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Anclote Key
 Photo: Dave & Alice D'Amicol |
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Coordinates: Operated by: State of Florida (Gulf Islands GEO Park) Contact: |
Photo: Dave & Alice D'Amicol |
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Coordinates: Operated by: State of Florida (Gulf Islands GEO Park) Contact: |
Anclote Key Lighthouse stands near the southern end of Anclote Key, the largest island in a small chain west of Tarpon Springs. The 106-foot square skeletal tower contains a central stair cylinder and is surrounded by the natural landscape of Anclote Key Preserve State Park.
Congress funded the station in the 1880s as traffic increased around the mouth of the Anclote River. The prefabricated iron tower arrived in June 1887 and was assembled in just three months. Keeper James Gardner first lit its fourth-order Fresnel lens on September 15. The light was electrified in 1923, automated in 1952, and discontinued in 1984. A long preservation campaign led to restoration and relighting in 2003. Contaminated soil later interrupted public climbing, and another extensive restoration and repainting was completed in 2023.
The island is reached only by private boat, water taxi, or charter from the Tarpon Springs area. The grounds are open with the state park, while tower climbs are offered on selected dates, generally during the cooler months. Confirm transportation, weather, and climbing dates before departing.
Florida State Parks owns the lighthouse, with support from local preservation volunteers. The restored tower is active and displays a fourth-order Fresnel lens. Public climbs are limited to scheduled events and can be affected by weather or park conditions.