We wandered in and out of sponge shops,. 75806°W / 28. Third generation master sponge boat builder George Saroukos last builder of traditional Greek sponge boats in this. . , Hellas Restaurant & Bakery, and Captn Jack's Bar and Grill and more, get ready to experience the best flavors around Tarpon Springs. Sponge Diver Memorial Statue, Tarpon Springs, FL - 1 mi. 75 $ 3. 5 on Tripadvisor among 129 attractions in Tarpon Springs. The boat is a replica of the sponge boats that operated out of Tarpon Springs a century ago, except for having a cover to shield the tourists from the sun and the weather. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: The Sea Moss Shack/Dream Creme - See 2,887 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Nearby fishing. Stop: 90 minutes. - See 2,885 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. (727) 934-4047. Dining On The Sponge Dock. Open in Google Maps. #10 of 105 Restaurants in Tarpon Springs. Since the first major wave of Greeks arrived in Tarpon Springs in 1905 to work in the. ctsfl . By Patricia Claus. 100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 850 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, USA. Aside from strolling the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks and watching the sponge boats come home, check out one of the many top-notch restaurants in town serving Greek cuisine. The sponge boats do not come in every day, but usually arrive in the mornings. Advertisement. The sponge boat trip is only $15 and is very informative of the. About. How Tarpon Springs became Greek. Join Odyssey Cruises for a 1 & 1/2 - 2 hour trip down the Anclote River into the Gulf of Mexico. 19, 2020. Tarpon Springs Tourism Tarpon Springs Hotels Tarpon Springs Bed and Breakfast Tarpon Springs Vacation Rentals Flights to Tarpon Springs Tarpon Springs Restaurants Things to Do in Tarpon Springs Tarpon Springs Travel Forum Tarpon Springs Photos Tarpon Springs Map Tarpon Springs Travel Guide. 64500126. You will find a canal lined with fishing boats, sponge boats, and touring boats. Fishing Charters & Tours. This locally owned business was started in 1924 by sponge diver Capt. Tarpon Springs. Nicholas Boat Line St. The boat operator narrates a history of the area and exhibits the five kinds of sponges which are harvested for commercial use. Sun Line Cruises The Sponge Factory Spongeorama Sponge Factory Mac's Sports Inc. Billiris and still run by family. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Odyssey Cruises Lori's Soap and spongesTarpon Springs, FL 34689. Nicholas Sponge Diving Exhibition. The National Weather Service took a look back at the Category 3 storm. If you visit Tarpon Springs or are looking for a unique experience be sure to take a St. “At one time there were at least 200 Greek-style spongefishing boats, called achtermas, in Tarpon Springs,” Buculavas says. Show more. Nicholas Boat Line Sims Park Sun Line. About a 35 min. 15 minute walk to the famous sponge docks. Aside from strolling the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks and watching the sponge boats come home, check out one of the many top-notch restaurants in town serving Greek cuisine. you may want to visit the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs. At its center: St. The residents are mostly Greeks. Pelican's land and dive right off the deck of the shrimp boat they have behind the seafood market. Clear Kayak Tour of Tarpon Springs | Manatee Season. Washing sponges on the deck of a sponge boat, Tarpon Springs, Fla. Free cancellation. An optional shore excursion is available to disembark at the Historic Anclote Key. Sponge fishermen and others socialize on the Sponge Docks, organizations stage events there, and tourists ramble while observing the spongers at work. By 1905, a total of 500 Greek sponge divers were at work using 50 boats. It cannot swim, but grows attached to a rock or the sea bottom. Call for information (727) 365-8793. But today, you’ll also find shelling cruises, sunset cruises, tour boats, and other attractions that will teach you more about the area’s history and culture. On January 6th, the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the day of Epiphany. Beds. you have probably seen it all! It would be great if the sponge boats offered tours. 1910s, this is one of the oldest images of the Sponge Docks. 5. Sponge trimmer in Tarpon Springs, 194-. Tarpon Springs Sponge Boats MPS. Young woman posing on sponge boat, 1936. Check Website for Current Hours) Coupons: No Specials. When visitors think of Tarpon Springs, one word quickly comes to mind: Greek. Sponge store at Tarpon Springs, 1921. 75806. Compare prices, check availability and read reviews. In the 1940s, blight reduced the growth of sponges. com. Yesterday we took a day trip to Tarpon Springs, the Greek sponge fishing town made famous in the 1953 Robert Wagner movie Beneath The 12-Mile Reef. Damn Good. Fishing boats and sponge boats are docked up close to the street. This locally owned business was started in 1924 by sponge diver Capt. 00 per adult Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach. S. Book Online Book Online - We Sell Out Often! Call for Information Ticket office hours: 7am-10pm (727) 943-2164 or (727) 365-8793 or (727) 312-6311 512 Dodecanese Blvd. Tarpon Springs is a very interesting small community. Captain Dennis Wilson Fishing Charters. Cuisines: Mediterranean, Greek, Grill. Power. