Weeki Wachee is an unincorporated community and former city located in Hernando County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, the community has a total population of 16. The Weeki Wachee Preserve and the Weeki Wachee Springs park are located in the area. The park includes water rides, animal shows, mermaid costume shows, and manatee watching. The communities of Weeki Wachee Gardens and Spring Hill are nearby.

History

Weeki Wachee was founded as a city in 1966 to promote the local mermaid attraction. With fewer than 15 residents, and increased concerns over the city's finances, services, and state park operations, state representative Blaise Ingoglia sponsored a bill to dissolve the city, and Governor Ron DeSantis signed it into law in June 2020. Hernando County, the county the former city resides in, was responsible for resolving its financial issues. Park operations were not affected.

Geography

The former city boundaries of Weeki Wachee was located in western Hernando County. Via U.S. Route 19, it was north of Port Richey and south of Homosassa Springs. Via Florida State Road 50, Weeki Wachee was west of Brooksville, the Hernando County seat.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city had a total area of , of which , or 4.68%, was water.

Demographics

As of the 2000 U.S. census, there were 12 people, five households, and five families residing in the city.

Deepest naturally formed spring in the United States

From May 22 until August 30, 2007, the discharge level at Weeki Wachee spring dropped to a level that allowed for cave divers to gain effective entry into the cave system at the spring. The Karst Underwater Research team successfully executed exploration dives and the necessary in-water decompression to explore approximately in multiple passages at an average depth of fresh water (ffw) with a maximum depth of ffw.

References

  • Weeki Wachee Springs, official site
  • Weeki Wachee Cave System
  • National Geographic: "Mermaids" Fight to Save Florida Roadside Attraction