The Shields Painting Difference: Perfection with Every Brush Stroke
Many painting companies in Florida rely on flashy marketing and big promises to try and attract new clients. But when it comes time to work, they fall short of their promises. This is often due to a lack of experience, qualified painters, and a drive to overachieve. At Shields Painting, we do things a little differently than other painting companies in Citrus County. We believe that a professional paint job should be as close to perfect as possible. Our goal is to leave you 100% satisfied, whether we're touching up an old residential paint job or performing a complex commercial project. It might sound simple, but we achieve that goal through honesty, hard work, beautiful results, and reasonable pricing.
As a family-owned and operated painting company in Weeki Wachee, FL, we strive to provide personalized, professional, and friendly service. Shields Painting has been in business since 1968 for a good reason. Whenever possible, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers are happy. Unlike some of our competition, we want to know all about your house or business painting project: your vision, your preferences, your challenges, and your goals. When we understand your needs, we can present you with a fantastic final product - one that you're proud to show off to friends and neighbors.
At Shields Painting, we combine our extensive experience with time-tested, meticulous painting processes, resulting in the highest quality painting results around. As a painting contractor in Citrus County, we can take on a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial projects in Florida.
A few of our most popular painting services include:
- Interior Painting
- Exterior Painting
- Residential Painting
- Commercial Painting
- Cabinet Painting
- Ceiling Painting
- Fence Painting
- Sign Painting
- MUCH More!
Our commercial, industrial, and residential painting contractors take the proper steps to protect your property and belongings while we work. Our team will clean up after ourselves, so your property is left clean and free of debris when we're done. After all, we think there's only one way to do a job, and that's the right way.
Painting Services
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Eco-friendly & clean work area.
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PDCA Certified Member.
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Your Go-To House Painting Company in Weeki Wachee, FL
Your home is a haven of relaxation and solitude. It is uniquely you - a place where you can express who you are through style and design. Whether you need interior touch-ups for your crown molding or a new exterior coat of paint, hiring a reliable painting contractor is the best way to get quality results.
At Shields Painting, we know how important it is to have a home that highlights your tastes and personality. That's why we offer an extensive array of residential painting services in Citrus County. As tempting as it might be to try a DIY paint job, without the proper skills and experience, there is a good chance that the results will turn out less than satisfactory.
High-quality painting requires skill, experience, and patience. If you're a homeowner who needs residential painting services but doesn't have the time, patience, or skills to handle the job, look no further than Shields Painting. We offer accuracy, precision, and longevity with each paint job we perform. Our customers choose Shields Painting for their home because they receive:
- Free Quotes with Detailed Project Breakdowns
- Affordable Pricing
- Expert Painting Contractors
- High-Quality Paint Products
- Combo of Traditional and Modern Techniques
- Well-Maintained Tools
- Unmatched Craftsmanship
- Friendly, Personalized Service
- Good Old-Fashioned Hard Work!
The majority of our house painting services come in two forms: interior and exterior.
Interior Residential Painting
As an interior painting contractor with decades of experience, our expert technicians have developed an interior painting process that maximizes quality and emphasizes customer satisfaction. We understand that interior painting goes beyond aesthetics. It protects your ceilings and walls and helps you sustain a healthier place to live for your family. When only the finest craftsmanship will do inside your home, Shields Painting is here for you.
Our seasoned team of painting experts and craftsmen is dedicated to respecting your space and providing you with the look and feel you're craving inside your home. Whether you bought a new house and want to make it your own or need minor touch-ups but have no time, Shields Painting is ready to tackle the job, no matter how small or large.
Unlike some painting companies, our interior house painters take the time to get the details right, every time. For instance, color is only one aspect of your interior paint job. The paint sheen or finish is just as important. Certain finishes are better for living rooms and bedrooms than in kitchens and bathrooms. We'll help you find the right finish and paint colors for your home, so you don't have to worry about touch-ups or repainting.
Some of our most popular interior house painting services include:
- Ceiling Painting
- Popcorn Ceiling Removal
- Living Room Painting
- Bathroom Painting
- Basement Painting
- Color Consultations
- More
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Cabinet Painting
Citrus County cabinet painting deserves its own section on this page because it requires more time, skill, and quality paint than most sections of your home. If your home's cabinets are built into its woodwork, replacing them can be obnoxiously expensive. Compared to the cost of installing new cabinets, painting your kitchen cabinets is much more affordable.
