Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a $4.8 million flood project could reshape the Sponge Docks

Coming up on the Tarpon Springs Patch calendar: Boozy Book Fair

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Tuesday January 13th Patch AM
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Hi Tarpon Springs! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a $4.8 million flood project could reshape the Sponge Docks
  • Will Tallahassee fully fund Tarpon Springs flood fixes and new housing?
  • How a Tarpon Springs teen claimed blessings in the Epiphany cross dive

Also on today's calendar: 5 Foot Fun Run for Charity and 7 more events.

Find out what's happening in Tarpon Springsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My dog used to chase people on a bike a lot. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Tarpon Springsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 68 and low of 60 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Some rain and a thunderstorm, temps: high: 66, low: 57.
  • Thursday: Very windy; mainly cloudy, with a high of 65 and low of 41 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Sponge Docks flood fix moves forward — again (tbnweekly.com) — Tarpon Springs officials have approved new FEMA-backed funding to keep the long-delayed Sponge Docks Flood Abatement Project moving, aiming to better protect this key tourist area from flooding. Commissioners are weighing design choices that balance long-term drainage fixes with minimizing construction disruptions for already struggling Sponge Docks businesses, with construction bids expected after design work wraps up.
   

2. Legislative Session preview: Tampa Bay area lawmakers collectively seek some $400M in funding for local projects (floridapolitics.com) — Tarpon Springs could see major state funding this Session, including $1.7 million for flood-prevention work in the Gulfview Ridge and Florida Oaks (Ross Property) area and $1.5 million for the new 78-unit Mills affordable and workforce housing project. Lawmakers have bundled these with hundreds of millions in Tampa Bay requests, but tight state budgets mean not all projects will be fully funded.
   

3. Florida's Greek community gathers for 120th Epiphany celebration and annual dive to retrieve cross (wxxv25.com) — Tarpon Springs took center stage as Florida’s largest Greek Orthodox community marked the 120th Epiphany celebration, with dozens of local teens diving into a chilly bayou to retrieve a blessed cross. The event, rooted in the city’s sponge-diving Greek heritage, drew thousands of spectators and highlighted the community’s enduring cultural and religious traditions.
   

4. Pinellas County 2026 Bucket List: Top Events, Dining, and Adventures (wild941.com) — Pinellas County’s 2026 bucket list includes several reasons to head to Tarpon Springs, from late-summer scalloping charters to strolling the Sponge Docks’ Greek restaurants and sponge shops. The guide also highlights major county events, dining spots, and outdoor adventures across nearby cities, giving locals ideas for day trips close to home.
   

📸 Around Tarpon Springs

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Tarpon Springs

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Friday January 16
  • Boozy Book Fair
    Currents Cuisine & Historic Event Hall, 200 E Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs
    6:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Tarpon Springs Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Tuesday January 13
  • Boys Basketball - A - Weeki Wachee
    Weeki Wachee High School
    6:00 pm
  • Girls & Boys Soccer - H - Tarpon Springs
    Palm Harbor University High School , 1900 Omaha St , Palm Harbor
    6:00 pm
    • Wednesday January 14
  • NPJG - Pre-Swim Team Stroke Mechanics for ages 5-16 - Palm Harbor, FL 2026
    John Geigle YMCA , 4550 Village Center Dr , Palm Harbor
    4:30 pm
  • Girls Basketball - H - Clearwater
    Palm Harbor University High School , 1900 Omaha St , Palm Harbor
    6:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Tarpon Springs PatchAM possible:

  • Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
    Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • "There is no denying that there is evil in this world but the light will always conquer the darkness.
    Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance." (Nextdoor Pinellas Ave)
  • Hello I provide pet sitting and dog walking in your home and would love to help you with your pets!
    20 yrs in business Background checked and Insured Many happy customers for References Call 267-303-4534 for any questions or to set up a… (Nextdoor Whitcomb Place)
  • Signia by Hilton Atlanta posted a job opening for Laundry Attendant - Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Oldsmar in Tarpon Springs. Apply here.
  • C.S.T. Connection, Inc. posted a job opening for Accounts Receivable / Shipping in Tarpon Springs. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Tarpon Springs here.

Ok Tarpon Springs! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I took its bike away.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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