Dr. Beach’s 2008 Diagnosis: Caladesi Island Is No. 1

By Carlos Moncada, Tampa Tribune, Fla.

May 22–DUNEDIN — Just in time for the Memorial Day weekend, Caladesi Island has claimed the top spot on an annual list of the nation’s Top 10 beaches.

The designation was bestowed this morning by Stephen Leatherman, the director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research, who also is known as Dr. Beach.

It is the second time a Pinellas County beach has received the top ranking. Fort De Soto Park won the honor in 2005.

Caladesi Island State Park, ranked No. 2 last year, is a 600-acre island in the Gulf of Mexico, two miles off the coast of Dunedin.

The barrier island, dotted with palm trees and mangrove stands, is accessible only by boat or ferry. There are no paved roads. Amenities include things such as cabana rentals, a cafe and a marina. Leatherman labeled it his favorite “getaway” beach that is ideal for day trips.

Pinellas beaches normally claim a spot on Leatherman’s list, which he has compiled since 1991.

Other Florida beaches that made the grade are third-ranked Siesta Key, near Sarasota, and ninth-ranked Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, near Miami.

Rounding out the Top 10 are beaches in Hawaii, California, North Carolina and Long Island, N.Y.

Reporter Carlos Moncada can be reached at (727) 451-233 or cmoncada@tampatrib.com.

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