Using an underwater breathing tube, ex-navy man Newton Perry made an underwater fantasy world where mermaids really existed. Beneath the surface of the spring-fed Weeki Wachee River, Perry created a window into the water. Perry auditioned and hired beautiful young women to be mermaids in the underwater show. When it first opened, the mermaids would stand out at the road to advertise. Sixty-five years later, the mermaids still glide through the spring waters. July 13-15, come see special performances from current and former mermaids in the underwater theater for the 65th Anniversary Mermaid Reunion. Weeki Wachee is one of Florida’s original roadside attractions, a piece of true tourism history. Get autographs from your favorite or watch some of the first mermaids perform in the same waters they swam through 65 years ago. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, 352-592-5656, weekiwachee.com.
This article appears in Jul 5-11, 2012.