153-Year-Old Lighthouse Toppples
1995 Hurricane Set Structure Off-Kilter

October 22, 2005

LITTLE ST. GEORGE ISLAND, Fla. -- A Florida lighthouse that stood for well
over a century has finally succumbed to the forces of nature.

Officials say the Cape St. George lighthouse was found toppled Friday.

The 153-year-old lighthouse took a beating during Hurricane Opal in 1995.
The force of the storm left it standing at a 10-degree angle, but it was
repaired with money from state grants and donations.

However, the St. George Lighthouse Association said erosion removed sand
from around its base and left it standing 20 feet from shore.

The state Department of Environmental Protection was trying to raise
$350,000 to have it restored and removed. But it toppled before that could
happen.