BROOKSVILLE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Florida Park Service and Weeki Wachee Springs, L.L.C. today held a ceremonial signing of the agreement that will make the attraction part of the Florida state park system. Attorney General Bill McCollum, who helped facilitate the negotiations of the agreement, joined a host of local and state officials at the historic event and voiced his appreciation for the agreement.

"Weeki Wachee is one of the most magical natural attractions our state has to offer its residents and guests, and I am proud to help preserve this treasure for generations to come," said Attorney General McCollum.

The ceremony was held in the world famous underwater theater that is home to the Weeki Wachee mermaid shows. Following the signing of the agreement, Robyn Anderson, mayor of the City of Weeki Wachee, presented the key to the city to Attorney General McCollum.

"This agreement is important as it brings Weeki Wachee Springs another step closer to becoming a state park," said DEP Deputy Secretary Bob Ballard. "I am pleased to see so many people coming together to preserve this natural and cultural piece of Florida's heritage - a wonderful addition to Florida's state park system."

DEP's Florida Park Service will assume operations of Weeki Wachee Springs on November 1, 2008, upon completing a lease agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Over the next few months, a transition team with members from both the Florida Park Service and Weeki Wachee Springs, L.L.C. will work to ensure a smooth transition in management. The Florida Park Service will retain as many current employees as possible.

Weeki Wachee Springs, L.L.C., "The Only City of Live Mermaids," is a famous Florida attraction located in Hernando County. Established in 1946, the spring was turned into an attraction featuring an underwater mermaid show as well as other visitor activities. As one of Florida's 33 first-magnitude springs, Weeki Wachee is a valuable natural and cultural resource.

The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation's best state park service, Florida's state park system is one of the largest in the country with 161 parks spanning nearly 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach. From swimming and diving in Florida's rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida's state parks offer year-around outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida's unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida's cultural heritage.

For more information about Florida State Parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org. For more information about Weeki Wachee Springs, visit www.weekiwachee.com/.