Ruth Eckerd Hall was nominated one of the top five concert halls in the United States by a nation-wide industry poll of technicians, artists and their management.
It comfortably seats 2,180 for concerts, recitals, plays and special events. In addition to the 200 events presented annually by the center, community groups and nationally recognized arts organizations, including The Florida Orchestra, lease the venue. Our volunteers and staff warmly welcome visitors and artists to our acoustically perfect chamber.

Tarpon Springs was once known as "the sponge capital of the world". In the 1930s, the sponge industry of Tarpon Springs was very prosperous, bringing in millions of dollars of sponges yearly. But in the 1940s, the sea sponge beds were contaminated and destroyed by bacteria, which led to a decline in the natural sponge industry. The industry was revived in the 1980s when healthy sea sponges were found. Now Tarpon Springs is back to being a leader in the world's natural sponge market.
All aspects of the sponge industry take place in Tarpon Springs, from the harvesting of the sponge, all the way to the auctions that are held weekly at the Sponge Docks for the wholesalers.

Fishing Charters - Fish the inshore backwaters of Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Ruskin, Palmetto, Bradenton, Anna Maria and Sarasota bays for snook, redfish, trout and tarpon. The west coast of Florida offers some of the best fishing opportunities for the inshore slam. Tampa Bay is Florida's largest open-water estuary covering 398 square miles at high tide. The bay is a popular destination for recreation, and supports one of the world's most productive natural estuaries. Salt water and fresh water mix and provide nurseries for young fish, shrimp, and crabs providing a food source for the inshore slam species. In addition, Tampa Bay has as many a 40,000 birds, ranging from the brown pelican to the colorful roseate spoonbill. The bay is also home to dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees. With many areas developing and losing key wildlife habitats, Tampa and Sarasota Bays are flourishing from the fish restocking initiative and sea grass re-planting efforts.