Lighthouse News Line
Archives - March 2009
March 25, 2009
Light to Shine Again!
 |
| Chief Petty Officer Andrew White met with SGLA Officers Dennis Barnell and Terry Kemp (not pictured), along with USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 19 Staff Officer for Navigation Services Mac Shepard, and Electrician Mate First Class Ventura Alamares to review lighting requirements at the Cape St. George Light. |
The United States Coast Guard has approved the application submitted by the St. George Lighthouse Association requesting that the Cape St. George Light be designated as a private aid to navigation.
This means that the light will be lighted once again!
The approval was contingent upon a site visit by the Aids to Navigation Detachment from Coast Guard Station Panama City, whose mission was to determine if any residences would be affected by the light, or if any other issues regarding public safety were involved. A USCG team led by Chief Petty Officer Andrew J. White visited the lighthouse on March 25.
Because the focal plane of the light at 71 feet exceeds the residential approximate height limit of 46 feet, it was determined that island residences should not be affected by the light. Since the light is intended to shine 13 miles out over the Gulf and not down on the beach, nesting sea turtles would not be affected. One area of concern, however, was traffic crossing the bridge onto the island, where the height of the "big hump" is close to the elevation of the light.
Chief White agreed to bring one of the department's lights to test at the lighthouse before installation of the permanent light begins. Meanwhile, the St. George Lighthouse Association has placed an order with Vega Industries Limited of New Zealand for a VLB-44 beacon, which is commonly used in USCG installations. The light, which is custom manufactured, should arrive in about eight weeks.
Unlike the large third order Fresnel lens which was at one time installed in the lighthouse, the modern optic will allow enough space for visitors to continue to climb to the lantern room.
So, after some tweaking and adjustments to make the light compatible with island residents and traffic, THE CAPE ST. GEORGE LIGHT WILL SHINE AGAIN!
Posted by Administrator - 03/25/09, 07:40 AM
March 07, 2009
Successful Chili Cookoff
 |
| Two lighthouses -- the Chili Booth in the shape of a lighthouse, and the real thing in the background --- were a highlight of the St. George Island Charity Chili Cookoff. |
The St. George Lighthouse Association once again participated in the St. George Island Charity Chili Cookoff, and contributed to an enormously successful event for the Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders on St. George Island.
The weather was absolutely perfect, the chili was spicy, and -- with an increased number of chili booths -- the competition was fierce. SGLA re-used last year's prize-winning booth, and we knew we wouldn't win Best Booth two years in a row. So we focused our efforts on raising money for the Fire Department and publicizing the upcoming dedication of the lighthouse on April 4, along with the barbecue and auction that day that will raise funds for the Keeper's House Museum.
We gave out Mardi Gras beads, sold some chili, and had a great time. Next year, however, Booth Chairman Richard Saucer (that's the same Richard who was Brick Cleaning Chairman, now retired from that job) says we will have a new booth design and will be a force to be reckoned with!
One of the best things about the festive day was the enjoyment that visitors got from our new St. George Lighthouse Park. The grassy expanse was filled with families enjoying the day, kids passing footballs, and dogs romping with their friends. It was truly a gratifying sight, and we once again thank Will Kendrick and the State of Florida for the renovation of our park.
Posted by Administrator - 03/07/09, 07:41 AM
| March 2009 | ||||||
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Categories
Monthly Archives
Recent Posts
- Lighthouse Chili Supports Fire Department
- New Sign for Lighthouse Park
- 2013 Tour of Homes Is a Huge Success
- CSG Lighthouse on Satellite Media Tour
- SGLA Hosts Artists and Chamber Members
- Panhandle Lighthouse Challenge a Soggy Success!
- A Loving Farewell to Bill Roberts
- HAMs Broadcast Worldwide from Lighthouse
- Lighthouse Museum and Gift Shop Open
- Bill Roberts Honored at Museum Opening
- Young Musicians Donate to Lighthouse
- Independence Day Celebrated on SGI
- Florida Lighthouse Day Celebrated at CSG
- Keeper's House Almost Complete
- Full Moon Climbs at Cape St. George
- Children Visit Lighthouse
- Starting to Look Like a House!
- Raising Support Beams
- Looking Down
- Preparing for Ida