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks 4. Boats For Sale. The early sponge divers created a need at the docks for eating places for the boat crews. Tarpon Springs incorporated as a city in 1887, was an early splash as a warm Gulf of Mexico waterfront resort community for northern aristocrats. The Duchess is a historic sponge-hooking boat in Tarpon Springs, Florida. It makes its way from deep remote sources and across miles of elevated banks that are lush with tropical foliage. Yes we have two boats but one is located in Tarpon Springs. In addition to Spongeorama Sponge Factory, it boasts historic sponge docks and sponge diving boats that are open to tourists. Turn west on County Road 582, also called Tarpon Avenue, and travel about a mile to downtown. The St. Menu. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: 727-934-4047 Hours Tuesday - Thursday: 11am- 9 pm Friday - Saturday: 11am - 10pm Sunday: 11am - 9pm (Seasonal Hours. St. Tarpon Springs Sponge Boat Tour. Rich in history, tradition and charm, Tarpon Springs’ acclaim stems from the sponge industry, dating back to the early 1900s. Even though there were few passengers on this large boat, the captain didn't just anchor in one spot to save gas, he moved from one area to another. 4. Photo: Bill DeYoung. When sponges are alive they are not all brown. An optional shore excursion is available to disembark at the Historic Anclote Key. Natural sponge beds were discovered in Tarpon Springs in the early 1900’s and it wasn’t long before Greek sponge divers left their mother land to cultivate a. Many of us are foodies on the Wanderlog team, so naturally we’re always on the hunt to eat at the most popular spots anytime we travel somewhere new. This is strictly for entertainment. Hotels near Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. Skip to main content. This island is home to an 1887 lighthouse that houses a single park ranger. Nicholas Boat Line Spongorama's Cruise Lines St. If you visit Tarpon Springs or are looking for a unique experience, be sure to take a St. 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Free admission; and a $1 charge for the. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 (Located Behind Yianni's Greek Cuisine) Click Map to view LargerEnjoy viewing the famous Anclote Lighthouse, and Tarpon Springs historical sites, as well as some of the best that nature has to offer. drive north of. This trip is fully narrated by our Captain. Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary. 10. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Odyssey Cruises Sun Line Cruises Tarpon Springs Dog Park Replay Amusement Museum Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Narcosis Scuba Center Stumpy's Hatchet House - Tarpon Springs St. West Coast Fishing Adventures. They are always docked on the south side of the river (left as you are facing out toward the gulf). 14861°N 82. from. Restaurants, especially Rusty Bellies, have their own fishing boats and you can eat the day’s catch! Take a stroll along the sidewalk or shop all day. Speciality & Gift Shops • Marinas. Everyone is so friendly. Details. 4. The disease, which leaves. Tarpon Springs United States Pinellas County Florida, 1944. One can see many boats on the water, and the many examples of sponges that are picked up in the surrounding waters. Tours every 40 minutes. St. Other Fun Things To Do at Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. The Annual Illuminated Boat Parade will be held on the first Friday of December. Keep in mind, Anclote. Fun Things to Do in Tarpon Springs with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. The trip is fun and educational as you are on an authentic, working sponge dive boat. A sponge boat is docked to sift through the day’s harvest in Tarpon Springs on Saturday, Dec. In the late 1980s, a serious attempt was made to revive the sponge fishing in the area by businessman George Biliris and it had impressive results. Closed now 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Fun for the sponges, a little repetitive for everything else - See 2,887 traveler reviews, 1,416 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Billiris laments that things have changed since another red tide hit the local waters and wiped out the sponges in 2005. Miss Britt Charters. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Odyssey Cruises Lori's Soap and spongesOdyssey Cruises Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks St. Spongeorama offers sunset and dolphin-watching boat tours of the Anclote River and Gulf of Mexico. “You can see the old pictures from those times and there would be dozens and dozens docked down there. Come have fun at Spongeorama - Dolphin Cruises in Tarpon Springs, Boat Tours in Tarpon Springs. Parking is not allowed on the street but many. The St. 28°8′55″N 82°45′29″W. GNIS feature ID. [5] It is part of the Tampa Bay area. Nicholas Boat Lines and learn the history of the sponging industry. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: So many places to buy authentic sponges - See 2,887 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. from. Lightning with Sunset over a Florida River and Marina. 