Tarpon Springs Images

During the 1890s the sponge industry was started by John K. Cheyney who launched his first sponge fishing boat and began harvesting sponges, but in 1905 John Cocoris introduced the first diving techniques and brought in several Greek divers to run the operation.

During that time Tarpon Springs had garnered the distinction of being the largest and most important sponge port in the country; all the sponging business from Cuba, Bahamas and the Keys had shifted here.

The further addition of sponge brokers and merchants to the city helped to create an integrated and well planned industry Money was beings spent, loans were being given and taken to boat owners, tools and equipments were supplied for the sponging boats; the city was a hub of sponging activity; the exponential rise in the industry led to the establishment of the Sponge Exchange Bank in 1906 and later the Sponge Exchange in 1908.

Even today most of these operations are managed and owned by the descendants of the original Greek immigrants. Sponges from the city have made their way to the world markets and are seen in every country around the world however, more recently, tourism has help up the economy of the city.

Visitors pour in by the thousands each year to enjoy the great outdoors that the city has to offer along with a glimpse of the Sponge docks complete with an opportunity to see professional divers do their jobs and of course the Greek culture that is apparent in the various aspects of life in the area.

Sponge Boats

Sponge Diver

The Town and Shops

The Sponges