At Shields Painting, we specialize in transforming old cabinets into new, gorgeous features that are just as usable as they are beautiful. Each step of our cabinet painting process is meticulous and thorough. And we'll take care of the entire job, from cleaning, prep, and sanding to priming, painting, and reassembly. This unique service lets you enjoy a brand-new look in your kitchen without having to go into debt by replacing your cabinets.
Whether your cabinets are new, but you want to change their color or you'd like to transition wood cabinets to a painted finish, Shields Painting has the expertise and experience to give you a new look you'll love.
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Exterior Residential Painting
Your home - it's a place that not only keeps your belongings safe. It protects your family and loved ones, too. It's one of your largest investments, and like anything else of value, it should be protected. However, Florida weather can take a toll on your home's structure and paint, lowering your home's value and even putting your family at risk.
While it's true that a beautiful exterior affects your house's value, it shouldn't take thousands of remodeling dollars to make a positive change to your home. There's a fine line between reasonable pricing and top-quality painting, and that sweet spot is what Shields Painting aims for. If you want to transform how your friends and neighbors see your home, never underestimate the power of a professional paint job.
Our exterior residential painting services are designed to boost curb appeal, give your home a fresh look, and help it stand up to Florida's unique weather. But we provide more than that. When you hire Shields Painting for your outdoor painting project, you will enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your home is in truly capable hands. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and help bring out the best in your property, whether you need to re-stain your deck or remove old, peeling paint from your siding.
If you're on the hunt for the very best exterior painting contractor in Weeki Wachee, FL, look no further than Shields Painting.
Some of our most popular exterior house painting services include:
- Vinyl Siding Painting
- Deck Painting and Staining
- Stucco Exterior Painting
- Wood Exterior Painting
- Porch Painting and Staining
- Soffit Painting
- Fascia Painting
- Window Painting
- Front Door Painting
- Thorough Painting Prep
- More
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The Premier Commercial Painting Company in Weeki Wachee, FL
When it comes to first impressions, your businesses' appearance plays an important role. Your commercial property's paint job factors into its overall aesthetics. A great-looking, well-maintained paint job can mean the difference between a customer walking in your storefront and passing by. Conversely, an old, worn-out commercial paint job can send the wrong message to prospective customers. If you can't take the time to keep up your property's appearance, why would a customer spend their hard-earned money on your products?
The same goes for your businesses' interior paint. Would you want to do business with a company that has peeling paint or unsightly crown molding? At Shield's Painting, our goal is to create a beautiful environment that your customers and employees will love inside and out. When you work with our business painters, you can rest easy knowing we treat your business like it were our own. We always clean up after ourselves and know that operations cannot come to a halt just because we're painting. As such, we'll work with your busy schedule to ensure the job gets done right the first time without disrupting your day-to-day commitments.
With decades of commercial painting experience, we know the demands of a commercial painting project necessitate a disciplined and focused approach from the start. Our team of business painters is committed to delivering quality, on-time results on every project, every time - no excuses
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We offer professional business painting services to a variety of building types, including:
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01
Industrial Painting
A high level of care and finesse are required to effectively paint an industrial property. At Shields Painting, we know that industrial paint jobs involve much more than aesthetics. That's why our industrial services are customized to your specifications, using industrial-grade materials that stand up to heavy-duty operations.
02
Retail Store Painting
Our commercial painters apply effective, yet appealing interior and exterior paint that stand up to the daily rigors of busy retail environments.
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03
Small Business Painting
Do you own a restaurant franchise? Have a small "mom and pop" location that needs a fresh coat of paint? Shields Painting has the resources and reliability to efficiently get the job done the first time. That way, you can focus on serving your customers, not having your business repainted.
04
Healthcare Location Painting
From walk-in clinics to long-term care facilities, Shields Painting is sensitive to your patients' needs. We know you must protect your patient's privacy while maintaining productivity. Our approach to healthcare location painting centers around your schedule to avoid disruptions in care.
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05
Apartment Complex Painting
Erase signs of wear and make your apartment complex or multi-family building a more desirable place to live with a stunning, professional paint job.
