TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — The work continues to make the Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs ready for history.

Epiphany 2025 is just a handful of days away.

The boats are in, and the excitement is mounting for these boys who are ready to dive.

“Having the boys dive for the cross is just an honor for them and true excitement,” said Johanna Gatzoulis, who runs media and public relations for St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

For the Greek Orthodox faith, Epiphany is huge, not only for the boys retrieving the cross but for the spectators witnessing that blessing.

“We’re expecting at least 22,000 people to come to the event,” Gatzoulis said.

With all those people, safety is top of mind for so many to ensure this celebration stays a celebration.

“We work very closely with the Tarpon Springs Police Department, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department to ensure that our archbishop is safe, his entourage is safe,” Gatzoulis said. “And then all of the people here in Tarpon Springs that come to visit us are safe as well.”

Gatzoulis says law enforcement is here early on Jan. 6 to sweep the entire area between the church and Spring Bayou.

Even Thursday, officers with fish and wildlife were on a boat helping the boys set up the dinghies.

“They’re on top of it, more there than you’ll ever know,” Gatzoulis said.

She says they have folks from several agencies to keep everyone safe while the boys dive.

“They’re doing their job,” Gatzoulis said. “We’ve got more than enough staff from all of the different facets, between Pinellas County, Tarpon Springs PD and other law enforcement that are watching over us.”

So that Jan. 6, will be blessed for everyone around Spring Bayou.

The Tarpon Springs Police declined a request for comment on the measures they’re taking to ensure safety for this year’s Epiphany.