Mermaids - Weeki Wachee, FL - Figurative Public Sculpture on Waymarking.com

The Seminole Indians named the spring Weeki Wachee, which means “little spring,” or “winding river.” In 1946, Newton Perry, a former U.S. Navy frogman, conceived the idea of staying underwater and breathing through an air hose supplied by an air compressor. He perfected his idea with experiments at Weeki Wachee Springs. Perry then built an 18-seat theater into the limestone, submerged six feet below the surface of the spring, so that visitors could look right into the cool waters of the ancient spring. He scouted out pretty girls and trained them to swim with the air hoses, drink Grapette and do aquatic ballets – all underwater. The first show at Weeki Wachee Springs opened on October 13, 1947. The mermaids performed synchronized ballet moves underwater while breathing through the air hoses hidden in the scenery. By the 1950s, Weeki Wachee Springs was one of the country’s top tourist attractions. It was then purchased by the American Broadcasting Co. (ABC) in 1959 and was heavily promoted. ABC also developed themes for the underwater shows, such as Underwater Circus and the Underwater Follies. In 1966, the town of Weeki Wachee was incorporated, putting it on the maps and state road signs. Buccaneer Bay Water Park was added to Weeki Wachee Springs in 1989.

Link