Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More — A new city ordinance is allowing food truck owners to set-up in downtown City commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance including certain guidelines food truck owners will have to follow Inside the tap room of Tarpon Springs Distillery Including those that give a nod to the local area It’s the passion project- and business- of Barry and Lisa Butler “We’ve got about 14 different spirits that we make now,” says Barry I think we estimated we had about 30,000 guests last year so that’s pretty good.” With the announcement of a new city ordinance Allowing food trucks to set-up in downtown “Having something right there that they can get is really a boost to having people stay around,” said Barry the prospect of a food truck coming in to feed hungry patrons is a win-win to him "We’ve got the power coming from the building here so the food truck can access power and then the patrons can come back out this way and go back to their seats and watch the music.” There are a few requirements those food truck owners will have to comply with under the new ordinance Such as operating within city limits between the hours of 7 a.m They can also operate as an accessory to those brick-and-mortar businesses such as the distillery “You were allowed to have a food truck before as long as you had it parked at a restaurant that you owned- which kind of defeated the purpose of having a food truck if it was parked at your restaurant," said Barry It’s a big step for the city with a rich heritage “It’s still going to have that Greek heritage and history that we all love but even as something as simple as having a distillery is a big change for Tarpon Springs So the fact we’re here and the city embraces us and all the business owners like this business and support us The ordinance will run for a length of six months Being revisited before the Tarpon Springs City Commission in October — One person was injured during an attempted burglary in Pinellas County early Tuesday morning The Tarpon Springs Police Department said around 12:43 a.m. officers responded to the 100 block of West Lime Street after receiving a 911 call about the burglary they made contact with the two people involved Police said one person was shot and treated at a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and I feel like that's part of where the system failed" Henry Betsey Jr. is facing charges for marrying three Florida women in three different counties at the same time. Now saying the system that handles marriage licenses kept them in the dark Latest Pinellas County News from ABC Action News Report a typo COMMUNITY PARTNER Bookworms, on your marks! The inaugural Tarpon Springs Book Festival brings an all-day celebration of books and literature to Pinellas County The first-ever festival takes place on Saturday It’s only fitting that the region’s celebrated Greek community will host this huge celebration of books and reading The literary block party will showcase thousands of new and used books This inaugural festival is a joint project by the Tarpon Springs Merchants Association and The Gilded Page bookstore. The idyllic downtown of Tarpon Springs is the perfect host for this bookish celebration, and it’s the perfect excuse to visit Florida’s “Little Greece.” As you plan, we recommend checking out our 48 Hours in Tarpon Springs guide to maximize your experience You may even take home a sponge or two with your haul of books Learn more about the Tarpon Springs Book Festival and RSVP here. Organizers will share more updates on events and activities as the festival nears. Festival co-host The Gilded Page (123 East Court Street and we loved the boozy book fair they hosted this January Check out these stories on some of our local favorites: Stay connected to All Things Good in the Burg by subscribing today Since I Love the Burg launched in May of 2009 The historic sponging village is a truly one-of-a-kind destination City manager Charles Rudd on March 25 told commissioners that many rules were waived following the hurricanes. “We looked at the food truck ordinance and we knew there was some concern about local businesses, so we came up with something we think is a compromise where trucks could only be invited by a brick-and-mortar business … that could meet a list of requirements.” Requirements include not violating parking rules and not using generators — the truck either has to use batteries or be hooked up to the business. Planning director Renea Vincent reminded the commission that in 2020 the state preempted local governments from prohibiting food trucks. She added that staff revised the ordinance to address Planning Board concerns, such as: Mayor Panagiotis Koulias said, “A lot of these restaurant owners have great concern about the floodgates opening.” If all the possible locations permitted applied for a food truck, “it would be pretty unsightly for our community. But at the same time, a lot of these properties would really have to improve their properties tremendously to be able to put at least just one food truck on their property.” Public comments centered around restaurant owners opposing food trucks and their customers using the eatery’s restroom facilities or filling waste bins. However, many