During the 19th century, shipwrecks along the east coast of Florida were increasing at a staggering rate. The United States Lighthouse Board visited the area and determined a lighthouse was needed between Saint Augustine and Cape Canaveral. The Board recommended Mosquito Inlet, known for its strong current, shifting sand, and gusty wind as the prime location for the new lighthouse. By 1884, work was begun on the 175 foot tall structure built of red brick shipped from Baltimore, Maryland. It was completed in 1887. For over 80 years, the light was faithful to its service and never missed a night. However, in 1970, the Coast Guard established a beacon on the south side of the inlet and abandoned the lighthouse. Two years later, the lighthouse compound was deeded to the Town of Ponce Inlet with the establishment of the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association, Inc. The restoration of the buildings was soon begun, although the lighthouse remained dark for nearly 12 years. In late 1982, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse was officially reactivated and returned to its original use: A glorious beacon shining over 16 nautical miles, flashing every 10 seconds. The compound includes three original keepers' homes which are now museums, a historic 46-foot tugboat, and a new entrance building based on original 1884 plans for a dwelling which was never built. The "Beacon of Mosquito Inlet" is alive and well, providing the safety of its warning to today's mariners. As the tallest lighthouse in the United States open to the public, it is visited by more than 70,000 visitors annually and is one of the most popular attractions near Daytona Beach. The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association continues to enhance and restore this historic site, thus preserving it for the education of future generations.