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Hernando Today

Former Weeki Wachee Mermaids Swim Happy

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By TONY HOLT

Published: February 17, 2008

WEEKI WACHEE - WEEKI WACHEE - When the deal went down to have Weeki Wachee become a state park, there was a collective sigh of relief from all the park's employees.

The same goes for those former mermaids who helped make the attraction such a phenomenon decades ago.

"I for one want to see this park go on," said Barbara Wynns, who was a mermaid 40 years ago when celebrities and tourists from across the Southeast would visit. "We're all happy that a decision has been made. We care a lot about the mermaid show."

Wynns is among those who perform at the park every month as part of the reunion performance.

Vicki Smith is another. Her family's connection to the park is unparalleled.

She was a mermaid from 1957 through 1961. Her mother ran the gift shop for 15 years. Her brother was executive director of the Southwest Water Management District (SWIFTMUD) when the park was first purchased by the group. The list continues.

"I'm very excited about this because it has been a long-time coming," she said.

In the 1980s, the attraction hit a rough patch. Private owners were not putting money back into the park and first-time tourists were not returning. Before long, new leadership came along and focused more time on marketing and more money on the facility itself. The tarnish was coming off, but there were still problems.

A leasing dispute ensued between SWIFTMUD — which owned the land along U.S. 19 where the attraction sits — and the park's managers. Some were afraid Weeki Wachee would not come out of it without being forced to close its gates.

Those issues are in the past now that a deal has been reached.

"I'm very excited about it," said Crystal Robson, who swam from 1970 through 1972. "Any park I've ever been to that's been a state park has been great."

Smith said the end result of the SWIFTMUD feud reminds her of when the park was in its heyday. Now it can be seen as a reliable attraction for local families.

"To me, it's come full circle," she said. "I have a lot of history with this park … We are so relieved it will be (available) everyday to the people of Hernando County and surrounding areas."

The former mermaids return to the attraction every month because they can. No one lives more than 90 minutes away. They get together regularly to use the park's facilities to practice and perform.

They have bonded with Weeki Wachee Mayor Robyn Anderson, who also is a former mermaid.

Mermaids are very much like family.

"The last few years Robin has had it, she has done an outstanding job," Wynns said. "I'm very happy for her."

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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