Sponge Bob

Did Sponge Bob Square Pants grow up in Tarpon Springs?  He could have—its the sponge capitol of the U.S.  The industry started in the late 19th century and by the beginning of the 20rh century, it was the center of activity. There are 5 types of sponges in the Gulf of Mexico, all harvested by hand by divers, most of whom are of Greek ancestry. Tarpon Springs has the highest concentration of Greeks in the U.S. so there are many, many Greek restaurants and bakeries. 

We witnessed a demonstration of sponge collection. The diver walks along the bottom in a heavily weighted suit. Looks archaic. 

And, of course, natural sponges are for sale everywhere. 

The St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral is an impressive Byzantine Revival, patterned after St Sophia in Istanbul. 

Lots of shopping to be had in the city, so here’s a solution for the wives.