Mermaid Tale Trail in Brooksville, Florida
The Mermaid Tale Trail is a scavenger hunt across Hernando County featuring artist-painted mermaid statues. It was established to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Initially launching with 26 statues in 2022, the trail now boasts over 35. These mermaids are dispersed throughout various towns and coastal areas in the county. Each statue originates from an identical fiberglass mold. This mold is based on the facial features of a former Weeki Wachee performer named Kristy. Local artists then creatively personalize each fiberglass form. Their designs draw inspiration from Florida wildlife, natural landscapes, fantasy, folklore, and vibrant colors. Participants use maps and digital tools to navigate the trail. This journey allows visitors to explore less-known parts of Hernando County.
