Under The Sun

Podcast: Download

by Trina Sargalski

Frances Dwight feeds fish as part of the underwater show at Weeki Wachee Springs. (1948)/ Courtesy Florida State Archives

Listen as some discerning children watch a Marina the Mermaid performance and weigh in on the characteristics of a true piscine lady. Should she have knees or muscles? Is she real? There are some skeptics in the crowd. Nevertheless, the children can’t hide their delight during the mermaid finale, when Marina brings one of the children into the water with her.

If you missed Episode Four, listen to the All in A Day’s Work piece on the mermaid retrotainer, as well as other amazing stories about life in South Florida.

Below, find exact directions on how to be a mermaid, according to the folks at Weeki Wachee Springs (courtesy of The Florida State Archives).