Volusia County Celebrates Renaming of Lighthouse Point Park in Honor of Late Environmental Advocate

Posted On: October 23, 2026

Volusia County celebrated the renaming of Lighthouse Point Park to James Milton Hunt Lighthouse Point Park during a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning honoring the late environmental advocate whose determination helped preserve one of the area's most treasured coastal destinations.

The ceremony brought together County officials, representatives from the Town of Ponce Inlet, community representatives, and members of the Hunt family to recognize Hunt's contributions to protecting the environmentally sensitive property from development and ensuring its preservation for public enjoyment.

Hunt, who grew up in Daytona Beach and graduated from Seabreeze High School in 1961, played a pivotal role in the grassroots effort to preserve the property in the early 1980s. At a time when plans called for condominiums and townhomes on the land, Hunt helped organize and lead the "Don't Condo Our Lighthouse" campaign, rallying community support and working with government leaders to protect the property from development.

Located in Ponce Inlet, the park offers residents and visitors access to a scenic stretch of coastline near Ponce de Leon Inlet, with opportunities to enjoy the beach, fish, explore nature, and take in the area's coastal scenery. Since opening in 1986, the park has welcomed generations of families and become a popular outdoor recreation destination. Nearly four decades later, the park remains a lasting example of how community advocacy and a commitment to conservation can benefit future generations.

The effort to rename the park began when Hunt's daughter, Jennifer Hunt Longmire, sought to formally recognize her father's contributions. Volusia County Council Vice Chair and District 2 Representative Matt Reinhart brought the request before the County Council, which joined the Town of Ponce Inlet in supporting the proposal. The renaming subsequently received approval from the Florida Historical Commission, as required because the state owns the property.

Although a commemorative plaque at the park's main pavilion has long recognized his contributions, the official renaming provides a permanent tribute to his role in preserving the property.

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