AnchorFL.com : Local information about Dog Island, Florida

Dog Island is small and remote, accessible only by boat, ferry or airplane. The Nature Conservancy owns most of the island, whilst some portions are also privately owned residential property. Dog Island has a rich maritime history and there is some evidence of a human presence on the island as early as 8,000 years ago.

Dog Island Light House
Dog Island Light was built on the western tip of Dog Island in 1838 to mark the "middle entrance to St. George's Sound." The light was first lit in February 1839. The tower was only forty feet tall but contained 14 lamps with 16-inch reflectors in a revolving lens. In October 1842, a hurricane destroyed keeper Latham Babcock's dwelling and a portion of the lighthouse fell down. A temporary wooden tower was used until the brick tower could be repaired. In 1856, a revolving fourth order Fresnel lens was installed to replace the obsolete lamp and reflector system. During the Civil War, Confederates burned the stairway and damaged the lens to prevent its use as a lighthouse or lookout tower. Repairs were made after the war and the light was relit. In 1872, beach erosion undermined the base of the tower, causing it to lean. Since the keeper's dwelling was located on higher ground farther inland, the lens was moved to the roof of the dwelling. A hurricane in 1873 destroyed both the tower and the dwelling.

Dog Island Airport
A publicly owned turf runway, that is 2700 x 120 ft. in size. The airport is managed by Dog Island Conservation District in Carrabelle. (Phone: 850-697-4702)