Mermaids, Swiftmud sent back to mediation

By The Times Staff
Published September 15, 2007

WEEKI WACHEE - The Weeki Wachee mermaids have been ordered back to mediation with landlord Southwest Florida Water Management District.

In an order dated Sept. 6, Senior Marion County Circuit Judge William Swigert sent the attraction and Swiftmud back to mediation and gave both sides 15 days to pick a mediator.

The ruling came after Swigert delayed a trial scheduled between the feuding sides when it became clear that too many legal issues remained between them.

The attraction and the water district have been in and out of court for nearly four years. Previous attempts at court-ordered mediation have failed.

The city of Weeki Wachee owns the attraction and adjacent water park but leases the land from Swiftmud.

Among other issues, the water district doesn't think a city can own and operate the attraction.

Meanwhile, the state Department of Environmental Protection is exploring the possibility of turning the Hernando landmark into a state park.

Weeki Wachee spokesman John Athanason said Friday that talks with DEP continue, as the agency keeps an eye on the court case.

[Last modified September 14, 2007, 20:23:40]