Caladesi named best beach for 2008
12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, June 8, 2008
CALADESI ISLAND, Fla. – Stephen P. Leatherman, a Florida International University professor dubbed "Dr. Beach," has picked Caladesi Island as the best beach in the 2008 ranking for his annual list, which was released in May.
Caladesi beat out beaches in Hawaii, along the Eastern seaboard and in California for this year's honor.
The runners-up on Dr. Leatherman's list are Hanalei Beach, Hawaii; Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Fla.; Coopers Beach in Southampton, N.Y.; Coronado Beach in San Diego; Main Beach in East Hampton, N.Y.; Hamoa Beach, Hawaii; Cape Hatteras, N.C.; Cape Florida State Park near Miami; and Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island, S.C.
Caladesi's somewhat remote location factored into the rankings. "It's an island getaway," said Dr. Leatherman, who has released an annual list since 1991. He noted that despite being in the Tampa Bay area, many nearby residents have never visited Caladesi.
Most beachgoers reach the island by a 15-minute, $9 ferry ride. Unless they bring a boat, visitors are limited to four- hour stays at the beach, which is a state park.
While more remote than the tourist mainstays of Clearwater or Miami, Caladesi has showers, restrooms, kayak and beach chair rentals, and a snack bar where burgers and beer are available.
Caladesi's fine, white quartz sand beach owes its creation to a 1921 hurricane, which separated it from nearby Honeymoon Island. Caladesi became a state park in 1968.
The waves generally are low on Caladesi, which Dr. Leatherman said adds to its family-friendly atmosphere. He uses 50 criteria – including quality tests on water, sand and amenities – to make his assessments.
"It's not just about going out and kicking sand," Dr. Leatherman said.
But for tourists it is.
Jake Wolf and Katie Pass, prospective dental school students from the Kansas City area, decided to visit Caladesi because it would be less crowded than other beaches.
"The fact that you have to take a ferry is different, a little exciting," said Ms. Pass, 25.
Caladesi, which ranked second in Dr. Leatherman's rankings in 2007, now will be retired from the list. Most years, he has chosen beaches in Florida or Hawaii as the top-ranked. He broke that trend last year by awarding the top spot to Ocracoke Island on North Carolina's Outer Banks.
Dr. Leatherman compiles his list as part of the National Healthy Beaches Campaign, and this year he plans a television special featuring the nation's best beaches, he said.
Caladesi touts itself as "the real Florida," which is on display on a nature trail that cuts through the island. Palmetto scrubs and palm and pine trees sprout from the sandy ground, osprey nests can be seen in high branches, and lizards and other small animals dart through the leaves.
"It's really the idyllic environment," Dr. Leatherman said.
Information: Caladesi Island State Park: www.flori dastateparks.org.
Stephen Leatherman's beach rankings: www.dr beach.org.