News Archives - Hickory Point RV Park

Scallop harvesting in Pasco County has been temporarily suspended

Christopher Hesselrode — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 14:31:55 +0000

Scallop harvesting in Pasco County has been temporarily suspended as of August 6, 2025 due to the detection of toxin-producing algae in the waters. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reports dangerous levels of Pyrodinium bahamense and its associated saxitoxins, exceeding safety thresholds defined by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.

This closure covers all state waters from the Hernando–Pasco county line down to the Anclote Key Lighthouse, including the Anclote River.

The scallop season began on July 10, 2025, and was scheduled to end on August 18 .
Now, until toxin levels drop to safe levels, no scalloping is allowed in the affected Pasco Zone.
Other zones remain open and accessible under normal regulations.

Health Risks from Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
Pyrodinium bahamense produces saxitoxin, a potent neurotoxin that accumulates in shellfish like scallops. If ingested, even in small amounts, it can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP)—a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms may include numbness, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory distress. These toxins are both odorless and heat-resistant, meaning cooking doesn’t neutralize the danger.

Environmental and Economic Impact
Pasco scalloping isn’t just recreation—it’s a backbone of local tourism and community spirit. The sudden halt affects:

Charter captains who count on the season for bookings,
Local businesses such as gas stations, boat ramps, cleaning services, motels, and restaurants, and
Visitors who travel from far and wide to enjoy this seasonal pursuit

Natural Patterns of Harmful Algal Blooms
Pyrodinium bahamense undergoes a life cycle where it forms dormant cysts on the seafloor. Under favorable conditions—like warmer temperatures or nutrient influxes—these cysts germinate, triggering blooms that release toxins into the water. These blooms naturally arise, but scientists are studying how environmental changes influence their frequency and intensity.

Looking Ahead: Signs of Reopening
FWC continues routine shellfish testing. The scallop season in Pasco may resume or even be extended once toxin levels return below the safety threshold. In 2024, a similar closure occurred mid-season—scalloping resumed on August 28 and continued through late September when conditions improved.

What You Can Do

Tip	Description
Stay Informed	Visit FWC’s site for live updates on toxin levels and zone reopenings.
Explore Other Zones	Counties like Hernando and Citrus remain open—travel directly through Pasco to scallop there.
Support Local	Businesses still benefit from visitors doing boating, fishing, or staying locally—even if scalloping is off.
Safe to Swim, Just Not Eat	The toxin doesn’t pose a risk to swimmers, but avoid consuming any scallops or shellfish from closed areas.

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Father’s Day

juice — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 13:06:52 +0000

Unlike Mother’s Day, which began in 1906 as a reflective memorial and celebration of the life of one mother – Anna Reeves Jarvis, Father’s Day was born of great sorrow. Community members of Monongah, West Virginia, gathered to remember 362 miners that were killed in a coal mine explosion in December of 1907. Of the 362 souls that were lost, 250 were fathers who left behind more than a thousand children between them.

The memorial service, held in July of 1908, was thought to be a one time community event. Yet, in 1909 Sonora Smart Dodd was attending a Mother’s Day service when she had the notion that fathers should be honored as well. When she had originally proposed the holiday to various townspeople, she had suggested that it should be celebrated on June 5th of each year – her own father’s birthday. The first celebration of Father’s Day occurred in Washington on June 19, 1910, but it took another 62 years to be declared a national holiday.

Father’s Day is celebrated in over one hundred countries throughout the world. While the United States and the United Kingdom recognize the month of June as reasons to celebrate paternal figures, some European countries celebrate the day of recognition in March or December. Traditionally, these dates coincide with historical celebrations meant to recognize a male figure such as a saint or great leader. Other countries, such as South Korea, recognize both maternal and paternal figures on the same day, aptly named “parents day”.

