2019

June is World Sponge Month and Tarpon Springs is the Sponge Capital of the World

As the Sponge Capital of the World, Tarpon Springs, Florida is home to several varieties and shapes and sizes of sponges harvested from off the eastern Gulf of Mexico coast reefs and sea bottom. Although they look like plants, sponge are really animals! June is World Sponge Month and what is a celebration of sponges without a ode to Tarpon Springs' long standing sponge industry. Let’s be fair, this is an ode not just for the more than 100 year history of Tarpon's sponge industry, but also for the centuries sponges have been used for many practical applications. View this...

Greek Food

Glyká Mou: 8 Unique Tampa Bay Greek Bakery Desserts to Try Right Now

Mati Donuts Hole in One Donuts in Tarpon Springs whipped up these Mati (evil eye) donuts for a birthday party. Head into the shop and ask about them! These need to be tried by everyone. Hole In One Donuts is located at 39024 US Hwy 19 N, Tarpon Springs View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Banther (@davidbanther) on Jun 21, 2019 at 6:39am PDT Baklava Tiramisu Along the busy path of the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks you'll find that the crowds aren't too crazy at the Taste of Greece, but its menu is nearly identical to...

Greek Business

Locally-Owned Hellenic Aesthetic Brings the Ethos of Summers Spent in Greece to Tampa Bay

We asked locally-owned Hellenic Aesthetic to share its story with us as part of our series showcasing Greek business owners in Tampa Bay. Thank you to founder Marianthi Vlachos for telling us all about her lifestyle boutique which celebrates Greek culture of the past and present. Out of what passion did your expertise in cultural expression through Greek products form? I received my bachelor’s degree in Art History in 2013. Throughout the process of earning my degree I became more intimately acquainted with Greek art and objects of both antiquity and the Byzantine periods. This exposure to historical artifacts opened my...

Greek Business

The Limani on the Sponge Docks Serves To-Order Greek Food that’s Passed Down from the Heart and Nafplio

We asked The Limani to share its story with us as part of our series showcasing Greek business owners in Tampa Bay. The Limani team is gracious, generous with its food, and widely known by the local community. We wish many years to George Xristou, who owns and opened the Limani on Tarpon Spring's beloved Sponge Docks 15 years ago. Out of what passion did your expertise in cultural expression through Greek food and drink—and through the cafe form—and how and when? Further, how is this likened to restaurateurs in Greece? Having grown up in Greece, one thing you will...

Greek Events

2019 Greek Independence Day Festivities in Tampa Bay

While March 25th is the official date of Greek Independence Day which commemorates the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821 which ended in 1830 with the establishment of an independent state free from Turkish rule, Greeks all over Tampa Bay will be commemorating Greek Independence Day throughout the last week of March. The date also coincides with the Feast Day of the Annunciation of the Theotokos. Below is a list we have compiled of all the local ways you can celebrate Greek Independence this year. Share with friends and make plans! March 24th at 11:30 AM |...

Greek Events

DJ Astatos Birthday Bash at BARaki Jaunary 25th

Resident DJ and general manager at BARaki Yanni Astatos Stathakis, "DJ Astatos", celebrates his birthday bash at the lounge Friday evening, January 25. The party starts at 10 PM. Stay up to date: Click here to follow Greek Tampa Bay on Facebook! There is no cover charge for party-goers and BARaki is buying everyone's first drink! Say you're going on the party's event page here. DJ's Efhimios "CT" Spyratos and Foti "RAW" Kokkalidis will be on hand, as well. Event is brought to the community by EllasTV, KimaFM, Mad World TV, ellasCafe, and of course BARaki. BARaki is a Greek...

Greek Business,Greek Food

Truly Greek Brings it’s Mediterranean Fare to Brandon

A Dade City original restaurant, Truly Greek has brought it's Greek and Mediterranean cuisine to the Brandon area, with a new name and new digs in the Bloomingdale Square shopping center right off of Bloomingdale Avenue. Stay up to date: Click here to follow Greek Tampa Bay on Facebook! The family owned restaurant recently moved from it's previous location and has been open in its Brandon space for just a month and a half. We were fortunate to give them a try tonight for dinner, and can attest to all the rave Facebook reviews about the quaint place. [caption id="attachment_136"...

Greek Events

42nd Annual Cretan Dance held in Clearwater on February 2

The Palm harbor chapter of the Pan-Cretan Association of America (KPHTH PAA) Will host its annual creation dance on February 2 from 6 PM to 12 AM at Plato Academy School's Christopoulos Hall, located at 2045 Palmetto St. in Clearwater. Stay up to date: Click here to follow Greek Tampa Bay on Facebook! Call Chairwoman Georgene Zotzakis for table reservations at 727-410-5044. The dance will feature a 3-course banquet menu including passed hors d'oeuvres of Florida caprice skewers, smoked pork empanadas, and ancho chili sirloin skewers with chimichuri dipping sauce, followed by a Florida salad of baby spring mix fresh...

Greek News

Tampa and Heraklion, Crete to be named Sister Cities

On January 31, 2019 Tampa and Heraklion, Crete will be officially named sister cities during the official signing of the sister cities agreement between Mayor Buckhorn of Tampa and Mayor Lambrinos of Heraklion. Stay up to date: Click here to follow Greek Tampa Bay on Facebook! The signing will take place in Tampa City Hall at 4 PM. The event is open to the public and it's free to attend. Reservations are requested, though do not appear to be required. For more information, email GusParas@ParasAssociates.com or call 813-254-6980.

Greek Drink

42nd Annual Pan-Icarian Winter Glendi to be held February 16th

The Pan-Icarian Brotherhood Helios Chapter 19 of Clearwater, Florida, is hosting a dinner-dance on February 16th, as part of its 42nd Annual Pan-Icarian Winter Glendi Weekend. Stay up to date: Click here to follow Greek Tampa Bay on Facebook! The event will be held at Matheos Hall if Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater, with the following schedule: 6:30 PM: Cocktails 7:30 PM: Dinner 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM: Dancing Tickets for Adults are a donation of $50, for students under 18 is $25, and for the dance portion of the event only is $20. Music will be provided...