STATE PANEL REQUIRES RELOCATION OF LANDMARK

It's without question the most photographed landmark in Mount Dora.  

Due to the findings of a state environmental advisory panel last week, the city's lighthouse will undergo further evaluation and eventual relocation in the coming months.

Citing soil studies indicating instability of the fill at Grantham Point Park, a man-made jetty in Simpson Cove, the panel will require the 35-foot tall beacon to be relocated for safety reasons

"Grantham Point Park is man-made and created with fill.  Because of this, it's required to be tested for stability.  Multiple soil samples indicate the fill has shifted," said Cida Light, public information officer for Florida Commission of Environmental Safety. 

The park was built in 1987 to accommodate the lighthouse, which is constructed of brick and stucco.   Although it's a landmark, it is also a fully functional lighthouse that assists boaters' navigation to the city's boat ramp.

"After reviewing the submitted alternate locations, the advisory panel and the Army Corps of Engineers proposed the city's downtown Donnelly Park as the new location," said Light.

 Due to the steep slope of Donnelly Park, across from City Hall, the project is now under review at the Jacksonville engineering firm of Wier Keeding.   The extensive engineering and permitting process will take until April 1, 2017 for completion, according to Light.

Gotcha!  Happy April Fools Day!
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