Question

add the sentence that best establishes the topic of the paragraph. plentiful sponge beds were discovered in the area in the early 1900s, and tarpon springs soon became a major exporter of the sponges, which were used as cleaning tools. as demand for the sponges grew, skilled divers came from greece to help develop the trade. over time, greek shops and restaurants opened to serve the growing community of sponge divers. tourism grew as travelers came to try greek food and witness the bustling activity at the docks. today’s visitors to tarpon springs can still watch the unloading of sea sponges from fishing boats and purchase them for use. for over a century, the coastal city of tarpon springs, florida, has been known for a natural resource submerged just offshore. the city of tarpon springs, florida, includes greek stores and restaurants that serve as a draw for tourists. tarpon springs, florida, is a community of about twenty - six thousand people located just north of tampa. due to the beauty of its coastal ecosystem, tarpon hills in florida has attracted both artists and scientists to its shores.

Explanation:

The paragraph focuses on the history and current - day significance of sponge trade in Tarpon Springs. The first option introduces the long - standing association with a natural resource (sponges) which is the main topic of the paragraph. The other options focus on tourism, population, and the attraction of artists and scientists, which are not the main topics.

Answer:

For over a century, the coastal city of Tarpon Springs, Florida, has been known for a natural resource submerged just offshore.