Faro Blanco Lighthouse

History of the Faro Blanco Lighthouse

Posted/Updated by Bryan Penberthy on 2016-03-24.

Marathon Key once advertised itself as "the heart of the Keys" and was famous for sport fishing. During the 1950s and 1960s, dredging on the key allowed unprecedented growth. At that time, numerous motels and businesses popped up. One of those motels had incorporated a facsimile lighthouse, which was called the Faro Blanco Lighthouse.

Although not much is known about the Faro Blanco Lighthouse, it was designed by Les Barrett and is believed to be built in 1950 by a local contractor named Archie Rackley. At some point, the lighthouse contained a light and was a private aid to navigation

The lighthouse was severely damaged in 1960 by Hurricane Donna. It was either rebuilt or repaired at that time, but it is unclear which took place. Over the years, it was most likely damaged by other hurricanes as well, but the lighthouse was damaged beyond repair in 2005 by Hurricane Wilma.

After Hurricane Wilma, the property was condemned. The Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club was rebuilt by the Spottswood Company, which reopened in January of 2015. Added to the property was a 125-room Hayatt Place Hotel, full-service marina, and an elegant waterfront restaurant and bar.

Of course the resort just wouldn't be the same without the Faro Blanco Lighthouse, which was restored and repainted. In November of 2014, a new lantern was placed atop the tower. From what I understand, there are no more guest rooms available inside the lighthouse. Today, it is the Dock-Master's office.

Directions: Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club
1996 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050
305.743.1234

Access: The lighthouse stands on the grounds of the Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club. The lighthouse serves as the Dock Master's office, but from comments on the page, it can be visited.

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