>> Click to enlarge << Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse during its recent ... Photo by: Alan R. Headley

The $1.14 million dollar restoration at Florida’s Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse is near completion.

>> Click to enlarge << Master Stonemason Alex Skellon takes a moment to ... Photo by: Alan R. Headley

The restoration project by International Chimney Corp. of Buffalo, New York included main and lantern galleries and replacing the supports as well as repainting the dome to its original black color. The iron staircase inside the tower is also being cleaned and repainted.

>> Click to enlarge << Larry Davis of International Chimney Corp. ... Photo by: Alan R. Headley

Master stonemason Alex Skellon, who did all of the stonework when Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, NC was moved, has repaired the granite steps.

>> Click to enlarge << One of the new 600-pound gallery support brackets ... Photo by: Alan R. Headley

The last part of the restoration will be the abrasive blasting and repainting of the inside and outside of the tower.

>> Click to enlarge << The new gallery plate and bracket are shown here ... Photo by: Alan R. Headley

The new Administration/Maintenance building is also now open. This new building, situated north of the tower, provides the lighthouse staff with much needed office space, exhibit design area, and storage space.

>> Click to enlarge << The new administration building at Ponce De Leon ... Photo by: Alan R. Headley