St. Joseph Bay Lighthouse
Location & Light Range
About St. Joseph Bay Lighthouse
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.
Tower & Structure
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.
Location
- 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°
References & Identifiers
- Nearest Port
- Port Saint Joe(6.5 km)
- Admiralty No.
- J3368.1
- USCG No.
- 4-0095
Construction & History
- Year Built
- 2020
Visiting
- Open to public
- Site open, tower closed
Nearby Vessels
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