The first mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs opened to the public on this date. Newton Perry, a former U.S. sailor who trained Navy SEALs chose the site in 1946 and installed a free-flowing air hoses hidden in scenery for the mermaids to use in order to create the appearance of breathing underwater during the shows. The mermaid shows at Weeki Wachee have thrilled tens of thousands of visitors especially during the 1950s – 1970s. In 2008 Weeki Wachee Springs became Florida’s newest State Park, still entertaining crowds with the famous Mermaid shows.