GAINSWave Therapy in Tarpon Springs, FL

The Greek Islands are a bucket-list trip, but if a budget-bending vacation isn’t in the cards this year, there’s somewhere a lot closer to home that can serve as the perfect stand-in. Tarpon Springs, Florida, located on the Gulf of Mexico just north of Tampa, could easily pass for Mykonos with just a tiny stretch of the imagination. The town got its start when sponge beds were discovered off its coast in the early 1900s. In 1905, Greek sponge divers were brought to the area, and the rest is history. The Greeks and the sponge industry built Tarpon Springs, and a century later, both have remained central to the town. In fact, Tarpon Springs has the largest percent of Greek Americans of any city in the U.S.

When you’re squeezing fresh lemon over your chargrilled octopus, while listening to the table next to you animatedly converse in Greek, you might forget where you are. And as you stroll along Dodecanese Boulevard watching boats flying Greek flags pull up to the dock, Florida may be the furthest place from your mind. Growing up, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Mamma Mia! were two of my favorite movies, mostly because I couldn’t get enough of the gorgeous Greek villages they took place in. So, when I had the chance to fulfill a few of my Greek vacation dreams right here in the South, I jumped at the opportunity. Here’s how to spend a dreamy weekend in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

The Best Things To Do In Tarpon Springs

Mimic the exhilarating shock of touching down in a foreign land and immersing yourself in a new culture by starting your Tarpon Springs vacation at the Historic Sponge Docks. This was once the center of Tarpon Springs’ booming sponge industry, and thousands of sponges were delivered to the docks by sponge boats each week. Today, sponge boats pulling up after a dive aren’t quite as common, but this is still the center of activity in town. Greek restaurants line the bustling streets, gift and souvenir shops sell sponges pulled fresh from the Gulf, and there’s always a line outside the many bakeries. Spend time browsing in the 30 specialty shops of outdoor shopping village The Sponge Exchange, take a picture with the sponge smiley outside of Sponge Diver Supply, and buy homemade olive oil soap at Lori’s Soap & Sponge.

If you’re curious to learn more about Tarpon Springs’ history and heritage, book a sponge diving boat tour with St. Nicholas Boat Line. You’ll cruise around the Anclote River, while owner and Tarpon Springs native George Billiris shares the history of sponge diving in Tarpon Springs and even sends a live diver (dressed in traditional diving equipment) to the ocean floor to retrieve a sponge. A 5-minute drive from the Sponge Docks, you can learn more about Tarpon Springs at two downtown landmarks, the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum and Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, both of which are open to the public. After you visit the museum’s exhibits, take a stroll around Spring Bayou at Craig Park, which is located just outside the museum. The deep blue waters are the sight of the town’s annual Greek Orthodox Epiphany Celebration and cross-diving ceremony.

From the park, you can walk a few blocks and find yourself in the center of downtown Tarpon Springs. You won’t see as much Greek influence here, but in its place there’s plenty of charm and lots to explore including coffee shops, boutiques, and antique stores. For modern home goods, gifts, and local art, stop into Sunshine Supply Company, or get a hit of nostalgia at Replay Museum, where there’s a collection of 100 vintage arcade and pinball games that adults can play all day for $14.

If your idea of a Greek vacation involves a place in the sand and an uninterrupted view of the ocean, Tarpon Springs can deliver on that as well. Head to Fred Howard Park, a 155-acre natural area that’s popular for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and more. Take the mile-long causeway out to the white-sand beach at Howard Park Beach. Set up for the day and enjoy splashing around in the calm waters of the Saint Joseph Sound. If the Atlantic Ocean is calling you deeper offshore, you can take a quick ride to the neighboring town of Dunedin and join a boat tour with Parrotdise Express. The 4-hour excursion will take you to a semi-private island where you can snorkel to see colorful fish, rays, and seahorses. You can also dive for sand dollars, starfish, and shells in every shape, size, and color imaginable.

