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Tarpon Springs, Florida: Spongeorama

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Address:
510 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL
Directions:
On the north side of Dodecanese Blvd a block west of US Hwy 19, set back from the street, just west of the Mr. Greek Restaurant.
Hours:
Daily 10-5:30 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
727-943-2164
RA Rates:
Major Fun
Save to My Sights

Spongeorama.

Spongeorama

See the movie, wander the museum, and learn about our blobby squishy friend, the natural sponge.

Roadsideamerica.com Report... [11/18/2012]

Sponge Diver's Nightmare.

Spongeorama: Diver's Nightmare

What happens when a deep sea diver ascends too quickly, then spends 45 years in a display at the free Sponge Museum? A photo collage.

Roadsideamerica.com Report... [11/18/2012]

Visitor Tips and News About Spongeorama

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Spongeorama.

Spongeorama

A store with all size sponges and touristy things. They have a video on loop about the sponge industry. They also have a place to take pictures.

[EC, 11/28/2021]
Sponge-O-Rama

I took a new group of people to see Sponge-O-Rama, the film, and view the Museum of Sponges. The film was all I remembered it to be (Two men... alone in a boat... with nothing but a bucket and hook... and the endless sea....) but when I went to go traipse down the decaying aisles of the museum, I was horrified to find it was closed. They'd put tropical-themed shower curtains over the doorway and blocked it with bins. We were told that it had been damaged in a hurricane in September (entirely possible given the amount of termites living in the displays) but would not tell us if they had plans to reopen. I am heartbroken.

[Irene Ferris, 03/27/2017]
Spongeorama

The museum was closed due to "hurricane damage." The staff seemed disgruntled when we stated that the museum was our main reason for stopping by. When we asked which hurricane, we were told that it was "the one in September." I wouldn't hold up high hopes for the museum's reopening. Side note: We selected a couple of sponges from the yellow (cheaper) sponge bin for purchase, but were told at the desk that they were really wool sponges that someone must have put in there erroneously, and were charged the higher price. Be forewarned to be a smart shopper!

[Jolly Padrida, 02/27/2017]

Spongeorama has a murky history of vaguely-explained closings and unsympathetic staff. Access to it may be tied to individual visitors' willingness to buy stuff.


Nearby Offbeat Places

Live Sponge Diving Boat TourLive Sponge Diving Boat Tour, Tarpon Springs, FL - < 1 mi.
Sponge Diver Memorial StatueSponge Diver Memorial Statue, Tarpon Springs, FL - < 1 mi.
Greek Shrine to Archangel MiracleGreek Shrine to Archangel Miracle, Tarpon Springs, FL - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Mermaids of Weeki Wachee, Weeki Wachee, FL - 27 mi.

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