Sombrero Key Lighthouse
Location & Light Range
About Sombrero Key Lighthouse
The Sombrero Key (2) Lighthouse, erected in 2015, is located in the Florida Keys. This modern marker continues the navigational purpose of its predecessor, signifying a reef or channel in the sea area of Sombrero Key. Its white light flashes once every 60 seconds from a focal height of 6 meters, offering a geographic range of 8.9 nautical miles. The structure is positioned in waters near Summerland Key, approximately 18.6 kilometers distant. The lighthouse site is open for viewing, but the tower is not accessible to visitors.
Why it matters: This lighthouse provides necessary navigation for safe passage through the Florida Keys, an area known for its shallow waters and coral reefs. It offers main direction for commercial and recreational vessels, assisting them in avoiding groundings and following the marked shipping lanes.
Light & Optic
- Flash Type
- Flashing
- Light Color
- White
- Interval
- 60s
- Raw Code
- Fl W 60s
- Focal Height
- 6m
- Geographic Range
- 8.9NM
Construction & History
- Year Built
- 2015
Visiting
- Open to public
- Site open, tower closed
Nearby Vessels
Tower & Structure
Structure: The Sombrero Key (2) Lighthouse, a modern navigational aid, stands in the vibrant, turquoise waters of the Florida Keys. This structure was established in 2015, taking over the vital role of its historic predecessor, which had long guided mariners through these often-treacherous coral-laden passages. Its presence ensures continued safety for vessels navigating the intricate channels and avoiding the extensive reef system that characterizes this part of the Atlantic. While the original Sombrero Key Lighthouse was a towering, iconic structure, this newer iteration represents a contemporary approach to maritime safety. The site around the lighthouse is open for observation, allowing visitors to appreciate its remote setting amidst the clear waters, though access to the tower itself remains closed to the public. It quietly performs its duty, a constant, reliable presence in a dynamic marine environment.
Location
- Country
- 🇺🇸United States
- Sea Region
- Sombrero Key, Florida Keys, marking a reef or channel
- Latitude
- 24.6278°
- Longitude
- -81.1086°
References & Identifiers
- Nearest Port
- Summerland Key(18.6 km)
- Admiralty No.
- J2998
- USCG No.
- 3-1001
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