The rising sun at dawn tints the building summer clouds behind the skeletal tower of Florida's American Shoal Lighthouse.

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American Shoal Light was completed in 1880 making it the last of the string of iron-pile lights guarding the Florida reefs. It was placed to fill the 50 mile void between Sand Key and Sombrero Key Lights assuring the greatest distance between any two reef lights did not exceed 36 miles. The light stands 109 ft above the water and the keeper’s quarters are contained on a platform within the framework 40 ft above the water. The original lens was a first-order drum Fresnel but, when automated in 1963, a fourth-order lens with solar-powered light was installed. At night the light shines out 16 miles and during daylight serves as a day marker for ships. Today the red painted beacon also marks a spectacular location for divers to enjoy the diversity of the reef, now a designated marine sanctuary. Coordinates: 24° 31’30”N 81° 31’12”W

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Size: 4368px × 2912px
Location: south-east of the Saddlebunch Keys close to Looe Key ,Florida, United States
Photo credit: © Judy Lovell-Janthina Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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