Jupiter Lighthouse Prepping For New Improvements
Posted by Ali Kane on Thursday, June 27th, 2019 at 10:50am.
The iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is prepping for new projects on the property. The new projects are aimed to help preserve the land from every changing environment and to help preserve Jupiter’s history.
The Lighthouse is surrounded by more than 120 acres of native habitat and the Lighthouse and Museum is always finding ways to enhance and improve the land and surroundings.
The historic lighthouse was constructed in 1860 and was used to save ships from wrecking in the reefs offshore. The site has been used and eventually included a U.S. Weather Bureau Station, a Navy radio station during WWII, and a U.S. Air Force missile tracking station. The Lighthouse today still operates as a navigation aid for those on the water.
In the 1970’s, the Loxahatchee River Historical Society was founded to preserve the lighthouse and the area’s history. Over the years, the Historical Society has preserved lighthouse and surrounding buildings, maintained the lighthouse fixtures, and planted native vegetation on the property.
Over the next couple of years, some changes are coming to the lighthouse and the grounds surrounding it. The Historical Society plans on planting Mangroves to preserve the shoreline due to the erosion from boat traffic going in and out of the inlet. The shoreline project is covered by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the inlet district, as well as grant money. The shoreline project is expected to start in 2020.
Another project happening at the Lighthouse is a fresh new coat of paint. The last time the lighthouse was painted was 10 years ago and due to wear and tear, salt, and weather. The interior of the lighthouse tower will be painted as well along with the stairs and medal handrails. This March the lighthouse had over 500 visitors a day and has tens of thousands of visitors each year. The painting for the lighthouse will be paid for by donations and they are more than halfway there to raising the money. The painting project is expected to start this fall.
To donate to the Lighthouse, click here.
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is located at 500 Captain Armour’s Way in Jupiter.