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Mermaids in Tampa Bay. Yes, it’s TRUE! They Live in Weeki Wachee Springs

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Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of Florida’s oldest tourist attractions, entertaining generations of families before there was such thing as Disney World and Busch Gardens. Today, families continue to flock to the state park north of Tampa where real mermaids swim.

They’re part of the magic that makes Weeki Wachee Springs one of our favorite Florida State Parks to visit with the kids.

Mermaids in Tampa Bay. Yes, it’s TRUE! They Live in Weeki Wachee Springs

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We spoke with John Athanason, the man who was behind the uber-popular Weeki Wachee Springs social media pages (a MUST follow) back in 2019 to learn more about this Florida treasure. While the interview was a few years ago, the information is still relevant today!

TBPM: Tell us about the history of Weeki Wachee Springs. How did it become a tourist destination?

weeki-wachee-springs
John Athanason, Weeki Wachee Springs

John Athanason: Founder Newton Perry had a vision of taking the concept of synchronized swimming and implementing it underwater. When he discovered the spring at Weeki Wachee, he realized it was next to US 19, a major thoroughfare back in the day, and he knew he had the location. He recruited a group of synchronized swimmers from St. Pete called the Aquabelles.

As a Navy diver trainer, he developed the air hose we still use to this day and taught the ladies how to breathe underwater using this apparatus. After choreographing underwater ballet maneuvers and building a small, 22-seat theater, Perry opened the park on Oct. 13, 1947. Perry’s underwater show became an instant hit, making it a must-see when vacationers traveled to Florida.

With a now larger theater, Weeki Wachee remains a popular destination. The underwater theater at Weeki Wachee is the only theater in the world of its kind.

TBPM: When did the mermaids start performing at the park?

John Athanason: The “mermaid” began performing on opening day in 1947. But the concept of “mermaids” did not come about till the mid 60’s. Before then, the ladies did not wear “tails”, but were still considered mermaids.

TBPM: You do such a great job of telling the story about Weeki Wachee on social media. What do you think makes this park so special?

John Athanason: Thank you! For me, this park represents “old Florida,” a time when things were simpler. I think what really makes this park so special is two-fold. It’s the only theater in the world where guests can view this magnificent first-magnitude spring from under the surface of the water.

This is magical in its own right. But when you add beautiful mermaids performing in the spring, that is when the real magic happens. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park offers guests not only the entertainment value with the mermaid performances, but guests also enjoy the natural resources the park offers with swimming in the spring at Buccaneer Bay, a wildlife program, a riverboat ride, and kayaking. No special effects are needed.

Get social with Weeki Wachee Springs:

Fun Facts at Weeki Wachee Springs:

  • Weeki Wachee Springs is one of the deepest naturally-formed underwater caverns in the United States. It is so deep, that the bottom has never been found!
  • More than 117 million gallons of water flow up from the caverns EACH DAY!
  • The spring is the start of the Weeki Wachee River which flows 12 miles to the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Weeki Wachee is Seminole Indian for ‘winding river.’

Q & A originally published in the April 2019 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. Updated in 2024.