Save the St. Johns River Lighthouse

The Mayport Lighthouse Association is seeking to raise $10,000 from individual donations to assist with a critical feasibility study—the first step in determining whether the historic St. Johns River Lighthouse can be safely relocated to the beautiful Mayport Village waterfront.

This study is essential for evaluating the structural integrity of the lighthouse and the logistics involved in moving it to a location where it can be restored, made accessible to the public, and serve as a central part of Mayport Village’s historic and cultural identity.

Significant progress has already been made with our Summer Fundraiser, during which we welcomed new donors and even appeared on First Coast Living! We have also been honored to receive a $75,000 grant from the Florida Lighthouse Association and a $10,000 preservation grant from the United States Lighthouse Society. With nearly $4,000 raised through early donations, the project is close to 40% funded—but community support is still needed to reach the full goal.

Challenge Coin for Donors
As a thank-you, supporters who contribute $120 or more will receive a limited-edition commemorative Challenge Coin to honor this important preservation effort and your role in making it possible.

The relocation of the St. Johns River Lighthouse will preserve a vital piece of Northeast Florida’s maritime history and open the door for public access, education, and heritage tourism in Mayport Village.

We invite you to contribute today and help us take this important step toward safeguarding the lighthouse for future generations.

As a special thank-you, we're offering a limited-edition Challenge Coin to supporters who donate $120 or more. It's a meaningful way to commemorate your role in preserving Mayport’s maritime heritage. These Challenge Coins are one-of-a-kind. The only way to secure your Coin is to join us in our Summer Fundraiser, so act now before they’re gone!

Please ensure you include your shipping address in your payment method to ensure proper delivery of the Challenge Coin.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is a feasibility study?

❓ Why move the Lighthouse?

❓ Can you move a lighthouse safely?

A feasibility study is a comprehensive analysis to assess whether a proposed project will be successful. It helps determine many factors like technical, economic, and legal considerations, to assist with future planning and budgeting. For the potential relocation of the St. Johns River Lighthouse, the feasibility study will produce a comprehensive report that includes a condition assessment of the structure, a move path and methodology, and a conceptual plan for the new site. We will also receive a cost estimate for the relocation of the lighthouse, including both architectural and engineering design fees, and for the move itself.

The St. Johns River Lighthouse currently sits on Naval Station Mayport, where the only access is through the lowest window. The door is buried under 8-10 ft. of fill dirt that was added in the 1940s when the airfield was constructed. The condition of the portion of the tower underground is currently unknown and the lighthouse's location near an active runway and commercial vehicle inspection station places the structure at further risk. It also hasn’t had major restoration work since the early 1980s.

Public access is not possible at the current site due to military security and safety restrictions. Relocating it to the Mayport Village waterfront would preserve the lighthouse, make it accessible to the public, and contribute to the economic and cultural revitalization of the village. This move supports the vision of the Mayport Waterfront Partnership to strengthen the area’s identity as a working waterfront and historic maritime community.

Yes! There are several successful examples of historic lighthouse relocations:

• In 1999, ICC Commonwealth, our consulting firm for the feasibility study, relocated the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest in the U.S., 2,900 feet inland to protect it from shoreline erosion.

• Two lighthouses in Florida’s Panhandle region have been successfully relocated. Cape San Blas was moved 15 miles inland in 2014 to protect it from severe beach erosion and Cape St. George was reconstructed in 2008 using the original bricks after it collapsed during a storm.

• Southeast Lighthouse on Block Island, Rhode Island and Gay Head Lighthouse in Massachusetts were successfully moved in 1993 and 2015, respectively, to save them from eroding cliffs.

As an Affiliate Partner of the United States Lighthouse Society, the Mayport Lighthouse Association benefits from expert guidance in historic preservation, including structural relocations.

Passport Stamps

The MLA is happy to participate in the U.S. Lighthouse Society Passport Program and provide stamps for the following:

1859 St. Johns River Lighthouse

1954 St. Johns Lighthouse

Passport Stamps are available in-person at Florida Lighthouse Association meetings and MLA outreach events (Check Facebook for event listings).

Stamps are also available via mail by sending a SASE and donation to:
(suggested $2 minimum donation per stamp):

John Kennedy
7669 Calistobell Loop, Apt. 344
Fort Myers, FL 33907