In January 1843, a bill was introduced in the Florida House to create a new county to be called “Amaxura”, which was the Spanish name for the Withlacoochee River. The bill was amended, with the name being changed to Hernando in honor of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. In creating the statue of ‘Amaxura’, the artists have incorporated Seminole symbols that refer to aspects of Seminole culture and dress, religion and beliefs, environment, and diet. Inspired by the Seminole Indians that once made Chinsegut Hill home, Amaxura features Seminole symbols that refer to aspects of their native culture, dress, religion, and beliefs.

The mermaid protector of manatees. The ultimate “seacowgirl,” she and her posse of mermaids are expert seahorseback riders. Their sole purpose is to protect their coveted herd. They round up the sea cows and move them from safe place to safe place.

Clarise’s beautiful hair transitions into seagrass, providing the herd with food when hungry. Her tail provides the manatees with a safe haven.

Mother Nature sits high above the Weeki Wachee River which winds around her with a few wildlife friends keeping her company. A lone kayaker relaxes on the cool waters, the sunlight gleaming down causing reflections in the beautiful water. The mermaid’s hair is highlighted with the green of the trees and sea grass that flows in the river.

Nico loves to sing and play guitar; she formed a band with her underwater friends! Jesse Dolphin plays drums, Sassy Seahorse plays sax with her sister Valeri on trumpet, and then there’s Peter Turtle on keys. Inspired to name themselves after one of her favorite bands, this mermaid and the band play local underwater shows and practice once a week. Nico knows that to be truly great at her craft, she must work diligently and consistently, while never giving up and staying positive. If she stays true to herself and she works hard, she can accomplish her dreams of traveling the entire ocean, bringing her unique sound, light and energy to the world. In the process, others will notice her passion and dedication. Many that notice will help and support her as she grows and touches the lives of everyone around her.

Pasha, the mermaid, loves all the creatures she shares the ocean with, but she is especially fascinated by the Octopus. Beneath the waves, she has become friends with many species of Octopi, playing fun games like hide and seek. Over the years, she has learned just how smart and interesting these creatures are – They are great at hiding, using their abilities to change color, and their lack of bones to hide in tight spaces. Pasha loves to share fun facts about her friends – “Did you know that an octopus has three hearts and blue blood?” She may get a little carried away, but with every person she meets, she hopes to leave them inspired, wanting to learn all there is to know about the amazing world underwater!

Mermaid Patience enjoys her time soaking in the Florida sunshine. She loves wearing her one-of-a-kind ocean jewelry and will never be caught underwater or on shore without it! As she sits on her rock taking a break from life under the sea, she thinks about all of the wonderful things she loves about Florida – the breathtaking scenery, the sunsets, the fish, the animals, the attractions and so much more. She dreams of the day she will be able to walk on land and take a stroll through a one-of-a-kind Florida town that she’s heard oh so much about – a town called Brooksville! Until then, she will relax on a rock and enjoy the warm breeze, as she patiently waits for her day on land to arrive.