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St. Joseph Bay Lighthouse

🇺🇸USOperational

Also known as: St. Joseph Bay (Beacon Hill) Range Rear

The St. Joseph Bay Lighthouse began operation in 2020, serving the Florida Panhandle's St. Joseph Bay. This modern structure aids navigation in the bay's clear, shallow waters, which are frequented by recreational boaters and commercial fishing vessels. The bay supports abundant marine life and is popular for activities like scalloping. The lighthouse was built to improve safety for all craft entering and moving within the bay's channels. Visitors can explore the grounds, but the tower itself is not open for public access.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for safe passage within St. Joseph Bay, a key location for recreation and commerce, helping mariners avoid hazards and protect the local marine ecosystem.

Structure: St. Joseph Bay Lighthouse, a relatively new addition to Florida's coastal navigation aids, began its service in 2020. Situated along the pristine shores of St. Joseph Bay, a tranquil inlet on the Florida Panhandle, it guides mariners through these clear, often shallow waters. The bay itself is a haven for abundant marine life, popular with recreational boaters, kayakers, and those seeking its renowned scalloping grounds. This modern structure was established to enhance safety for both commercial and leisure vessels navigating the bay's entrance and interior channels, a vital role given the area's increasing popularity for tourism and local industries. Its construction reflects a contemporary understanding of maritime needs in a region celebrated for its natural beauty and aquatic activities. While the site welcomes visitors to explore its peaceful grounds, offering a glimpse into its coastal setting, the tower itself remains closed to public ascent, preserving its operational integrity. Its presence ensures continued safe passage for all who venture into these cherished waters.

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Florida
Sea Region
St. Joseph Bay is a large, shallow bay on the Florida Panhandle, known for its clear waters and abundant marine life. The lighthouse helps mark the entrance or navigation within this important ecological and recreational area.
Latitude
29.9184°
Longitude
-85.3806°
Nearest Port
Port Saint Joe(6.5 km)
Admiralty No.
J3368.1
USCG No.
4-0095
Year Built
2020
Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Which ports and harbors does St. Joseph Bay Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
St. Joseph Bay Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is MARQUARDT'S at 3.1 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Port Saint Joe (7.2 NM SSE), Apalachicola (22.9 NM ESE), Lynn Haven (23.5 NM NW), Panama City (23.9 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is St. Joseph Bay Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, St. Joseph Bay Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near St. Joseph Bay Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near St. Joseph Bay Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.