The Florida Lighthouse Association 15275 Collier Blvd, #201, PMB 179  Naples, Florida 34119

Pensacola Lighthouse

October 2, 2010

Florida Lighthouse Association

 The Pensacola area is undoubtedly one of Florida’s best kept secrets.  The area is one of the few places that can offer the best of both worlds and something for everyone.  There are 52 miles of white sandy beaches with emerald waters in Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key alongside quaint historic areas.   Whether you like art galleries, museums, birdwatching, golf, restaurants, collecting seashells, or shopping, there is something for you in Pensacola.

The current lighthouse is the second Pensacola Lighthouse and is located approximately ½ mile west of the original site. The construction of this lighthouse was completed in 1858 and the lamp in the tower’s first-order Fresnel lens was first lit on New Year’s Day, 1859 by Keeper Joseph Palmes.   During the Civil War, the Confederates took control of the tower and removed the lens.   Five months later, the tower fell under Union control and was relit again in December, 1862 with a temporary fourth order lens.  The original first-order Fresnel lens was recovered after the war, and was re-installed in the tower’s lantern room in 1869.  This lens remains in the tower today.  Its nightmark is a white flash every 20 seconds.    In 1870, the tower was given its distinctive black and white daymark.  The lighthouse was electrified in 1938 and automated in 1965.

Today, the lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation.  It is located on the grounds of the Pensacola Naval Air Station which is home to the famed Blue Angels.  The US Coast Guard owns the site and maintains the lens.  The Pensacola Lighthouse Association (PLA) has an exclusive lease to the grounds and is solely responsible for the maintenance and operations of the lighthouse.  The PLA has extended a warm invitation to the FLA to come and enjoy their city and visit their magnificent lighthouse and keeper’s quarters.

We are planning some special happenings during this meeting as well as a very busy day at the Naval Air Station.  The meeting will be held at the Mustin Beach Officers’ Club located at 253 Radford Blvd. on the US Naval Air Station.  It is a beautiful building with outstanding views of Pensacola Bay.

Dr. John R. Bratten, a nautical archaeologist and conservator at the Archeology Institute at the University of West Florida, has accepted our invitation to be the guest speaker at this meeting.  Dr. Bratten is the Chairperson of the Division of Anthropology and Archaeology as well as an Associate Professor at the University.  His professional interests include artifact conservation and preservation as well as maritime archaeology.  In addition, Dr. Bratten is a noted author of multiple publications.  Needless to say, we are both privileged and honored to have him as our speaker.

After the meeting, put on your walking shoes as our group will be divided.  Half the group will visit the National Museum of Naval Aviation, the second largest air and space museum in the world, located a short distance from the lighthouse.  The museum features an IMAX theatre with movies every hour, a flight simulator, as well as an interactive history of naval aviation with 150 restored aircraft and over 4,000 artifacts and many exhibits.  The second group will visit and climb the lighthouse and tour the keeper’s quarters.  Members of the PLA will be available to offer assistance and answer questions.  Of course, the groups will rotate so everyone can experience both facilities to their fullest.   The cost for this meeting, all associated fees, as well as a donation to the lighthouse is $45.

We are planning an optional event on Saturday evening after the meeting – but it is NOT for the ‘faint of heart’.  As everyone is aware, the Pensacola Lighthouse is considered to be one of the most haunted lighthouses in the US.  Anyone seeing the TV film, “Most Haunted Lighthouses” will agree with that.  It is said that a century of keepers are still roaming the halls of the keeper’s quarters, tower, and grounds and their presence can be felt.  There have been countless sightings and mysterious occurrences over the years – the sounds of heavy breathing, doors slamming, and faint whispers.  There have been reportings of a woman walking on the catwalk and others have seen a man in the windows of the lighthouse.  The Ghostseekers of Texas, a paranormal group, have visited with positive reports.  So – if you dare – join us for a GHOST HUNT.   Climb the 177 steps under the cover of night and we shall see what we shall see.  The cost of this tour will be an additional $15. per person with all proceeds going to the Pensacola Lighthouse Association to assist them with costs associated with their current restoration projects.  You can reserve your place on this tour by completing the associated space on the reservation form and adding the additional charge to your payment check.  Those brave enough to attend will meet at the lighthouse at 7pm on Saturday evening.

Meeting Agenda

 8:30  am     Meeting Registration

 9:00  am     Second Quarter meeting of the FLA begins

12:00 pm      Luncheon buffet is served

1:30 – 5pm   Visit the lighthouse and the Museum of Naval Aviation

7pm             Ghost Hunt at the lighthouse

Preferred Hotel

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES

307 New Warrington Rd.

Pensacola, Fl.  32506

Phone : 850-696-2800

Rooms will be available both Friday and Saturday evenings for a discounted rate of $89.  These rates will be guaranteed until 9/11/2010.  A deluxe breakfast and all the amenities of a Holiday Inn are included in the price.  Cancellation policy is 3 days prior to the event.  A forfeit of one night’s room and tax for each room may be assessed.

Click here for a map of the hotel

Click here for a registration form