patrons of Mele’s Donuts, both in person and through 71 emails, spoke in support of allowing her popular loukoumades food truck at the Sponge Docks. Commissioner David Bather noted the proposed ordinance is restrictive, allowing only two or three spaces to invite food trucks. He added he would go along with this “limited approach” but “no one leaves tonight winning.” Koulias said the ordinance could be looked at again in six or nine months to see how it goes. “We have to reassure these property owners and these landowners … we’re not going to let things get out of hand,” he said. “If we do see it get out of hand, we know how to protect the docks.” Vice Mayor John Koulianos pointed out there are benefits to food trucks. “We want to help the breweries. Allowing them to have food trucks is helpful for their business survival on Pinellas Avenue,” he said, adding the ordinance has been drafted to have “a minimal impact on the Sponge Docks.” Subscribe to our free Stephinitely newsletter You’re all signed up!Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started. Vincent brought up an “obvious point from listening to all of the comments and the number of people that signed the petition: Right now, it doesn’t sound like there’s a whole lot of property owners down at the docks that’s going to host anybody.” Commissioner Michael Eisner said, “If you have three or four people, you’re going to have a lot.” has received major pushback from Tarpon Springs residents the Texas-based developer behind the project will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the 404-unit luxury apartment complex along the Anclote River on Wednesday ABC Action News has followed the story for years as the development sparked strong opinions across the community Residents and environmental groups alike have said they're worried about the wildlife and wetlands developers say they're working to preserve natural spaces and protect bald eagle nesting sites Although some may view it as a loss, in another part of Tarpon, residents were successful in their fight to save West Klosterman Preserve from similar development Officials said the newly acquired area will be incorporated into the nearby Mariner’s Point Management Area which "serves as a sanctuary for protected plant and animal species ensuring the preservation of local biodiversity." — Downtown Tarpon Springs transformed into a book lover's paradise Saturday as authors and fans traveled across the country for the city's book festival.  said the festival was everything she could have imagined “People have come from all over,” she said “I think I heard someone came in from Louisiana to meet the authors and be a part of this event.” she’s thinking about the future of selling books as they may get pricier because of tariffs “We’re definitely a little concerned with everything that’s going on with the tariffs,” she said “It’s not something we’re going to feel immediately as there’s still so much uncertainty with what exactly will happen.” Bodwell said books are exempt from tariffs but she is unsure if materials to produce books will be affected increased printing costs could be passed down to small businesses and then the consumer we really don’t have any wiggle room for changing our prices we kind of have to stick with the price the publisher set in print on the book,” Bodwell said This is the first year of the Tarpon Springs Book Festival but Bodwell is hopeful this becomes a yearly tradition Tarpon Springs will host its first book festival on Saturday The Gilded Page bookstore is teaming up with the Tarpon Springs Merchant Association to organize the event More than 100 authors and artists will attend the gathering which will include panel discussions and opportunities to meet the writers “We love books and we love bringing the community together over a shared love of books,” said Julie Bodwell Among the authors Bodwell expects to attend: The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 on E. Court Street in Tarpon Springs. More information is available here — Tarpon Springs was hit hard by Hurricane Helene but the city has been on the mend and most shops are now open for business Anyone walking through Tarpon Springs’ downtown will find that life has returned to normal for most businesses Nancy Williams is a purchasing manager for several stores including Fatty’s Place and Tarpon Shell Shack She says the destruction was immense from the storm surge during Hurricane Helene but we pulled together and we had all hands on deck,” Williams said She says it took several weeks to fix up the shops Williams says that foot traffic and sales are down blaming the fact that many people don’t know that Tarpon Springs is open for business “A lot of people don’t know we are open yet sites online are telling people that the Sponge Docks are a ghost down this year’s edition will be an even more welcomed happening The 119th annual Epiphany is taking place Monday in Tarpon Springs Like much of the Bay area, the community took a blow from the back-to-back storms last year. In fact, though most of the city is up and running, some areas of Tarpon Springs are still rebuilding the largest Greek Orthodox celebration in the Western Hemisphere has arrived and the community couldn’t be more