Florida's Most Trusted Painting Contractor
Shields Painting has been in the business since 1968. In a world where so much has changed, we are proud to uphold the ideals that make us successful: hard, honest work, getting the job done right, and excellent customer service. Providing you with trustworthy, quality work will always take priority over rushing through a project to serve the next customer. That is just not the way we choose to do business.
As professionals dedicated to perfection, we strive to provide a unique painting experience for every customer - one that focuses on their needs and desires instead of our own. Whether you need residential painting for your home or commercial painting for your business, we encourage you to reach out today to speak with our customer service team. Whether you have big ideas about a new paint project or need our expertise and guidance, we look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Latest News in Weeki Wachee, FL
Hernando officials approve leasing Weekiwachee Preserve land for park
Barbara Behrendthttps://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2024/03/14/hernando-officials-approve-leasing-weekiwachee-preserve-land-park/
If approved by the water management district, Hernando will have a 350-acre county park inside the preserve.ByPublished March 14After years of community debate over creating greater public access to the Weekiwachee Preserve, the Hernando County Commission this week unanimously approved seeking a 20-year, no-cost lease that would allow creation of a 350-acre passive park there.To resolve the matter, the county has scrapped plans to create a beach at this time.The lease terms will now go to the Southwest Flor...
If approved by the water management district, Hernando will have a 350-acre county park inside the preserve.
By
Published March 14
After years of community debate over creating greater public access to the Weekiwachee Preserve, the Hernando County Commission this week unanimously approved seeking a 20-year, no-cost lease that would allow creation of a 350-acre passive park there.
To resolve the matter, the county has scrapped plans to create a beach at this time.
The lease terms will now go to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which owns and manages the sprawling 11,200-acre preserve, for its consideration.
The land that Hernando County would manage is in an area that includes several old mining pits. The water management district has said it does not consider a beach an appropriate use for the property.
The lease would grant public access to the preserve from aparking area on Shoal Line Boulevard. The main access now is off Osowaw Boulevard just to the west of U.S. 19 in Spring Hill. Visitors have informally entered from Shoal Line across several properties, but in 2022 Hernando County bought an abandoned restaurant site that is slated to become a parking lot.
The plan is eventually to construct a bridge across the narrow canal between the preserve and Shoal Line Boulevard and the businesses on the road. A boardwalk, walking trails, restrooms, a kayak launch and picnic pavilions are planned by Hernando County.
Under the draft lease, the district would maintain strict control over what the county may do on the property, reviewing and approving any plans. The district would also have to approve any alterations to the construction plans after initial approval.
The county would be allowed to provide educational opportunities on the property but that would be limited to posting signs around the park.
The lease also specifies that the county must minimize any harm to “natural systems and any water resources.”
Over the years, creating a beach in the preserve was discussed several times. At one point, the county proposed a detailed list of amenities at a $7.7 million price tag but never specified how it would pay for them.
As county officials pushed hard after buying the parking lot on Shoal Line Boulevard, water management district officials made it clear that they were not interested in the intense usage that the county was proposing under the name “Mermaid Lakes Recreation Area.”
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Vocal residents from Hernando Beach and Weeki Wachee also urged the county to abandon the idea as did a group that took up the cry “Preserve the Preserve.” Others who have supported using the preserve to promote tourism saw the proposal as a plus for community economic prosperity.
Swimming has gone on in the rock mines for years despite water management district prohibitions. Under the lease terms approved by the Hernando commissioners, “under no circumstances shall the County allow swimming at the park and shall post signage to that effect. Any such violation of this paragraph shall constitute a material breach of this lease.”
The preserve is home to a small group of black bears. This week Hernando County commissioners said they were happy to see the local Sierra Club chapter dropping some of its previous concerns about the county plan. Commission John Allocco said that the county wants to work with the organization on its ongoing concern about visitors potentially coming into contact with the bears.
“We can work with the bear aware program to make sure that whatever we build, it minimizes the risk of bears coming in,” he said, adding that he has seen effective methods in other areas including trash bins that won’t let bears get into garbage.
“This is an awesome opportunity for us to all work together from both sides of the aisle to come up with a product that benefits the county as a whole,” Allocco said.
But the Sierra Club of the Adventure Coast didn’t quite sign off on the preserve plan. In a Facebook post, group chairperson DeeVon Quirolo wrote, “The development of an artificial beach and swim area in the preserve is clearly the county’s ultimate ambition. A path for achieving this goal is now being proposed by the District.”
