We made Tarpon Springs our destination for the day. It's noted for the Sponge Docks District along Dodecanese Street and for the large Greek population (the highest percentage of any US city). In the early 1900's Greek sponge divers were recruited from Greece to the fledgling sponge industry in the Gulf of Mexico. These new grounds, from the Florida Keys up to the Panhandle proved to be among the most productive in the world.
When a red tide algae bloom occured in 1947, the sponge fields were wiped out. Most divers converted to fishing and shrimping in order to survive. The city then converted most of the sponge related buildings and businesses, once they were sold, to tourist attractions. In the 1980's an attempt has been made to restore local sponge grounds. The attempt has been successful with more and more local sponges being harvested.
I think we're heading back to Madeira Beach for tomorrow. It's supposed to be warm, back into the 80's with clear skies. On Friday I'll be taking Barbara to her sister's house where she will stay until Sunday afternoon. I'm glad they will have some good quality time to spend together. I'll have plenty to do around the RV while she's gone, catching up on some maintenance items so it's just going to be me and the cat for a couple of days.

 

  

Trimming recently harvested sponges

 

 

One of the many shops selling different types of sponges

 

 

 Greek restaurants on Dodecanese Street

 

 

 

 

 Being a full time RV'er I kind of like this t-shirt