Lighthouses played a critical role in Florida’s history; making it possible to explore, settle and develop Florida by using its 1350 miles of coastline (second only to Alaska in states with longest coastline). Only 29 lighthouses remain today. A 2002 study done by the State of Florida estimates that it will take almost $20 million dollars to preserve these towers.
The Florida Lighthouse Association’s (FLA) mission is to safeguard Florida’s remaining lighthouses for future generations by supporting community based restoration, preservation and education efforts.
EVERY gift is a valued contribution that will help with for the protection, preservation and restoration of Florida's 29 remaining historic lighthouses. Here are some examples of what your gift can do ~
RECENT GIFTS IN ACTION ~
A recent gift of $10,000 from a mandatory IRA distribution of one of our members was used to help leverage a total of $90,000 in other gifts and grants. This allowed one of our lighthouse members to completely restore the ironwork on their lens room and gallery walk at the top.
Another gift of a mandatory IRA distribution of $25,000 is being used to purchase, move and restore an out building at another lighthouse. This building was given away by the government many years ago and moved. This restoration effort will rescue this 140 year-old historic building and will be used to house an education exhibit of the science and history of lighthouses in Florida.
Yet another donor committed a dollar-a-day and those funds will help a scholarship program provide an award to the three deserving high school students who won a state-wide competition producing a documentary of maritime history in Florida.
Ken Smith at ken32803@bellsouth.net
Independent Counsel - - All donors are encouraged to seek independent financial and legal counsel when executing wills, trusts, contracts and other agreements. FLA will provide educational information and assistance to donors however, the ultimate responsibility regarding evaluations, tax destructibility, and/or similar legal local, state and/or federal compliance issues rests with the donor and/or such counsel as the donor may wish to secure.
The Internal Revenue Service has classified the Florida Lighthouse Assoication as a non-profit charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3). A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (CH8757) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES ON THEIR WEBSITE OR BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.