Today, the citrus business has all but disappeared, but the community s Scottish heritage is kept alive with the annual Highland Games and other festivals. Demens and Williams differed about a name for the new community. Legend has it that they drew lots and Demens won, naming the city St. Petersburg after his hometown in Russia. In the 1890s, Tarpon Springs entrepreneur John Cheyney encouraged Greek sponge divers to investigate the fertile sponge beds off the coast. By 1905, the Greek population had grown to more than 500 with some 200 sponge boats in operation.
Sponge fishing remains a part of Tarpon Springs present economy.
The influence of the Greek settlers is more evident in the community s festivals, music, food and its 1943 Greek Orthodox Cathedral. This three-day festival held since 1975 features cultural customs of more than 50 countries and nationalities. Each ethnic group sets up a village with cultural exhibits, ethnic foods and gifts. A replica of St. Sophia's in Constantinople with beautiful icons and stained glass. All rights reserved.