Gala Raises Funds to Restore 1873 Alligator Reef Lighthouse

The Reignite the Light Gala on Tea Table Key brought together community members, donors and local organizations on Nov. 15 to support restoration of the Alligator Reef Lighthouse. The white and silver themed event featured a live auction, dinner and entertainment, and organizers described the fundraiser as a component of a multi million dollar campaign to restore the 1873 structure. Keys Weekly reported on the gala on Nov. 24, 2025, noting the event as a visible step in a long term preservation effort.

Ownership and stewardship of the lighthouse recently shifted from the Department of the Interior to a local nonprofit, creating new local responsibility for a federally built maritime landmark. That transfer places the work of fundraising, restoration planning and ongoing maintenance squarely in local hands, and organizers are directing interested residents to savealligatorlighthouse.org for more information and ways to get involved.

The restoration carries practical implications beyond heritage preservation. Lighthouses remain important markers for navigation and coastal safety, and rebuilding the structure can reduce risks to recreational boaters and commercial traffic near Monroe County waters. The campaign also has economic stakes for the Keys, where cultural tourism supports hospitality jobs, small businesses and the tax base that underpins public services. Successful restoration could create visiting opportunities that distribute tourism benefits across local neighborhoods while demanding careful planning to avoid displacing residents or stressing local infrastructure.

From a public health and equity perspective, local stewardship raises questions about access, investment priorities and climate resilience. Restoring a 19th century lighthouse in the era of rising seas requires funds not only for historic fabric but also for protective measures that reduce future storm damage. Policymakers at the county and state levels will be asked to weigh grant support and permitting in ways that ensure the project benefits a broad cross section of Monroe County residents, including communities that have historically carried disproportionate burdens from coastal hazards.

The gala’s proceeds mark progress toward a costly goal, but the campaign underscores a wider challenge. Sustained funding, thoughtful community engagement and interagency cooperation will be needed to restore the Alligator Reef Lighthouse in a manner that preserves heritage, protects safety and advances social equity. For details and volunteer opportunities, visit savealligatorlighthouse.org.