The Best Places To Eat In Tarpon Springs

The only thing that rivals the views in Greece is the food, and the same is true in Tarpon Springs. Here, you’ll find some of the most authentic Greek cuisine anywhere off the actual islands. For a crash course in all things Greek dining, put yourself in the capable hands of the Salivaras family, who own Mykonos and Dimitri’s on the Water. The brother-sister team of Koula and Dimitri took over the family restaurant business from their parents and are committed to serving fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes. You may have to wait for a seat at Mykonos, but it’s well worth it for the exceptional chargrilled octopus, dressed simply with a squeeze of lemon, and the flaming saganaki cheese. The portions here are huge, but if you’ve got a crowd, order the Lamb Fricassee, a caveman-sized lamb shank covered in sauteed endive and swimming in an egg-lemon-dill-sauce.

Across the street at Dimitri’s on the Water, you’ll find a more upscale dining experience with a view of the Anclote River and a menu of steakhouse favorites, as well as updated Greek specialties. Order the Whole Fish of the Day Plaki Style, you’ll get dinner and a show when a waiter will debone it for you tableside and drizzle it with creamy lemon sauce. There are dozens of other worthy Greek restaurants to check out at the Sponge Docks, but one that’s worth deviating from the tourist track for is Katerina’s Taverna & Grill. The traditional pork gyro, wrapped up with tomato, onion, tzatziki, and fries, is excellent, as is the Avgolemono (Greek chicken lemon soup).

For traditional Greek sweets, join the all-hours-of-the-day line at Hellas Bakery, where you’ll have the difficult job of choosing from overwhelming display of Greek pastries and desserts that stretch far beyond baklava. We recommend picking an array, but then snagging a box each of Melomakarona (Greek Christmas honey cookies) and Kourabiedes (Greek shortbread-style butter cookies) to take home.

Greek food is the ticket in Tarpon Springs, but you absolutely shouldn’t leave town without making a reservation at Rusty Bellies, a waterfront restaurant that started as a family fishing business and seafood market. Three generations and three decades later, a table at Rusty Bellies is one of the most sought-after in town. Most of the seafood served at the restaurant is brought in fresh everyday by the family’s own fishing and shrimping boats. The portions are gargantuan, and the freshness is unmatched. The menu features everything from seafood tacos and sandwiches to steak and chicken for the seafood averse. Order the E. Sea Rider (grilled shrimp skewers, sea scallops, and your choice of fish) for a taste of it all.

The best breakfast in Tarpon Springs can be found at downtown’s Toula’s Trailside Café. Located along the Pinellas Bike Trail, it’s a popular spot for hungry riders as well as locals looking for a hearty homemade breakfast or lunch. From sweet and savory crepes to Benedicts, stuffed French toast, and a Greek-inspired scrambler called the Bougiourdi (feta, tomatoes, sweet and hot banana peppers, basil, garlic), you’re guaranteed to leave happy.

If you want to celebrate your pseudo-Greek vacation with a tipple, Tarpon Springs has plenty of places to grab a pint (especially for its size). Options include Two Frogs Brewing Company, Brighter Days Brewing Company, Unrefined Brewing, Sponge City Brewing, and 5 Branches Brewing. There’s also Tarpon Springs Distillery, a retirement project of couple Barry and Lisa Butler that took on a life of its own once their spirits started winning awards. The small-batch artisanal spirits range from a hot and dirty gin distilled with green olives, juniper, coriander, and peppers to rye malt whiskey. The tasting room’s bartenders are endlessly creative, which means your cocktail could feature anything from the traditional Greek liquor ouzo (distilled in house) to aquavit.

The Best Places To Stay In Tarpon Springs

Though it’s got a big personality, Tarpon Springs remains a small town, so lodging options are somewhat limited. If you want to live like a local, there are several private rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo that can suit anything from a Big Fat Greek Wedding-style family reunion to a getaway for two. Another great option is The 1910 Inn. Located in a seafoam-painted Victorian home with stacked circular porches, the inn is hard to miss. Inside, the home’s been restored to its original glory and is filled with one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. Innkeeper Annie Samarkos is a Tarpon Springs native and perfect person to introduce you to her little slice of Greek paradise.