Although originally introduced as a day of celebration in the United States in the 1900’s and ratified as a national holiday in 1972, the day of reflection and gratitude for relevant father figures has taken a bit longer to be accepted in other countries. Late adoptions of the day honoring fathers include Argentia (1982), Mongolia (2005), Indonesia (2006), Latvia (2008), Romania (2009), and Kazakhstan (2012).

History aside, it is the significance of Father’s Day that we celebrate throughout the world. It is a day set aside to reflect on the male figures in our lives who have filled the role of dad regardless of their relationship to us. It is an opportunity to appreciate the brothers, uncles, grandfathers, stepfathers, and mentors who had the courage and strength to stand beside us as we learned to negotiate the world.

This Father’s Day, why not celebrate the father or father figure in your life, at Hickory Point RV Park? Through the month of June 2023, we are running a summer special – buy two nights and get the third night free. Contact us at (727) 937-7357 to ask about the promotion and book a reservation for dad.

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National GO RV’ing Day!

juice — Fri, 19 May 2023 19:22:01 +0000

The month of June has long been recognized as an ideal time for individuals to be outside to explore all that nature has to offer. Being in the great outdoors is a personal exploration that often involves hiking, fishing, paddle boarding or kayaking, and camping. Camping, with a long history dating back to the late 1800’s, is encouraged throughout the month of June, and has been expanded to incorporate exploring the great outdoors through recreational vehicles as well as general tent camping. RV’ing has become such a popular past time over the years that we now celebrate “National Go RV’ing Day” on the second Saturday of June.

If you have never had the opportunity to explore the great outdoors through camping or RV’ing, you can still enjoy many recreational facilities that have on-site cabins or by borrowing an RV. Do not know anyone who you can borrow an RV from? Why not rent a recreational vehicle for the June 10th “National Go RV’ing Day” through RV Share? Unsure if the RV lifestyle is for you? At Hickory Point RV Park, we can introduce you to the great outdoors while spending time in our on-site cabin. Enjoy a bike ride along the Pinellas Trail, paddle board on the Anclote River, or explore the islands and waterways on one of the many chartered boat tours offered in Tarpon Springs.

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Opening of the Coastal Anclote Trail

juice — Wed, 05 May 2021 12:55:46 +0000

The Coastal Anclote Trail is a new 12 foot wide paved path that winds through the wilderness of southern Pasco County and is now open to the public. Upon completion of the project, the Coastal Anclote Trail will connect with the renowned Pinellas Trail. This new path will make it easier and safer to travel between Pasco and Pinellas.

The trail will be 4.52 miles long when finished. Development of the trail was started in early 2019 and is expected to be completed soon. The trail is shaded in most parts and weaves through the lush tropical landscape of coastal Florida. The parks that are able to be accessed by the trail currently are Anclote River Park, Anclote Gulf Park, and Key Vista Nature Park.

Hickory Point RV Park is about a 10 minute walk or a 5 minute bike ride from the trail head which can be accessed at Anclote River Park. Call our office or message us on facebook for any questions. We hope to see you out there!

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PADDLE BOARDING

juice — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 18:37:48 +0000

NEW AT HICKORY POINT RV PARK!

Hickory Point is one of the best places along the Gulf Coast of Florida for paddle boarding. Now with our new paddle boards, you have the opportunity to enjoy this physical outdoor activity and launch straight from the shore of the park.

While kayaking has been a popular activity in the past, our stand up paddle boards offer a slightly different approach to spending time on the water. You can sit. You can stand. You can lay down to catch some sun or you can even do some yoga moves on a paddle board

OUR TOP TIPS FOR PADDLE BOARDING:

Avoid the wind. Standing on a paddle board your body acts as a sail, which makes it easier for the wind to carry you in one direction but harder to paddle in the other.
Go with the flow. Because you don’t cut through the water as easily as a kayak, it’s easier to go with the flow of the wind and the water.
Know where you’re going and how far you’re going. Paddle boarding is a leisure approach to being on the water and is not meant for going long distances. Remember, going as far as you want is optional, but making your way back is mandatory.
Begin on flat water. Paddle boarding is not made for waves and it’s more likely that you’ll tip over if you try to mount the paddle board in choppy water.
Bring essentials with you. Use a waterproof bag to bring essentials like sunscreen, water and perhaps a towel and your phone.

