With a predicted growth of 2750%, Weeki Wachee will be one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. The tiny town that currently holds 3 residents, grew out of the roadside attraction, started by Newt Perry in 1947. It shows up on maps after it incorporated in 1966, offering free advertising for the attraction.
The City of Mermaids is located on 640 acres and is mainly known for the attraction and its first-magnitude spring, that were only recently made part of the new Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. The park includes water rides, animal shows, mermaid costume shows and manatee watching.
Under continuous pressure from the state, the little city has decided to build an 86-unit apartment complex and expand its population base and thus avoid being decertified by the state for having too few residents. This will cause an enormous population growth that, in time, may help to pay down the city’s debt and again, make it more attractive to be swallowed up by the county.