TAMPA, Fla. — The wildfires in Greece have destroyed homes and triggered massive explosions at an Air Force ammunitions depot. Meanwhile hundreds of Tarpon Springs residents are currently in the country attending several huge family events. Johanna Gatzoulis is one part of the large group of Floridians and has seen crews fight to keep the flames at bay.

What You Need To Know

“I couldn’t smell it but I did see helicopters with water going back and forth to bring over to that area," Gatzoulis said. “And I know there was some deviation in Rhodes right now. That has been contained. I have friends that are there right now and they’re okay.”

The fires forced Gatzoulis to change her travel plans and spend most of her time in Kálymnos, an island about 80 miles southeast of Rhodes where much out of the fire is burning, but she’s not alone.

“Half of Tarpon Springs is probably here," she said. “We had a big wedding last weekend on the hottest day of the year. It was 111 degrees that day.”

More than 300 other Tarpon Springs residents are in Kálymnos too as guests of a prominent Tarpon Springs couple who tied the knot there.

“And a lot of them are still here," she said. “Because we had a baptism Friday and another baptism on Monday.”

Gatzoulis says the wildfires didn't impact any of celebrations at all, but the fact that authorities say some of the fires were set by arsonists has everyone in the country on alert.

“I used to live here in Greece and fires are very common in the summer," she said. “And it’s common they do this to clear ground. Some are by accident, but the majority of times it’s because arson.”

But she says there's no other place on earth she and the rest of her big Greek Tarpon Springs family would rather be now.

“It’s safe to be in Greece," she said. “It’s beautiful to be in Greece and to see friends and family and I know anyone one comes here will love this hospitality of Greece.”

TARPON SPRINGS — City commissioners unanimously approved the brochure that will be used by Slavin Management Consultants to conduct a search for Tarpon Springs’ next city manager.

The vote was made with no comment by commissioners, other than Commissioner Panagiotis Koulias noting he wished the brochure’s photos gave more emphasis to the Sponge Docks area.

In his report to city commissioners, Mayor Costa Vatikiotis said Slavin will be taking a comprehensive approach to the search for longtime City Manager Mark LeCouris' successor by means of traditional advertising and word of mouth through his contacts. The consultant does not intend to have an end date on the advertising, the mayor advised.

The brochure notes “While Tarpon Springs is open and amenable to new ideas, the community is seeking to continue and enhance an authentic direction for Tarpon Springs that builds on its historic character relating to the sponge industry located in its downtown retail center and areas along its waterways. Thus, the present challenge is that of maintaining an authentic, small-town experience for the residents, with amenities that reflect its historic context, as well as allow for new development that enhances the desires of the community but does not destroy its historic character.”

“The community has a number of challenges related to redevelopment, new development (limited opportunities), neighborhood preservation and enhancement, public works projects related to water intrusion from the bay, and funding and implementing various water and sewer rehabilitation and restoration projects,” it advises.

Among job requirements, the brochure notes a city manager candidate must “be respectful and value Tarpon Springs’ rich history and unique culture and be willing and respect the city’s Greek and Caribbean African American heritage.”

The candidate must “work effectively with environmental groups and be cognizant of their issues and concerns…Understand working waterfronts with knowledge of commercial waterfront preservation and development; (and) understand what is needed to maintain federal and navigable federal and recreational channels (Anclote River and various bayous in Tarpon Springs).”

A copy of the brochure is available from the City Clerk’s Office.

Graduating seniors from Tarpon Springs High School in 2023, and four other schools throughout the Pinellas County, are eligible for free tuition from the SPC Promise Scholarships Program.

