Florida’s Beaconing Beauties: A Journey Through the Sunshine State’s Historic Lighthouses

The Amelia Island Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the northern end of Amelia Island, Florida. It was first lit in 1839 and served as a navigational aid for ships entering and exiting the St. Mary’s River. The lighthouse stands 64 feet tall and has a distinctive black and white spiral pattern.

During the Civil War, the lighthouse was used as a lookout by Confederate troops. In 1862, Union troops captured Fernandina Beach and the lighthouse was damaged during the conflict. After the war, the lighthouse was repaired and modernized.

The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1933 and replaced by a modern steel tower. In 1970, a group of concerned citizens formed the Amelia Island Lighthouse Association to restore and preserve the historic structure. The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Today, the Amelia Island Lighthouse is open to the public and visitors can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The lighthouse also houses a museum with exhibits on the history of the lighthouse and the maritime history of Amelia Island.

The Boca Grande Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the southern tip of Gasparilla Island, on the west coast of Florida, United States. The lighthouse has served as a beacon for mariners navigating the waters of Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico since it was first lit on December 31, 1890.

The lighthouse was deactivated in 1966 when more modern navigational aids made it obsolete. However, due to its historical significance, the lighthouse was restored in the 1970s and 1980s. The Barrier Island Parks Society was instrumental in the restoration and preservation efforts.

Today, the Boca Grande Lighthouse houses a museum and education center that is open to the public. Visitors can learn about the history of the lighthouse, the local environment, and the cultural heritage of the region. In 1986, the lighthouse was relit as a private aid to navigation. It continues to be a functioning lighthouse, although it is no longer maintained by the United States Coast Guard.

The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is a prominent beacon located on the east coast of Florida, within the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. With a history dating back to the mid-19th century, the original lighthouse was first constructed in 1848 but had to be relocated due to shoreline erosion.

The current structure, completed in 1868, stands at 151 feet tall and is notable for its distinctive black and white horizontal stripes. Serving as a vital aid to navigation along the treacherous Florida coastline, the lighthouse has withstood the test of time and the advent of modern technology.

Throughout its operational history, the lighthouse has guided seafarers, witnessed the transformation of Cape Canaveral into a hub for space exploration, and has become a symbol of resilience and innovation. The lighthouse was automated in 1967, eliminating the need for a full-time keeper.

Today, it is not only an active navigational aid but also a historical monument, offering guided tours to the public. These tours provide a unique opportunity to learn about the lighthouse’s history, the Space Force station, and the broader space program. The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation works to preserve this iconic structure and educate visitors on its significance to Florida’s maritime and spacefaring heritage.

The Cape Florida Lighthouse, also known as the Cape Florida Light, is a historic beacon situated at the southern tip of Key Biscayne in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Erected in 1825, it is the oldest standing structure in Greater Miami.

The lighthouse has a storied past, including being attacked and severely damaged during the Second Seminole War in 1836, which led to its reconstruction in 1846. Standing 95 feet tall, the lighthouse is painted white and features a black lantern room, a classic color scheme for these maritime sentinels.

The Cape Florida Lighthouse has played a crucial role in the region’s nautical navigation, marking the Florida Reef, which extends from the Florida Keys and poses a significant hazard to ships. Deactivated as a lighthouse in 1878, it was later relit in 1978 and currently serves as a powerful symbol of Florida’s history.

The lighthouse is now a centerpiece of the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, which offers visitors a chance to enjoy recreational activities, natural beauty, and historical exploration. The park provides guided tours of the lighthouse and the keeper’s cottage, allowing visitors to climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay.

The Cape San Blas Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, marking the entrance to St. Joseph Bay. It has a long and turbulent history, characterized by numerous reconstructions due to its vulnerability to the elements. The original lighthouse was constructed in 1849, but due to shifting sands and erosion, it was replaced in 1857 and again in 1885. The current lighthouse, which is the fourth iteration, was built in 1885 and has since been moved multiple times to protect it from the encroaching Gulf waters.

