Tarpon Springs Sponge Boat with Harvested Sponges

A sponge boat laden with harvested sponges is docked in Tarpon Springs, Florida, a city known for its historic sponge industry.
A sponge diving boat is docked in Tarpon Springs, Florida, a city with a rich history in the natural sponge industry. The boat is laden with harvested sponges, which are a testament to the ongoing tradition of sponge diving in the Gulf of Mexico. Tarpon Springs has been a hub for sponge harvesting since the early 20th century, attracting Greek immigrants who brought their expertise and established the industry. These boats and the sponges they carry represent a significant part of the area's cultural and economic heritage.
Photo taken in December 2019.
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Tarpon Springs
Photographs of Tarpon Springs, FL's sponge industry: dock signage, diver memorial, exchange and harvest boats
4 photos • 2026
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