FPTower Inc. entered into a negotiated agreement transferring its ownership interests in the Frying Pan Shoals Light Tower to private ownership on July 1, 2026. While this concluded the nonprofit’s direct stewardship of the tower, it did not change its charitable purpose. Today, FPTower Inc. is focused on advancing maritime safety, connecting marine science through collaborative partnerships, and inspiring ocean discovery while serving coastal communities

No.

FPTower Inc. remains an active 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. While our role with the Frying Pan Shoals Light Tower has concluded, our mission continues through innovative partnerships, maritime safety initiatives, marine science collaborations, and Coastal Watch programs that benefit coastal communities.

The organization’s vision has remained remarkably consistent, even as its work has evolved. The tower may have created the mission, but the mission was never limited to the tower.

Today, FPTower Inc. continues serving the public by advancing maritime safety, connecting marine science through partnerships, and inspiring ocean discovery throughout North Carolina’s coastal communities.

The name FPTower Inc. reflects the organization’s history and the mission that began with the restoration of the Frying Pan Shoals Light Tower. While FPTower Inc. no longer owns or operates the tower, the values and purpose that inspired the organization continue to guide its work today.

Today, FPTower Inc. is building on that legacy by advancing maritime safety, connecting marine science through collaborative partnerships, and inspiring ocean discovery for the benefit of North Carolina’s coastal communities.

Richard Neal owns the Frying Pan Tower™ trademark and has authorized FPTower Inc. to continue using it as part of the organization’s legacy and mission going forward.

Supporting the Mission Today

The Frying Pan Tower™ name continues to represent the legacy that inspired our organization and the mission it serves today. Proceeds from FPTower Inc.’s branded merchandise, fundraising campaigns, and charitable contributions directly support the nonprofit’s mission of advancing maritime safety, connecting marine science through collaborative partnerships, and inspiring ocean discovery.

These proceeds are used for maritime safety, marine research, and ocean discovery, not funding the privately owned Frying Pan Shoals Light Tower.

This is the most exciting part of our journey forward. 

FPTower inc. is leveraging the expertise gained through years of offshore operations to create new opportunities benefiting our coastal communities.

The organization is expanding its work in:

• Maritime Safety
• Marine Science Partnerships
• Coastal Watch
• Ocean Discovery
• Community Partnerships

Since beginning this new chapter, FPTower Inc. has donated U SAFE® remote-controlled rescue lifebuoys to multiple coastal communities and continues expanding water safety partnerships throughout the Carolinas.

While FPTower Inc. no longer manages research equipment at the tower, the organization remains committed to expanding opportunities for marine science through collaborative partnerships with universities, researchers, educators, and coastal organizations to expand scientific understanding of our coastal environment.

Yes.

Live-streaming observation remains an important part of FPTower Inc.’s mission. Through our Coastal Watch initiative, we are developing partnerships with public and private organizations to deploy live-streaming camera systems that support marine life research, coastal wildlife monitoring, weather observation, and educational programming.

These systems will provide students, educators, researchers, and the public with real-time access to North Carolina’s coastal environments while generating AI-assisted environmental insights that support scientific discovery, public engagement, and environmental stewardship.

As our Coastal Watch network grows, these observation platforms will continue expanding opportunities to connect people with the coast through innovation, education, and collaborative research.

Not at all.

FPTower Inc. is proud of the restoration work, scientific collaborations, volunteer efforts, educational programming, and maritime safety initiatives accomplished during its stewardship.

Those accomplishments were never the destination—they became the foundation upon which FPTower Inc. continues to build its mission today.

While that chapter is now closed, our mission continues with greater impact than ever before. The tower may have created the mission, but the mission was never limited to the tower. We are bringing that mission closer to shore to benefit our coastal communities.

There are multiple ways you can support FPTower Inc.’s mission.

You can support our mission by becoming a Mission Impact Partner:

• Maritime Safety Partner: Your support helps expand access to innovative lifesaving technology that protects those in distress while helping keep first responders and rescuers safer in challenging water rescue situations.
• Marine Science Partner: Your support helps create more opportunities to collaborate with researchers and educators in better understanding our coastal ecosystems
• Coastal Watch Partner: Your support helps by connect people with our coastal world through live observation, educational experiences, and environmental insights that inspire discovery, scientific research, and environmental stewardship.

You can make a charitable contribution helping turn today’s ideas into tomorrow’s impact along our coast.

Plus, there are many more opportunities for volunteering, sponsoring programs, or helping expand our maritime safety, marine science, and Coastal Watch initiatives.

Contact us today for more information on how you can help!