Tarpon Springs in Pinellas County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

42 Ft. Sponge Diving Boat

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, April 19, 2023

1. 42 Ft. Sponge Diving Boat Marker

Inscription. Built in 1935 of cypress and pine by George Castrinos in Apalachicola, Florida. Original name "APALACHICOLA". Used for sponge fishing until 1943. Used during World War II by U.S. Navy as an air-sea rescue boat in the Gulf of Mexico. Returned to a sponge fishing boat after World War II, used for sponging until decommissioned in 1982. Placed on exhibition at the opening of the Sponge Exchange in 1982 and renamed "AEGEAN ISLES".

Erected 1982 by The Sponge Exchange.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.

Location. 28° 9.315′ N, 82° 45.655′ W. Marker is in Tarpon Springs, Florida, in Pinellas County. It can be reached from Dodecanese Boulevard west of Athens Street, on the left when traveling west. The marker is attached to the Aegean Isles - a 42 foot sponge diving boat which is the centerpiece of the Sponge Exchange shopping arcade. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 735 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs FL 34689, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is on the Gulf Coast

and on Tampa Bay.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tarpon Springs Sponge Industry (within shouting distance of this marker); Greektown Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Nicholas Boat Line (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs (approx. half a mile away); Anson P.K. Safford House (approx. half a mile away); Hennig House (approx. half a mile away); Old Tarpon Springs High School (approx. 0.6 miles away); Craig Park War Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tarpon Springs.

Also see . . . 42 ft. Sponge Diving Boat. (Submitted on April 27, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, April 19, 2023

2. 42 Ft. Sponge Diving Boat Marker

Superior diesel engine 671 Model image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, April 19, 2023

3. Superior diesel engine 671 Model

Original power for sponge boat APALACHICOLA. 110 H.P. - 6 cylinder engine propelled the boat up to nine (9) knots.

Spongers of Tarpon Springs image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, April 19, 2023

4. Spongers of Tarpon Springs

In memory of the
Spongers of Tarpon Springs
Major Donors
Mr. & Mrs. Louis G. Lingos
Mr. & Mrs. Michael L. Lingos
2002

Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 546 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 27, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.