Eglin recognized for preservation efforts

  • Published
  • By Jerron Barnett
  • Eglin Environmental Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Eglin's Cultural Resources staff was recently recognized for their contributions to the preservation of one of the Cape San Blas lighthouse keeper's quarters in the 2008 Tallahassee/Leon County Historic Preservation Awards Program.

The event, held in the R.A. Gray Building's Heritage Hall in downtown Tallahassee, Fla., featured many historic preservation projects that had been accomplished around the state.

"Sleeping Beauty", as it is commonly referred to by St. Joe, Fla., citizens where it is located on Eglin property in Gulf County, was one of three preservation projects that were recognized under the Preservation Project of Regional Impact award category.

"It's wonderful to see such a great example of historic restoration and community partnering be recognized in their preservation works and beneficial impact on the region," Beth Avery, Eglin Historic Buildings program manager, said. Ms. Avery and Maria Rodriguez, Eglin's Historic Preservation Officer, represented Eglin at the ceremony.

After the "Sleeping Beauty" structure had been beaten and battered by tropical storms and hurricanes and relocated away from the shoreline a few times over the years, Eglin commanders, cultural resources and real estate officials worked to transfer the land and structure to Gulf County earlier this decade. The Gulf County Board of County Commissioners and the St. Joseph Historical Society pursued and obtained grants from the State of Florida to restore the structure, work that was accomplished by MLD Architects Inc., and others in 2005. Eglin had previously restored the "sister" keeper's structure found there in the late 90s.

This project received a similar award from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in 2006.

The two keeper's quarters, an oil house and a deactivated lighthouse make up the Cape San Blas site. A gift shop has been opened inside the Sleeping Beauty structure and Eglin and Gulf County have partnered to restore the lighthouse as well. Eglin is finalizing a 25-year lease of the entire site to Gulf County which will be opened up to tourism in the near future.