Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse - 3/13/14

The Ponce de Leon lighthouse (south of Daytona Beach) at 175' is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and one of the tallest in the nation. The tower tapers from a 32-foot diameter at the base to 12-foot diameter at the top.  The brick walls are 8-feet thick at the bottom and 2-feet thick at the top.

View of the steps from the top.

The first beacon light was a first order fixed Fresnel lens that was lit by five concentric wick kerosene  lanterns whose light could be seen for 20 miles out to sea. (Imagine the lighthouse keepers who had to carry that kerosene to the top each day.)  In 1933 the lighthouse was electrified and the lens was replaced with a third order fresnel lens that could be seen 18 miles out to sea.  That lens has been restored and is in use today as a private aid to navigation.

We climbed the 203 steps to the gallery deck (and I can tell you I had to take a few breaks along the way)!  What impressive views from the top.