VIRGINIA BEACH (Oct. 9, 2018) – Travel to the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse and other historic sites located on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story military base will now be easier, safer and more convenient with the launch of a shuttle service on Oct. 15. The shuttles will transport visitors from a designated parking area at the main Gate 8 entrance at JEB Little Creek-Fort Story, which is located on 89th Street and Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach.
The shuttle service is expected to significantly reduce the amount of time visitors spend at the security gate. Civilian visitors 16-years of age and older will need to produce an ID at the Gate 8 entrance for base access. Security personnel will then direct guests to parking adjacent to the gate. Visitors will experience a security check before boarding the shuttle to be transported to the historic sites. Visitors will only be allowed to carry a handbag or a small infant bag. All other items will need to remain in vehicles. Visitors with an authorized government ID will be allowed to drive directly to the Cape Henry Lighthouse.
Establishment of the shuttle service was a joint effort by the City of Virginia Beach, JEB Little Creek-Fort Story leadership and Preservation Virginia, a private, non-profit and historic preservation leader based in Richmond. The non-profit has owned and operated the lighthouse since 1930. The new process not only affords a better visitor experience for guests, but it significantly enhances security for the base.
“These shuttles represent another prime example of the great working relationship we have with the City of Virginia Beach and the local community,” stated Captain Joey Frantzen, commander, JEBLCFS. “These types of efforts help balance our fundamental charter to keep the base secure, while ensuring we provide the public ease of accessibility to the historic sites here on base.”
“The new free shuttle is an excellent opportunity to enhance the Base’s security measures, while streamlining the visitor experience to and from the historic Cape Henry Lighthouses and First Landing memorials,” stated Brian Solis, transportation and transit planning manager for the City of Virginia Beach.
The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse tower is temporarily inaccessible for climbing because of the dune restoration project currently underway. However, visitors can still participate in walking tours of the historic Cape Henry area surrounding the lighthouse every hour from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday for $10. Stops include the Cape Henry Memorial National Park, which commemorates the English settlers’ first landing in 1607 before continuing up the James River to Jamestown, and the new Cape Henry Lighthouse built in 1881 to replace the original tower.
“As the steward and owner of the Cape Henry Lighthouse for almost 90 years, we are grateful to our partners in the City of Virginia Beach and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story for our work together on the shuttle,” stated Elizabeth Kostelny, CEO of Preservation Virginia. “Now visitors can travel to the Lighthouse in comfort while learning a bit more about the fascinating history of this site.”
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Base Access Requirements
- Valid ID card for all visitors 16-years of age and older
- Driver of vehicle must be able to produce valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance
- Visitors can access the base as a pedestrian or on bicycle with a valid ID
- Not allowed on base: Illegal drugs, contraband and weapons
Allowed Items on the Shuttle
- One small handbag per visitor
- Infant bag as appropriate
- Infant stroller if applicable
Authorized Sites to Visit on JEBLCFS
- Old Cape Henry Lighthouse
- Cape Henry Memorial National Park Service
Costs Associated with Visit
- Preservation Virginia charges a $10 fee for providing walking tours of the historic Cape Henry area surrounding the lighthouse.
- There is no charge by the Navy to visit the historical sites on base.
- There is no charge for the shuttle service (provided by the City of Virginia Beach).
About Preservation Virginia
Preservation Virginia is a private, non-profit organization and statewide historic preservation leader founded in 1889 that is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and serving as an advocate for Virginia’s cultural and architectural history.
Media Contacts
Brittney Jubert
Marketing Manager, Preservation Virginia
bjubert@preservationvirginia.org
804-648-1889, ext. 304
Brian Solis
Transportation and Transit Planning Manager, City of Virginia Beach
bsolis@vbgov.com
757-385-2907
Scott Mohr
Public Affairs Officer, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story
scott.mohr@navy.mil
757-462-8425