In 2014, the Cape San Blas Lighthouse was relocated to George Core Park in Port St. Joe to preserve it from the imminent threat of shoreline erosion. This move has allowed the lighthouse to continue to be an important cultural and historical symbol for the region. Visitors can now explore the lighthouse, climb to the top for stunning views of the surrounding area, and learn about its history and the challenges of coastal preservation.

The lighthouse, along with its two accompanying keeper’s quarters and an oil house, forms a historical complex that serves as a reminder of the region’s maritime heritage and the ongoing efforts to protect these historic structures from natural coastal changes.

The Carysfort Reef Lighthouse is an iconic iron-pile lighthouse located in the Florida Keys, marking the eastern edge of Carysfort Reef off Key Largo. Completed in 1852, it is one of the oldest lighthouses of its kind in the United States. The structure stands 112 feet tall and is notable for its skeletal, open-lattice framework, which was designed to withstand the harsh marine environment and resist wind forces from hurricanes and tropical storms.

Named after the British HMS Carysfort (which itself was named after the Earl of Carysfort), the reef and lighthouse have been critical in preventing shipwrecks in an area known for its treacherous coral formations. The Carysfort Reef Lighthouse was originally lit with a kerosene lamp, which was later upgraded to more modern automated light sources. 

Although the lighthouse is no longer manned, it continues to be an operational navigational aid maintained by the United States Coast Guard. The Carysfort Reef Lighthouse is not easily accessible to the public due to its offshore location, but it can be viewed from the water by boat, and it remains an important part of Florida’s maritime history and a subject of interest for lighthouse enthusiasts and maritime historians. 

The Crooked River Lighthouse, located in Carrabelle, Florida, is a historic lighthouse that has guided mariners through the pass between Dog Island and St. George Island since its establishment in 1895. This iron and steel structure replaced the earlier lighthouse on Dog Island, which was destroyed during a hurricane. Standing at 103 feet tall, the Crooked River Lighthouse is distinctive with its skeletal frame design, which is both functional and resilient against the Gulf Coast’s harsh weather conditions.

For many years, the beacon of the Crooked River Lighthouse served as an essential navigational aid for ships navigating the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, especially those transporting goods to and from the busy port of Apalachicola. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1995, but it has since been restored and re-lit in 2007.

At this time the Crooked River Lighthouse is an active aid to navigation and also serves as a historical and educational attraction. The site features a museum in the keeper’s house, which offers exhibits on the region’s maritime history, the lighthouse’s operation, and the area’s natural environment. Visitors can climb the lighthouse for panoramic views of the surrounding coastal landscape. 

The Egmont Key Lighthouse is a historic beacon situated on Egmont Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay, Florida. Established in 1848 and reconstructed in 1858, the lighthouse has played a vital role in the safe passage of ships navigating the treacherous waters of the Gulf of Mexico into one of Florida’s largest ports. The structure is a traditional masonry tower, standing at 87 feet tall, and it has withstood the test of time, including the Civil War and several major hurricanes.

The lighthouse’s strategic location on Egmont Key, a small island that has served various purposes over the years, including a military fort during the Spanish-American War and a quarantine station. The island is now a State Park and a National Wildlife Refuge, offering a sanctuary for wildlife and a unique destination for visitors interested in history, nature, and recreation.

Although the lighthouse was automated in 1974, it continues to operate as an active aid to navigation, its light still a critical marker for mariners. Accessible only by boat, the Egmont Key Lighthouse and the surrounding island provide a serene and picturesque setting for those looking to explore the natural beauty and historical significance of the area.

The Fowey Rocks Lighthouse stands on the northernmost part of the Florida Reef, an area notorious for its dangerous coral reefs that have historically posed a significant hazard to ships. The lighthouse was completed and lit in 1878, an iron-skeleton structure typical of the era’s “screw-pile” design, which is anchored directly into the ocean floor. It stands approximately 110 feet tall and is painted in a distinctive black and white pattern to serve as a daymark.

