La Robe Boutique (former Apalachicola Sponge Exchange) c. 1831 - Apalachicola, FL, USA
Sponge diving thrived in Apalachicola from the late 1800s to 1939 when over-harvesting and red tide resulted in a total ban. In 2007, sponging was once again allowed in Apalachicola. In its heyday, 16 sponge boats called Apalachicola home. The Apalachicola Sponge Company was one of two sponge operations in Apalachicola. It operated out of the Apalachicola Sponge Exchange building. Today, the building is home to La Robe Boutique. The Apalachicola Sponge Company reopened in the historic Zingarelli building, where the business is booming.
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