Recently we headed north on the west coast of Florida to visit Tarpon Springs. First stop was Long Boat Key for lunch on the beach. October in SW Florida is still around 90 degrees for highs.

This is the working seaport and shopping district of historic Tarpon Springs on the Anclote River. It's locally referred to as the "Sponge Docks."

Florida west coast sponge beds were accidentally discovered in 1873 by Key West turtle fishermen. Diving as the primary method of sponge harvesting was introduced by John Cocoris, the first Greek to arrive in Tarpon Spring in 1896. In 1905, he and 5 other Greeks started a prosperous sponge diving business that triggered a migration of Greeks. Today, Tarpon Springs has the largest Greek population outside of Greece!

We took a charter 3 miles out from the coast to Anclote Key Beach and Lighthouse State Park. On the way, three dophins (one a baby!) played in our boat's wake. LOVE seeing the dolphins in their NATURAL habitat!!

This is an aerial view of Anclote Key State Park of 403 acre. This picture was not taken by me.

Saw a lovely sunset at Sunset Beach! We really enjoy exploring Florida!