As an active aid to navigation, the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse’s light and fog horn have guided mariners safely around the treacherous reefs for well over a century. The lighthouse is also located within the boundaries of the Biscayne National Park, one of the largest marine parks in the national park system, which protects the diverse marine ecosystems of the northern Florida Keys.

While the lighthouse itself is not open to the public due to its remote and challenging-to-access location on a reef, it can be viewed from the water by boat tours that operate within the park.

The Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse stands as a sentinel at the northern edge of Florida’s Gold Coast, marking the Hillsboro Inlet between Pompano Beach and Hillsboro Beach. This active navigational aid was first lit on March 7, 1907, and its light has been guiding mariners safely along the Atlantic coast and through the treacherous waters of the inlet ever since. The lighthouse features a distinctive octagonal iron pyramidal skeleton tower, which is an engineering feat of its time, and at 136 feet tall, it is one of the tallest lighthouses in Florida.

The Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse is renowned for its powerful beam, which is one of the strongest in the world, with a range that can reach 28 nautical miles out to sea. The light’s unique characteristic is a group flashing white light that emits 5 flashes every 20 seconds, ensuring that it stands out among other navigational aids in the area. 

Operated by the United States Coast Guard, the lighthouse is maintained by the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society, which works tirelessly to preserve and share this historic beacon with the public. The lighthouse is a beloved landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While the lighthouse itself is situated on Coast Guard property and is not regularly open to the public, the Preservation Society arranges tours on select days, allowing visitors to climb the 175 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the Florida coastline and to learn more about the history and significance of this majestic lighthouse.

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is a historic and iconic structure located in Jupiter, Florida, overlooking the Jupiter Inlet of Palm Beach County. First lit in 1860, this lighthouse has been a steadfast beacon for over 160 years, guiding sailors and fishermen navigating the Atlantic coast and the Loxahatchee River. The lighthouse stands 108 feet tall and is constructed from brick in a conical shape, painted with a distinctive red hue that makes it easily recognizable against the coastal landscape.

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse was designed by George G. Meade, an Army engineer who later became a Union general during the Civil War, and it was one of six Florida lighthouses he worked on. Its light, a first-order Fresnel lens, casts a beam visible for 24 nautical miles, and the lighthouse still serves as an active aid to navigation today. The lighthouse and the surrounding area are steeped in history, with Native American presence dating back thousands of years and later being the site of a World War II naval radio detection station.

Managed by the Loxahatchee River Historical Society, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is part of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, a federally designated conservation region. The site includes a museum located in a restored World War II building that provides exhibits on the history of the lighthouse, the local natural environment, and the area’s cultural heritage.

The lighthouse itself is open to the public for tours, offering visitors the opportunity to climb its 105 steps to the top for panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding natural beauty. 

The Key West Lighthouse is a historic beacon located in Key West, Florida, known for its picturesque setting and rich history. First illuminated in 1848, the lighthouse was established to ensure the safe arrival of ships navigating the dangerous reefs off the lower Florida Keys. After a hurricane destroyed the original structure in 1846, the current lighthouse was constructed in 1848 with a height of 46 feet, which was later raised to 86 feet in the 1890s to provide a better range of light.

The Key West Lighthouse is notable for its role in aiding maritime traffic in the Straits of Florida, a heavily traveled shipping channel between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The lighthouse keeper’s quarters, built in 1887, stand adjacent to the tower and have been meticulously preserved. One of the more unique aspects of the Key West Lighthouse is that it was one of the first in the United States to have a female lighthouse keeper, Barbara Mabrity, who served for nearly four decades after her husband’s death.

Decommissioned in 1969 as navigational technology advanced, the lighthouse has since been converted into a museum dedicated to Key West’s maritime heritage. Visitors can climb the 88 iron steps to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the island and its surrounding waters.

The Loggerhead Key Lighthouse, an imposing and historic beacon, stands prominently on Loggerhead Key, the largest island in the Dry Tortugas National Park, approximately 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. Erected in 1858, this lighthouse was constructed to improve the safety of maritime navigation through the hazardous waters surrounding the Dry Tortugas, which are scattered with dangerous reefs and shoals.

