WEEKI WACHEE, Fla. — There is a new mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park focusing on the park's history, and honoring the man who created the show so many have grown to love.
- Friday's show at Mermaid Theater honored Newton Perry
- Theater now bears his name
- His daughter was among those in attendance
- More Hernando County headlines
Dozens of people packed into the Mermaid Theater Friday, all fascinated by the new show. But no one was quite as moved as Delee Perry.
"It was one of the best shows I've seen in 20 years," Delee said.
Over 70 years ago, her dad, Newton Perry, created Weeki Wachee Springs and the mermaid show so many enjoy in the theater now bearing his name.
He also developed the underwater hose system they still use today.
This new show pays tribute to him.
"I know my dad is just beaming right now in heaven with this show," Delee said.
"He really wanted a facility where people who could not swim could sit underwater and be dry but watch mermaids or girls swim and perform underwater magic," she added.
Perry's daughter and her grandkids were there for the show too. While her grandkids are too young to have met Newton, they're thankful to have something like this to show them the footprint he left behind.
"A light bulb comes off of my son and he says, 'Oh that's our family.' I love it to see his little face light up and enjoy learning about the family," Tasha Singleton, Delee's daughter, said.
"It's just so wonderful that they are still giving my dad the honor and respect," Delee added.