Boca Grande Lighthouse in Florida

Boca Grande Lighthouse is located on Gasparilla Island in Boca Grande. It was built in 1890, and it's the oldest building on the Island.

The building next door to the lighthouse, looks very similar to the lighthouse. This was the assistant lighthouse keeper's house at the time the lighthouse was being used for navigation. The assistant lighthouse keeper worked from midnight to morning, and the regular keeper, worked during the day.'

In 1966, this lighthouse had it's lens removed, and it was then put in the other lighthouse down the road (Boca Grande Rear Range). Once the lens was transferred to the other lighthouse, Boca Grande Lighthouse went for 20 years, with no light. After the lighthouse had it's lens removed, it started to deteriorate, and if it wasn't for sand being brought in, in 1971, the lighthouse might have fallen in the Gulf.

Lee County gained the lighthouse in 1972 from the government, and in 1980, the residents of the island stepped in, and along with help from the state of Florida, the lighthouse was put on the National Register of Historical Places. The lighthouse was restored, and put back in service in 1986. The surrounding buildings were also restored.

Hurricane Charley devastated the lighthouse on Aug. 13th, 2004. The lighthouse was the result of broken window, torn trim, and interior damage. It was boarded up for a few months, and it's back to looking like new.

 Photo Credit: Phto was taken by me (Debbie G. - lovelights)
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