excited Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral and at Spring Bayou every year during the first week of January for the traditional throwing of the cross during Epiphany celebrations They did a few years ago during the Covid pandemic and they will this year following destructive hurricanes The event includes a blessing of the fleet on Friday which includes visits from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of the Greek Orthodox Achdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain and Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta After a procession from the Cathedral to the bayou about 60 young men will take their places in the usually chilly waters of the Bayou in hopes of retrieving the cross from the water and the yearlong blessing that is said to come with it the Blessing of the Fleet takes place on the sponge docks at 1 p.m.  – Orthros and Divine Liturgy, St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral – Litany - Procession to Spring Bayou with clergy school children dressed in traditional Greek costumes Blessing of Tarpon Springs – Dove Release – Dive for the Cross Locations: Area bounded by Spring Boulevard Major thoroughfares of Alternate US Highway 19 (from Pine Street to Lemon Street) and Tarpon Avenue (from Levis Avenue to Spring Boulevard) will be closed as well as many smaller roads within the area of the procession expect heavy traffic and yield to pedestrians There will be NO overnight parking Thursday night or during the event within the procession area (Pinellas Avenue between Orange Street and Tarpon Avenue; Tarpon Avenue between Grosse Avenue and the Bayou; Orange Street between Pinellas Avenue and Ring Avenue) The Orthodox Christian Church celebrates Epiphany on Jan in remembrance of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the water of the Jordan River 2000 ago The observance spread to the new world and eventually to Tarpon Springs which boasts the largest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the U.S Tarpon Springs’ Epiphany began as a simple affair in 1903 and has grown in size ever since Most young men growing up in Tarpon Springs dream of retrieving the cross when it comes their time to dive tight-knit community that grabbed the cross from the murky waters John Hittos retrieved the holy cross from Spring Bayou He was 16 years old at the time and it was his first time diving for the cross it's believed that whoever retrieves the cross will have extra blessings in the year ahead "It was truly amazing to be the one to emerge from the water with the cross," he said John Hittos celebrates after retrieving the cross during the 2024 Epiphany at Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs (Associated Press via Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times) In a unanimous decision, Tarpon Springs officials gave the green light for food trucks to operate at the Sponge Docks and downtown district The strict guidelines come with a planned review after six months of operation This shift follows intense talks between merchants and city officials Under strict limits, two mobile vendors can now set up at designated spots from morning to night. Planning Director Renea Vincent told Suncoast News that modifications to the rules tackled Planning Board concerns Vendors must use batteries or connect to existing power; no noisy generators are allowed City Manager Charles Rudd laid out the specifics: Mobile vendors need backing from brick-and-mortar spots that meet set standards These host businesses must provide restroom access and take care of waste management "We have to reassure these property owners and these landowners .. we're not going to let things get out of hand," said Mayor Panagiotis Koulias While restaurant owners voiced worries about facilities and trash a wave of 71 messages poured in supporting Mele's Donuts' loukoumades truck at the waterfront Vice Mayor John Koulianos pointed to financial benefits allowing them to have food trucks is helpful for their business survival on Pinellas Avenue," he said The rules demand partnerships between trucks and existing shops Vacant spots or sites without bathrooms won't qualify Officials will assess the program's success in half a year Vincent noted current shop owners' reluctance it doesn't sound like there's a whole lot of property owners down at the docks that's going to host anybody," she said A 2020 Florida law blocks cities from banning food trucks outright This pushed local officials to craft rules that stick to state guidelines while shielding established merchants — On a sunny afternoon during a busy spring break season tourists and families flocked to the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs so we just thought we'd come and see what there is to see,” said Lisa Wisner Wisner's family was one of the many that came to shop and explore “I think it's beautiful down here,” said Wisner “I don't see anything showing from the hurricane and I can't really see any scars that we've seen so far." ABC Action News was there as the storm hit and put many businesses under water Our cameras captured as roads turned into rivers "A lot of our shops had more than four feet of water in them,” said Stephanie Lennox Storms also ravaged nearby Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs