FLORIDA LIGHTHOUSE ASSOCIATION

FALL 2017 MEETING

CAPE FLORIDA

OCTOBER 27 & 28, 2017

Registration closes October 17, 2017

Click Here for On-line Registration

Click Here to Download Registration Form

As the oldest structure in south Florida, the Cape Florida Lighthouse has a very interesting history. The contractor who built the lighthouse in 1825 built the lighthouse with hollow walls instead of solid walls, saving him nearly 50% on the cost of bricks; this was not discovered until they rebuilt the Lighthouse in 1846. Not only did the lighthouse keeper have to tolerate the heat, insects and hurricanes, but during the Second Seminole War the Lighthouse was attacked and burned by a band of Seminoles while the Assistant Keeper was at the top of the Lighthouse. Due to Indian trouble, the lighthouse was not able to be rebuilt until 1846 at which time they added thirty feet of additional height and made the walls solid. The lighthouse lens was severely damaged in 1861 by Confederate sympathizers, and was not repaired until 1867.

In 1878 the lighthouse was deemed to be insufficient for warning ships away from the offshore reefs, and was taken out of service when the new Fowey Rocks Lighthouse was built. In 1966 the State of Florida bought the lower third of Key Biscayne, which included the lighthouse, and established Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park State Park. The lighthouse remained inactive until 1978 when it was placed back in service to help boaters find the Florida Channel at night. In 1990 the lighthouse was decommissioned by the Coast Guard, and now is a private aid to navigation.

Our Fall event will start on Friday October 27, 2017 at 4:30 PM with committee meetings followed at 6:00 PM by the Board meeting, at the Key Biscayne Community Center Community Center  Map, in the Island Room on the second floor, parking is available in an lower level parking garage. All members are WELCOME to attend the committee meetings, and become involved with a committee. Following the Board meeting we will have our Social with finger food and drinks. On Saturday the event starts at 9:00 AM, at the Key Biscayne Community Center, with lunch about 12:00 PM. Lunch will be Spring mix house salad, Maduros (Ripe Plantains), Moros (Rice & Beans) Pork chunks, Passion Fruit Mousse, Water and Tea. After lunch we will visit the Cape Florida Lighthouse Map.

The cost for this event will be $55.00 for members and $80.00 for non-members, which includes a 1 year membership. The event fee includes the Friday night Social, the membership meeting, lunch, and visit to the Lighthouse. The State Park fee of $8 has been waived for this event.

NOTE: The Florida Keys Reef Lights Foundation has scheduled a boat trip to Sand Key on Sunday October 29, 2017 at 12:30 PM on the Key West Pirate ship. Cost is $110 per person and is limited to 39 people. If this one sells out, another trip may be offered at 9:00a.m.  If interested, go to the Florida Keys Reef Lights Foundation web site to sign up.  FKRLF .

 

Hotels

Hotel Urbano at Brickell Hotel Urbano  Map

2500 Brickell Ave.

Miami, FL 33129

Phone: 877 765-0926

Rate: $119 single / $129 double (Ask for FLA Rate) plus $15 parking per night. FLA Booking Link for Urbano

Cut-off Date: 4 October, 2017

6.7 miles from Key Biscayne Community Center

PER THEIR WEBSITE - "CONSTRUCTION IS UNDERWAY FOR OUR NEW GUEST ROOM TOWER & LOBBY RENOVATION AT HOTEL URBANO. THE LOBBY ACCESS IS LIMITED".

I FOUND OUT THAT CONSTRUCTION IS FROM 8 TO 5 MONDAY - FRIDAY AND SOME SATURDAYS.

 

Hampton Inn Coconut Grove / Coral Gables Hampton Inn Map

2800 SW 28^th Terrace

Miami, FL 33133

Phone: 305 448-2800 ( Ask for LaChondra or Rita)

Rate: $129 double (Ask for FLA rate) plus $12 parking per night 

Cut-off Date: 30 September, 2017

9.1 miles from Key Biscayne Communty Center

Courtyard Miami Coral Gables Courtyard Miami Map

2051 S LeJeune Rd

Coral Gables, FL 33134

Phone: 305 443-2301

Rate: $ 127 King or Queen/Queen (Ask for FLA Rate) plus $5 parking per night.

FLA Booking Link for Courtyard

Cut-off Date: 4 October, 2017

11.8 miles from Key Biscayne Community Center

Hyatt Regency Coral Gables Hyatt Regency Map

50 Alhambra Plaza

Coral Gables, FL 33134

Phone: 305 441-1234

Rate: $129 Single or Double occupancy (Ask for FLA Rate) plus $27 self parking or $33 Valet parking. FLA Booking link for Hyatt 

Cut-off Date: 27 September, 2017

10.3 miles from Key Biscayne Community Center