The lease leaves open a possibility of allowing the county to develop a beach in the future, she said.
“This is completely inappropriate. The lands could be declared surplus and then the County could proceed with developing a beach/swimming area as initially proposed,” Quirolo wrote. “This type of development would result in the transition from passive to active recreation within the preserve and negatively impact our imperiled bear population and other wildlife.”
Hernando County Commissioner Brian Hawkins, whose district includes the park area, said he could not get on board with the previous beach plan but he strongly supported the newproposal and was also happy to see that Sierra Club representatives had walked back some of their objections. He said another bonus is the businesses along Shoal Line getting use of a the bridge and boardwalk into the public lands.
“This is going to be a gem for Hernando County,” Hawkins said.
Hernando Beach resident Pat Coggins said he was happy to see that the preserve would now be maintained and he saw another upside as well.
“The more visitation we can get in the park, it creates awareness and awareness is going to help with conservation as well,” he said. “It’s a big win all the way around.”
Up next:Power plants keep Florida manatees warm. What happens when they close?
Controversial restaurant expansion approved in Weeki Wachee, but not boat rentals
VINCENT F. SAFUTOhttps://www.suncoastnews.com/news/controversial-restaurant-expansion-approved-in-weeki-wachee-but-not-boat-rentals/article_d5fe931a-cce3-11ee-a8d4-ebe087a9fe67.html
BROOKSVILLE — Tom Kellner can have his restaurant expansion, but not the marina.That was the decision of the Hernando County Commission on Feb. 12.Kellner is renovating an old restaurant that has been on Cortez Boulevard since the 1960s, he said, and is currently zoned for 40 seats. With expanded seating, he said, he can make it profitable.His neighbor has a Commercial Marine-1 zoning, Kellner said, and he wanted to put boat slips on his property that he could rent out to generate additional income.“I ...
BROOKSVILLE — Tom Kellner can have his restaurant expansion, but not the marina.
That was the decision of the Hernando County Commission on Feb. 12.
Kellner is renovating an old restaurant that has been on Cortez Boulevard since the 1960s, he said, and is currently zoned for 40 seats. With expanded seating, he said, he can make it profitable.
His neighbor has a Commercial Marine-1 zoning, Kellner said, and he wanted to put boat slips on his property that he could rent out to generate additional income.
“I thought this was a reasonable proposal,” he said.
Most residents were against the rezoning request for the restaurant, contending as in the past that with Neptune’s Grotto there’s too much traffic on the river, while others said Kellner should be allowed to run his business as he sees fit.
Aja Moore said there was a double standard at work and that Kellner should get what he wants.
Linda Farmer said Kellner isn’t interested in opening a restaurant.
“I don’t want you approving any more activity on the water,” she said.
Luke Johns said he wasn’t opposed to the restaurant, but wondered where the patrons’ vehicles would fit.
As for boats, the property is on a narrow canal and if boats are triple-stacked it could make the waterway impassible, opponents said.
County Commissioner John Allocco said they’ve all driven past the location.
“I think we need to give him the ability to make his restaurant successful,” he said.
The final motion was to allow Kellner to expand the restaurant to the legal capacity, with the fire marshal determining the number of seats he can have. He can’t have a marina.
Also, he will have to either put in sidewalks or pay into a sidewalk fund.
The motion carried 5-0.
Outside the chambers, Kellner said he was going to lease the place to someone who would operate a restaurant on the site.
“Basically, the seating is not subjected to C-3 zoning, which would be 40 seats or less,” he said. “So, that’s good because there’s no limitation on seating. It’s going to be based on what is allowed by the fire department. That’s what I wanted. But I also wanted to have some additional use for the property next to the building and I didn’t get that, so maybe another time.”
Manatee worries
Residents have been concerned about the recent deaths of several manatees in the Weeki Wachee River-Mud River area.
In response to public comment on the manatee situation, eel grass, sea grass, water quality, businesses on the river, behavior on the river and more, Commission Chair Elizabeth Narverud said, “We definitely have some concerns about the river right now.”
County Commissioner Brian Hawkins said agreed with residents’ concerns and said he got a statement from a biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
As of mid-afternoon on Feb. 9, five adult manatee carcasses were verified in the Mud River, Hawkins read. All were taken to the FWC’s pathology laboratory in St. Petersburg.
