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These Mermaids Aren't Just For Show

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 30, 2008

Oh, if preserving all the great symbols of Florida could be as easy as hiring them on as state employees.

That's what the governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District agreed to do Tuesday for the Weeki Wachee mermaids. It's part of an agreement that includes turning the 60-year-old Weeki Wachee Springs attraction in Hernando County, which sits on land owned by the district, into a state park and ends litigation over the lease and other disputes.

This isn't a tall fish tale. Weeki Wachee mermaids are an integral part of Florida history worthy of adding to the state payroll.

Before Disney and other fancy amusement parks and tourist attractions were built, people flocked to the magnificent natural springs just west of U.S. 19 to watch the mermaids swim in a below-ground theater.

They're just as symbolic as manatees and glass-bottom boats and once achieved celebrity status.

And the mermaids remain a draw. They even have an alumni association of sorts that returns for shows.

The Weeki Wachee mermaids are truly ambassadors who represent clean family fun, fantasy and the good old days in Florida. So what if they walk on two legs when they're back on land.

Residents should be proud that the mermaids will become state employees and that the attraction will become the state's newest park, allowing it to be preserved for the enjoyment of many more generations.

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