Who We Are

The Mayport Lighthouse Association (MLA) is a nonprofit group of citizen activists dedicated to the preservation of the historic St. Johns River Lighthouse, first lit on January 1, 1859.

Our mission is to save, restore, and protect this Northeast Florida icon to ensure that it is available for the enjoyment and understanding of current and future generations.

In addition, the MLA aims to preserve the maritime heritage of Mayport Village, including the St. Johns Lightship (1929-1954) and the 1954 Art Deco-style St. Johns Lighthouse, which remains an active aid to navigation operated by the U.S. Coast Guard.

St. Johns Lightship

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St. Johns Lighthouse

Then & Now

First lit on January 1, 1859, the St. Johns River Lighthouse stands on Naval Station Mayport, inaccessible to the public and partially buried under 8-10 feet of fill dirt. Relocating the tower to the Mayport Village waterfront would enable restoration, open it to visitors, and boost cultural, educational, and economic activity in the community.

"I can think of no other edifice constructed by man as altruistic as a lighthouse.

They were built only to serve."

-George Bernard Shaw