The Sanibel Island Lighthouse
Location submitted by: sdonley on 03/20/2025
DBA Approved: Y
Larger Map
112 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel, FL 33957
Open to the public: Yes
Lat: 26.452290
Lon: -82.016251
PANICd#: 2158
Publication date: 03/20/2025
The Sanibel Island Light, or Point Ybel Light, was one of the first lighthouses on Florida's Gulf Coast north of Key West and the Dry Tortugas.
Database Summary:
Demographic Rank: 0
History: 1
Stories: 1
Claims: 3
Evidence: 0
Resources: 2
Retrievals: 16998
Vistor Rating: 0.0
Votes: 0
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History
History information is some background and history about the location. This is meant to be a basic summary. Below the history records you will find sources in which you can click on to find out more information. There may be multiple history records per location.
The historic Sanibel Lighthouse was built in 1884; it was one of the first lighthouses on the Gulf Coast. A request for a lighthouse had been active since 1878; however, the $50,000 needed to build the lighthouse was not granted until 1883. Within 3 months, the 98-foot, iron structure was complete. It was lit on August 20th, 1884, by the first lighthouse keeper, Dudley Richardson. The lighthouse ran on kerosene oil, which had to be carried up a 127-step spiral staircase by the lighthouse keeper. The lighthouse is located in Lighthouse Beach Park, which is a popular site for shelling, fishing, beach dwelling, and sunsets.
Added by: sdonley on 03/20/2025
DB#:695
Source(s):
https://thesancapguide.com/history/the-historic-sa...
Stories & Folklore
Stories & Folklore are just that. Stories and personal accounts that have been reported about the location and passed down from generation to generation. This section could also contain research notes as well.
In addition to being famous for its history, the Sanibel Island Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1884, is also said to be haunted. Rumors circulate about a former lighthouse keeper's spirit, George Wendell, prowling the grounds of the lighthouse complex. Visitors and locals have experienced strange phenomena, including flickering lights, odd footsteps, and eerie apparitions. Many claim to have caught glimpses of George's ghostly figure, often described as a solemn presence watching over the waters. Whether these tales are rooted in reality or simply the product of vivid imaginations, they add an intriguing layer to the island's charm and draw paranormal enthusiasts from far and wide.
Added by: sdonley on 03/20/2025 DB#: 1669
Source(s):
Various
Paranormal Claims
Here are the paranormal claims for this location. These have been found through Internet research, reports from members, or reports from personal interviews. To add a claim, please contact PANICd.com, and we will review and add your information.
| Claim # | Added | Added By | Claim |
| 3639 | 03/20/2025 | sdonley | Strange footsteps have been heard. |
| 3640 | 03/20/2025 | sdonley | Flickering lights have been experienced. |
| 3641 | 03/20/2025 | sdonley | The apparation of a former lighthouse keeper has been seen. |
Additional Resources
This is a collection of Internet resources for this location. This section will house links to other websites that contain information related to history, claims, investigations, or even the location's website.
| Wikipedia Entry
Added: 03/20/2025 By: sdonley |
Wikipedia entry for this location. |
| Sanibel Island Lighthouse, Florida at Lighthousefriends.com
Added: 03/20/2025 By: sdonley |
Sanibel Island Lighthouse, Florida Lighthouses, photographs, pictures, history, location, visitor information, maps, description, hotels, Lighthousefriends.com |
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