0. it was well worth the money and had a good narrator. Bring your Boat, Kayaks and water toys to enjoy the beautiful 2500 acre Lake Tarpon. However in the 1980s, new sponge beds were found. 2. Boats. Join us on our 2-hour sunset cruise. On Oct. Nicholas Boat Line Shrine of Saint Michael Taxiarchis Spongeorama Sponge Factory Tarpon Springs Distillery Mac's. 0. See Tripadvisor's 33,379 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Tarpon Springs attractions. $699. “The best (sponging) area was around. Sea sponges put Tarpon Springs on the map in the early 1900s when two men launched what would soon. Nicholas Boat Line was established in 1924 by Captain Michael J. Aquariums. Located on Florida’s west coast, just north of Clearwater, the city sits on the Gulf of Mexico alongside an underwater treasure trove of sea sponges. By the 1950s, sponging as a profitable industry was nearly wiped out. I knew nothing of the sponge industry. It has been on the maps since the mid-1500s. Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish, tropical Foliage and water birds are common sights on our afternoon cruise. The Sponge dock in Tarpon Springs is a must. Look for the boat with the covered awning and orange trim. com. It's known as the 'Sponge Capital of the World' and also as 'Greektown'. Dates: 12/01/2023 - 12/01/2023. Walk along Dodecanese Boulevard to see docked sponge boats, shops selling seas sponges and restaurants serving up authentic Greek cuisine. We promise to give…. Water Sports in Tarpon Springs Boat Rentals in Tarpon Springs Dolphin & Whale Watching in Tarpon Springs Kayaking & Canoeing in Tarpon Springs River Rafting & Tubing in Tarpon Springs Scuba & Snorkelling in Tarpon Springs Surfing & Windsurfing in. 18. 9. 1119 Baillies Bluff Road Anclote River Park Boat Ramp. It was, however, the Greek immigrants who expanded and refined sponging in Tarpon springs. 25 reviews of St. At one time there were 250 sponge boats in the local fleet. Coordinates. The trip is fun and educational as you are on an authentic, working sponge dive boat. Several of the rooms full of sponges were the sponge storage rooms used by the sponge divers nearly a century ago and the business has remained in the family the entire time. Shop for sponges at many of the Greek sponge shops. 00. On Thursday the weather was a perfect beach day, so we drove the 95 miles to Sunset beach in Tarpon Springs from the Villages. 00 (25% off) FREE shipping Add to Favorites Tarpon Spring Florida t-shirt (28) $ 13. Our captain will narrate the entire trip where you will learn about the history of Tarpon Springs and the famous Sponge Docks. The city’s heritage and cultural identity are. Billiris and still run by family. What will you find in Tarpon Springs? The Sponge Docks, Greek Restaurants, Bakeries, Attractions, Natural Sponges, Sponge Diving, Tours, Sightseeing Cruises, Unique. At its center: St. MPS. TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA: Sponge diver statue landmark on the sponge docks. This locally owned small business was started in 1924 by Greek sponge diver Capt. (727) 937-6109. Fishing Charters & Tours. (the Sponge Docks) from Alt. Along the water you see the sponge boats filled with sponges from the gulf waters. The following buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Tarpon. Nicholas Boat Line St. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat Lori's Soap and sponges Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Sun Line Cruises The Sponge Factory Antonia's Boutique & Gifts Amvrosia Gift Shop Island Wind Tours Suncoast Rentals and Tours Greek Town Imports Odyssey Cruises If you visit Tarpon Springs or are looking for a unique experience, be sure to take a St. In 1905 John Cocoris came to town and introduced sponge diving to the. This might be the only boat but I am not certain. Early Greek tourist business and sponge store. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Miss Virginia Deep Sea Fishing 7847 Bayview St. Tours every 40 minutes. Anderson Park is similar with boating, nature. Your Name (required) Your Email (required)Day visit to Tarpon springs report Aug 13, 2022; Tarpon Springs Greek Restaurant May 19, 2022; Accommodations May 17, 2022; Sponge tours Mar 10, 2022; Anclote boat ride Feb 11, 2022; Time to see the sponge boats Dec 08, 2021; free parking tarpon springs sponge dock Sep 24, 2021; Place to stay near Tarpon Springs May 25, 2021; Water. 2,887. 1 Greek Identity 57Tarpon Springs is known for sponges and this tour explains why. In 1905 John Cocoris came to town and introduced sponge diving to the industry. 866-927-9015. Tourists fishing from a boat in Tarpon Springs Florida. If you visit Tarpon Springs or are looking for a unique experience be sure to take a St. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Tacky town - See 2,884 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. 70 reviews. Boat Tours Boat Rental & Charter Fishing Guides. We are looking for decorated boats of all sizes to participate in this free event. One of the best things to do from the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks is take a boat tour that offers several delights: You tour the Anclote River and. 26. By mabg68. What’s so unique about this location is its close. Boat Tours. