description Sand Key Lighthouse Overview
The Sand Key Lighthouse, located on Gasparilla Island in Florida’s Gulf Coast, was built in 1886 and stands 114 feet tall, guiding ships through the shallow waters of Tampa Bay with its powerful light beam.
help Sand Key Lighthouse FAQ
Where is Sand Key Lighthouse actually located?
Sand Key Lighthouse is about 7 miles southwest of Key West, Florida, between Sand Key Channel and Rock Key Channel. It is not on Gasparilla Island or in Tampa Bay.
When was the present Sand Key Lighthouse first lit?
The present iron screw-pile tower was first lit on July 20, 1853. It replaced an earlier brick tower that was destroyed during the Great Havana Hurricane of 1846.
Why does Sand Key Lighthouse use an iron skeleton tower?
The open skeletal design and screw-pile foundation were suited to a shifting reef and storm-prone key. The earlier brick light was damaged by erosion and the 1846 hurricane, while the 1853 tower was built to stand over the water.
Can visitors walk inside Sand Key Lighthouse?
No, it is not a normal walk-up attraction and is best viewed from a boat or plane. The United States Coast Guard describes the remote station as closed to public access.
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