Old Turtle Pond Road Lighthouse
1510 N Cove Rd, Orlando, FL 32830, USA
Name and Location
The "Old Turtle Pond Road Lighthouse" stands at 1444 Old Turtle Pond Road (also referred to by some sources as 1510 N Cove Road) in Lake Buena Vista, Orange County, Florida, USA.
Construction and History
The exact construction date and architect of this lighthouse are unknown. It is speculated that the structure was built in the late 20th or early 21st century, possibly as a decorative element in a resort or residential marina development. No dedicated historical records have been found for this structure.
Architecture and Materials
The official name of this structure is not recorded, but it is sometimes referred to informally as the "Old Turtle Pond Road Lighthouse." The style is utilitarian, vernacular "ship's lantern" look, with a tapered cylindrical tower. The materials used are speculative, but likely include steel framing with fiberglass or polymer cladding, and glass-paneled lantern room dome. The height is approximately 8-12 meters above grade.
Light and Navigation
There is no officially recorded light characteristic, focal height, or range for this structure. It did not serve as an official coastal navigation aid. Automation is also not applicable, as there is no evidence of an operational light.
Accessibility and Visiting
The "Old Turtle Pond Road Lighthouse" is located on private property or within a resort complex, making it inaccessible to the general public. Visitors can see the tower from adjacent roads (Old Turtle Pond Road/N Cove Road) and possibly from nearby public walkways around Bay Lake or private docks.
Notable Views and Landscape
The lighthouse offers panoramic outlooks over a marina basin and wooded pond edge, with distant views toward resort rooftops. Photographs are not available for publication, but visitors have shared informal snapshots on social media.
Anecdotes and Folklore
There is no documented local legend surrounding this structure. Some local guides jokingly suggest that it was built "in case small boats got lost in Bay Lake," though this is purely tongue-in-cheek.
Technical and Operational Details
No technical or operational details are available, as the lighthouse did not serve as an official coastal navigation aid.
Further Information
- OpenStreetMap way/236358146 entry: https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/236358146
- Google Maps location: https://www.google.com/maps?q=28.3700579,-81.5346847
Details
Name | Old Turtle Pond Road Lighthouse |
---|---|
City | Lake Buena Vista |
Country | United States |
Coordinates | 28.3700579, -81.5346847 |
Architectural style | utilitarian, vernacular |
Construction material | "steel framing with fiberglass or polymer cladding, glass-paneled lantern room dome" |
Accessible | false |
Landscape type | mixed residential/resort setting near a small inland pond and a boat dock area |
Facilities | toilets, café |
Nearby attractions | ["Walt Disney World Resort complex"] |
AIS Radar | false |
Automated | false |