Tarpon Springs

A bit of history about Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs was incorporated as a city in 1887. The community first settled there in 1882. The city is named for the tarpon, a fish that is found in abundance off the coast. Many Greek immigrants came here after 1905 to continue their traditional trade of sponge diving. The Epiphany ceremony, an old Greek Orthodox rite, is a colorful event that is held on January 6th. Tarpon Springs is a part of Pinellas County, which is located in west-central Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico.

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 industry. 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.

JC's Suggested Trip

This can be as full a day or as short as you want but we try to make the most of every minute. So some preparation is required. Before you go make yourself a picnic, and get a beach blanket or similar from the local shops and don't forget to have a full tank of petrol.

On the travel day leave earlyish... and head straight for Tarpon Springs as you entre the main street go into the first car park, it's the cheapest, they get more expensive as you go down the street. Once parked up pop into the shop have a browse around and then head for the back, they have a info film running on the history of Tarpon Springs.

Tarpon Springs main area is just one street that leads down to a fish mongers where you can see them clean up the fish ready for sale. So take your time exploring the area and maybe pop in for a traditional Greek snack or dinner. We love their feta cheese pies. This will likely take you into the afternoon.

So once you have finished exploring the area head off for Fred Howard Park, west of Florida Avenue, is a 150 - acre county park with a mile-long causeway connecting the offshore swimming area and the mainland. This beautiful park is open from 7 a.m. until sunset and offers barbeque grills, sheltered pavilions, children's playgrounds, fishing, windsurfing, public restrooms, and beach showers. This is where the pre-planned picnic comes in, you can sit on this wonderful beach and take in the days sun rays or maybe go for a swim.

As the day draws to an end or even earlier if you wish, head off to Honeymoon Island State Park. There is a small charge to enter but it is worth it for the sunsets. Drive down to the end of the road park up get your camera our and admire the beautiful colors of the sun dropping down into the Gulf. There are often sunset weddings held here as it is a perfect location.

You will have to leave the park just after sunset and then you can take in some more local places or head off home, the perfect end to an excellent day on the Gulf coast of Florida.

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