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. Sponge harvesting would become a mainstay of Tarpon Springs’ economy and culture. ctsfl . Take a kayak tour from the Sponge Docks. Read more. Recommended by 99% of travelers. Make sure you take the Sponge Boat ride. If you’re visiting Florida and want to escape the crowds and get a taste of Tarpon Springs Greek community, a visit to the famous Sponge Docks is on the docket! Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Address: 735 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs. Nicolas Sponge Boat Tour. National Register of Historic Places . Oh! We are sure you will enjoy it!What is the history of the sponge industry in Tarpon Springs? Sponge boats line the docks, their sponges visible to the visitors who walk up and down the waterfront. us. River Wild Kayaking offers guided tours through mangroves and along the Anclote River. 970. Day visit to Tarpon springs report Aug 13, 2022; Tarpon Springs Greek Restaurant May 19, 2022; Accommodations May 17, 2022; Sponge tours Mar 10, 2022; Anclote boat ride. Tarpon Springs has been the American sponging city since the arrival in 1905 of Greek sponge divers and the industry's growth until the red tide of the 1940's. Brooker. 0292048 [4] Website. com. us. A storm surge up to 11 feet. When you turn onto Dodecanese Blvd. Nicolas Sponge Boat Tour. , Tarpon Springs. In Tarpon Springs, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a coastal Greek village where the sound of bouzouki music spills out into the sidewalk along with the scent of enticing food. Many of the divers were immigrant sponge divers who came from Greek islands with a long. 2,886. Sunseekergirl77. The sponges were harvested off the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico using surface boats and long poles to bring up the sponges. 3. In the late 19th century, the discovery of natural sponge beds off the City’s coast spurred. Keep reading for our guide to the town. St. John Cheyney founded the first sponge business in Tarpon Springs in the 1880s and it provided quite a few jobs for the local economy. Speciality & Gift Shops • Marinas. Specialties: Fresh, Wild Caught, Florida Gulf Seafood. The Making of an Industry. Of course no visit to Tarpon Springs is complete without spending time at the historic sponge docks. net You will be looking for dolphins, manatees, birds, the Anclote lighthouse, and other historical sites. Sightseeing tour agency. Sit back and enjoy your meal while you watch the sponge boats leaving from the nearby docks. Walk to famous Sponge Docks with fabulous Greek cuisine, pastries and fresh seafood dining. 75806°W / 28. Our Dolphin Cruise Tarpon Springs Adventure Island Cruise includes looking for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish, tropical foliage, and other. Listed by. They built boats, loaned money to boat owners, and supplied tools and equipment to the entire sponge fleet. Pinellas Ave. Want to experience a little piece of Greece in the US?? Go to the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs! It is the natural sponge capitol. Go for a dolphin watch cruise,or out on a sponge boat and watch a diver go down to get a sponge. The cruise is easy to book and parking is free. Phone: Call or Text Us!! Email Address: 08:00 am – 09:00 pm. Learn about the history and culture of Tarpon Springs, the Sponge Capital of the World, where Greek sponge divers harvested sea sponges from the Anclote. Tarpon Springs Florida USA, A 'spongers' boat used for diving for sponges. plenty of places to eat,shop or just look out at. Improve this listing. The following buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Tarpon Springs Sponge Boats Multiple Property Submission (or. TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - JUNE 30, 2019: Sponge art on a bicycle in downtown. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, Tarpon Springs: "can you go out on a sponge boat and see a diver. Take a boat ride on an original Sponge Boat with St. Chesnut Park has boating, fishing, its 255 acres of trees, wildlife. 64500126. There had been a sponge industry in the Bahamas and Key West since the 1840s. Courtesy of Dr. A 560-square-foot slip went from $146 to $168. Find boats of all types and price ranges on BoatCrazy. Enjoy viewing the famous Anclote Lighthouse, and Tarpon Springs historical sites, as well as some of the best that nature has to offer. The Sponge Exchange in Tarpon Springs, 1960. We got a kick pout of the pelicans floating around - See 2,885 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. 2007. Hours: 10:00-4:30 Daily, the St. However, in the 1980s, new sponge beds were found. If you haven't had enough of the natural sponges just walking through the village, you'd best try out this museum so you can learn the sometimes humorous, sometimes terrifying, and all-too. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Trip ruined by another passenger, wish I could go again without them! - See 2,887 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Looking for work, the Greeks learned of Tarpon Springs and the vast sea of sponges just waiting to be. The St. Two world wars would complicate trade even further, bringing the industry to a near-halt. