I wrote a blog post well over a year ago about the old psychiatric hospital grounds in Tarpon Springs Florida. The property was prime waterfront property, so after the facility was closed, the property was sold and eventually developed into townhomes. That blog post about the old Tarpon Springs Anclotte Facility received a comment this morning from someone who had a sibling that was placed there in the 1980's and it got me to thinking about an updated post. Last year I had a client that was extremely interested in purchasing a townhome on this land. It bothered me that these people did not know anything about the history of the place and I do believe in karma catching up with you eventually so I told them about that history. This couple is from South America and the wife shared stories ... 05/15/2011

Walking through an art and craft show on the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs-Florida recently, we came across these guys. The parrots seem to be bewildered by the bears. After all, one’s holding a welcome sign and the other says go away on the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs-Florida I’m confused! Although the gentleman taking a snooze there seems okay with the revolution going on in front of him. It's a beautiful day on the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs-Florida Sponge Docks-in Tarpon Springs- Florida  -The Series Posts you may have missed. Looking for Health Insurance-Modglin Insurance Services A+ Tax and Accounting Service Inc. in New Port Richey-FLSpherion Helps You Add Staff - Brooksville-Florida Mezzaluna Pizzeria and Restaurant is a great place to eat-New Port Richey-FLLookiing for... 04/17/2011

Government Home Loans FHA/VA/USDA in Tarpon Springs Florida are still being used in most purchase transactions. I specialize in FHA, USDA, VA Loan products. When it comes to less out of pocket expense at a rate that is competitive with other lenders such as the conventional types more people are choosing to go with the Govies; which are aka FHA, VA and USDA Loans.  However lenders are not always willing to adopt into practice the new programs being passed down byHUD. Lets just say it would appear that this particular program isn't being accepted with open arm's on main street so far. HUD recently launched a program aimed at helping people who are current on their mortgage loans; refinance to the lower prevailing rates being offered through FHA and VA Approved Lenders even if they are u... 04/04/2011

Sand Hill cranes are back.......now I am waiting to catch one with a little baby so I can get some photos! This adult that I found wondering along the side of a street in Tarpon Springs did not have any problem with my photographing him! When he continued grazing I loudly said "Hello, look this way for a photo!" and he did just that............probably wondering WHO was making all the noise! I know from past experience that once there is a baby around these birds can get extremely aggressive! They just don't want anybody messing with their little one! I can understand that! Sand Hill cranes live throughout Florida and it seems they also live in parts of Siberia! I guess this is one species that is going to be around for a long time!   03/18/2011

While driving on Keystone Road towards to Tarpon Springs, we spotted a sign for Richard Irvin Park. We had to wind our way down to it but it was worth it. Now I have to tell you that I have lived in this area for 28 years. This was the first time I spotted that sign and visited this park. (Usually the traffic is zipping along so no time to look). There’s not much there-a parking lot, a couple of picnic tables, an old boat launch area that looked like it was closed off that day: But the view was awesome. Those are coots floating around in the marshy area. Lucky folks who live next door. This is the extreme north end of Lake Tarpon. Unfortunately, I couldn't find out who Richard Irvin is/was so I don't know the history of the park. If anyone knows, please email me with the info and I wil... 03/13/2011

It Is Time to Leave The Nest-Really! Tarpon Springs-The Sponge Docks Part 4 We were at the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs one day (it’s such a great place to hang out) and were privileged to see this very big event (to the Osprey family) taking place.   A baby Osprey is resisting Mom and Dad’s urging to take his first flight. First Mom tries- even showing him how it's done; but no, it’s not going to happen. Then Dad tries but he has no more success. So then they try the time-tested “we’re leaving now and you better fly if you want to come with us” method. It worked! We watched the fledgling take flight! It was exciting to see.   Are you ready to take flight at your next opportunity?   Posts You May Have MissedSave Money on Home Owners Insurance with Wind Mitigation Longleaf in Trinity-... 03/06/2011

Tarpon Springs Florida has MANY waterfront homes for sale. Some are on canals that lead out to the Gulf of Mexico and others are directly on the Gulf. Whatever your choice, this is a wonderful town to live in! With multiple islands and bridges you would almost think you are in Venice (Italy that is). If you are interested in knowing more about Tarpon Springs Florida waterfront homes, give me a call today! I would love to make an appointment to show you the wonderful world of waterfront living that awaits you here in Northern Pinellas County!   This is everyone's dream and it can easily become YOUR reality! Give me a call today! 727-512-0910    Tarpon Springs Florida, waterfront living at it's best!     03/04/2011

