Gasparilla Island and the Boca Grande Lighthouse were host to the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club
last weekend for the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend.
This amateur radio annual event includes more than 50 countries and more than 150 lighthouses. The main purpose is to bring public awareness to the preservation and restoration needs of lighthouses and lightships, and through amateur radio foster international goodwill.
The Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club is a valuable asset to the Lee County area with its volunteer
support in emergency situations as well as community events. FMARC members volunteer countless hours, radio services and equipment to support hospitals, shelters and many other areas when vital communications are needed.
FMARC also supports training and continuing education for amateur radio.
More than 300 radio contacts were made, mostly in the continental United States, but notable contacts
were in England and Japan. Radio operators also contacted multiple lighthouses participating in the
event.
We look forward to being able to provide support for next year's event and our help this year was
welcomed by the FMARC.
Thank you.
Mark Duncan
assistant park manager
Gasparilla Island Administration
