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Hernando Today

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 3, 2008

Weeki Wachee Springs

Will Be Better Than Ever

On Nov. 1, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection became the proud new owner of Weeki Wachee Springs, joining the other 160 parks in the State Park Service. The date was agreed upon as a result of the Feb. 18 signing at a price of just a couple of "fins!"

Ten bucks and what did we get? Breathing room for the survival of "The Only City With Live Mermaids!" After nearly three decades of declining tourism, thanks to Disney and other exotic theme parks, the attraction has "sprung" back to life. In celebration, bring out the bubbly from the air hoses that give life to the 17 wide-tailed beauties and three mermen.

Some changes can be expected, such as the removal of the water slide and a review of the boat ride. Safety and environmental concerns of Swiftmud were factors in a lengthy legal battle with the previous owners and resulted in the State purchase.

At 403 feet, Weeki Wachee is the deepest known natural spring in the United States. With 117 million gallons of 72-degree, 99-percent pure crystal clear water from the depths of the Floridan Aquifer, Weeki Wachee will one day be as glorious as Wekiva Springs in Apopka, albeit with a unique character of its own.

Just as at Wekiva and Blue Springs State Park in Orange City, manatees are an attraction in themselves. Big and cumbersome in appearance but endangered by mankind, they're such lovable creatures, especially when seen lolling about with their young.

It's a joy to witness their coddling, the calves sticking close to momma and all three seemingly melding into one great big lump of love and tranquility; an inspiration from Mother Nature at her best.

Here I claim relief that better days are ahead for Weeki Wachee and that it will be revitalized as the landmark natural attraction from the early days as a destination for family vacations, yet I stand guilty that this is another of Florida's wonders I haven't visited.

After living in the Sunshine State in excess of half my 58 years, Key West remains of minor interest, although curiosity may one day find me at this most southern point in the United States.

Weeki Wachee is just 7 miles away! What have I been missing? A river boat cruise, the reptile show, the Feathered Follies and canoe and kayak rentals, not to mention the white sandy beach at Buccaneer Bay. Fishing and scuba diving aren't everyone's form of entertainment but special events are another consideration.

We're fortunate that Weeki Wachee Springs is safe, secure and reassured that the "Only City With Live Mermaids" will continue to be one of the most treasured gifts to Hernando County, knowing the grace and beauty of those beautiful aquatic wonders can keep their fins a-flappin'.

Ron Rae

Spring Hill

Rose-Colored Glasses

I was duly impressed by the letter that former Hernando County commission chairman Chris Kingsley had his daughter write on his behalf praising his efforts to be a good commissioner.

I applaud and admire her loyalty to her dad.

But it must be realized by all that she suffers from extreme tunnel vision. She only sees what she wants to see.

Unfortunately for her and him, the voters of Hernando County saw otherwise.

William Kingeter

Spring Hill

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