Mermaids -- half woman, half fish -- are not supposed to exist. But for almost 70 years, mermaids have been swimming in the southeastern state of Florida. VOA recently visited the Weeki Wachee freshwater spring to learn about these mermaids. These are some of the famous Weeki Wachee mermaids. “My mom was a mermaid actually, so that’s what made me want to do it.” “I’ve actually been a mermaid for 15 years.” John Athanason works at the springs. “Weeki Wachee Springs has been here since 1947, making us one of Florida’s oldest and original roadside attractions.” Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld did not exist when the mermaid show began. It was one of the only entertainment places for families in central Florida in the 1950s and 1960s. Seventy years ago, only nine people could watch the show. Now, as many as 500 do. During the show, mermaids perform dance exercises, play with fish and show how to eat and drink underwater.