Learning of mermaids, underwater shows, and so much more about old Florida days

Back in 1947 by the side of the road near Ocala, a former stunt swimmer set up an underwater show featuring live mermaids and it grew and grew and became the famous Weeki Wachee Springs tourist attraction, one of the best known and most popular attractions in Florida. It's still open and operated now by the State of Florida. If you haven't been, you should go sometime.

But in the meantime, you should get to know more about Florida's history and culture by attending Cathy Salustri's session called U.S. 19: Mermaids, Manatees, and Watermelon Queens, a virtual journey down U.S. 19, which was, back in the day, the main route people took when they came down to Florida's west coast. Cathy, who is the Art & Entertaiment editor for Creative Loafing, knows where of she speaks. She not only holds a master's degree in Florida Studies from the University of South Florida but she has personally explored the length and breadth of the state in search of the quirkiest places. This session promises plenty of insights into the quirkiest state.

U.S. 19: Mermaids, Manatees, and Watermelon Queens will be presented from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, November 10 in the CEC Flamingo Room at Eckerd College as part of the Eckerd Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Fee is $10 for members and $25 for non-members.