it's night and day as families sat on the sandy shores and worked as a community to get everything up together again to get the streets flowing again with foot traffic for our businesses,” said Lennox "Spring break brings a lot of business to the area,” said Lennox Just across the street at the Sponge Docks “We had almost five feet of water in here,” said cashier Bonnie Stankey “She had to do a lot of work in here replacing walls and floors The community is continuing to rebound while welcoming visitors back with open arms "We've had great customers that come in and make sure we're alright and glad to see us back,” said Stankey “It felt good to come to work and see everybody's doors open and people coming back." Calling or texting 911 connects you to law enforcement The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office also has a non-emergency number – 727-582-6200 – for crimes that are not in progress If you are unsure whether your situation is a true emergency please call 911 and the call taker will determine if you need emergency assistance Email addresses are public record under Florida law and are not exempt from public records requirements If you do not want your email address to be subject to release pursuant to a public records request do not send electronic mail to this entity contact this office by telephone or in writing “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Some Tarpon Springs residents are now speaking out saying their neighbor has taken that concept too far by piling up hurricane-damaged appliances and building materials in his mother’s yard and everyone is completely helpless to effectuate any sort of change,” said Deniece Ramirez The home has been involved in a years-long code enforcement case but the debris has only increased after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton “There are these air conditioners; there are six Ramirez said what looks like an appliance graveyard sprang up in the weeks following the back-to-back hurricanes He's certain he’s going to make something out of them who describes himself as a contractor even though he doesn’t have a license is the man who has been dumping on the property this property has been looking like this for over five years and it just continues to get worse every day,” a Tarpon Springs Code Enforcement Officer testified at a code enforcement board hearing in June of 2023 There are multiple piles and pieces of large wooden posts “He just comes and scavenges on trash days and just dumps it in her yard,” Ramirez said The I-Team was checking out the home when Kaufman arrived with wood beams and an old tire strapped on top of his minivan “I had to hang on to it for customers temporarily,” he said He told us that he and a friend are in the process of repairing the appliances Tarpon Springs Police recently took the doors off the refrigerators stored in the driveway and yard “I called the city and said could you at least do something so it’s a little safer And they came and removed the doors so that if a child got in who previously worked as a pediatric nurse There's no locks on these things or anything,” Kaufman said “Rotten drywall with mold is going to be converted to what exactly?” Ramirez asked She said old mattresses are attracting raccoons When asked if he used the stuff in his yard There are multiple tires and dozens of boards stored on his mother’s roof “He had wood on the roof of his house that became projectiles and flew into the side of my home,” Ramirez said Kaufman said he plans to use the wood to build a back deck Kaufman has refused to allow code enforcement to inspect his property since he was found to be in violation by the Code Enforcement Board “They wanted to come by and check out the back,” Kaufman said “I told them the owner’s got too much valuable stuff That stuff includes a boat filled with holes and an old van We talked to Dolores Kaufman about the situation and her $75,000 in fines “I don’t have any idea how it would get resolved,” she said but I can’t do anything other than have him get rid of it “It's a hard challenge due to the fact that the state law only allows us to do so much as code enforcement,” said Tarpon Springs Police Maj who is a spokesperson for code enforcement “I just ask that they continue to work with us and let us do the right thing and let us do it the proper way,” Mathis said “I don’t have a timeline for you today about how long that would take “I'm hoping that if you shine a little light on it If it were a county commissioner living next door I guarantee you this would have been cleaned up quite a long time ago,” Ramirez said We’ll stay on top of the situation and let you know what happens Latest I-Team Investigations from ABC Action News Public services director Thomas Kiger told commissioners, “Last year we did around 68,000 rounds of golf. Because of that we had to reinvest in the facility to support that level of play.” “We recently completed a quarter-million-dollar tee box renovation, with expanded tee boxes to accommodate increased play. It’s time now to reinvest in the clubhouse facility,” he said. “We need new parking. We need an updated site plan, and we also need the space to host tournaments, events and to accommodate all these golfers