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Responsible travel from afar and close to home

juice — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 20:34:11 +0000

Stressed from 2020?

Getting out and about during a pandemic can be pretty difficult. A survey conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of the American Psychological Association suggest that stress levels are significantly higher now as compared to this time last year. Thankfully, RV’s are the ultimate self contained vehicles that allow people to explore and witness new places responsibly and with minimal exposure to others.

Free Kayak Rentals

How to get away.

A weekend get away to somewhere like Hickory Point RV Park can be just what a family needs if they are looking for a weekend vacation. Staying somewhere new even if you do not live far away, can help you recharge during these trying times. We at Hickory Point RV Park have multiple amenities to help you and your family enjoy a relaxing getaway. We offer water front access, a boat ramp, docks for fishing and boating, kayaks, a doggy park, and multiple other outdoor attractions. We hope to see you soon!

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Tarpon Springs: A Gem on Florida’s Central West Coast

juice — Sun, 15 Jul 2018 21:08:47 +0000

The RV lifestyle allows you to explore local areas, and learn about the history and traditions of the places you visit.

Our Hickory Point RV Park is located in the unique city of Tarpon Springs, once called the “Sponge Capital of the World”. It’s a beautiful, one-of-a-kind area that offers many options for turning your stay into a memorable experience.

Learn more about the history of the city, its Greek heritage, and the Sponge Industry before you come visit us.

City History & the Sponge Industry

Tarpon Springs is located along the Anclote River, from Lake Tarpon west to the Gulf of Mexico. The first settlers in the area arrived in 1876. By 1887, Tarpon Springs was incorporated, with a population of 52 residents. Several accounts state that the name of the city was inspired by the large number of tarpon fish that inhabited the area.

The year 1887 also saw the arrival of the Orange Belt Railway, which made travel and trade easier. The Anclote Key lighthouse helped advance transportation by water that same year.

The city is best known for establishing the most successful sponge industry in Florida, when John Cheyney founded the Anclote River and Rock Island Sponge Company. In fact, by 1900, Tarpon Springs became the largest sponge port in the U.S. For 30 years, this industry was the largest in the state, bigger than citrus or tourism.

Sponge Boat in Tarpon Springs

The sponges, which are actually living sea creatures, were discovered in the Florida Keys in the 1820s. Visiting fishermen from Key West discovered sponge beds off the Tarpon Springs coast in 1873.

Soon people came to this area to harvest the sponges. Although there were Spongers already living in the area, according to Ed Dorsett (in an article by Nicholas Pilugin published in the Tampa Tribune in 1990):

“The old spongers were really the black spongers. We’ve been here long before they (the Greeks) got here. My grandfather was a sponger.”

Greek immigrants expanded and refined the sponge industry, with John Corcoris as the leader. He brought in 500 divers from several Greek islands, and was responsible for the first mechanized sponge fishing boat in the city.

Monument to Sponge Divers

The Greek divers introduced the technology of hard-hat diving, plusinformation about the types of boats used in Greece. Sponge diving was not an easy occupation, as the men would practically live on the sponge boats for 6-8 months each year. Divers were lost every year due to decompression sickness or the “bends”.

In 1908 the Sponge Exchange was founded, an organized system for grading and buying the sponges. It was established by sponge divers, boat builders, and others involved in the industry.

The sponge industry suffered ups and downs over the years due to the Depression, a destructive hurricane, a blight (that infested the sponge beds), and a red tide.

The sponge beds did survive, and regained full strength in the 1970s. The industry then saw a modest revival, and today there are boats and sponge divers who continue to bring in sponges.

