State sharply cutting Weeki Wachee admission prices

It will soon cost a lot less to see a mermaid.

The state is lowering admission to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park near Spring Hill from $26.57 to $13 for adults and from $18.05 to $5 for children.

The 62-year-old theme park, known for underwater shows featuring women dressed as mermaids, was once one of the state's most popular tourist attractions. It has been owned by the state since last year.

The Florida Park Service is lowering the cost of admission July 1 to make its rates more consistent with Florida's other state parks.

Weeki Wachee, an icon of the state's tourist industry, has been the setting of several movies and TV shows and celebrity guests have included Elvis Presley and Don Knotts. A film crew last year filmed mermaids for a proposed reality TV show.

The state announced lower prices for Weeki Wachee the same time it announced price increases at other state parks.

For a list of the fees, go to the Florida State Parks Web site at www.floridastateparks.org.