PONCE INLET, Fla. — Lighthouse Point Park has a new name honoring the environmental advocate who helped protect the coastal property from condominium and townhome development.
Volusia County celebrated the naming of James Milton Hunt Lighthouse Point Park during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning. County and town officials joined community representatives and Hunt’s family for the event.
The park remains the subject of coastal conservation work. Earlier this year, Channel 9 reported on sand fencing installed near the park to encourage dune growth and reduce wind-driven sand movement.
Hunt helped lead campaign to preserve the land
Hunt grew up in Daytona Beach and graduated from Seabreeze High School in 1961.
In the early 1980s, he helped organize and lead the “Don’t Condo Our Lighthouse” campaign when plans called for condominiums and townhomes on the property, according to the county.
Hunt rallied community support and worked with government leaders to preserve the land for public use.
The park opened in 1986 and offers beach access, fishing and opportunities to explore the coastal environment.
Daughter sought recognition for her father
The renaming effort began when Hunt’s daughter, Jennifer Hunt Longmire, sought formal recognition of her late father’s contributions.
County Council Vice Chair Matt Reinhart brought the request before the council. Both the council and the Town of Ponce Inlet supported the proposal, according to the county.
The Florida Historical Commission subsequently approved the name change. County officials said that approval was required because the state owns the property.
A commemorative plaque at the park’s main pavilion already recognized Hunt’s contributions. The new name provides an additional tribute to his role in protecting the land.
Visiting the park
The 52-acre park is at 5000 S. Atlantic Ave. in Ponce Inlet, along the northern shoreline of Ponce de Leon Inlet.
Volusia County manages the state-owned property, which includes picnic pavilions, nature trails and a dog-friendly beach area along the inlet shoreline.
Visitors can find current hours, admission information and park rules on Volusia County’s park webpage.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2026 Cox Media Group