  Hellas Bakery in Tarpon Springs-Florida- The Sponge Docks Part 3 Hellas Bakery located in the heart of the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida. A staple of the area since 1970, Hellas has award-winning Greek cuisine, and authentic Greek pastries. They are heavenly. Call them at: 727-943-2400   All photos were taken by Toni Weidman of Re/Max New Dimensions in Trinity, FL.You can sit and eat them there or take them with you as you’re walking around exploring the Sponge Docks: you might want to sit by the water at sunset.                 Take a look at their website So next time you’re in Tarpon Springs, head for Hellas Bakery at the Sponge Docks. See Tarpon Springs - The Sponge Docks Part 1  and Tarpon Springs-Beckett Bridge       Posts you may have missed. Evergreen Subdivision in ... 02/28/2011

Tarpon Springs Florida is indeed a gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. It is where the Anclotte River and the Gulf meet. It is also home to numerous waterfront properties with fantastic views of our magnificent waterways! Whether you are looking for a home with access directly to the Gulf of Mexico or a home on one of the many fingers of the Anclotte River, Tarpon Springs is a boaters Paradise!   Don't keep your boat in dry dock when you can own a home right on the water! Give me a call today to find out more about waterfront homes that are currently available in Tarpon Springs Florida!   Tarpon Springs Florida is indeed a wonderful destination if you enjoy boating and living on Florida's wonderful waterfront!     02/23/2011

Pine Ridge of Lake Tarpon is within walking distance of East Lake High School and a short drive to the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico!!! This well maintained community has much to offer and includes tennis courts, a heated pool and hot tub, clubhouse, playground, sidewalks among the numerous ponds and is convenient to shopping. This 3 bedroom 2 bath upstairs condo has a balcony overlooking Brooker Creek Preserve! The 1430 sq ft of living space include an eat-in kitchen and formal dining area as well as a third bedroom that can be used as an office. There is a large laundry room within the condo with plenty of space for a full size washer and dryer plus storage shelves for all your storage needs. In addition to that, there is attic storage space! That is something you don't find ... 02/04/2011

Tarpon Springs-Florida  The Sponge Docks Part 1The  world-famous Sponge Docks on Dodeconese Boulevard in Tarpon Springs is such a quaint, beautiful, funky and historical area that I've decided to write several posts about it but the first one is to show you what the sponge docks are famous for: Sponges. They are for sale everywhere you go on Dodeconese.It's a great place to stroll on a sunny, winter morning and see the water and boats. This was the early morning of an art festival about a week ago. It was gorgeous out there.The Sponge Docks Series see what else is at the Sponge Docks Posts you may have missedHome Invasion in New Port Richey-FLHungry Fisher in Anclote Gulf Park-Holiday-FLoridaThe Christmas Trees of Disney-Orlando-Florida Waterfront community of Gulf Harbors - New Port Ri... 01/26/2011

Search for Tarpon Springs Florida Homes for Sale   Tarpon Springs, Florida is north of Tampa and Clearwater. Downtown Tarpon Springs offers old-time charm with modern-day conveniences such as restaurants, Internet cafes, and art shows.   I took the picture at the left while my husband was driving. It offers a glimpse of Alternate 19 which runs through downtown Tarpon Springs.   Feel free to search for your own Tarpon Springs Florida home right below. It is easy to do. You don’t even have to leave the page to do your home search. Add your criteria to the search box below.   If you would like to see any of these homes call me at (727) 376-0530 or contact me via email at Lana@LanaRobbins.com 01/21/2011

Tarpon Springs Aquarium is a great place to spend an afternoon. There are sharks, alligators, various local fish from the Gulf of Mexico and an assortment of moray eels and rays. You can feed and pet the rays and the smaller of the two alligators comes out of the tank during show and tell. Children can touch the little gator (it is about 3 feet long) as well as the turtles. This large gator and the snapping turtles are fed a couple of times a day. You can feed the sting rays at any time of day, they take the food right out of your hand. Naturally, watching the moray eels fight over the food is like watching a science fiction movie! Unreal! I would not want to be in the water with any of these guys! Or with this LARGE moray eel that was so large that he was in his very own tank!   12/03/2010

