Celebrating the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse
The Gasparilla Island Lighthouse is open for business again. The historic structure was seriously damaged during Hurricane Ian, but with the help of many groups and individuals, it has been restored and is open again to the public.
A grand ribbon-cutting officially marked the Lighthouse’s return on Saturday, April 22. Sharon McKenzie, the Barrier Island Parks Society’s executive director, thanked the many people who helped make the return happen in a timely way. That included the Florida Lighthouse Association, Island TV and the Boca Grande Disaster Relief Fund, overseen by the Lighthouse United Methodist Church, as well as all the people of the community who contributed to the fund.
The Englewood Chamber of Commerce provided the materials for an official ribbon-cutting to make the opening a grand event. Some 150 people visited the Lighthouse on Saturday, with about 90 actually making the climb up the 105-foot tower.
Lots of volunteers were on hand to tell the Lighthouse’s story, lead tours and provide an opportunity to purchase special Lighthouse materials, clothing and memorabilia. McKenzie noted that these purchases are vital for the support of the historic preservation BIPS undertakes.
The Lighthouse will now be open most Mondays and Saturdays for climbing tours, weather permitting. Check the BIPS web page regarding climbs before making specific plans (bips.org).
“We are so happy to have at least one of our buildings open,” McKenzie said. The other buildings on Gasparilla Island, the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and the Amory Chapel, are on State Park land and are being repaired through the services of state and federal programs.
