The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted unanimously today to approve two agreements that will pave the way for Weeki Wachee Springs to become a state park.
The Governing Board approved a settlement agreement between Weeki Wachee Springs and the District that will end four years of litigation between the two parties. In addition, the Board approved an agreement between Weeki Wachee Springs and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that will add Weeki Wachee Springs to the Florida State Park System.
“We are very pleased that all of the parties have been able to reach an agreement,” said David Moore, executive director of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. “By becoming a part of the award-winning state park system, the Weeki Wachee Springs attraction as well as its signature mermaids will remain alive for generations to come, and the District’s goal of protecting the environment will be achieved.”
The Governing Board’s decision is contingent on the City of Weeki Wachee approving the agreement with the District as well as the DEP waiving back payments associated with Weeki Wachee’s Sovereign Submerged Land Lease.
The District’s primary goals have always been protecting this significant water resource and ensuring that those operating the facility are protecting the safety of the visitors and employees at the Weeki Wachee Springs attraction.
The agreements call for Weeki Wachee Springs to become a state park on Nov. 1, 2008.