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Name: Ted Billiris
Ted is a native of Tarpon Springs, FL, which is a predominantly Greek-American city near Tampa, FL known for its sponge industry. He says the people are "a close family" and "it's what makes Tarpon Springs spectacular". Ted said the city produces 70% of the world's sponges and he has been involved with the sponge industry for over 60 years. He is a first generation Greek in the U.S., one of eight children, and describes himself as a "professional eater". He has collected over 268 original recipes from around the world, but Moussaka is his favorite dish. He works with the St. Nicholas Boat Line (http://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/listings/761/) which is the oldest diving company in the Western Hemisphere. I asked him why he loves the sponge industry, and he replied, "I enjoy every single day down here in the docks. I wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world". Ted also told me a story and hopefully I retell it correctly! He met Jimmy Carter at Bob Graham's inauguration and was invited to the White House. Ted was drinking coffee in the Oval Office with the President when a "Spanish entourage" came in to bring Carter a bill that would give money to farmers in Spain. Carter was not completely familiar with Spanish farmers so he asked Ted for his opinion. Ted replied that his roommate in college was Spanish and said that the people are very nice and trustworthy, so the President signed the bill. A few weeks later, Ted received a call from the Spanish King's Baron who said that the King wanted to make Ted a knight for what he did for the Spanish farmers. Ted Billiris was knighted in 1974 by the Order of St. James.