Tarpon Springs

Gulf Coast

The region of Tarpon Springs consists of a series of bayous feeding into the Gulf of Mexico and first attracted attention as a place for winter homes in the late 19th century. When Tarpons were spotted jumping out of the waters, the locals named the location Tarpon Springs. The sponge harvesting industry was responsible for most of the area's early prosperity.

When a red tide algae bloom occurred in 1947, wiping out the sponge fields in that region of the Gulf of Mexico, most of the sponge boats and divers switched to fishing and shrimping for a livelihood. The city then converted most of its sponge-related activities, especially the warehouses where they were sold, into tourist attractions. The Sponge Docks are now mostly shops, restaurants, and museums dedicated to the memory of Tarpon Springs' earlier industry. Most sponges sold on the docks are now imports: Relatively few sponges are harvested from the area, although attempts have been made in recent years to restart local sponge harvesting. Led by local businessman George Billiris, in the late 1980s the sponge industry made a comeback and in the fall of 2007, a record harvest of sponges by a single boat was made.

Villa Holidays in Tarpon Springs

Villa Holidays on Gulf Coast