What started off as a small community of Greek divers has today become an area with a distinct Hellenic flavor within America. Just a mere 30 minutes north of Clearwater, Tarpon Springs with its new houses and stately mansions has a lot to offer when it comes to Greek heritage. Festivities in this region are centered on the Spring Bayou and are kick started by the annual Epiphany celebrations in January which draw Greek Americans from across the country. As a matter of fact, the traditional diving for the cross took place in 40 degree weather as hearty young men competed in the dive for the sacred cross. The population here actually triples in size over the Epiphany weekend.
In 1887, as sponges were discovered growing in the waters of the gulf in that area, Tarpon Springs found its niche in the sponge business. By 1890, the sponge industry was firmly established in Tarpon Springs. The Cheney Sponge Company sold almost a million dollars worth of sponges that year!
The early sponge divers created a need at the docks for eating places for the boat crews. Then as news of the industry grew, people began coming to the docks to see the sponges. Shops opened so people could buy the sponges and other souvenirs. Today Greek Cuisine proliferates in the downtown area of Tarpon Springs with at least 25 Greek restaurants and cafes offering a variety of snacks and meals. Greek influence is so strong that you can feel it all along the Dodecanese Boulevard, which is dotted with Greek bakeries, sponge and souvenir stores and the Spongeorama Exhibit Center, displaying different aspects of the town related to sponging, religion, and culture at Tarpon Springs.
When looking for a unique excursion near Tampa Bay, head to the sponge docks for authentic sponges of every sort, loofahs and great Greek food. A stop at Hellas Bakery is a MUST! I can be writing for a long, long time with how much there is to do and see around Tampa Bay!!!
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