During a May 9 presentation, Rodrigo Davis, provost of SPC College Tarpon Springs Campus told city commissioners, “SPC is offering scholarships to students graduating in key high schools and Tarpon happens to be one of those key high schools. This is a big, big, deal.”

The four other eligible high schools are Clearwater High School, Lakewood High School, Northeast High School and Pinellas Park High School.

In order to qualify, a high school student needs to have the minimum 2.0 GPA required for high school graduation. He explained under the scholarship program SPC will pay full tuition and fees for associates degrees and financial aid eligible certificates.

Students planning to graduate in 2023 can apply on the SPC website, complete the financial aid form, and the Promise Scholarship form. The college will also waive the $40 application fee.

In order to be eligible, they have to enroll in at least six credit hours for fall 2023 classes, which start Aug. 14.

SPC also offers “Last Mile Scholarships” for its students within 12 credit hours of obtaining their first associate or bachelor’s degree.

In order to be eligible students must be a Florida resident and have attended SPC within the last 8 years, meeting “satisfactory academic progress, a demonstrate need, or have a 3.0 Program GPA.

For more information visit the St Petersburg College website, the St Pete College Tarpon Campus Facebook page or call the college admissions office.

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TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — In the last 20 seasons of Tarpon Springs High School baseball, the Spongers have enjoyed only two winning seasons.

“My freshman year, we were around 10-16, the sophomore year 8-18, and last year I think we were 6-21,” Drew Dalena, a Tarpon Springs outfielder and pitcher, said. “It’s been getting worse over the years.”

That’s where Seth McClung comes in, hired as the school’s new baseball coach. McClung brings a wealth of experience as a former Major League Baseball pitcher.

“I think I am just fat Coach Seth to them,” McClung told ABC Action News sports anchor Kyle Burger. “I don’t think they know much of my professional background other than I played.”

He was drafted in the fifth round by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1999 and played for six teams during his big-league career.

“Honestly, people talk about the Major League aspect that I bring; it’s more minor league aspect, really,” McClung said. “That minor league development early on with Tampa was something that really opened my eyes to some of the things that I could do. A lot of that is what we do here.”

During the summer break, McClung is leading practice for his club team.

“He knows a lot about pitching,” Dalena said. “Within one bullpen, he helped me out and a lot of the other guys out. I think we should have a pretty good pitching staff this year.”

“The number one job for a catcher is to always provide for that pitcher,” catcher George Tzorbatzoglou said. “Him being a pitcher, he’s giving me a ton of advice on how to make the pitcher comfortable on the mound.”

McClung coached at Keswick Christian School (St. Petersburg) in 2015 and has been coaching travel ball teams before landing at Tarpon Springs.

“With Coach, I see a little spark in him. He wants to win. That’s his main goal,” pitcher Colton Richey added.

McClung played for the Rays from 2003-06 and for Milwaukee from 2007-09.

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — The yearly Tarpon Springs community celebration of Epiphany is back.

Epiphany is celebrated worldwide on January 6 but the event’s biggest Western Hemisphere observance is in Tarpon Springs.

What You Need To Know

For 116 years, crowds have turned out at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral and at Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs during the first week of January for the traditional throwing of the cross during Epiphany celebrations.

As many as 20,000 people typically descend on Tarpon Springs for celebrations now.

And the 117th edition of the unique Greek event will be just as special.

Almost 60 young men will take their places in the usually chilly waters of the Bayou in hopes of retrieving the cross from the water and the yearlong blessing that is said to come with it.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, will be among the participants in this year’s observance, said the Reverend Fr. Athanasios Haros, Dean of St. Nicholas.

“This blessing is an annual opportunity for us to recall our need for God’s grace," said Fr. Haros. "As the Archbishop beckons the Holy Spirit to descend upon the waters of Spring Bayou.”

The event-filled celebration features a Blessing of the Fleet on Thursday.

The next day begins with an 8 a.m. church service at St. Nicholas, followed by the procession to Spring Bayou around noon, the releasing of the doves and the cross throwing.

