Boca Grande Rear Range - Boca Grande, FL

Photographer: Keith W. Churill

Boca Grande Entrance, Rear Range Light

Boca Grande, FL

Built: 1932

Construction: Steel, Hexagonal Tower, Cylindrical Center Section

Status: Active (flashing white with red interruption)

Height: 105 feet

Location: Southwest side of Gasparilla Island, FL near the Charlotte Harbor entrance.

Access: From U.S. 41, take FL 776 Southwest bearing left onto FL 771 and continue for approx. 6 miles. After crossing Coral Creek, turn right then turn left on Gasparilla Road and continue for approx. 6 miles. Turn right and then left, almost immediately, onto Gulf Boulevard. Follow for approx. 1 mile, the Light will be on your right.

Lighthouse History: The Boca Grande Rear Range Light was constructed in 1932. This steel structure has a spiral staircase, inside the cylindrical center structure, leading up to it's automated beacon. Originally this active beacon was a fixed red signal. The beacon is now a flashing white signal interrupted with a red signal to the North-Northeast. The visibility range of the light is 16 miles. This light now works in conjunction with lighted channel buoys to guide vessels along the very busy channel into Charlotte Harbor.

Area Attractions: This Lighthouse can be visited with a public beach right at the light. Gasparilla Island is an exclusive area with many beautiful homes along the shoreline. The light is located within the Gasparilla Island State Recreation Area which requires a entrance fee of $2.00. There is also a small toll required at the bridge before crossing over to Gasparilla Island.

Barrier Islands GEO Park, P.O. Box 1150, Boca Grande, FL 33921 phone# (941) 964-0375