ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — A historical treasure in St. Augustine is undergoing a major restoration.
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The iconic lighthouse that sits in the nation’s oldest port will be repaired and repainted.
“Seeing it for the first time is really impressive,” said Mike Grose, who was visiting the lighthouse Monday. “I’ve seen a few other lighthouses but this has gotta be one of the most impressive ones we’ve seen. We need to do more stuff about historical places like the lighthouse,” Grose added.
To keep it that way, it’s getting repairs done.
“We do this about every five to six years, it takes a lot of time,” explained Kathy Fleming, Executive Director at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. “This is an old lighthouse. It was built between 1871 and 1874.”
It’s the first time interior improvements have been done in 30 years. In 2015, the exterior of the lighthouse was painted. The exterior of the tower is typically painted every five to six years.
It’s made possible thanks to an appropriation from the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, and the State of Florida. Some of the project includes metal and cast-iron work, removing rust from years of salt and water intrusion, and ultimately, painting.
“The salt and the sea really hammer at it,” Fleming pointed out. “This costs about $883,000 and we have almost half of it funded, so we’re dipping into some savings,” she said.
The easiest way you can support this project and the museum is to visit. “See what we have to offer,” Fleming suggests.
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Fleming calls the lighthouse the front porch light for the community. She says many people have shared what it means to them to see the all-too-familiar light. “When you’re in a storm and you come upon the top of a wave, it’s a really good feeling to know you are where you thought you were,” she said.
“And that’s a metaphor because, in some ways, you need a guiding light in your life.”
You are still encouraged to visit the museum during the restoration!
The museum is a nonprofit but could use private dollar donations. Visitors can donate in person or by clicking here.
For more information visit https://www.staugustinelighthouse.org/.