Just back from a trip in search of old Florida. Beneath the spanish moss and over roads with dancing heat mirages, through throngs of retirees and snowbirds, and amidst clouds of mosquitoes and love bugs I found it and its called Weeki Wachee Springs.
The Seminole Indians named the waters Weeki Wachee meaning "little spring" or "winding river." Florida is home to many springs that bubble up from the bowels of the earth releasing consistently cool 72 degree waters into the often limestone lined caves and depressions that house them. The results are enchanting blue waters cool in the summer and warm in the winter where many people can snorkel, tube, swim and boat with the native manatees, turtles and occasional alligator.
In 1946, ex Navy Frogman and trainer to Navy Seals in WWII, Newton Perry came across this spring and had a vision. He purchased the land and removed the discarded refrigerators and rubble and begin experimenting with underwater breathing systems. Like Jacques Cousteau, a fellow WWII vet who invented the Aqualung, Perry invented hoses that would supply people in the spring with oxygen enabling them to stay under the surface for long periods of time. He found local beauties and trained them to perform underwater shows and the park opened on October 13th 1947. It is said in the early days that the mermaids of Weeki Wachee would stand near the roadside and lure cars in their bathing suits, like sirens, attracting customers to their shows. Success came quickly as Weeki Wachee became one of the top roadside attractions in America in the 1950's, even luring Elvis Presley to their world of buxom bathing beauties. Throughout the years people have travelled from all over the world for the honor of being a mermaid and they have come to be a dreamy profession like the Rockettes in New York City. The Springs incorporated in 1966 and consist of a population of 9 people and a family of peacocks led by a former mermaid mayor.
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