Pacific Reef Light

Pacific Reef Light, Pacific Reef, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Biscayne National Park, Caribbean

Built in 1921.

PACIFIC REEF LIGHT

Location: BISCAYNE BAY, APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES SOUTHEAST OF ELLIOTT KEY, FLORIDA
Station Established: 1921
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1921
Operational? YES
Automated? YES
Deactivated: N/A
Foundation Materials: SCREWPILE
Construction Materials: 
Tower Shape: SQUARE PYRAMIDAL SKELETAL TOWER
Markings/Pattern: 
Relationship to Other Structure: 
Original Lens: 

Historical Information:

• A series of unmanned reef lights were built and lit along the Florida Keys between 1921 and 1935. 
• These lights were marking local hazards and therefore did not need powerful lens.
• The lights were automated from the start and did not need keepers. Keeper’s quarters were not built for these lights. 
• Molasses Reef and Pacific Reef lights were built with the same plans. 
• The lantern has been removed and is on display in Founder’s Park in Islamorada, Florida. The tower is an active aid to navigation and not open to the public.

Researched and written by Melissa Buckler, a volunteer through the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society.