The city of Tarpon Springs, Florida is an historic, small town with a unique mix of Greek, Floridian, and Victorian architecture. It is a former sponge fishing enclave that is now a tourist attraction. It is located just north of the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan area. The town has two distinct downtowns. The Old Town district is the city's oldest area, and the Sponge Docks neighborhood is a popular tourist attraction.
The city's history is filled with Victorian architecture. Wealthy "snowbirds" who traveled down by train built large Victorian homes in the area around Spring Bayou. The area became known as the "Golden Crescent," and many of these buildings still stand. One such historic home, the 1883 Safford House Museum, was built by wealthy man Anson P.K. Safford.
The city of Tarpon Springs is situated in central Florida. The city has a population of 25,624 residents. Its population is comprised of nine thousand and sixty-six households. Twenty-two percent of households have children under the age of eighteen years old. Fifty-two percent of households are married couples, while another ten percent are made up of singles. Among those living in Tarpon Springs, 14.6% of households were made up of senior citizens living alone.
Among the many activities that make Tarpon Springs a unique city is the cultural life of the town. The city's Cathedral of St. Nicholas is the center of the city's community, home to nearly 800 families. There is a rich history in the area, including an ancient sponge-growing boom. This industry is very risky and the people of Tarpon Springs prayed for divine protection.