The lighthouse boasts a traditional masonry design and rises to an impressive height of 150 feet, making it one of the tallest in Florida. Its classic white paint and black lantern room make it a striking feature against the backdrop of the island’s lush vegetation and the surrounding turquoise waters. The Loggerhead Key Lighthouse originally housed a first-order Fresnel lens, casting a powerful beam of light that could be seen from a great distance, significantly aiding ships in avoiding the perilous reefs.

Despite its remote location, the lighthouse played a crucial role in one of the busiest shipping channels between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Although it was automated in 1988, the light remains an active navigational aid to this day. The island and lighthouse are part of the Dry Tortugas National Park, which is renowned for its stunning coral reefs, abundant marine life, and significant historical sites, including the well-known Fort Jefferson.

Due to its location within a National Park and a protected marine environment, access to Loggerhead Key and the lighthouse is restricted to preserve the delicate ecosystems and historical structures. 

The Pensacola Lighthouse is a historic and operational lighthouse situated on Naval Air Station Pensacola, overlooking the Pensacola Bay in Florida. Erected in 1859, this towering beacon stands 159 feet tall, making it one of the tallest lighthouses on the Gulf Coast. 

The lighthouse has a storied past, having witnessed and withstood significant events, including the Civil War and numerous hurricanes. Its light has long been a crucial aid for ships and military vessels entering the strategic harbor of Pensacola, home to the Navy’s first and oldest naval air station. The lighthouse’s original first-order Fresnel lens, a masterpiece of pre-electric light technology, casts a bright beam visible for miles, which continues to guide maritime traffic to this day.

The Pensacola Lighthouse is accompanied by a keeper’s quarters, which now serves as a museum and gift shop managed by the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, Inc. The organization is dedicated to preserving the lighthouse and sharing its history with the public. Visitors can climb the 177 steps to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico, Pensacola Bay, and the historic naval air station.

The lighthouse is not only a functioning navigational aid but also a cultural icon and educational resource, offering a glimpse into the maritime and military history of the Pensacola region.

The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is a prominent and historic beacon located in Ponce Inlet, just south of Daytona Beach, Florida. This towering lighthouse was completed in 1887 and stands at 175 feet, making it the tallest lighthouse in the state and one of the tallest in the United States. Its distinctive red brick exterior and striking height make it a landmark for both mariners and visitors.

The lighthouse was originally known as the Mosquito Inlet Lighthouse, named after the inlet on which it stands, but the name was later changed to honor the famous Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León. The light from its first-order Fresnel lens, which still operates today, extends over 17 nautical miles into the Atlantic Ocean, guiding ships safely around the treacherous waters off Florida’s east coast.

Now a museum, the lighthouse and its surrounding buildings, including the keeper’s dwelling and other historic outbuildings, have been meticulously restored and are open to the public. Operated by the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association, the site offers visitors a chance to explore the lighthouse keeper’s life, understand the significance of coastal beacons, and enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the tower.

The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is a designated National Historic Landmark, signifying its importance in maritime navigation and American history. It continues to be a working lighthouse, serving as an active aid to navigation and a testament to Florida’s rich coastal heritage.

The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse is a historic beacon located on the southern tip of Gasparilla Island in the mouth of Charlotte Harbor, along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Built in 1890, this lighthouse served as a crucial navigational aid for mariners navigating the hazardous waters and shallow shoals of the area, which was an important passageway for ships transporting phosphate and other goods from the Peace River area.

The lighthouse is a charming, one-story frame structure with an attached light tower, which is relatively short compared to many traditional lighthouses. Its white exterior and red roof make it a picturesque seaside landmark. The light was automated in 1956 and eventually deactivated in the 1960s but was relit in 1986 as an active aid to navigation due to the efforts of the local community and the Barrier Island Parks Society.

