Major Milestone for National Lighthouse Day

Mayport Lighthouse Association Celebrates National Lighthouse Day with a Major Milestone Towards Their Historic Lighthouse Preservation Efforts

Mayport, FL. In honor of National Lighthouse Day on August 7, 2025, the Mayport Lighthouse Association (MLA) is proud to celebrate not only the legacy of the historic St. Johns River Lighthouse, but also the major progress being made toward its preservation and potential relocation to the Mayport Village waterfront.

First lit on January 1, 1859, the St. Johns River Lighthouse currently resides within the restricted boundaries of Naval Station Mayport, inaccessible to the public. The Lighthouse’s original door lies buried under 8 - 10 feet of fill dirt, with entry currently only possible through the lowest window. This sentinel stands quietly as an enduring landmark and unrestored treasure within this dynamic and encroaching military environment.

In July 2025, a dedicated inspection and feasibility study team, led by Michael Blake Architects LLC, in collaboration with Atlantic Engineering Services, ICC Commonwealth and Expert House Movers, visited the site to assess the structure's condition and evaluate potential relocation paths. The site visit included coordination with Naval Station Mayport personnel and careful planning to determine viable routes and methods for relocating the tower.

Inside the Lighthouse, the team observed a range of historic and structural features that will inform future preservation efforts. The interior is constructed entirely of brick-and-mortar masonry, including a distinctive circular central column. The top of the tower is reached by walking up 68 granite steps that form a spiral staircase, followed by ten steeper granite steps, and then climbing a short ladder. The original entry door has been bricked over, and standing water at the base of the tower currently submerges the first step. Moisture is present at the top of the tower, supporting plant growth in the Lantern Room. Despite the warm and humid interior, working cross ventilation was noticeable through the circular wall vents at this level of the tower. The exterior slate gallery floor and iron railings show signs of damage and deterioration.

In partnership with the City of Jacksonville and the Mayport Waterfront Partnership, MLA has identified a potential relocation site along the scenic St. Johns River at approximately 4578 Ocean Street. In the future, the nearby historic cottage at 4610 Ocean St. could serve as a visitor center, museum, and gift shop. Discussions are underway to incorporate the Lighthouse into a larger revitalization effort for Mayport Village.

These developments are made possible thanks to generous funding: a $75,000 grant from the Florida Lighthouse Association (FLA) and a $10,000 preservation grant from the United States Lighthouse Society (USLHS). As a USLHS Affiliate Partner, MLA is committed to ensuring that all work adheres to best practices in restoration and preservation. MLA is also honored to share that the St. Johns River Lighthouse was selected for the 2025 11 to Save List announced by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, Inc. at this year's Preservation on Main Street Conference. This list recognizes and brings visibility to the most endangered historic places in Florida. Being included on the 11 to Save list is a powerful step forward in MLA’s journey to save this historic structure. This initiative shines a spotlight on threatened historic sites across the state, and helps build momentum for advocacy, education, and collaborative preservation efforts.

For more information, visit: mayportlighthouseassociation.org/get-involved.

MLA Vice-President Elizabeth Boggs said: “The feasibility study is an indispensable first step towards our ultimate vision of a restored lighthouse accessible to the public that preserves Mayport’s maritime heritage and shines a light on all Mayport Village has to offer. We especially want to thank Naval Station Mayport, the Jacksonville City Council, Mayor Donna Deegan, the Mayport Waterfront Partnership, and Congressman John Rutherford for their support of our efforts to save the St. Johns River Lighthouse.”

MLA President Dan Hogan said: “While The Mayport Lighthouse Association (MLA) is working towards making The St. Johns River Lighthouse available to the public by moving it to the Mayport waterfront, The Mayport Waterfront Partnership (MWP) is in the planning stages of redeveloping approximately seven acres of City of Jacksonville-owned riverfront in the village. We envision that the lighthouse will be the crown jewel of this redevelopment, which includes docks for commercial fishing/shrimping boats, recreational boating docks, and public park space. We can visualize families coming out to enjoy the day, travelers making it a destination, and motorists on A1A and The St. Johns River Ferry or boaters on the water discovering a delightful stop along their journey.”