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Alligator Reef Lighthouse Florida Last Updated: 11/01/2023 |
| The Alligator Reef Lighthouse is an iconic and historic lighthouse located in the Florida Keys, near Islamorada, Florida. It stands in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately four nautical miles off the coast of Islamorada. The lighthouse is named after the nearby Alligator Reef, which is a well-known underwater reef in the area. | |
| - History: The Alligator Reef Lighthouse has a long and storied history. The original lighthouse at this location was constructed in 1873 to aid ships navigating through the treacherous waters of the Florida Keys. It was an important navigational aid due to the many reefs and shallow waters in the area, which posed a significant hazard to ships. - Design: The lighthouse is constructed of iron and has a unique architectural design. It is a skeletal or open-frame tower, which allows strong winds and waves to pass through it rather than exerting pressure on the structure. This design makes it more resilient in the face of severe weather conditions. - Automated: Like many lighthouses, the Alligator Reef Lighthouse was automated in the mid-20th century. This means that it no longer requires a resident lighthouse keeper to maintain its operation. - Light Characteristics: The lighthouse emits a characteristic light signal that helps mariners identify its location. This signal consists of a white flash every 20 seconds, and the light has a range of visibility of approximately 17 nautical miles. - Reef Protection: The lighthouse also serves as a protective measure for boats and ships by marking the presence of the Alligator Reef, which is a significant coral reef formation. The reef is part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. - Preservation: The Alligator Reef Lighthouse is a historic structure and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Efforts have been made to preserve and maintain this important piece of maritime history. - Access: The lighthouse is not typically open to the public, as it is located in a remote area offshore. However, it can be viewed from a distance from various points on land in Islamorada, and boat tours sometimes pass by the lighthouse, allowing visitors to see it up close. The Alligator Reef Lighthouse remains a symbol of maritime heritage in the Florida Keys and continues to play an essential role in aiding navigation for ships and boats in the area. It is not only a historic structure but also a significant part of the region's cultural and natural landscape. | |
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Monroe County » Islamorada
Place » Outdoors
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Indian Key Historic State Park Place » Outdoors Indian Key Historic State Park is an island within the Florida State Park system, located just a few hundred yards southeast of U.S. 1 within the Florida Keys. The island was home to the town of Indian Key, Florida in the middle of the 19th century but is now an uninhabited ghost town. 24 views 💖 1Islamorada, FL 33036 |
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Founders Park Place » Outdoors Founders Park is a popular recreational area located at Mile Marker 87 on the Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1) in Islamorada, Florida. It's easily accessible and centrally located in the Florida Keys. The park offers a variety of facilities and amenities for both residents and visitors. 24 views 💖 187000 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036 |
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Islamorada Place » City Islamorada is a picturesque village located in the Florida Keys, a chain of islands that stretch southward from the southern tip of the Florida peninsula into the Gulf of Mexico. Islamorada is often referred to as the "Village of Islands" because it comprises several smaller islands, including Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Windley Key, and Plantation Key. Its population was 7,107 in 2020. 26 views 💖 1Florida |