A Spring of Life

On November 1, 2008, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection became the proud owner of Weeki Wachee Springs, the latest of the 161 parks in the State Park Service. The deal had been signed on February 18 for a couple of ‘fins’!

Ten bucks and what do you get? Breathing room for “The Only City With Live Mermaids”! After nearly three decades of declining tourism, thanks to Disney and other exotic attractions, the survival of the Springs has ‘sprung’ back to life.

In celebration, bring out the bubbly! through air hoses, giving life support to those wide-tailed beauties!

The depth of the Springs, at 403 feet, is considered the deepest of known natural springs in the United States. Some changes can be expected with the removal of the water slide and a review of the boat ride. Safety and environmental concerns of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, SFWMD or Swiftmud, were factors in the lengthy legal battle with the previous owners of the Springs.

The Springs may never reach the popularity it once had in the 50s and 60s but there’s a strong belief that, with the State Park Service in control, it will be rehabilitated to a newfound glory with Buccaneer Bay, Florida’ only spring-fed waterpark, providing visitors with fun in the sun with its white sandy beaches.

The State can’t do much about the declining water level, which in the past pumped 117 million gallons of 72-degree water from the depths of the Florida Aquifer, but there’ll come a day when Weeki Wachee will be as glorious as Wekiva Springs in Apopka, Florida. Such is my belief, albeit with a unique character of its own.

Just as Blue Springs State Park, in Orange City, and Wekiva, manatees are an attraction in themselves. Big and cumbersome in appearance and endangered by the ways of humans, they’re such lovable creatures, especially when seen lolling about with their young. Such was a sight I witnessed with inspiration and a sense of peace and harmony. Another wonder of Mother nature!

And here I sit with guilt that, as yet, I haven’t taken the time to visit Weeki Wachee. After living in Florida in excess of half my 58 years of life, I’ve not made a trip to Key West. With a personal commitment, this won’t be the case with the Springs located a mere five miles from my home. Shameful.

We should all be honored that Weeki Wachee Springs is safe, secure and reassured that the “Only City With Live Mermaids” will continue to be one of most treasured gifts to Hernando County, knowing the grace and beauty of those aquatic wonders will keep those fins a-flappin’.