Death on Sand Key: A Relentless Dance with Hurricanes

Built in 1827, stood 60 feet tall, and continues to defend – ironically – this lighthouse on Sand Key, despite being battered by death's dance.

In 1827, a tall, brick structure, graced Sand Key. Its first caretaker, John Flaherty, met his end in 1830. His wife, Rebecca, assumed his role.

In 1844, a hurricane took a bite out of the island, reduced the keeper's house to rubble, and leveled the seawall.

In 1846, another hurricane, the Havana one, tipped the tower, resulting in the caretaker, his assistant, and four more souls losing their lives.

The macabre dance persisted for years, but fortunately, eventually, the victor was the lighthouse.

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