The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse has been well preserved and now houses a museum operated by the Barrier Island Parks Society. The museum offers visitors insights into the region’s history, including the lighthouse’s operation, the local fishing industry, and the cultural stories of Gasparilla Island. The surrounding area, now the Gasparilla Island State Park, is a serene setting known for its beautiful beaches, nature trails, and abundant wildlife, including nesting sea turtles.

The Sand Key Lighthouse is an iconic offshore lighthouse located approximately seven miles southwest of Key West, Florida, on Sand Key, a once-significant islet that has since eroded away. Established in 1827, the original lighthouse was destroyed in the Great Havana Hurricane of 1846. The current iron-pile lighthouse, which replaced it, was completed in 1853 and stands as an example of the skeletal-type lighthouses that are well-suited to withstand the harsh marine conditions of the Florida Keys.

The structure rises to a height of about 110 feet above sea level and is characterized by its pyramidal form, with a platform that once housed the keeper’s quarters and a black lantern room at the top. Its light served as a vital navigational aid for ships navigating the dangerous reefs and waters around the Florida Straits, marking the entrance to Key West Harbor.

The Sand Key Lighthouse was automated in 1938, one of the earlier lighthouses to undergo this transition. Over the years, the sea reclaimed much of Sand Key itself, leaving the lighthouse standing on its iron screw-pile foundation surrounded by water. Although the lighthouse is not accessible to the public and the keeper’s quarters no longer exist, the structure remains an active aid to navigation maintained by the United States Coast Guard.

As one of the most recognizable maritime landmarks in the area, the Sand Key Lighthouse has withstood numerous hurricanes and stands as a testament to the maritime history of the Keys.

The Sanibel Island Lighthouse, also known as the Point Ybel Light, is a historic lighthouse located on the eastern tip of Sanibel Island on the Gulf Coast of Florida. First lit in 1884, the lighthouse was built to mark the entrance to San Carlos Bay for ships heading to the port of Punta Rassa, once a thriving cattle shipping town. The structure is an iron skeleton tower, a common design for lighthouses in the Southeastern United States, which allows wind to pass through the framework, reducing the impact of strong gulf breezes.

Standing at 98 feet tall, the Sanibel Island Lighthouse is characterized by its simplistic design, lacking the ornate embellishments seen in many other lighthouses. Its black lantern room sits atop the iron framework, which is anchored by concrete foundations. The lighthouse’s beacon originally used an oil lamp, which was later upgraded to more modern lighting systems, and it continues to operate as an active navigational aid maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The lighthouse is accompanied by two historic buildings that initially served as homes for the keepers and their families. These dwellings contribute to the charm and historical significance of the site. While the tower itself is not open for public tours, the surrounding grounds and nearby beaches are accessible to visitors.

The Sanibel Island Lighthouse remains a beloved landmark for both residents and tourists, its image synonymous with the natural beauty and nautical history of Sanibel Island. 

The Sombrero Key Lighthouse is a historic offshore lighthouse located near Marathon in the Florida Keys, marking the treacherous Sombrero Reef that lies several miles south of Vaca Key. Constructed in 1858, this lighthouse is an impressive example of a “screw-pile” design, which is typical of many lighthouses built in the shallow waters of the Florida Keys. The structure stands on iron pilings screwed into the coral reef, with a platform supporting the actual light tower.

Rising to a height of 142 feet above sea level, the Sombrero Key Lighthouse was engineered to withstand the often harsh marine conditions of the area, including hurricanes. The lighthouse’s ironwork is painted in a distinctive black and white daymark pattern, which aids in its visibility during daylight hours. The light itself was originally a first-order Fresnel lens, casting a beam that could be seen for many nautical miles, guiding mariners safely around the reef and through the Florida Straits.