“Preliminary diagnosis is an acute lethal ‘gut shock.’ The findings are similar to a fatal natural manatee disease that has been documented in other parts of the state where a sudden diet change to ‘macro-algae’ can cause severe disruption of the gut flora.”
To explore or rule out other causes could take a month.
Tampa Bay is suffering tremendously from the sea grass loss, Hawkins said, and this area is doing much better.
“What is macro-algae?” Hawkins asked, saying he wanted people to understand the term. “‘Macro-algae’ is a term used to describe seaweed,” he said, answering his own question. “Eel grass is grass, the normal nutrition of manatees are flowering plants; seaweed is not flowering.”
The question is why are manatees suddenly eating seaweed. The bodies of the five manatees showed no signs of trauma from boat strikes.
“This is unprecedented in our area,” Hawkins said. “We need to figure out what it is.”
He said he advocates expanding the idle speed zone for boats.
There was a long discussion of jurisdiction and boating, with Allocco suggesting that residents get in touch with state elected officials and push for state enforcement of rules on the rivers.
In other action
• Commissioners approved 5-0 after an hour and 45 minutes of debate a rezoning request for 114.6 acres of land for an RV resort on the south side of Cortez Boulevard, approximately 700 feet southeast of Griffin Road. There was a documentation mistake in the agenda documents for the commission, but since the interested parties were present it was decided to proceed. The motion was for a maximum of 400 units, down from 524.
• Regarding the sales tax referendum, County Administrator Jeff Rogers in his update on board directives talked about how Brooksville could share in the money and asked for guidance on whether school safety improvements should be in the transportation plan. He also talked about the possibility of forming a sales tax task force to get information out about the sales tax. He said he would ask about it at the next meeting and put it on the next agenda.
FWC approves new protections for Weeki Wachee River
wtsp.comhttps://www.wtsp.com/article/news/investigations/10-investigates/fwc-new-protections-weeki-wachee-river/67-21f3a370-26cb-4281-9326-594d687a4836
Within the Springs Protection Zone, beaching, mooring, anchoring and grounding vessels are no longer allowed in order to protect the natural environment.More VideosHERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — For those who love being out on the pristine waters at Weeki Wachee River, there are now new rules in place that change how visitors enjoy the experience....
Within the Springs Protection Zone, beaching, mooring, anchoring and grounding vessels are no longer allowed in order to protect the natural environment.
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HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — For those who love being out on the pristine waters at Weeki Wachee River, there are now new rules in place that change how visitors enjoy the experience.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Wednesday approved a new rule creating a Springs Protection Zone along a 5.61-mile stretch of the river from the springhead in Weeki Wachee State Park to the Rogers Park Boat Ramp.
Within the Springs Protection Zone, beaching, mooring, anchoring and grounding vessels are no longer allowed. This is to protect vegetation, wildlife and prevent shoreline erosion.
"In the state of Florida, doing anything, especially these types of things to protect the springs, is a positive step in the right direction,” Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson of the Our Santa Fe River environmental group said.
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The new rules will not prohibit people from exiting their vessels or swimming in the water.
Weeki Wachee River advocate Shannon Turbeville told 10 Investigates last year it’s this type of activity that needs to be better monitored.
"Out-of-vessel recreation is what's destroying the river. They're climbing up on the shorelines. When they're in the water, they're kicking up the sedimentation. This sedimentation is not normal,” Turbeville said.
He would like to see stronger enforcement from FWC.
"The FWC told [former] Sen. Simpson, who disseminated it to the public six years ago, that the FWC was committed to increasing patrols on the river and enforcing existing rules. But we see that's not necessarily happening,” Turbeville said.
A spokesperson from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection told 10 Investigates in May this statement: T
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement bases its patrol efforts on resource protection, environmental protection, enforcing boating rules regulations and public safety. FWC officers have statewide jurisdiction along with local law enforcement to patrol rural, wilderness, inshore and offshore areas. The Weeki Wachee River is included in their jurisdiction and will be patrolled accordingly to enforce the laws protecting Florida’s resources.