Schedule of Events:

8 am – Orthros

9 am – Archierarchail Liturgy Immediately Following Liturgy – Procession to Spring Bayou Blessing of Tarpon Springs

Where: St Nicholas Church and Tarpon Springs Bayou Dates: 01/06/2023 - 01/06/2023

Time: 8:00am - 2:00pm

Following the ceremony and cross throe, the Epiphany Glendi (festival) at the Spanos-Pappas Community Center (348 N Pinellas Ave) with food, drink, live music, and dancing.

The celebration of epiphany is set to take place this Friday at the Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs. It's the largest epiphany celebration in the western hemisphere and for more than 100 years its right here in Pinellas County. Pretty cool. More on the preps here @BN9 --> pic.twitter.com/xbEvmtPpTf

— Angie Angers (@angie_angers) January 3, 2023

ROAD CLOSURES

Locations: Area bounded by Spring Boulevard, Pine Street, Levis Avenue and Lemon Street.

Major thoroughfares of Alternate US Highway 19 (from Pine Street to Lemon Street) and Tarpon Avenue (from Levis Avenue to Spring Boulevard) will be closed as well as many smaller roads within the area of the procession.

Time Period: Friday, January 6, 2023, from approximately 10:45 am until 3:00 pm

MOT: Please observe posted detours, expect heavy traffic and yield to pedestrians. There will be NO overnight parking Thursday night or during the event within the procession area (Pinellas Ave. between Orange St. and Tarpon Ave.; Tarpon Ave. between Grosse Ave. and the Bayou; Orange St. between Pinellas Ave. and Ring Ave.).

ORIGINS

The Orthodox Christian Church celebrates Epiphany on January 6th of each year, in remembrance of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the water of the Jordan River 2000 ago.

The observance spread to the new world and eventually to Tarpon Springs, which boasts the largest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the U.S.

The Tarpon Springs community has commemorated Christ’s baptism for more than a century with services at St. Nicholas Cathedral, and events highlighted by a ceremonial cross dive at Spring Bayou. (Jorje Roman,Spectrum News staff)

Tarpon Springs’ Epiphany began as a simple affair in 1903 and grown in size ever since.

The local ceremonies are identical to those taken place in and around Greece.

THE PANDEMIC

The 2021 version of Epiphany was unlike any before.

With the worldwide COVID pandemic, much of the pomp surrounding the multi-day event was canceled.

But the cross throwing went on.

No Blessing of the Fleet took place the day before and there was limited seating at St. Nicholas Church during the morning Archierarchial Liturgy instead of the normally packed procession of clergy, divers and onlookers.

Only 50 divers took part and masks and social distancing were in place at the Bayou.

The Glendi celebration that usually follows the cross retrieval did not take place.

FAMILY AFFAIR

Most young men growing up in Tarpon Springs dream of retrieving the cross when it comes their time to dive.

And most, if not all, have a relative in the small, tight-knit community that grabbed the cross from the murky waters.

We caught up with Alex & his dad Nick after the cross dive. And get this! @DangerDalia interviewed his dad live on @BN9 before the dive during our coverage of Epiphany. He told her he was proud of his son & he reiterated that when she spoke with him again @BN9 pic.twitter.com/jRYnUkZ7Vq

— Jorja Roman (@JorjaRoman) January 6, 2022

Pantelis Kondoliakos retrieved the cross in 2009. His father and multiple uncles all retrieved the cross as well in earlier years.

In 2020 and 2021, brothers Hunter and Colten Sakadelas, respectively, emerged with the white cross. There’s only been one other time brothers retrieved the cross back-to-back. It was in the 1980s.

Last year, Alexander Makris, 16, became the cross bearer on his first dive.

“It’s a very important religious day, and it’s a blessing just to be able to dive,” Kondoliakos said. “Catching it is extra. Just to get in that water and be there with your brothers and your friends….we’re blessed and that is the way we look at it.”