Pen to hand

Yesterday, I was privileged to attend the invitation-only event at Weeki Wachee to witness the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Weeki Wachee officials enter into an agreement to make Weeki Wachee Springs a state park. I sat in front of Commissioners Rowden and Rocco in the Mermaid Theater to watch history being made as Mayor Robyn Anderson took pen to hand and signed the park over to the state of Florida's park system. This signing was a happy ending to a long, hard fought battle to keep this 60 year old roadside attraction alive.

This five year struggle took on the life of a David and Goliath drama. Robyn Anderson and her dedicated staff worked against insurmountable odds to bring Weeki Wachee back to life in the hearts and minds of all of us that call Hernando County home. Some thought Robyn was nuts to fight, the fight, but yesterday paid off big for all of us because she never lost sight of the end goal which was the preservation of Weeki Wachee Springs.

Yesterday, Weeki Wachee's marketing director, John Athanason gave a very inspiring introduction of his friend, Robyn Anderson during the opening remarks. The old saying "behind every man" takes on a new twist with Robyn and John. Robyn took it on the chin many times over the last few years and John was there for her. John remained as a trusted employee and friend to prop her up for each round in this epic battle to preserve Weeki Wachee Springs. They worked day and night, with other trusted employees, who enlisted the add of the public and business community to bring this attraction back to life.

Good luck to everyone at Weeki WacheeSprings. In closing, I just want to say I'm very proud to call Robyn Anderson my friend!