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DESCRIPTION:
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Bolting forth into the sky, the Jupiter lighthouse sets fire
to a hill of green. For 136 years, the Jupiter lighthouse has
had a commanding declaration to this location in its duty to safely
guide ships at sea. Across the rising expanse of green grass encircled
with palm trees, lies you destination. The tour guide unlocks
the 10 foot high chain link gate and escorts you in. Since this
is an operational lighthouse and a privilege, you must stay within
the designated areas. As you walk across the lawn, the masonry
between the brickwork begins to take definition. The red paint
begins to reveal that it is not uniform, but weathered in spots,
giving testimony to the many storms it has endured. At the foot
of the hill you reach a long staircase, that is encased on either
side with white walls, providing a grand ascent to the entrance
of the lighthouse. You step through the black door and into the
red tower.
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As you follow the spiral staircase to the top grand views are
afforded though little windows - as well as providing a refreshing
gasp of cool air. Once at the top, you duck past the beacon mechanism
under the lantern room to reach the outside deck. The cooler breeze
is a welcome respite from the spiral accent. It is hard to imagine
a hurricane while you stand there in the sunshine enjoying the
360 degree view. You feel safe and your footing feels solid -
until the guide tells you that a hurricane in 1928 stressed the
lighthouse to the point where the top was 17 inches off its center
axis. How can a brick lighthouse bend? You start thinking about
going back down the stairs.
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DIRECTIONS:
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In Florida, take I-95 or the Florida Turnpike. Take the exit
for RT. 706 Jupiter. Head East on 706 for about 3 miles, you will
cross railroad tracks about .5 miles before route 1. Turn left
onto Route 1 and head North about a mile. Route 1 will cross the
inlet and from the bridge you will be able to see the lighthouse.
Make the first right onto CR. 707 and then right again onto Captain
Armours Way which will become the Parking Area in front of the
Lighthouse. The lighthouse grounds are surrounded by a 10 foot
high fence, to get closer you need to sign up for a tour. Call
the Loxahatchee Historical Society at 407-747-6639. When I visited
the lighthouse it was open for tours on Sunday only from 10AM
till 4PM. I suggest you call first since this may have change.
Our time was short here because the Florida Keys
were our ultimate destination. When I inquired as to how much
longer we would have to wait for the tour the lady behind the
counter was a bit surprised, I guess she did not think that 30
minutes was a long wait. But then I explained that we had hoped
to see Key Byscanne today also. She thought that was odd since
the lighthouse was no longer open for tours since hurricane Andrew
ripped the key apart. I was just happy that it was still there
to be seen.
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NEAREST LIGHTHOUSES:
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North of Jupiter: Cape Canaveral - About 2.5 hours by car.
South of Jupiter: Hillsboro Inlet - About 45 minutes by car.
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