Clearing the Lot (Goodbye Lighthouse)

Fernandina Beach residents recently witnessed the demolition of a unique lighthouse-shaped home reminiscent of the island's historic Amelia Island Lighthouse, making way for a new construction project. The property, located on a lot purchased by new residents who had initially sought an empty parcel, was ultimately deemed too costly to relocate despite significant interest from the community.

The owners had explored options to save the distinctive structure. A friend, Zaine, who owned a nearby lot, had initially planned to move the lighthouse onto his property. LaRue House Movers provided a quote of $29,500 to move the house and hold it nine feet off the ground for a new foundation, though this did not include foundation costs or utility reconnections. Zaine later abandoned the project due to building restrictions on modifications he desired and subsequently sold his lot.

Following Zaine's decision, the owners advertised the house for free on the Facebook Amelia Island Fernandina Beach Network and the Facebook Amelia Island Virtual Sale, hoping to avoid demolition costs. This offer garnered attention from local media, including Action News JAX, where the owners appeared multiple times. Sixteen parties expressed interest, with some even obtaining estimates, but none were able to justify the expense of moving the house.

Among the interested parties were a couple from Wisconsin who wished to use the lighthouse as headquarters for their ministry. While a charitable donation to their non-profit would have been beneficial for the owners, the couple lacked a suitable lot and could not secure the necessary funds for the move.

Hurricane Irma, which struck the area, further complicated matters. The storm blew in doors and shifted the center beam of the house, raising doubts about its structural integrity for a potential move. The hurricane also influenced the owners' decision to delay their building plans until January, when most construction crews were less occupied with storm repairs.

Before demolition, efforts were made to rehome furnishings. Kitchen cabinets went to a couple from Savannah, a refrigerator to a young couple in Yulee, and a dishwasher to a neighbor. Bedroom suites found new homes with two different families, and the microwave was donated to the Humane Society Thrift Shop. Attempts to save the crows nest ceiling and the spiral staircase by listing them on Craigslist were unsuccessful.

The demolition was scheduled for January 10th. On January 9th, a notice was posted on the Amelia Island Fernandina Beach Network Facebook page, allowing locals one last look. The post received over 200 comments, 400 "likes," and 100 "shares," with most feedback being positive and supportive.

The day before demolition, the owners, Tony and his partner, attempted to salvage the spiral staircase, managing to remove the steps and handrail but not the center post. That evening, friends gathered for a final champagne toast at the house, which they affectionately called "Green's Light."

On the morning of the demolition, the owners made one last attempt to remove the staircase's center post. Although the demolition crew's only tool was an excavator, they successfully extracted the post. Tony and a friend, Steve, were seen carrying it away. Within two hours, the site was reduced to rubble, and two days later, the lot was cleared, ready for the construction of "Sand Torini."