History of Tarpon Springs Apr 16, 2007 03:04:23 Tarpon Springs is known as "the sponge capital of the world". In the 1930s, the sponge industry of Tarpon Springs was very prosperous, bringing in millions of dollars of sponges yearly. But in the 1940s, the sea sponge beds were contamin...
Look for updated news Apr 07, 2007 08:19:38 Look for updated news. This site will not let me delete old news.
No videos found, you can suggest the following video(s) to the owner:
Message from the Mayor of Tarpon Springs
No content has been added to this space by the member.
Tarpon Springs Description
Tarpon Springs is known as "the sponge capital of the world". In the 1930s, the sponge industry of Tarpon Springs was very prosperous, bringing in millions of dollars of sponges yearly. But in the 1940s, the sea sponge beds were contaminated and destroyed by bacteria, which led to a decline in the natural sponge indurstry. The industry was revived in the 1980s when healthy sea sponges were found. Now Tarpon Springs is back to being a leader in the world's natural sponge market. All aspects of the sponge industry take place in Tarpon Springs, from the harvesting of the sponge, all the way to the auctions that are held weekly at the Sponge Docks for the wholesalers.
Historic, picturesque, and unspoiled, Tarpon Springs is composed Of delightful residential areas, clustered around beautiful saltwater bayous and other waterways. The community is a mixture of new subdivisions and graceful old mansions. There is plenty to see and do, from the worldfamous Sponge Docks to deep sea fishing, from antique shops in the historic downtownarea to championship golf, from walking around Spring Bayou to watching the sunset on the Gulf of Mexico.
The community is permanently enriched by the Mediterranean heritage brought at the turn of the century by Greek sponge divers and their families. The feast of Epiphany on January 6th, the largest such celebration in the U.S., attracts spectators from all over the country.