- Located In: Hernando County
- Population: 12 (Source: U.S. Census 2004 estimate)
- Community Type: Tourist
- Size: 1 square mile
- Government: Governed by mayor Robyn Anderson, a former Weeki Wachee “mermaid”
The city of Weeki Wachee was established in 1966. With a population of a dozen or so, it is easily the least populated city in the Tampa Bay area. By comparison, tiny Belleair Shore in Pinellas County, with a population of almost 80, is a bustling metropolis!
The city was incorporated to put Weeki Wachee on road maps and to protect and preserve the roadside attraction Weeki Wachee Springs, which premiered its first underwater theater show in 1947. The spring is a natural wonder in itself, with more than 117 million gallons of clear, fresh, 72-degree water bubbling up out of its subterranean caverns daily.
Visit Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Visitors can still watch Weeki Wachee’s famous mermaids, take a river cruse and canoe or kayak on the river. The park’s Buccaneer Bay boasts a flume ride and a sandy beach area with covered pavilions for picnics.
What makes the city of Weeki Wachee unique is that its incorporation was intended to draw attention its tourist attraction, Weeki Wachee Springs. The attraction dates back to 1947 and currently features underwater performances by the park’s famous mermaids, animals shows, Buccaneer Bay water park and boat rides.
Recently, Weeki Wachee Springs recently became part of the Florida State Park system. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection intends to protect the integrity of the first magnitude spring as well as preserve the allure of one of Florida’s oldest tourist attractions.