"Everyone, including myself, is loving this river to death,” Turbeville said. “We all want the same thing and that’s to come out here to enjoy it. Enjoy what God's given us and in this public land that's ours to enjoy. But we're going to have to change the way that we do enjoy it."
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: Ideal Visiting Time and 5 Things to Do
Nixza Gonzalezhttps://a-z-animals.com/articles/weeki-wachee-springs-state-park-ideal-visiting-time-and-things-to-do/
There are hundreds of state parks in Florida to visit. One of the most popular state parks in the state is the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. It’s widely popular and known for its incredible mermaid shows, but there is a lot more behind this unique park. Follow along to lear...
There are hundreds of state parks in Florida to visit. One of the most popular state parks in the state is the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. It’s widely popular and known for its incredible mermaid shows, but there is a lot more behind this unique park. Follow along to learn more about it, including the cost to enter, the best time to visit, the wildlife you can encounter, and the many activities.
Where is Weeki Wachee Springs State Park?
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a gorgeous Spring Hill, Florida, state park. It is also in the unincorporated community and former city, Weeki Wachee. Spring Hill is a city in Hernando County. Spring Hill is in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area and is just a short drive from Tampa. The surface area of Spring Hill is 62.30 square miles.
About Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Like many others in the Sunshine State, this state park began as a tourist destination. However, Weeki Wachee had something unique to bring to the table: mermaids.
This state park began as a fun and quirky roadside attraction in 1947. Newton Perry opened this attraction, which featured underwater mermaids using a free-flowing air hose to breathe. At first, visitors could admire the mermaids from an 18-seat theater under the surface of the spring. The first mermaids performed here with underwater ballet moves. By the 1950s, this incredible roadside attraction was one of the most visited tourist attractions in the state. It also featured stunning orchid gardens and boat tours to view wildlife and enjoy the scenery.
So many people fell in love with Weeki Wachee during its earliest days. It was also a popular filming site—scenes for films like Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid and Neptune’s Daughter. The attraction continued to grow. Despite its popularity, it didn’t become a state park until 2008.
The best time to visit Weeki Wachee depends on your interests. There is so much to do at this state park! If you want access to all the activities available, your best bet is to visit during the summer. However, the summer season is also the busiest and hottest. You can see from October to March if you want to beat the crowds. Not everything is open from October to March, though. For instance, sometimes mermaid shows operate on limited showtimes. Fall and winter are also excellent times to visit the park and kayak. You may even spot wildlife like alligators or manatees. During fall and winter, you may still use the beach for swimming and relaxing, but the water park’s slides are often closed.
The Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is easily accessible from Central Florida to Tampa. The nearest airport to this gorgeous state park is the Tampa (TPA) Airport. It’s about 37.5 miles away. Another close airport (42.9 miles away) is the St. Petersburg (PIE). However, if you stay in Orlando and want to escape the theme parks, you can fly into Orlando (MCO). Weeki Wachee is about a two-hour drive from Orlando. It’s worth the drive! If one day isn’t enough time, you can always camp near the park or stay in a hotel.
So, how much does it cost to enter this state park? To join, it’s $13 per adult and $8 for children ages 6 to 12. However, it’s free to enter for children five and under. While inside, you can also purchase rental tubes for floating.
One day truly isn’t enough to explore Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and all it offers. You don’t have to spend all your time swimming in the water. Some boat tours are available throughout the year. Follow along to discover some of the best things to do while visiting.
Swim
One of the most popular things to do in this state park is to go for a swim. It’s especially perfect during hot summer days when you want to cool off. You can swim at Buccaneer Bay.
Kayak
Not everyone likes to swim. Maybe you want to spend some time with nature and kayak. Kayaking is a popular activity within the state park. You can rent a kayak or bring one to the park. Tours are also available. A fan-favorite kayaking tour in this state park is the clear kayak tour offered by Get Up and Go Kayaking. This tour is excellent during manatee season and is great for beginners. You don’t have to know how to kayak to join!
Hike
There are very few hiking trails within the state park. On AllTrails, only one hiking trail is listed, the Weeki Wachee Springs River Trail. It’s about 0.8 miles long with an elevation gain of 13 feet. This short, simple, sweet trail is mainly paved sidewalks running through the park near the water. It’s a great way to stretch your legs!
