The Florida Keys are full of history, which
locals and visitors love alike. We want to retain historical landmarks whenever
possible. But when out of date technology needs to be replaced, that can affect
pieces of Keys history. Maritime history buffs can rest easy with the latest
update that will be done along the reefs though. Approval has been given for
the Coast Guard Sector Key West “Aids to
Navigation Team” to replace the reef lights that have long been used to
warn large ships of where the reefs are. But the historic reef lights will remain in place. They will no longer be
used, but the structures will be protected. The original lights were actually
replaced several years ago, but now it is time to take safety lighting for the
reefs one step further.
The current lights shine up to nine
miles out to sea, but with current technology such as GPS, this is no longer
necessary to keep ships from entering the marine
reef sanctuary. Seven to eight miles shine distance is plenty, and with the
new LED lights that are to be
installed, they will do the job at a lower cost. The new lights will be
installed with new structures nearby each of the historical lights, and will cost approximately $100,000. But
because they are LED lights, and will be on new structures, the continuing cost
will be much less than it has been to keep the historic lights in repair. Almost
$2 million has been spent over the last few years just to keep the old lights
running. The new lights will also have less
impact on the environment, which is always a plus.
The new lights have also been approved by the National Oceanic &
Atmosphere Administration (NOAA), which was requested by the Florida Keys
National Marine Sanctuary, to review and approve the final structures ensuring
environmental impact would be minimal to the reefs. The lights are situated at Big Pine Key within the American Shoal
Reef, Key Largo in Carysfort Reef, Key West in Sand Key Reef, Islamorada within
Alligator Reef, as well as at Marathon in Sombrero Key Reef. Each of these
lights are used to warn large ships of where the reefs are, as any ship longer
than 164 feet cannot legally transit sanctuary waters outside the shipping
channel. While it is important to continue having these warning lights
function, it is also important to keep the historical light structures intact,
helping to maintain Key’s history. But daredevils be warned, it is a federal
offense to climb these structures, and the Coast Guard has authority to arrest
trespassers.
If
you are in the market for a new home, and looking at the Key West area, my team
and I are here to help you with all the processes involved in finding the home
of your dreams. Please contact me, Jimmy Lane, for all of
your real estate needs.
Labels: Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Historic Reef Lights, jimmy lane