Tarpon Springs Florida is really a beautiful place! And at this time of year we have increased numbers of visitors from the cold north that are trying to get away from those freezing temperatures. After hearing the weather report for those northern states on the news tonight, I sure can't blame them! There are many great values right now here in Tarpon Springs Florida. From the shores of Lake Tarpon (above) to the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Tarpon Springs is a great relocation destination. Give me a call today to start your search for that home you always wanted, here in Tarpon Springs Florida.     12/01/2010

New Port Richey-Florida It's been a long time since I spotted a Moose in Florida worthy of a Moose Monday post but I won a basket donated to a community event. I can hear you saying what the heck does that have to do with a moose in Florida. Wait for it....I decided to re-wrap the basket (because the cellophane was coming apart) and donate it to a future community event (oh, come on, don't tell me you don't  do that). And, guess what, I found this very strange-looking moose inside. Did I forget to mention that the basket was donated by Tarpon Animal Hospital and it was full of dog toys? This guy was one of them, but to me he's really an odd looking kind of moose -  must have some Platypus in his ancestry, don't you think?      Comparison Platypus       I'm just saying......... Previous ... 11/29/2010

If you haven't been to The famous Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs Florida, then make it a detour from the usual Florida vacation spots and you will see why it is one of the treasures of the West Coast of Florida. Located just north of Clearwater and Dunedin, a trip to Tarpon Springs Sponge docks is a celebration of all things Greek. The Sponge Boats dock on the river and unload their precious cargo of Natural Sponges on the sidewalks, and you can eat at one of the waterfront restaurants offering traditional Greek food and some of the best seafood to be found. You can eat outside on the water or inside if you prefer air conditioned atmosphere. Bakeries line the street, fudge factories, art galleries, clothing boutiques, hand made crafts, and Greek and Florida souvenir shops. Steeped in Gr... 11/21/2010

Tarpon Springs FL - Craig Park, located on Spring Bayou is considered by many to be the heart of Tarpon Springs, with it's picturesque surrounding of historic homes. Craig Park is also home to the City’s War Memorial to veterans of all wars, especially Tarpon Springs residents. To learn more about Tarpon Springs and it's many beautiful parks and bayous; click here.Tarpon Springs is a historic city with a large Greek culture; the Sponge Docks, established in the 1880's,  are known all over the world and many tourists travel here to see it,  the homes are a mix of and Victorian and Floridian architecture. Incorporated in 1887, it is the oldest city in Pinellas County, Florida. It is also home to the Tarpon Springs Fine Art Festival which you can see on a previous blog along with one of th... 10/22/2010

Tarpon Springs FL - The Tarpon Turtle Restaurant for great views of Lake TarponTarpon Springs Fl - What a great place to unwind after a hard day, just sit out on the deck and relax. If you haven't eaten at the Tarpon Turtle yet, you're missing out on one of the best views of Lake Tarpon. You can sit inside (why would you?) or outside on the deck and enjoy the waterfront view. You can even come by boat and tie up at the dock. Located at 1513 Lake Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 (between 19 and Eastlake) Hours are Sunday-Thursday 11-10 pm. Friday & Saturday 11-12am. Please call them for information  at727-940-5360  or go to Tarpon Turtle websitewww.billystarponturtle.comTo search homes in the Tarpon Springs, FL area;click here       Posts you may have missedHow Big is Your Global Foo... 10/10/2010

Tarpon Springs Florida's Sponge Docks is a great weekend destination! Whether you just want to stroll along the docks and have lunch in one of the wonderful restaurants or purchase unique gifts (many of them coming directly from Greece) there is no finer place to spend the afternoon than the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks! The wonderful thing about having lunch or dinner in Tarpon Springs is that you can be sure what you are eatting is coming fresh from the Gulf of Mexico! With all of these fishing and shrimping boats, there is always a wonderful assortment of fantastic dishes! You can also take a trip out on one of the boats and watch the divers collect sponges. This is really something that is uniquely Tarpon Springs Florida!     10/06/2010

Tarpon Springs Florida does indeed have great restaurants and food! Yesterday I drove up there and had lunch with a client in Mykonos Restaurant, right on the Sponge Docks! The food is always fantastic there! Mykonos is my favorite Tarpon Springs restaurant and I had the chicken souvlaki, which is one of my favorite things to have there!!!! Absolutely mouth-watering! Plenty of tzatziki and yummy pita bread! Oh how I love Greek cooking!! Tarpon Springs Florida is one place you really need to put on your list!         09/30/2010