Gasparilla Island Lighthouses, Florida

Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, Gasparilla Island, Florida

Gasparilla Island is a barrier island off the southwest coast of Florida near Fort Meyers.

Currently, there are two active lighthouses serving the ships in the area; the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse.

The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse is the oldest structure on the island, dating to 1890. It is an interesting two story house structure secured to the sandy ground with screw piles.

Today, the lighthouse is a five room museum chronicling the history of the area from 12,000 BC. Museum hours vary, so check their website.

Gasparilla Island Lighthouse, Florida

The other light on the island is the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse. It was originally stationed a mile offshore, but was decommissioned in 1918. Later, it was disassembled and reassembled at its current location on the island.

It's interesting to note that the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse was originally part of a pair of lighthouses. When sea navigators lined up the two lights, they knew it was time to turn their ships into the Boca Grande Pass.

Today, only the Gasparilla Island Light stands.
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