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Much
of old Florida’s eccentric tourist attractions have faded away into pastel colored nostalgic memories, as the coast
is continuously bulldozed for million dollar cookie-cutter condominiums with quaintly misleading names like ‘Harbor
Place’ and ‘Sand Pearl’. Some areas, however, have withstood the alleged improvements of change and held
firmly to the cherished connectedness with their history. As the blight of western culture’s homogeny infects most every
corner of the world, I’ve begun to appreciate more and more the uniqueness of those areas that refuse to yield to the
monotony. Tarpon Springs is one such place.
 This
predominately Greek community was lured by the rich sponge beds found in the warm Gulf waters. These simple, sessile creatures
became the root of a rich heritage that sweetens their life with honey and spices it with cardamom. Their coffee is thick
as lava, and their traditions are steeped in both religion and superstition. Sponge boats line the docks and sponge diving
is still very much the industry that keeps this area lively. Downtown is lined with shops full of many varieties of sponges,
homemade soaps, olive oils, pastries and all manner of Hellenic Republic treasures.
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The
Anclote River that serves as Tarpon Spring’s gateway to the Gulf also harbors many commercial fishing vessels, crabbers
and shrimp boats. As a result, it is lined with dozens of ship chandleries, boat yards, and most every conceivable type of
water-craft related business. Our life on the river was full of flavorful food, major accomplishments and peaceful evenings.
In this time of ever growing uniformity to brand named identity, it gave me hope to discover a place that had fused its history
with its new life abroad, and evolved into a unique community full of variety and distinction.
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