PASCAGOULA, Miss. (AP) — After 15 years of work, the completely restored Round Island Lighthouse will open to the public with a grand opening ceremony Friday.

During the past week, The Mississippi Press reports (http://bit.ly/1MLUEgJ ) workers have completed the seatwall which surrounds the base of the lighthouse and have been installing a patio in the shape of a rose compass, as well as the sponsorship signage. Landscaping is also being completed.

The original lighthouse was constructed on Round Island in 1859 and was in operation until 1944. It was officially taken out of service in 1954.

Hurricane Georges in 1998 toppled the lighthouse and restoration was underway when Hurricane Katrina further damaged what remained of the original structure in 2005.

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