Weeki Wachee Mermaid Documentary “The Spring” Review

December 9, 2017

Weeki Wachee Mermaid Documentary

North of Tampa Florida is a small town called Weeki Wachee. The name comes from the native Seminole Indians, which means “Little Spring” or “Winding Water.” For most people, it’s just another town on a map. For mermaids, it’s a dream come true. This little town is home to the Weeki Wachee Park where live mermaids perform underwater, and have been since 1947. In a recent Weeki Wachee Mermaid documentary, a group of female filmmakers capture the magic of the Spring, and why so many people come every year.

The Spring
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“The Spring” premiered at Tribeca, and won Best Documentary at the Toronto Shorts International Film Festival. Delaney Buffett, the director, captures the magnetic pull that the spring provides for mermaids around the world. The short film interviews current, and past performers to help us understand the deep impact the spring has had on their lives.

Weeki Wachee Spring

Weeki Wachee Springs

The spring is a surfacing point for a fresh water under ground river. It is one of the deepest in America, and stays the same temperature all year round.  Some call it “natures perfection.” Underwater shows have been going on for decades and all started when Newt Perry, a former navy teacher, invented the air hose.  He had a passion for swimming and envisioned mermaids swimming in the crystal clear springs water. Originally the stage seating would only hold 18 people, now it can hold 400 people!

Weeki Wachee Springs

The Spring Documentary

weeki wachee mermaids

Weeki Wachee Springs

They make it look so easy!

Watching the documentary, I learned becoming a mermaid is no walk (or swim) in the park. It takes months of training, and is very physically demanding. The mermaids are under the water for 30 minutes performances and don’t surface for air! After training is complete they say;

“Once a mermaid, always a mermaid.”

The Spring Documentary

Every year the park invites former mermaids to perform as Alumni. In the documentary film makers interview the Alumni and discovers a deep impact. They say, “nothing beats being a mermaid.” They compare the experience to a dream, but better.

Weeki Wachee Springs

There is a constant pull to come back to the Florida spring.  Some are still performing into their 60s and call it a personal fountain of youth. They feel 16 again.  “If you are gone to long, your gills start to dry out.”

Weeki Wachee Mermaids

Weeki Wachee Mermaid Documentary

Watch this beautiful film about the one and only Weeki Wachee Mermaids from Florida and fall in love with Mermaids all over again.  Check out “The Spring” short documentary now available on Amazon Prime Video.

The Spring
View on Amazon * $1.99
As of: January 10, 2024 10:16 am - Details
(* = affiliate link / image source: Amazon partner program)
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on https://www.amazon.com/ at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If this film inspires you to learn how to swim like a mermaid or buy a mermaid tail, check out my posts to learn more!

Photos include:
Weeki Wachee Springs Kayak Trip by Marc Barisson on Flickrr – Licensed
DSC_0221_pp by Walter on Flickrr – Licensed
The Little Mermaid by Brett Davis on Flickrr – Licensed 
Weeki Wachee Mermaids by Alícia Roselló Gené on Flickrr- Licensed
Mermaid by Matt Kelland on Flickrr –  Licensed
Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaids
More about Everything Mermaid

Molly the owner of Everything Mermaid wrote this post. When she isn't writing about being a mermaid, she is usually traveling the country in an RV trade and writing about it. Her specialties include Mermaid tails, blankets, pillows, and leggings . Sign up for her Mermaid monthly newsletter and hear about discounts and product reviews.

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