Mermaid Shows
The main attraction of Weeki Wachee is the fantastic mermaid shows! The times vary, but there is at least one a day. Mermaid shows are exciting and for all ages. As of November 2023, the show is Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid in a submerged 400-seat auditorium.
You can read more here if you’d like to learn more about the state park’s mermaid shows and the mermaid roster.
Buccaneer Bay
Did you know this state park also has an exciting and refreshing water park? Buccaneer Bay is a spring-fed aquatic playground with two water slides. There are rules, though, for each water slide. For instance, participants need to be 48 inches or taller to ride down the Cannonball. However, rides must be 42 inches or taller to slide down the Pirate’s Revenge slide.
Don’t worry, though. If you don’t like slides, you can also relax on the sandy white beach. Apart from swimming, guests can also rent an inner tube to float the lazy river. Also in Buccaneer Bay is the Lil’ Mates Caribbean Cove, a wading pool made for children six years and younger.
One of the best parts about visiting Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is all the wildlife. There are so many animals to see! One of the most iconic animals in Weeki Wachee is the manatee. They are ubiquitous in the cool and refreshing water from November through March. Apart from manatees, visitors also have a chance of seeing American alligators. However, alligators generally stay away from cold springs unless looking for food or cooling down on a hot day. Many times, the only animals you’ll see in the water with you are fish and turtles.
Also in the springs are river otters. Throughout Weeki Wachee, youu can find other animals, not just thoselivinge in the water. This gorgeous state park is a great place to bird-watch, especially when kayaking or taking a boat tour. Some birds to watch include bald eagles, sandhill cranes, barred owls, great egrets, white ibis, northern cardinals, wood storks, and northern bobwhites.
Impressive and gorgeous plants are also found throughout the state park. While visiting, you may see saw palmettos, Florida green eyes, Spanish moss, Florida false sunflowers, and American royal ferns.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Danielle Leonard/iStock via Getty Images
Weeki Wachee man goes viral for 'reclining' in hurricane floodwaters
Rochelle Alleynehttps://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-citrus-hernando/weeki-wachee-man-goes-viral-for-reclining-in-hurricane-floodwaters
WEEKI WACHEE, Fla — Owning a little slice of heaven along the Weeki Wachee River comes with a price."Here's our little chunk of paradise, you know? We're on the river," said Bill Stewart, pointing to his home, "Unfortunately, when you're on the water, it's not a matter of if you're going to flood; it's when you're going to flood."And it's a price Bill Stewart and his family were willing to pay as they rode out Hurricane Idalia on Wednesday."About 7:30 [a.m.], quarter to eight, the water sta...
WEEKI WACHEE, Fla — Owning a little slice of heaven along the Weeki Wachee River comes with a price.
"Here's our little chunk of paradise, you know? We're on the river," said Bill Stewart, pointing to his home, "Unfortunately, when you're on the water, it's not a matter of if you're going to flood; it's when you're going to flood."
And it's a price Bill Stewart and his family were willing to pay as they rode out Hurricane Idalia on Wednesday.
"About 7:30 [a.m.], quarter to eight, the water starts coming up, and we're just sitting there watching it, and the storm surge came in, and there's nothing you can do about it," he said.
Having accepted his fate, Stewart says he sat back cracked open a cold Heineken beer, and waited for the knee-deep flooding to stop.
"We had about two feet of water in the house," he said.
His wife snapped a now-viral picture of Stewart to capture the moment—and he later posted it on Facebook.
"It just snowballed from there, and its gone everywhere," he said.
Amused by the online attention, Stewart tells ABC Action News that he and his wife eventually left their home and went next door.
"We were up on the back deck of my neighbor's house, and we're sitting there, we're having a couple of cold ones and drying out, you know, waiting for the water to recede, and my wife said, 'I smell something, burning,'" he said.
That something...was their house.
"It started right here behind her dresser," said Stewart.
Bill told us investigators believe a surge protector sparked a fire that ruined almost everything the floodwaters didn't already damage.
And yet, true to the calm he exuded in that picture, Stewart is taking things in stride.
"They're material things, and they can be replaced. You know? As long as my wife is healthy, as long as my dogs are healthy, the rest is irrelevant," he said.
He said they're working with an insurance company and will eventually rebuild or repair their home. And with any luck, he added that they'll land a sponsorship for all of the free beer promotion his picture has brought in.
"Heineken, call me!" he laughed.
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