that are visiting our facility.” The current clubhouse dates to the 1960s, Kiger said. Tarpon Springs Golf Course is one of the oldest courses in the state and is a participant on the Florida Historic Golf Trail, a program of the Florida Department of State. A new clubhouse might help the city host groups to foster its historic tourism efforts, which include its downtown and Cycadia Cemetery. The original nine holes of the golf course were built in 1907. In 1927, the course was redesigned and made an 18-hole, par 72 facility. Golf legend Gene Sarazen, who had a home in nearby New Port Richey, was a regular player on the Tarpon Springs links in the 1930s. The original nine holes of the Tarpon Springs Municipal Golf Course were built in 1907. In 1927, the course was redesigned and made an 18-hole, par 72 facility. [ Tarpon Springs Area Historical Society ]However, Kiger added, the current aged clubhouse lacks sufficient space to host events, and private managers who once operated the course did not adequately maintain it. “We don’t have the facility to hold tournaments or events on site,” he told city commissioners. “We have two annual tournaments, and both go off site to host their awards. A conceptual golf course design is complete, with plans to complete a full design this year.” All of the improvements planned would be self-funded by the Golf Course Enterprise Fund. “The course is operating very well financially, generating an operating profit during the last five years,” Kiger noted. “In 2024 the course generated $800,000 in operating profit; by the end of fiscal year 2024 there will be a $1,025,000 cash balance in the Enterprise Fund.” “The goal is to fully self-fund the new clubhouse utilizing a 10-year construction loan and $500,000 in cash funding, with construction starting in fiscal year 2026,” and completed in 2027. Course officials envision a 3% revenue increase from new clubhouse operations starting in 2027. Commissioner Frank DiDonato said it’s good to note that the project is self-funded within the Golf Course Enterprise Fund, because he already had two people asking why the city should spend that amount of money on the golf course. “The goal is to create an event space with additional parking, and additional food and beverage capability that includes a full liquor bar, to create a destination and attract guests,” Kiger said. The current design concept includes building the new clubhouse on one of the two practice greens near the parking lot. The existing clubhouse would be utilized through construction; after that, the existing clubhouse would be demolished, making way for additional parking. The new $ 4.1 million clubhouse would include parking lot improvements with the addition of 22 spaces. The new facility would feature a front porch entrance to the pro shop and snack bar, with a wrap-around back porch, a 1,400-square-foot event space that can host about 100 people, an indoor-outdoor bar, a catering kitchen, about 5,400 square feet of conditioned space and 2,300 square feet of usable outdoor space. Mayor Panagiotis Koulias expressed satisfaction that the golf course is turning a good profit. Reinvesting into a nice building will bring more of the community around to stay longer, he said. He asked if the snack bar could be made a little bit larger. From the rendering, “the snack bar sort of looks like a college campus cafeteria,” he said, wondering “if there is a way to make it look a little more cozy and warm.” “It’s still in the conceptual phase,” Kiger said. “We’ll make sure all the interior trims are very welcoming.” Koulias asked if the new clubhouse needed to include locker rooms. Kiger noted that “locker rooms are seen more at private country clubs. It’s less common now at municipal courses. Younger folks in particular are not so keen to change and shower in public anymore.” The public services director said the good news is that business is doing well. “Golf has been growing dramatically in America,” he said. “Since 2020, golf is the largest-growing sport in America by numbers. Pickleball is the largest growing by percentage.” He reported that 3.4 million Americans played golf for the first time in 2023 and there’s been a 40% growth in junior golf since 2019. Growth is driven by young adults, female participation and the popularity of Top Golf, YouTube golf content and the post-COVID golf boom, he said. Even better, he said, “the increase is particularly seen in municipal golf. Also we’re seeing shifts in demographics. People like to think about golf as a sort of retiree sport, and we do have a healthy amount of that, but now the average golfer is under the age of 50. Fifty-seven percent of golfers in America are under the age of 50. It’s a growing game and a good investment.” “Within the golf business you’ll see a lot of discussion in golf trade industry magazines … about the municipal renaissance or the menaissance,” he said. “Municipal golf is growing faster and outpacing performance of private golf courses. You still see a little bit of a correction in some of the very exclusive private courses and the smaller private courses, but overall, many communities are reinvesting in their municipal golf courses.” As examples, he cited Dunedin, which invested $4.5 million in its golf course