot-the-chutes, similar to Escape from Pompeii. While I enjoyed the ride; I also realize it was plagued with problems, as all Intamin spillwaters seem to be.
I texted my sister-in-law (who was a ride-op on this ride many years ago) about the sudden closure. Even as a former employee, her take was "Good riddance. It was old and ugly." I know it sounds harsh, but she should know a little about the problems it faced early on. She also has a fair share of Rhino Rally stories.