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.
There are countless shops selling sponges in Tarpon Springs, but the Dolphin Gift Shop on Tarpon Spring’s Sponge Docks, located at 810 Dodecanese, is home to the largest vase sponge EVER. It was found off of the eastern coast of Florida 40 feet down in the water, and was brought into Tarpon Springs in 1979. It measures a circumference of 10 feet 6 inches.
Here are some of our favorite Tarpon Springs sponges that we have gathered to share with you in celebration of June’s World Sponge month. We’ve done our best to identify the sponges featured in each photo but if you find we’ve misidentified any let us know!
The Vase Sponge
The vase sponge can be found decorating many gift shops at the Sponge Docks. Shaped like a bell, the vase sponge is firm and can grow up to 3 feet high which helps give its pit even more depth. With its soft grooves and rounded edges, the vase sponge makes a great decorative addition to any home, so consider picking one up for yours.
The Wool Sea Sponge
From all the natural sponges, the wool sea sponge is considered the most popular and sought after. It’s high quality, soft, and absorbent, and has been used for personal care for several centuries, not just in Tarpon Springs! Wool sea sponges are also known for their durability, so if you pick one up at one of the shops along the Sponge Docks you won’t be disappointed.
The Grass Sea Sponge
The grass sea sponge is very dense which helps it create a rich lather when used as a bath sponge. Even though it’s dense, it will not irritate the skin which is why it’s also a very popular option at luxury spas. The grass sea sponge exfoliates the skin better than any other natural sponge you’ll find, but they are firm and also have good use for decor or cleaning in your home.
Silk Facial Sea Sponges & Yellow Sponges
Silk sea sponges are great options for facial care and cosmetic use such as removing makeup or daily cleansing. They can be found in big baskets dotting the outside of many gift shops you’ll find along the Sponge Docks, drawing you in to take a look at other wares.
Similar to the wool sea sponge but firmer, the yellow sponge on the other hand is a good option for household cleaning that could use a good scrub, or even crafts and projects like texturing walls or painting.