renovation; St. Pete Cypress Links, which invested in 10 new links and clubhouse improvements; and Tampa’s Rogers Park, which installed a digital driving range through the Tampa Sports Authority. Kiger told commissioners, “Over the last few years we’ve experienced record play, with over 60,000 rounds annually in three consecutive years. The late 2010s were sort of a record low time for golf. We’re growing out of that and the post-COVID golf boom helped us in particular.” Commissioners unanimously told Kiger they would be happy to see the golf course take a swing at developing a modern-day clubhouse that can be used by several kinds of players. The Trump Administration has dismissed the scientists working on the country's flagship climate report a move that threatens to curtail climate science and make information about global warming less available to the public The National Climate Assessment is the most trustworthy and comprehensive source of information about how global warming affects the United States. It answers common questions about how quickly sea levels are rising near American cities how much rain is normal for different regions and how to deal with wildfire smoke exposure and its sixth edition was supposed to be released in late 2027 About 400 volunteer authors had already started work They included top scientists as well as economists tribal leaders and climate experts from non-profit groups and corporations the authors received an email releasing them from their roles and saying "the scope of the [National Climate Assessment] is currently being reevaluated." The White House did not respond to questions about why the authors were dismissed or what elements of the report's scope are being reassessed "I think the reason that Americans should be upset and should be concerned about this decision is because it's more than just a report," says Dave White a sustainability researcher at Arizona State University who has worked on two previous editions of the National Climate Assessment The assessment is widely used by everyone from city planners to farmers to judges city water utilities [use it] as they prepare to address the impacts of sustained drought," White says And "it informs elementary schools as they develop heat mitigation plans to reduce the risks of extreme heat on children." The last edition of the climate assessment also included an online atlas that allowed anyone to zoom in and see how climate change will affect their local community "It's important to understand what and who is at risk," explains Rachel Cleetus of the Union of Concerned Scientists Cleetus was supposed to work on the assessment chapter about sea level rise and other coastal effects of a warmer planet but the water is rising radically different amounts in different cities around the U.S Congress requires that the National Climate Assessment come out every four years although it has not always been published on time under previous Republican administrations Bush administration released an edition of the assessment four years late and only after it was compelled to do so by a lawsuit And there were signs even before President Trump took office that his administration might seek to undermine the latest edition of the assessment who now leads the White House Office of Management and Budget previously advocated for major changes to the office that oversees the National Climate Assessment Become an NPR sponsor fla — Hurricane Helene left Pineapple Street submerged in water the community is coming together to rebuild At the heart of this community stands a unique greenhouse with a putt-putt course in the yard It’s not just his home—it’s a place where people gather Ira rented out the downstairs units on Airbnb the flooding destroyed the two rental units below his home and it destroyed everything waist down.  “It’s been very tiresome and emotionally exhausting,” Ira said It is a glimpse into his past life as a contractor “It’s a little different when you’re 75 versus 35,” Crowe said but the motivation is not just about restoring the home.  “I have to serve my local population first,” He said  Before the flood he opened his home for families in Ukraine to live for free.  His next tenants to move in will be his neighbors across the street. John Stamper and his wife are facing their own challenges with rebuilding. They are waiting on the proper permits and insurance money before they can get started on repairs.  “It’s horrible,” Stamper said as he wiped away his tears.  