Florida Keys lighthouse shines after 10 years of darkness.
Restoring the Alligator Reef Lighthouse: A Beacon of History
ISLAMORADA, Fla.—Step back in time to a bygone era when ships relied on the guiding light of lighthouses to navigate treacherous coral reefs. The Alligator Reef Lighthouse, a 150-year-old historic landmark, is once again shining brightly thanks to a dedicated community group in Islamorada.
With a $6 million restoration project underway, the Alligator Reef Lighthouse has been equipped with new solar-powered lights, illuminating the night sky and reminding the public of its rich history. This endeavor is part of a nationwide effort to preserve and save these iconic structures that have stood along the U.S. coast for over a century.
Reviving a Forgotten Legacy
“Alligator Lighthouse was lit in 1873 and it stayed lit until about 2013, and then it went dark for 10 years,” said Rob Dixon, the executive director of Save Alligator Lighthouse, which took over the lighthouse’s title in late 2021. “And now our Statue of Liberty is lit once again.”
The Alligator Reef Lighthouse gets its name from the USS Alligator, a Navy schooner that tragically sank after running aground on the reef in 1822.
Once vital navigational aids, the Alligator Reef Lighthouse and five other aging lighthouses off the Florida Keys have become obsolete with the advent of modern satellite navigation systems. As a result, these structures are being disposed of by the General Services Association.
However, a detailed engineering study has revealed the urgent need for stabilization and preservation of the Alligator Lighthouse, which has endured highly corrosive conditions over the years.
A Race Against Time
Dixon stated that the restoration project is estimated to take six years and cost between $5 million and $6 million. The community has rallied behind the cause, with fundraising efforts already underway. To date, they have raised approximately $500,000, including a generous contribution of $215,000 from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.
What changes did the couple make to transform the lighthouse into a bed and breakfast?
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