Hello Ed. As a resident of the west cost of Florida, here are my suggestions. Go to Gasparilla Island. There are 2 lighthouses on the island. There is a museum located in the Boca Grande Lighthouse, which is located at the very south end of Gasparilla Island. This is the only lighthouse museum on the west coast of Florida, unless you count the Museum in Pensacola, which I say is in the Panhandle of Florida. If you have time you should also visit Sanibel Lighthouse. The Sanibel Historical Museum has a display on the Lighthouse and is supposed to have the original lens on display. The other Lighthouses in the area are all very difficult to get to. Egmount Key is at the mouth of Tampa Bay, and is only about 30 -45 minutes from Siesta Key, but you need a boat to get to the island. A decent view of the light can be had from Fort Desoto Park, and if one knows where to look it can be seen while crossing the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The same problem faces you if you wish to visit Anclote Key Lighthouse, which is just off Tarpon Springs. A decent view of this light can be had by visiting Fred Howard Park. I think that covers the lights that are immediately accessible from the Siesta Key area.
