Tarpon Springs

Homes for sale and local insight in Tarpon Springs.

About Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs is on the Gulf Coast of Pinellas County, north and west of the St. Petersburg and Tampa area. A series of bayous runs through the city to the Gulf. It was incorporated in 1887 and is the oldest city in Pinellas County. Its features include brick streets, parks, bayous and Victorian-era architecture, and its downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The sponge industry in Tarpon Springs began around 1890, when John K. Cheyney launched his first sponge-fishing boat. In 1905 John Cocoris, a Greek immigrant, introduced sponge diving, and many Greek divers settled in the area. The Tarpon Springs Sponge Exchange was incorporated in 1908. The Sponge Docks along Dodecanese Boulevard remain one of Florida's few working waterfronts, where sponges are still unloaded and processed.

Every January 6, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral holds an Epiphany celebration. After a procession from the cathedral to Spring Bayou, the waters are blessed and a cross is thrown into the bayou for young men to dive for. A Glendi festival follows. Anclote Key Preserve State Park lies offshore, and Fred Howard Park connects to a Gulf beach by causeway.

Why Live in Tarpon Springs?

The historic Sponge Docks on Dodecanese Boulevard are the center of Tarpon Springs' Greek Town and one of Florida's few remaining working waterfronts.
The Epiphany celebration each January 6 includes a procession from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral to Spring Bayou, the blessing of the waters, the dive for the cross and a Glendi festival.
Fred Howard Park has a causeway to a Gulf beach with a swimming area, plus picnic shelters, playgrounds, fishing and a canoe and kayak launch.
Anclote Key Preserve State Park is reachable only by private boat or ferry. Its islands offer beaches, birding, fishing, shelling and primitive camping, and an 1887 lighthouse stands on Anclote Key.
Cultural venues include the Heritage Museum in Craig Park, the Safford House Museum, the Cultural Center, the Performing Arts Center, and the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art on St. Petersburg College's Tarpon Springs campus.

The Tarpon Springs Market

Every neighborhood moves at its own pace. Reach out to Bernard Sells The Bay for a current, no-pressure look at what's happening in Tarpon Springs right now.

Schools in Tarpon Springs

Public schools in Tarpon Springs are part of Pinellas County Schools, which serves all of Pinellas County.

Local Favorites

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks (Historic Waterfront): Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs, FL — Working waterfront and center of Greek Town, where sponges are still unloaded and processed.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral (Landmark): 36 N Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL — Cathedral where the annual Epiphany celebration begins each January 6.
Fred Howard Park (Park): 1700 Sunset Drive, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 — Pinellas County park with a causeway to a Gulf beach, a swimming area, picnic shelters, playgrounds and a kayak launch.
Anclote Key Preserve State Park (State Park): Offshore island preserve reached by boat or ferry, with beaches, birding, primitive camping and an 1887 lighthouse.
Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art (Museum): 600 E. Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 — Art museum on St. Petersburg College's Tarpon Springs campus.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tarpon Springs

When was Tarpon Springs incorporated?

In 1887. It is the oldest city in Pinellas County.

How did sponge diving start in Tarpon Springs?

John Cocoris, a Greek immigrant, introduced sponge diving in 1905, replacing the earlier method of hooking sponges. Many Greek divers then moved to the area.

When and where is the Tarpon Springs Epiphany celebration?

Every January 6. It starts at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral and continues with a procession to Spring Bayou, where the dive for the cross takes place.

How do you get to Anclote Key?

Only by private boat or ferry. Ferries leave from the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks.

What school district serves Tarpon Springs?

Pinellas County Schools.