Ponce Inlet is a town in Volusia County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,513 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 3,178.
The Town of Ponce Inlet is located on the southern tip of a beach peninsula, south of Daytona Beach and Daytona Beach Shores. Several marinas are located in Ponce Inlet, which is considered one of the area’s prime fishing spots. The area is prized by residents for its relaxed lifestyle and natural, uncrowded beaches. The Ponce Inlet Jetty is also home to many local surfers in the Daytona Beach area. During the summer months the swells can reach up to 12ft. Surfers from all over the country seek out this popular surf location.
The lighthouse
Completed in 1887, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station was built when the area was known as Mosquito Inlet. After decades of restoration by the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association, it stands today as one of the best preserved, most complete Light Stations in the nation.
Visited by 127,000 people each year, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998. The lighthouse tower and museum are located 12 miles south of Daytona Beach and are open to the public year round. The lighthouse is close to Orlando attractions, historic St. Augustine and the Kennedy Space Center. The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and the second tallest lighthouse in the nation. Visitors who climb the 175-foot-tall lighthouse tower are treated to a magnificent view of the Florida coastline and Halifax River from Daytona Beach to New Smyrna Beach.
The lighthouse keepers’ dwellings and other historic light station buildings are now home to the lighthouse museum, with exhibits on lighthouse life, lighthouse and Fresnel lens restoration, the keepers and their families, Daytona Beach and Florida history, and shipwrecks. The Ayres Davies Lens Exhibit Building houses one of the finest collections of restored Fresnel lenses in the world, including the rotating first order Fresnel lens from the Cape Canaveral lighthouse and the restored original Ponce Inlet lighthouse first order Fresnel lens.
There are also beautiful waterfront dining here in Ponce Inlet. Racing’s North Turn, Down the Hatch and Inlet Harbor Restaurant to name a few.
First Church in the History of PONCE INLET, FL
In 2003 the Tidwell family came to this beautiful town and founded Ponce Church the first Christian church in the history of Ponce Inlet. Ponce Church and it’s congregation have welcomed many visitors over the years. Some are year round residents while others vacation during the summer and winter months. At Ponce Church you will be welcomed by founder and Pastor, Rick Tidwell along with his wife Nina. Complimentary fresh delicious coffee and other refreshments are available coffee station throughout the service. Both residents and guests enjoy the casual atmosphere. Shorts and sandals are always welcome. Ponce Church worship is contemporary. The pastors oldest son Rich, is the lead vocalist and plays guitar. Brandi, his wife is also a musician who is on vocals and plays the piano. Their youngest son Robert plays the Djembe drum. Ponce Church and members of our community are active feeding the homeless and families in need in the Daytona Beach area every Saturday at 320 North Street, Daytona Beach (located in the parking lot of Second Harvest Food Bank). Sunday Service begins at 10:00am at 4670 S. Peninsula Dr., Ponce Inlet. For more info go to PonceChurch.com or like Ponce Church on Facebook.
Welcome to Ponce Inlet!
