Lighting the way
Take a trip on any part of Florida's 1,800 miles of coastline, and you're bound to find a lighthouse. From St. Augustine to Key Biscayne, scores of lighthouses invite visitors to climb spiral staircases to take in breathtaking views of the state's magnificent terrain. Visitors to lighthouses come for several reasons, including the structures architecture and romanticism. "My wife is into the romanticism of lighthouses," said Gene Oakes, president of the Florida Lighthouse Association. "I married someone who is a lighthouse nut.'" His wife's passion inspired Oakes to become the president of the state's association that's dedicated to preserve, protect and restore Florida's lighthouses. And visits to these attractions are more popular than ever. "About 44 percent of tourism is in culturally based activities," said Paul Kayemba, spokesman for Visit Florida, the state's official travel planning agency. "More visitors ar...
