WEEKI WACHEE, FL -- The manager of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has been fired following charges he sexually harassed a mermaid.
Tommy Ervin was fired last week after an investigation by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. He was hired as the park’s manager in November, when it was taken over by the state.
The state's investigation began in March after a banquet coordinator, Nancy Flowers, was fired. She filed a grievance, accusing Ervin of behaving inappropriately toward her and her co-workers.
She also claimed Ervin harrassed her daughter, Heather Flowers, who is a mermaid at the park.
According to an 88-page report released by the state, Heather was in an office making copies when "Tommy came in there and he said… ‘oh, you must be bubble butt’ and I’m like, ‘excuse me?’ and he’s like, ‘Bubble butt?’, and I said, ‘no, I’m Heather.’ And he was like, ‘oh, well I’m Tommy, it’s nice to meet you,’” Heather stated.
She went on to say she did not know who Ervin was when he made the alleged comment.
According to the report, Heather "returned to the office approximately a week later in October 2008 and Ervin again greeted her with “Hey Bubble Butt”; which she corrected again with, “It’s Heather, remember?” She said.
Other employees told investigators that Ervin had falsified payroll documents.
He denied many of the allegations.
The state concluded that Ervin violated policies, including misuse of public office; failing to maintain a violence-free workplace; and conduct unbecoming of a public employee.
