Who Doesn’t Live in a Pineapple under the sea: Tarpon Springs Sponge Factory

In 2021, while I was on my way to Naples, Florida, with my mom, we stopped in Tarpon Springs. The village consists of many Greek descendants and many Greek-themed restaurants and shops. It is known for harvesting sea sponges; there is even a statue dedicated to divers who collected them. 

One of the local shops with a giant, beautiful ocean mural on the side of the building is the Tarpon Springs Sponge Factory. The shop has a large assortment of sea sponges, starfish, and seashells. In addition to SpongeBob’s relatives or getting your very own Patrick, they also sell skin care products made with olive oil. 

There is also a tiny room where tired shoppers or nonshoppers waiting for their relatives can view a video about sponge harvesting. It shows divers going to the ocean floor to collect them. If you look closely, you might see Bikini Bottom.

Overall, this place and Tarpon Springs are lovely places to visit on a sunny day.