Hello, Lykkers! Welcome to a journey through history, mystery, and breathtaking beauty. Today's spotlight shines on one of the most iconic landmarks of Gasparilla Island: the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse.

This historic gem, standing tall at the southern tip of the island, isn't just a beacon guiding sailors but a living story of perseverance, restoration, and a bit of supernatural intrigue. Let's uncover its fascinating tale.

A Beacon Through the Ages

The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, perched on iron pilings, was built in 1890 to guide ships navigating through the Boca Grande Channel. Its construction followed the rise of phosphate exports from the Peace River area. Back in the 1880s, phosphate was being transported by barges to the island, and as the port grew, the lighthouse became crucial in marking the entrance to Charlotte Harbor.

The lighthouse, designed with a one-story dwelling and a square tower protruding through its roof, was initially powered by a rare third-and-a-half-order Fresnel lens. Its distinct white light, with a red flash every 20 seconds, offered hope and safety to mariners. The keeper's house was painted white, with green shutters, and the lantern room was black, standing tall to ensure ships didn't veer off course. A nearby assistant keeper's house, almost identical in design but without the tower, added to the charm of the lighthouse complex.

Struggling Against the Sea

Over the years, the island's coastline slowly eroded, threatening the lighthouse and its surrounding structures. By 1970, the relentless sea had come dangerously close to undermining its foundation. Local communities, passionate about preserving this piece of history, rallied together to protect it. Their advocacy led the government to step in, building a 265-foot granite jetty and filling the area around the lighthouse to regain much of the land that had been lost.

Thanks to these efforts, the lighthouse survived its battle with the sea, and restoration work began. By 1985-86, the lighthouse was fully restored, and a 377-mm drum lens was installed, allowing it to resume its duties as an active aid to navigation.

Ghostly Legends and Fascinating Stories

The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse isn't just known for its historical significance; it's also infamous for the ghost stories that surround it. While some claim to have seen the spirit of Keeper Charles Fine, who tragically ended his life at the lighthouse in 1931, the more popular legend involves the tragic tale of a Spanish princess named Josefa. According to local lore, Josefa was decapitated by the pirate Jose Gaspar, and her ghost is said to haunt the lighthouse, adding an air of mystery to its already fascinating past.

Elsie Williams, granddaughter of the lighthouse's longest-serving keeper, William Lester, recalls the days when the island attracted wealthy visitors like John Rockefeller and John Jacob Astor. These millionaires would dock their yachts during tarpon season and visit the lighthouse, where they were warmly welcomed by the keepers. Imagine the stories shared and the connections forged on those peaceful nights by the beacon of light.

From Phosphate to Natural Gas

Once Florida's fourth-busiest port, Port Boca Grande saw a decline in significance after the phosphate industry moved north to Tampa in 1979. The railroad line, which had brought phosphate to the island, was abandoned, and the port transitioned to an oil storage facility in 1958. However, after the power plant converted to natural gas in 2002, oil barges ceased their visits to the island. Today, the port's traffic is primarily made up of visitors exploring the island's rich history, local fishermen, and pleasure boaters.

Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Beach at Sunset

Video by Ray Gilliland

A Visit to Remember

Visiting the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse today is like stepping back in time. Located within the Gasparilla Island State Park, it's the perfect destination for history enthusiasts and those looking to escape the modern world. The lighthouse is open Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the surrounding park offers a serene environment to learn about the island's past.

For anyone traveling to Gasparilla Island, the lighthouse serves as a window into a bygone era, and it's a place where the stories of the past continue to live on. And remember, whether you come for the views, the history, or the ghosts, this charming lighthouse has something to offer everyone.

So, what part of the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse's history caught your attention? The tales of its haunted past or the incredible efforts made to save it from the sea? Share your thoughts! Until next time, Lykkers!