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The historic Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida, is a place where people can “visit Greece without leaving Florida”. It’s a place I make a point to visit every time I’m visiting family in Clearwater, although it’s been Disneyfied and doesn’t have the same authentic feel it once had. Still, it’s a great place to eat Greek food if you can get past the over-commercialization.
History
The waters of the Gulf coast are one of the only places in the world where natural sponges suitable for commercial use are found. In 1890, Philadelphia banker John K. Cheyney launched his first sponge boat, ushering in the beginning of the sponge industry in Tarpon Springs by originally retrieving sponges with hooks.
In 1905, Greek immigrant John Cocoris revolutionized the industry by introducing diving, which was already common practice in Greece. Soon after, several Greek immigrants began arriving to dive for sponges. By the 1930s, the industry generated millions of dollars a year. Although it has declined significantly, it’s still an important industry for the Greek community of Tarpon Springs.
Dodecanese Blvd. and Athens St.
All the attractions at the Sponge Docks run along Dodecanese Boulevard and Athens Street. There are numerous restaurants, shops selling sponges and homemade soaps as well as other souvenirs.
Sponge Docks
Along the Anclote River are the Sponge Docks where you can see several sponge diving boats as well as a statue of a sponge diver. It’s possible to take a sponge diving exhibition cruise with a diver, but my cousins told me it’s a waste of time and money.
Sponge Exchange
Directly across from the Sponge Docks is the Sponge Exchange, where spongers would bring their sponges to sell. It’s been refurbished as a shopping and entertainment center, where there are over 30 specialty shops and restaurants. Next to the entrance is a tile mosaic of a sponge diver.
Tarpon Springs Aquarium
At the west end of Dodecanese Boulevard is the Tarpon Springs Aquarium. It’s open daily and charges an adult admission of US$7.75. The aquarium, which we didn’t visit, features sharks, alligators, snakes, and eels among other creatures. There’s also a petting tank and shows throughout the day.
Mykonos & Dimitri’s
For food, my family’s favorite restaurant is Mykonos, followed by Dimitri’s on the Water. Mykonos was under renovation when we visited, and Dimitri’s was closed, but I can vouch for both of them.
Hellas Restaurant
We decided to have lunch at Hellas Restaurant. You can’t miss the gaudy neon exterior with the Greek warrior above the entrance. We had octopus and a Greek salad but weren’t impressed at all by the quality or the service. We also ordered frappes from the adjoining bakery and they were terrible. This restaurant, which was completely packed with tourists, is a classic tourist trap. Avoid it.
Sponge Diver Supply
In conclusion, I’ll leave you with a few images from Sponge Diver Supply, a souvenir shop that has a couple clever artistic elements outside the building:
