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Florida Lighthouses

Port Boca Grande
Southwest Region

Port Boca Grande

Boca Grande
Built 1890. First Lighted December 31, 1890. Deactivated 1966-1986. On National Register Listing.
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At a Glance

Region
Southwest Region
Type
Historic Lighthouse
Latitude
26.71735
Longitude
-82.26091

Boca Grande Lighthouse


Photo: BonnieJean Exum

Active: Yes

Characteristics:  White light flashes every four seconds.

Height: 44 feet, 60 steps

DayMark: White frame dwelling with green shutters and a black lantern tower

History: Built 1890. First Lighted December 31, 1890. Deactivated 1966-1986. On National Register Listing.

Lens: Original: third-and-a-half-order revolving Fresnel lens. Present: 300mm drum lens. Focal Plane: 41 feet.

Construction: Architect and Builder unknown. House-style lighthouse on iron pilings constructed of wood and iron.
Other Buildings: Assistant keeper's house, two cistern, generator shed, replica boardwalk.

Coordinates:      26 43 02 N
                               82 15 39 W

Operated by: Florida State Park Service

Location: Inside Gasparilla Island State Park, and managed and operated by Barrier Island Parks Society.

Visit Status: Open to Public

Days Open:

November 1st to May 31st – Monday through Saturday 10am to 4pm; Sundays 12noon to 4pm

June, July, September & October – same hours Wednesday through Sunday, but closed Monday and Tuesdays

Major Holidays and entire month of August – Closed

Facilities: Museum, Gift Shop, handicap accessible
Eva Johnson, gift shop manager

Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum

P.O.Box 637

880 Belcher Rd.

Boca Grande, Florida 33921

941-964-0060

.Admission: $5.00 toll to get on Island plus $3.00 per vehicle park entry fee and a $3.00 donation per adult is requested..

Contact:
Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum Sharon McKenzie, Museum Director
P.O. Box 637
Boca Grande, FL  33921
Email: Info@BarrierIslandParksSociety.org Website: www.BarrierIslandParksSociety.org
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Overview

Raised on iron pilings, Port Boca Grande Lighthouse combines a one-story wooden dwelling with a square tower projecting through the roof. A matching assistant keeper’s house stands nearby, creating one of Florida’s most complete and inviting cottage-style light stations.

History

Congress funded the lighthouse as Port Boca Grande grew into an important phosphate-shipping harbor. The station was completed and first lighted in 1890 with a rare third-and-a-half-order Fresnel lens. It was electrified in 1931, automated in 1956, and abandoned by the Coast Guard in 1966. Local advocates secured historic recognition and completed a major restoration in 1986, when the light was recommissioned. The keeper’s dwelling became a museum. Hurricanes Charley, Ian, and later storms caused damage, followed by extensive repairs and reopening in 2024.

Visiting & Access

The lighthouse is in Gasparilla Island State Park at the island’s southern end. The grounds and beach are open with the park, while the museum follows posted hours and may close seasonally or for storms. Check the Barrier Island Parks Society before visiting.

Current Status

The State of Florida owns the station, and the Barrier Island Parks Society manages the museum and supports preservation. The lighthouse is active with a modern drum lens. The museum occupies the lighthouse building, but visitors do not climb into the lantern.

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