Photo courtesy of David Zapatka of the United States Lighthouse Society and his USA Stars & Lights project to document as many lighthouses at night as possible.
At dusk on December 8, 2007, over 240 people watched as the newly refurbished Crooked River Lighthouse was re-lit with an acrylic replica of the tower’s original Fresnel lens and the lighthouse began serving as an aid to navigation once again. The lighthouse was relit with its original light pattern. Our original historic Fresnel lens is on display inside the Keeper's House Museum at the Crooked River Lighthouse.
TODAY YOU CAN COME SEE BOTH!
History of the Restoration of Crooked River Lighthouse:
- In 1995, the Crooked River Lighthouse was decommissioned by the US Coast Guard and in 1999 there were plans to surplus the lighthouse and auction it off to the highest bidder! In response a dedicated group of local citizens formed the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association (CLA) with the goal of preserving, restoring, and opening the lighthouse to the public.
- In August 2001, the CLA, in conjunction with the City of Carrabelle, was successful in having the Lighthouse safely deeded to the City. The CLA then successfully raised money through fundraisers and grants to beautifully restore this historic treasure of Florida's "Forgotten Coast".
- In 2007, an acrylic replica of the original glass Fresnel lens was installed and on December 8 in 2007, the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association successfully re-lit with the Crooked River Lighthouse with its original light pattern.
CARRABELLE LIGHTHOUSE ASSOCIATION
In 1999 the U.S. Coast Guard had plans to surplus the Crooked River Lighthouse and auction it off to the highest bidder. It was at this time that the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association, Inc. (CLA) was formed by a dedicated group of local citizens with the goal of preserving, restoring, and opening the lighthouse to the public. In August 2001 the CLA, in conjunction with the City of Carrabelle, was successful in having the Lighthouse deeded to the City through the Federal Lands to Parks program. Since that time the CLA and City officials have worked to obtain funding for the restoration of this historic treasure of Florida's "Forgotten Coast."
Today, the CLA's members are devoted to the worthy cause of restoring this small piece of maritime history. Through its efforts, the CLA has received funds from the Florida Lighthouse Association, the Florida Communities Trust, and the Florida Legislature. These funds have made possible the restoration of the lighthouse and improvements to the land surrounding the lighthouse. If you would like to help continue the work of maintaining the Crooked River Lighthouse, please join the CLA or make a tax deductible donation today. CLA, P.O. BOX 373 Carrabelle, FL 32322.
*The Carrabelle Lighthouse Association is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.
VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP
When you come to see the Lighthouse and Keepers House Museum, bee sure to stop into our quaint Shop to buy a fun collectible for yourself or as a gift.
