by Jessica Williams
Elvis Presley was fascinated by her. Walt Disney put her on the red carpet.
The world just cannot get enough of her. Who is she?
She is The Little Mermaid. Before there was Ariel, there were many other mystical mermaids. And since Ariel’s popularity soared, there have been many more that have followed in her footsteps. Or rather, the path she left with her majestic mermaid fins.
We all know that mermaids can be found year round at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, performing underwater feats and acrobatics for their admirers. But now memaids can be discovered in a higher and dryer part of the county. This past weekend, Hernando County celebrated a one of a kind, magical opening of The Florida Mermaid Trail in elegant Downtown Brooksville. Residents and visitors came from all over to participate and watch a very family-friendly event that included mermaid and merpet (pets dressed up as mermaids) contests, live music, and a rare and unique opportunity to discover hidden mermaid treasures scattered among downtown Brooksville. Colorful and easy-to-use maps were available for everyone to participate in these fun adventures. There were short trails and long trails, depending on the length of adventure you personally prefer.
The best part about the Mermaid Trails?
They are available for everyone to adventure, from sunrise to sunset, every day of the week.
Where can you get these mermaid adventure maps?
Maps are available at the new welcome center located at 205 E. Fort Dade Avenue as well as the Brooksville Library, City Hall, and various businesses in Downtown Brooksville.
If you have Facebook, please follow Florida Mermaid Trail and Brooksville Main Street for more information. You can also read more at
www.HistoricDowntownBrooksville.com.
Phone contact: (352)-540-6409.
How much does it cost?
It is free, for anyone who loves mermaids and treasure hunting. If you take photos along the trail and post them online, be sure to use hashtag
#flmermaidtrail.
Why is it so much fun?
Because there are so many mermaids to find! Do you think you can find them all?
Who did we accidentally meet during our own mermaid adventures?
It wasn’t until after we took her photograph that we realized who we had just met, but Ms. Sharon Cihak Elliott who made an appearance at the Opening of the Mermaid Trail. Elegantly dressed in her mermaid costume to match her merpet, Star. Who, by the way, won the pet mermaid contest!
Sharon is a former mermaid who performed in the early 1960s at the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. During her time as a mermaid, Elvis Presley came to visit and was fascinated with the live mermaids.
Over 7,000 viewers have watched her interview posted on Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (Facebook) page. It is something to ‘sea’!
So, what are you waiting for! Grab a map and a friend, and go for a brand new adventure!
