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Cape Florida Light prepares for 200th anniversary
Once attacked, yet always admired, the beacon of light on the southern tip of Key Biscayne has literally stood the test of time.
Ever since John Quincy Adams became America’s sixth president in 1825, the Cape Florida Light (as it is officially called, or “El Farito” as the locals fondly refer to it) has survived many challenges, including hurricanes, erosion and even an attack by Native Americans.
Now, on the verge of its 200th anniversary, there are plans to pay homage to the iconic, oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County with an assortment of celebrations, events and fund-raisers to illuminate its rich history.
“Many people here have fond memories of spending time at the lighthouse,” said Christina Bracken, president of Friends of Cape Florida which, since 2000, has supported the conservatory and educational efforts for Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, while adding to state funding. “Beyond telling the complex histories around the lighthouse we want to start highlighting the personal and local lure around this Miami and South Florida institution. ‘El Farito’ has a special place in the hearts of many. It was a place to celebrate birthdays and family picnics on weekends.
“The Friends of Cape Florida will collect these memories, creating a library of family stories, teenage adventures, visitors’ recollections of proposals, and with that, a snapshot of how the very personal histories of the lighthouse are interwoven in our community.”
Last week, more than 145 residents, local dignitaries and public officials, including Key Biscayne Mayor Joe Rasco, County Commissioner Raquel Regalado and State Sen. Alexis Calatayud, gathered for a gala at the base of the 95-foot, 109-spiral step lighthouse to begin preparations for the bicentennial commemoration leading up to the structure’s anniversary that will take place December 17, 2025.
“Many of our elected officials joined us, gave their support, and expressed their appreciation for the work and dedication of the Friends of Cape Florida,” Bracken said. “Bringing the park to life in new, innovative ways is how we like to raise awareness for the significance of the park, the histories of the land and its peoples, and the historic lighthouse.”
The lighthouse symbol is even part of the Village of Key Biscayne’s official emblem.
Although erected in 1825, Cape Florida Light wasn’t lit until 1847, according to historical records, ranking it behind the Amelia Island Lighthouse, built in 1838 and first lit a year later, as “Florida’s oldest existing lighthouse” in somewhat of a historical controversy.
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, Cape Florida Light has proved to be a beacon for sailors, shipping vessels, and even refugees coming through the Florida Channel. The Coast Guard uses it as a navigational aid, with flashes of light every six seconds.
Associated with the lighthouse are several complex histories that include: thousands of years of Indigenous stewardship; the U.S. military reservation at Cape Florida and the era of the lighthouse in service to maritime traffic; the violence the Seminoles suffered at the hands of U.S. military while leading to an attack on the lighthouse in 1836; and Cape Florida’s role as the launching point for formerly enslaved peoples to flee from encroaching violence via the Saltwater Underground Railroad to the islands.
After a devastating fire, the lighthouse was rebuilt in 1846, using many of the original bricks, and lit a year later. In 1996, it was renovated into a cultural landmark, thanks to the Dade County Historical Society, with its wrap-around balcony providing an astonishing view over Key Biscayne and, to the north, onlookers get a view of world-famous Miami Beach.
As a Miami landmark, the lighthouse was featured in several episodes of the television series “Miami Vice,” most extensively during the two-part episode “Mirror Image” (first aired on May 6, 1988).
It also was featured briefly at the end of the 1945 John Wayne film “They Were Expendable” (1945), and as the backdrop of a grisly murder in the Kurt Russell thriller “The Mean Season” (1985).
Cape Florida Light is now owned and managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
“We invite the entire community to partner, collaborate and enjoy the bicentennial celebrations,” Bracken said. “Together, we’ll illuminate the past, present and future of this historic structure and its Cape Florida home, and the vivid histories surrounding it.”
Visitors may tour the tower five days a week, with tours taking place from 10 a.m. to noon. The tower is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Contact the park at 305-361-8779 for more information.
How many attended the festivities this past week?
Friends of Cape Florida President Christina Bracken said, “More than 145 guests from Key Biscayne and Miami-Dade County, and even further away, joined us for the Bicentennial Kickoff Event.”
In addition, more than 20 volunteers were there to help with guest registration, sharing lighthouse history and giving tours, along with organizing the delicious catering display.
Among the attendees:
Key Biscayne Mayor Joe Rasco, Vice Mayor Oscar Sardiñas and Council Members Nancy Stoner, Michael Bracken and Ed London
County Commissioner Raquel Regalado: she read the Proclamation of December 17, 2024 being declared “Miami Lighthouse Day”.
Alejandro Servalli, Director for Constituents Services, working with Commissioner Regalado.
Maria Nardi, Director of Miami Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department.
Florida State Senator Alexis Calatayud and her Chief of Staff Krista Schmidt.
Chuck Hatcher, Director of Florida State Parks.
Ken Troisi, Florida State Park District 5 Bureau Chief.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Manager Jorge Brito, Ernesto Espinosa, Assistant Park Manager and the entire team of rangers for preparing the park and the grounds.
Neil Hurley, Retired Coast Guard Commander and founding member of the Florida Lighthouse Association. Together with Eric Martin, also founding member of the FLA and the Florida Keys Reef Lights Foundation. Both were instrumental in helping the Friends of Cape Florida secure the substantial grand for the lighthouse cupola glass replacement project.
Other prominent guests and contributors:
Chris Rupp, Executive Director of the Dade Heritage Trust
Melissa White, Key Biscayne Community Foundation
Jose Romano, Board Member of the Florida State Park Foundation.
Joan Gill, Key Biscayne Historian
Don Sackrider, Founding Member of the Friends of Cape Florida
Pablo Sanchis, Stiltsville Media for creating the Lighthouse Glass Replacement Project Video documentary.
“And then, of course – we owe a Big THANK YOU to our sponsors. As an organization, we strive to make events zero-waste as much as possible,” Bracken said.
Sponsors include:
Islander News
Key Biscayne Community Foundation
KOPA Water
ENIO OTTAVIANI (Wine)
A Zero Waste Culture
Florida Beverage Association
What types of events are being planned in 2025?
Throughout 2025 and leading up to the 200th anniversary culmination on December 17, 2025, an extensive agenda of events and activities will commemorate and illuminate the rich history of the Cape Florida Lighthouse. The Lighthouse draws our attention to South Florida’s ecology and history from different perspectives.
We invite you to be dazzled and inspired by bicentennial events involving storytelling, music, natural sciences, poetry, conservation, art, archaeology and so much more. Events will be held at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and throughout the county in collaboration with local advocates, artists, and institutions, including the local educational, cultural, and creative communities.
How will these events help maintain the historic lighthouse?
The Friends of Cape Florida’s long-term goals include a sustainability fund, aligning with synergistic community and corporate partners, and growing a robust membership base motivated and enriched by unique programming and curricula.