Built in 1895 on the Florida mainland near the channel west of Dog Island, Crooked River Light replaced storm-damaged Dog Island lights and served as a rear range light for ships in the lumber trade. Equipped with a 4th Order bivalve Fresnel lens from Paris, it became known for its red, white, and black daymark after repainting in 1901. The station was electrified in 1933, automated in 1952, and decommissioned in 1995 as navigation technology changed. Restoration efforts begun in 1999 returned it to use and preserved it as a historic Gulf Coast lighthouse, with its original lens placed on display in 2020.