Once Crowe puts the final touches on his ground floor units allowing them to be close to home and create some sense of normalcy the Stampers are finding hope in the kindness of their neighbors but the upside is we are okay,” Stamper said  How to watch Florida high school baseball: Calvary vs April 17Data SkriveCalvary Christian High School - Clearwater hosts Tarpon Springs High School at 6:50 p.m How to watch Tarpon Springs vs. Calvary baseballTarpon Springs and Calvary will take the field on Thursday, April 17, at 6:50 p.m. ET. Don't miss out on any of the action with NFHS Network The NFHS Network gives you access to live high school sports around the country Follow your favorite team and never miss a game Want to track your alma mater, local team or family member's school throughout the playoffs? NFHS Network has high school baseball streaming live plus on-demand replays and highlights of all the action from thousands of schools across America Watch Calvary vs. Tarpon Springs on NFHS! All NFHS Network events are available to watch online at NFHS Network and through the NFHS Network Mobile Apps for iOS and Android and TV Apps for ROKU — Cold weather in January or hot and humid summers Odyssey Cruises offers you a trip that's just iconic Florida Odyssey Cruises is hoping more people will come back to the docks soon We're a small business," owner Adam Smith said "It took a few months for Tarpon Springs to rebuild I think it is really important to support the local community We all do a lot of great things with the charities and the community groups that we support but we do ultimately need some business to help us do that." The captain will guide you through the beautiful waters while his first mate will give you some fun facts about the area and some jokes that are sure to make you chuckle "We try to keep it light; we try to keep it family-friendly even locals learn something when they come out," said Smith taking in Florida's beauty and just exploring "Certainly having certified naturalists on our boat Chuck [first mate] is a retired marine biology teacher and so he knows so much about the marine life Odyssey Cruises offers many different types of cruises. You can find more about those by clicking here. A gaming arcade known as Lucky Spot, with plans to offer skilled arcade and computer games at Olympic Plaza, 40114 U.S. 19 at Mango Street, received conditional use approval from city commissioners March 11. According to city staff, the floor plan provided by the applicant shows 20 arcade games and 11 computer games. Planning director Renea Vincent told commissioners the proposal is to operate an “adult arcade” to offer “a fun and an engaging environment for clients to enjoy skilled arcade games.” Planning staff clarified that although the applicant, Habbeb Najjar, refers to this use as an “adult arcade,” the owner is not referring to the definition of adult arcade contained in the Land Development Code. In this case, “adult” refers to it being open only to patrons 18 or older. Planning staff noted that “continued occupancy of tenant space in this aging shopping center, built in 1982, may continue to stabilize property values in this commercial corridor. … It is already nestled among the daily commerce activity of U.S. Highway 19 from which it gains access.” The Lucky Spot arcade proposed for a site at Mango Street and U.S. 19 in Tarpon Springs would feature 20 arcade games and 11 computer games. “You might see me there playing Mortal Kombat and Tekken," Mayor Panagiotis Koulias said. [ City of Tarpon Springs ]The applicant proposed operating hours from 1 to 10 p.m., telling staff he expects five to 10 customers on site at any given time. One of the conditions suggested by Tarpon Springs police was to maintain visibility to the interior of the arcade. “This concern allows city officers to be able to view the interior to ensure that it is not operating outside the established business hours and to ensure there is no changeout to unapproved gaming machines,” the planning report advised. The Lucky Spot is also prohibited from serving alcoholic beverages, and the city will not approve an alcoholic beverage license application, planners noted. Arcade owners told city officials they will offer prepackaged snacks and soft drinks “at no expense to our clients.” The planning and zoning Board also reviewed the application and recommended approval with staff conditions. According to information supplied by the owner, patrons “will have the opportunity to insert tokens or cash into arcade machines to play various skill-based games. In return, they can earn tokens that are redeemable at our prize booth. No cash prizes or money will be exchanged, it’s all done on a card where the player accumulates credits. Prizes include a variety of desirable items, such as: iPads, TVs, digital cameras, blow dryers, and vacuum cleaners.” “We are excited to bring this unique entertainment option to Tarpon Springs and look forward to becoming an active part of the local business community,” said the letter from Lucky 7 Management to the city. It added that the business will donate a portion of its proceeds on a monthly basis to local nonprofit organizations. Mayor Panagiotis Koulias quipped, “You might see me there playing Mortal Kombat and Tekken.” Food trucks might have more room to operate within the city after a revised ordinance cleared an initial hurdle recently. An ordinance that permits food trucks to supplement, for the most part, breweries and taverns without kitchens in commercial districts was approved by the city’s planning and zoning board on Feb. 24. The ordinance must now win approval of the City Commission during hearings Tuesday and April 8. Principal planner Patricia McNeese told members of the planning board that their denial at an earlier hearing Jan. 27 resulted in revisions to the original ordinance. According to McNeese, the new ordinance addressed concerns about parking, potential competition with brick-and-mortar restaurants and impacts to neighboring properties, especially from the use of