Greek culture has a deep history in Tarpon Springs, and the city claims the highest percentage of Americans with Greek heritage of any city in the U.S.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, located in the heart of downtown Tarpon Springs, was the first and original Greek Orthodox Christian parish of the Tampa-St. Petersburg area.

The first St. Nicholas Church was built in 1907, and the domed cathedral located in Tarpon Springs today was completed in 1943, modeled after the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople.

Cross Diver Statue at St. Nicholas Cathedral

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs celebrates Epiphany every year on January 6th with the Cross-Diving in Spring Bayou. The first observance of Epiphany in Tarpon Springs was in 1903, and has now become the largest Epiphany celebration in the country. The famous “Cross Diver” statue is located in the plaza north of the Cathedral.

National Register of Historic Places

Tarpon Springs Cultural Center

The downtown center of Tarpon Springs is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can walk on its brick streets, and stop in antique stores, art galleries, and restaurants in buildings that date from the late 1800s. Tarpon Springs was Florida’s first recognized Traditional Cultural Property.

Learn more about the city’s history at the:

Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum in Craig Park
Safford House Museum
Tarpon Springs Historical Society

Tour the Town

A Mural in Tarpon Springs

Today, tourism is Tarpon Springs’ primary economic activity, although you can still see active sponge boats at the docks. There are many things to do and see, including:

Greek Restaurants & Bakeries
Greek and Florida Souvenir Shops
Dolphin Sightseeing Cruises
Shopping in Tarpon Springs
Fishing Trips
Sponge Diving Museum
Seasonal Festivals & Entertainment

…and of course the Sponge Docks and natural sponges.

You can stay up-to-date on local happenings through the Hickory Point RV Park Facebook Page, where we share the latest Tarpon Springs events and activities. Let us know if you have any questions before planning your trip, and we’ll be happy to help!

Sources:

http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/culture/articles/14/Tarpon-Springs-Greektown-National-Register-of-Historic-Places-Viva-Florida-Insider.html

http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/tarpon-springs.html

http://tarponspringsareahistoricalsociety.org/

http://www.fivay.org/tarpon_springs2.html

https://spongedocks.net

http://www.stnicholastarpon.org/

http://www.divingheritage.com/keywestkern.htm

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Historic Sites in Tarpon Springs

juice — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 15:52:11 +0000

As you explore the Tarpon Springs area, keep in mind that our town has some unique, historic places that tell the story of this area and provide interesting activities for visitors and residents.

We’ll highlight a few in this blog post, but you can check out a complete list on the National Register of Historic Places for all
of Pinellas County here: http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/fl/pinellas/state.html and here:
http://www.pinellascounty.org/historic/pdf/national-register.pdf

1. Tarpon Springs Historic District

First is the Tarpon Springs Historic District, bounded by Read Street, Hibiscus Street, Orange Street, Levis Avenue, Lemon Street and Spring Bayou.
It was added in 1990 and contains 145 historic buildings including specific sites like the Safford House, Arcade Hotel, and Old City Hall.

The historic significance of the district focuses on Events, Architecture, Engineering and the periods of significance include: 1925-1949, 1900-1924, 1875-1899.

When you visit the Tarpon Springs Historic District, you can walk on the brick streets, and stop in antique stores, art galleries, and restaurants in buildings that date from the late 1800s. Tarpon Springs was Florida’s first recognized Traditional Cultural Property.

Included in the Historic District is the Safford House, which was added in 1974, with a historic significance of Architecture and Engineering, during the period of 1875-1899.

Safford House:

The Safford House is now owned and operated by the city of Tarpon Springs. It serves as a museum to Victorian splendor of the time period and has been restored and opened to the public. Visit the website to learn more: http://tarponarts.org/event-location/safford-house-museum/

Tarpon Springs City Hall

The (old) Tarpon Springs City Hall was added in 1990, with historic significance including Architecture, Engineering, and Events, for the periods of 1925-1949, 1900-1924.

