On August 7, we celebrate National Lighthouse Day, a day dedicated to the iconic structures that have guided sailors safely to shore for centuries.
In Florida, lighthouses are not just navigational aids; they are historical treasures that tell the stories of our coastal heritage. Today, we highlight the remarkable lighthouses that have been included to the Florida’s 11 to Save or recognized through Florida’s Preservation Awards.
Florida Keys Reef Lighthouses
Featured on the 2015 and 2016 Florida’s 11 to Save, the Florida Keys Reef Lighthouses are an important piece of Florida’s history. The six reef lighthouses were constructed to warn ships of the hazardous reefs below the surface and include Carysfort Reef, Sand Key, Sombrero Key, Alligator Reef, Fowey Rocks and American Shoal. Built between 1852 and 188, these lighthouses are made of cast iron with a skeletal design to let as much wind and waves pass through in order to withstand hurricanes.
The lighthouses are threatened by corrosion and vandalism, and maintenance is necessary to prevent their collapse into the reef.
Cape San Blas Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters
The Cape San Blas Lighthouse was built more than 130 years ago. It was designed to guide vessels around he shoals running out from the Cape using the sole beacon that could be seen for up to 10 miles off shore. The structure survived attacks by Union Troops in 1862 and many blows from storms, winds and high surf throughout the years.
Placed on the Florida Trust’s 11 to Save list in 2013, the Cape San Blas Lighthouse has received broad community support. The City of St. Port Joe invested resources in order to preserve this piece of maritime history and helped fund its relocation and restoration, for which the project received a 2017 Florida Preservation Award in the category of Organizational Achievement.
Pensacola Lighthouse
The Pensacola Lighthouse has been watching over mariners in Pensacola Bay for more than 160 years. Built in 1859, the Lighthouse is located onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola and offers panoramic views of the Gulf Coast. Over the years, the lighthouse has faced numerous challenges, from hurricanes to the natural wear and tear of time.
Restored after years of planning and preparation, it is now ready to continue doing so for many years to come. The project, led by the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, received a 2018 Florida Preservation award in the category of Restoration/Rehabilitation.
St. Marks Lighthouse
Nestled within the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, the St. Marks Lighthouse stands as one of Florida’s oldest lighthouses. Built in 1842, it has witnessed over a century of maritime history, guiding vessels through the challenging waters of Apalachee Bay.
Under the guidance of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, the lighthouse has undergone significant restoration efforts to preserve its historic fabric and ensure its structural stability. The restoration project received a 2019 Florida Preservation Award in the category of Restoration/Rehabilitation. Derelict for decades, the beautifully restored St. Marks Lighthouse is now a major cultural resource for Florida.
As we celebrate National Lighthouse Day, it is important to recognize and honor the efforts to preserve these structures that are so integral to Florida’s coastal heritage. Let’s continue to support them and ensure they remain a part of the state’s landscape. Happy National Lighthouse Day!
What is your favorite Florida lighthouse? Let us know!
