ST. MARKS, FL (WTXL) - On Tuesday, Governor Rick Scott signed the budget for the state of Florida. With that signature, over $450 million worth of projects were vetoed across the state.
One of those projects was asking for funding to help restore the historic St. Marks Lighthouse.
The original lighthouse was constructed in 1828 but was rebuilt in 1931. It currently stands 80 feet tall, watching over the Gulf of Mexico and the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge.
The lighthouse and the keeper house are closed to visitors but, according to the St. Marks Refuge Association's website, the plans to restore the buildings would include turning them into a museum and historic site.
Refuge Manager Terry Peacock says though that the veto is only a set back.
Peacock explains that they do still intend to continue with the restoration and have several grant applications in the works.
