Tarpon Springs-Florida The Sponge Docks - Part 1

Hello again Toni and you know VB couldn't resist ...

Toni--about ten years ago.  Don't worry I will let you know when I am coming to FL.

Travel could be my middle name.

Toni, this is phenomenal!    I have never seen this, we KNOW we get the sponges from the ocean, but have not seen this!   THANKS for sharing!

Toni,

I have seen sponges growing in the rocks at low tide here in Carpinteria, but I haven't seen this size.  They are beautful.  Thanks for sharing this with us, and transporting me to delightful sights.  A

Toni - Those photos are excellent! I haven't been out your way in a long while but I still remember seeing all those sponges.

Oops. Sorry Toni. [:>D

-Paul

Hi Toni,

What is really coincidental is that I used to live and work in Tarpon Springs. Actually I worked/played music right off the docks on Athens St. The name of the restaurant was "Shrimp Boat" and it shared a parking lot with another Greek Restaurant/Club named Zorba's which from what I understand is still there. The place (Shrimp Boat) is now a super/mini market from what I hear.

The "sponges" is a totally Greek island thing especially from the island of Kalymnos. In fact the gentleman (his name escapes me) Cocoris?.... who figured out that Tarpon Springs has an abundance of sponges, he researched and found that the Kalymnos sponge divers were very experienced, so he went and recruited them way back in the early 1900s.

Anyway, the area is gorgeous and my family and I will probably come back at some point, whether to visit extended stay or permanent move, not sure but there is a strong connection with that area.

Thanks for sharing.

I forgot to mention, it was 1978 when I lived there. Looooong time ago.

Toni, What a great photo. A Florida vacation sounds pretty good right now as I look out the window on snow!

Your Friend in Charlottesville

Hi Toni,

Out of curiosity. You know the area where Anclote River and Kramer Bayou are? That's where Seminole Blvd, Riverside Dr and Bayshore Dr are. There are quite a few water front homes there. Have you heard of alligator incidents there, you know, where they come into your back yard?

Wow...

Thanks for the reply. So I guess they've become like lizards are out here in California. Don't mean to hijack your blog. I'll get in touch with you later and talk a bit about some of the questions we have about property out there.

Thanks again Toni