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Did you know that the sponge industry inadvertently spawned what has become the Florida Keys very own sweet claim to fame, Key lime pie? It began as a hooker’s tale. Hookers, in this case, were the men manipulating 30-40-and 50 foot poles as they scooped up sponges growing on the ocean floor. They did not work alone, and were accompanied on their boats by partners who peered beneath the surface through glass-bottom barrels who worked to direct the aim of their pronged poles. Out on their boats for days at a time, spongers would have cans of sweetened condensed milk for their coffee. Before going out to hook sponges, they would mix fresh lime juice, egg, and stale Cuban bread in the can. When they returned to the boat, they had a sweet treat waiting for them. Eventually, the combination of ingredients made it to Key West kitchens, and Key lime pie was born. Image from the Florida Keys History Center.