Sunday, October 1, 2023

Lighthouse of the Week, October 1-7, 2023: Mayport Lighthouse, Florida, USA

 

I've driven through Jacksonville, Florida once, and I've been near it a few times, but I didn't know if it had a lighthouse in proximity (despite the proximity of the coast).  Well, it does. It's a lighthouse that's easy to see, but you can't tour it, because it's on a naval base. 

This is where it is -- Mayport Lighthouse

Let's here from the Lighthouse Directory:

"1859 (station established 1830). Inactive since 1929. 81 ft (24.5 m) round brick tower, extended from 66 ft (20 m) in 1887 by expanding the top of the tower and adding a taller lantern. Tower painted bright red, watch room white; the lantern is black with a greenish metallic roof. During World War II the Navy raised the ground level so that the tower now appears to be about 65 ft (20 m) tall; the door is buried and access to the tower is through a window. ... In January 2000 the association reached an agreement with the Navy to use a nearby building as a visitor center and museum, but the base has been closed to the public for security reasons since the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Efforts to obtain a state grant for restoration were not successful during 2004. The Association disbanded, but in 2021 it was revived and efforts to involve the Navy in assessing the condition of the lighthouse and working toward restoration and public access are underway. In 2023 there were plans to move the lighthouse to a waterfront location open to the public, if funding can be found."

Lighthouse Friends on this one.

So now a few pictures.





 





















And here's the StreetView from the street, where you can view it.

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