generators. Revisions were also made to differentiate between downtown, Sponge Docks and other areas by providing standards for those areas. McNeese said that the newly proposed ordinance states two food trucks can operate between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. and must be accessory to a legal primary use. As far as allowable zoning districts, she said the current ordinance allows operation of temporary food trucks in three zoning districts. The new rules expand that to all nonresidential zonings outside the special area plan. That includes 13 districts, including industrial, residential office, waterfront and commercial districts. She said the city is proposing to limit trucks to establishments that have an on-premises alcohol license. Food trucks would not be allowed in the Spring Bayou character district, downtown from Tarpon Avenue to Ring, and the residential area of the Sponge Docks, she said. Seawater mixed with mud replaced the usual scene of gyros and baklava on the Tarpon Springs sponge docks the morning after Helene rolled through Bill Gresko is a sponge diver and rode out the storm on his boat He said the water got up to the height of door handles and he was afraid his boat was going to float onto Dodecanese Boulevard I had the engine ready to start to move all my lines I can do from the boat,” he said but wooden poles attached to the wall kept him from floating away George Christo was throwing out all the food he had stored at his restaurant Four feet of water had inundated everything in his kitchen “So all the refrigeration is destroyed,” he said Christo said he lost between $15,000-$18,000 in damages They ask me about around $10,000 a year,” he said Christo stayed in his restaurant until about 1 a.m. and walked home when the water got too high Candace Redwine was throwing out everything in her gift shop and there was no electricity and the streets were flooded “I probably lost about $10,000 to $15,000 worth of stuff,” Redwine said they won't just want to insure us down here for flood.” When asked if all that is going to come out of her own pocket But she only had two inches of seawater in her shop When asked if two hurricanes in two years was enough to make her think of moving out of the sponge docks how many more years this is going to happen How many more years am I going to have to deal with this Seawater was still sloshing around the floor of Fatty's Place gift shop long after the storm surge from the night before slinked back into the Gulf wringing them out and dragging them out to the curb Employee Kathy Esquinas said 80% of their merchandise was damaged beyond repair “It just looked like something I've never seen in over 20 years,” she said street or anything devastated the way it is.” Both fellow employee Marie Lee and Esquinas vowed to keep on going we just gotta get it together,” they both said “This can't stop us from having a great community.” Both have been through several hurricanes and said this won't stop them from doing what they do “You gotta have some thick skin and love this community to rebuild everything And it's a good thing that we do,” Esquinas said they dragged a few more sodden trash bags out to the curb — The Tarpon Springs High School Outdoor Performance Ensemble got in its final full practice Monday night before heading to Indianapolis to compete in the Bands of America Grand National Championships.  and that's exactly what we're gonna do," said Head Drum Major Mathew Olaya "Just making sure that we're in the right mindset," said Color Guard Captain Vivian Lunsway The band's 200 members gathered on the school football field to fine tune their show ahead of the competition "I'm really excited," said Lunsway "I know that we're anticipating a huge crowd if we make it to finals but we're all just really excited about how much hard work we put in over the season." Members spent hours upon hours practicing during the summer 'we always begin with the end in mind,'" said Kevin Ford one of the directors with the Tarpon Springs Leadership Conservatory for the Arts we started off with 182 days before grand nationals winning regional championships in Orlando last month.  just how the props interact with the light The reason that was built is that each show that we produce you'll see it differently," Olaya said about what makes the school's show stand out Members are familiar with the pressures of competition the group placed in the top five at nationals Perfecting the show takes dedication every year students also had to deal with the disruptions caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton "If you would've asked me three weeks ago whether or not we would be here or not Lost rehearsal time wasn't the only challenge "We have families that are actually in the rebuilding process and it's very humbling when you see we're here on a Saturday rehearsing and those families stop repairing their homes to come out to ensure that the students have the support that they need," said Ford "We really stepped up over the past few weeks to get back in the groove," said Lunsway Tarpon Springs High is one of three schools representing Florida in the competition along with Newberry High School in Alachua County and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County.