2. The Sponge Exchange

The next big site is the Tarpon Springs Sponge Exchange which was added to the Registry in 1984. The historic significance is focused on Events (European, Commerce, Industry) with a period of 1900-1924.

In 1908 the Sponge Exchange was founded as an organized system for grading and buying the sponges. It was established by sponge divers, boat builders, and others involved in the industry.

Today the Sponge Exchange is a popular shopping village, with over 30 shops and eateries. Learn more about the Sponging industry, see sponge-diving boats used today, and purchase these world-famous sponges at 735 Dodecanese Blvd.

Visit the website for more information (including a link to a short walking-tour video): http://thespongeexchange.com/

3. Anclote Key Lighthouse

Another historic site is the Anclote Key Lighthouse, located on the southern end of Anclote Key Island. Its area of significance focuses on Transportation, Maritime History, and Engineering; during the periods of 1925-1949, 1900-1924, 1875-1899.

Visit the Florida State Parks site to learn more: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/anclote-key

You’ll also find several packing houses and sponge boats listed in the National Registry, which provide further significance of the Sponge Industry to this part of the country.

More resources on Tarpon Springs history include:

The Heritage Museum

Located in Craig Park, this building shares more of Tarpon Springs’ history. Visit the website to learn more and see hours of operation; http://tarponarts.org/event-location/heritage-museum/

The Tarpon Springs Area Historical Society, Inc.

The archives of the Historical Society are located in the Train Depot Museum at 160 E. Tarpon Avenue. Learn more on their website: http://tarponspringsareahistoricalsociety.org/ and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Tarpon-Springs-Area-Historical-Society-Inc-95327242343/

We hope you found this information helpful as you learn more about Tarpon Springs and visit some of these unique historic sites. Keep up with local events and activities on our Facebook Page.

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Things To Do Around Tarpon Springs

juice — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 18:01:53 +0000

When you look for things to do during your visit to the Tarpon Springs area you’ll find that there truly is something for everyone here! Peaceful settings, outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, historic places, fun and adventure…no matter what you’re looking for, this area of Florida’s Gulf Coast offers memorable experiences for all visitors.

With its amazing weather and miles of shoreline, the area around Tampa, Florida is the perfect place for playing in the outdoors. At Hickory Point RV Park, you’ll stay just a short walk away from the Anclote Park and Beach, a terrific spot for swimming, sunbathing, shelling and admiring our incredible Florida wildlife.

Other nearby beaches include Fred Howard Park, where you can walk along a mile-long causeway into the Gulf of Mexico. This is a great place to go windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, swimming and walking on the beach.

The local Jolley Trolley will take you south to Clearwater Beach, a favorite among tourists, and named one of the country’s top beaches, with restaurants, water sports, and beautiful sunsets by the Pier.

We are near amazing fishing spots, miles of water for boating, sailing, and jet-skiing; and a busy waterfront with fishing and shrimp boats.

Bring your own boat and use the launch in our campground or rent a boat at nearby marinas. There are also a variety of boat tours in this area for fishing, dolphin spotting, and trips to island beaches and parks.

Hickory Point RV Park is set in the quiet town of Tarpon Springs, a community with a rich cultural heritage. In the late 1800s, Greek settlers founded this as a sponge diving center. You can still shop for these unique, natural sponges in shops along the winding streets of Tarpon Springs’ quaint downtown.

Shopping in Tarpon Springs

Tour the specialty shops, make arrangements for a diving expedition, or stop to sample our famous Greek cuisine. If you bring your feast back to camp, you can enjoy a picnic at Hickory Point’s beautiful waterfront picnic area, taking in views of the canals and waterways.

Monument to Sponge Divers

Clearwater, Tampa and St. Petersburg offer many fun attractions for all ages. A view places to spend the day include Busch Gardens Amusement Park, the Tampa Museum of Science and Industry, the Florida Aquarium (in Tampa), and the Lowry Park Zoo.