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Sunset Beach Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Replay Amusement Museum St. Our Location. The river passes through the northern boundaries of Tarpon Springs, Florida, and eventually flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The picturesque town has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the US. Chesnut Park has boating, fishing, its 255 acres of trees, wildlife. About 1849, spongers in the Keys organized a commercial sponging operation, using long poles with grapples to harvest the sponges. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Sponge Capital of Florida - See 2,885 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Popular attractions Spongeoramas Sponge Factory and St Nicholas Boat Line are located nearby. The originally wooden dock was rebuilt in concrete by the 1960s. Nicholas Boat Line is a Sponge Diving Exhibition tour. A brochure "An Interesting History. Known as the “Sponge Capital of the World,” this is an area where Greek. The first settlers in the area arrived in 1876. Pirate Adventure Cruise - John's Pass, Madeira Beach, FL - Free Beer and Wine! 15 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689-3117. Fishing Charters & Tours. It also has a sound system for music and a snack bar. Sprinkled through the main drag you will find several staple restaurants for Greek cuisine, but the number one recommended by locals will always be Hel Deep Sea Fishing in Tarpon Springs: The Complete Guide for 2023. With the shops, restaurants and tourist attractions to enjoy at Tarpon Springs, a few other things that you can do as you walk down the boulevard is: Watching the sponge boats unload the sea sponges from the boats at the docks by the Sponges Diver Memorial Statue. However, new sponge beds. Spongeorama Cruise Lines has the safest, largest sightseeing boat in Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. Exceptional Transient Rates & Amenities. Sponge-o-rama, located in the heart of the "Sponge District" is like a different planet. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat Miss Merrie's Sweets and Treats Sponge Exchange The. Marie C. Greek Shrine to Archangel Miracle, Tarpon Springs, FL - 1 mi. The sponge boats ranged 250 miles north and south of Tarpon Springs, 70 miles offshore. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Sponge boat trip - See 2,882 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. The early sponge industry created a need for eating places at the Docks for the boat crews. Getty. Holiday, FL 34691. The sponges were harvested off the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico using surface boats and long poles to bring up the sponges. / 28. The early sponge industry created a need for eating places at the Docks for the boat crews. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Bellas - See 2,885 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. This trip is fully narrated by our Captain. Before leaving port, the captain stocks the boat with sufficient food, fuel, ice, and other necessities. Out of the 85 boats in the Tarpon Springs sponge. Sponge Docks. You can make a great day out of strolling Tarpon Springs’ most well-known attraction: the historic Sponge Docks, a busy pedestrian area on the Anclote River with shops, restaurants, sponge boats. Rusty Bellies at the end of Greektown is a wonderful fish restaurant right on the water. Odyssey Cruises runs tours from the sponge docks to the park and offers various other shorter tours. The sea sponges are great for bathing. Along Tarpon Avenue and intersecting streets, downtown is quaint, walkable, and known for its plentiful galleries and antiques stores. Boats leave the historic sponge docks and continue down the Anclote River into the Gulf Waters. / 28. The boat operator narrates a history of the area and exhibits the five kinds of sponges which are harvested for commercial use. It has the highest percentage of Greek Americans in the US. At the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, visitors can purchase sea sponges, see authentic docked sponge boats, and sample Greek fare, from pastries to tzatziki (salted strained yogurt mixed with cucumbers, garlic, and other delights) with dozens of places to choose from. 301 1st Ave SE — 45 mins from Tarpon Springs; Crisp Park Boat Ramp, 3598-3500 Poplar St NE — 46 mins from Tarpon Springs; Show fishing charters nearby. 855-587-1810. Also a stop off on 3 Rooker Bar wildlife preserve where there are hundreds of seashells and sand dollars to collect. The common way to You’ll want to be sure to bring home a natural sea sponge. Commercial boats of various types, including sponge boats, shrimping trawlers and fishing boats, can still be seen in the waterways and in drydocks throughout the Anclote River and connecting bayous. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. 1. Today, Tarpon Springs enjoys a rebirth of the sponge beds, making it the world's largest sponge producing industry. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 (Located Behind Yianni's Greek Cuisine) Click Map to view LargerTarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Anastasi Sponge Boat. Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs (0. Tarpon Springs Journal.