While the lighthouse was automated in 1960, eliminating the need for a resident keeper, it continues to serve as an active aid to navigation. The Sombrero Key Lighthouse is not accessible to the public due to its location on a submerged reef, but it can be viewed from the water.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse, perched on the north end of Anastasia Island in St. Augustine, Florida, is a prominent and storied beacon with roots dating back to the Spanish period. The current lighthouse, an active navigational aid, was completed in 1874 and stands 165 feet above sea level. The tower’s construction came after the original lighthouse, built in the 1820s, was threatened by shoreline erosion.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse is accompanied by a keeper’s house, which now serves as a maritime museum operated by the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, Inc. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to the preservation of the lighthouse and its history, as well as nautical archaeology. The museum offers exhibits on the history of the lighthouse, maritime life, and the many shipwrecks off the coast of St. Augustine.

Climbing the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the historic city of St. Augustine. The site is also known for its ghost stories and is reputed to be one of the most haunted lighthouses in America, which adds an element of intrigue to its rich history.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse has been meticulously restored and maintained, ensuring its role as a piece of living history and a beacon for maritime culture. 

The St. Johns River Light, also known as the St. Johns Light, which is an inactive lighthouse in Jacksonville, Florida, situated at the mouth of the St. Johns River.

The St. Johns River Light has a rich history, with the first lighthouse at the site being constructed in 1830 to aid navigation on the river which was an important transportation route for military supplies and commerce. The current structure, which is the fourth lighthouse built at the mouth of the St. Johns River, was completed in 1954. It stands 64 feet tall and is constructed of concrete, with a distinctive cylindrical shape and a lantern room at the top.

Although the St. Johns River Light served as a significant navigational aid for many years, it was deactivated in the 1970s as advancements in navigational technology reduced the need for such lighthouses. Today, the lighthouse stands on the grounds of Naval Station Mayport, where it is maintained as a historical structure.

While the lighthouse itself is not open to the public due to its location on an active military base, it remains an important part of Jacksonville’s maritime history and is a point of interest for those studying Florida’s lighthouses and nautical heritage.

The St. Marks Lighthouse is a historic beacon located at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, south of Tallahassee, in the Florida Panhandle. This picturesque lighthouse, which overlooks Apalachee Bay, has been a guiding light for mariners since its initial completion in 1831. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in Florida and has undergone several reconstructions and renovations due to damage from hurricanes and erosion over the years.

The current tower, which dates back to 1842, stands 88 feet tall and is constructed of brick, painted white with a black lantern room, creating a striking contrast against the coastal landscape. The lighthouse’s design includes a keeper’s house attached directly to the tower, which is a distinctive feature among lighthouses and adds to its historical charm.

The St. Marks Lighthouse played a crucial role in the economic development of the region, especially during the 19th century when the port of St. Marks was a significant trading center for cotton and other goods. Automated in 1960, the lighthouse no longer requires a keeper, but it continues to operate as an active aid to navigation.

Today, the St. Marks Lighthouse is a beloved landmark and focal point of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, drawing visitors from near and far. The surrounding refuge offers a rich array of habitats, including coastal marshes, islands, and estuaries, which support a diverse range of wildlife

The Tennessee Reef Lighthouse is one of the lesser-known lighthouses in Florida, marking Tennessee Reef in the Florida Keys, located approximately 15 miles southeast of Duck Key. Unlike the more traditional lighthouse structures that often come to mind, the Tennessee Reef Lighthouse is a “screw-pile” style light, which means it stands on pilings screwed into the coral reef’s substrate. This type of structure was commonly used in the shallow waters of the Florida Keys to withstand the challenging marine environment.

Constructed in 1933, the Tennessee Reef Lighthouse is a skeletal, pyramidal tower made of metal, with the actual light situated at the top. It was designed to be functional and minimalistic, serving the sole purpose of aiding in navigation through the hazardous waters that are home to numerous reefs and shoals. The lighthouse is an automated light, meaning it does not have a traditional keepers’ quarters or additional buildings associated with manned lighthouses.

The Tennessee Reef Lighthouse is still in operation today, providing a critical navigational aid to boaters and serving as a point of reference for the many fishing and diving excursions that take place in the waters of the Florida Keys.