You can explore the undersea creatures at the nearby Clearwater Marine Aquarium, view migratory seabirds at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores or hike along the stunning Pinellas Trail that runs through Tarpon Springs.

And don’t miss our amazing festivals. Tarpon Springs hosts the annual October Greek Festival, the Spring Fine Arts Festival and the January Epiphany Festival. In Tampa, you can enjoy the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in January, the Florida Strawberry Festival in March and the Bay Area Renaissance Festival in April.

Want to visit a few of our local markets for fresh produce, plants, and more treasures? Start with Pierce Street Market, the downtown Clearwater Farmer’s Market in the Cleveland Street District, and then find a list of many others at the Visit St Pete / Clearwater website.

Each month, we post a list of events occurring in Tarpon Springs on our Facebook Page. Make sure to follow us there for these updates.

We are always happy to help you plan fun things to do when you stay with us, so make sure you stop by our front office for more information!

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Beaches Near Tarpon Springs Florida

juice — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 18:07:25 +0000

If you like the sun and the sand, then our part of the state offers many options! Tarpon Springs is conveniently located near some beautiful Florida beaches. You can walk to a local park just a few minutes from our Hickory Point RV campground, drive just a few miles to several different beaches, take a boat to an island beach, or visit one of the top beach towns in the nation – Clearwater Beach.

Use the resources below to learn more about several top spots near us. Be aware that most beaches require some type of parking fee, and check each beach individually to learn more about food options, public restrooms, and lifeguard stations.

Pasco County:

Anclote River Park – Just a few minutes north of our campground, this spot offers a 300-foot beach, a boat launch, designated fishing areas, and a pavilion for picnics.

Pier at Anclote Park

See the Pasco County website for more information on this park and others: http://www.pascocountyfl.net/index.aspx?NID=1875

Pinellas County:

Sunset Beach Park – A small local beach in Tarpon Springs park with barbecue grills, sheltered picnic tables, a concession stand, bicycle stands and public restrooms. This park holds a free monthly concert at the beach, which you can learn more about in our monthly events post on our Facebook Page.

Fred Howard Park – A popular place for locals and tourists, this site offers 155 acres, a park, causeway, and beach with boat and bike rentals. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, trails, fishing, biking, and public restrooms.

Causeway at Fred Howard Park

Honeymoon Island State Park – This site contains 4 miles of beaches, nature trails, and Florida wildlife. It is also the launching point to Caladesi Island State Park.

Caladesi Island State Park – In nearby Dunedin, this completely natural island is only accessible by boat or ferry. Enjoy the beaches and fishing, a marina with electric and water hookups, as well as a snack bar and gift shop.

Clearwater Beach – Named one of the top beaches in the nation, this popular town is where you will find white sand beaches for 2.5 miles, plus shopping, restaurants, and lots of beach activities.

Clearwater Beach

The Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce has a helpful page for frequently-asked-questions. See it here: http://www.beachchamber.com/quick-facts-faqs.html

The Pier at Clearwater Beach

You can also check out a few other beaches that are further south in Pinellas County:

Treasure Island Beach

Indian Rocks Beach

St. Pete Beach

Indian Rocks Beach

See the county website for more information on all beaches in our area: http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/beaches.htm

and print out a free shell-collecting guide: http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/pdf/beach-shells.pdf

Here are a few more resources to help you enjoy the beaches in our area:

Visit Florida shares some beach safety tips on this page: http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/florida-beaches/beach-safety-tips.html

The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium provides reports on beach conditions in our area at http://visitbeaches.org/

The NOAA also provides information on beach conditions on its site: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/map/index.html?region=Florida

The wide variety of beaches near Tarpon Springs means you’re bound to find one that suits you, whether you enjoy quiet, natural spots or a beach with more people and activities.

If you’re staying with us at Hickory Point RV Park, stop by our office for more information on local beaches and activities, and make sure to follow us on Facebook to keep up with local news and events.

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