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PINELLAS COUNTY – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP)
Caladesi Island State Park was recognized today as the number one beach in the
nation by coastal geologist Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, also known as “Dr.
Beach.” This year’s designation marks Caladesi’s sixth appearance since 2002 on
America’s Best Beaches List.
“Having the nation’s best beaches makes Florida a top vacation destination
for visitors and a beautiful home for Florida residents,” said Governor Crist.
“Tourism brings more than $65.5 billion to Florida’s economy, and vacation
destinations such as our wonderful state parks offer unique educational and
recreational opportunities for families to enjoy.”
Dr. Beach’s “America’s Best Beaches List” is an annual announcement made by
Dr. Leatherman, director of Coastal Research at Florida International University
in Miami. Leatherman’s yearly survey highlights the top destinations from his
tour of 650 major public recreational beaches, evaluating beaches based on 50
different factors, including water color and temperature, sand color and
softness, public access and area wildlife and vegetation. Leatherman first
published the respected and widely quoted “Best Beaches” survey in 1991 when he
was with the University of Maryland.
“Florida’s state parks offer a variety of opportunities for visitors.
Protecting more than 100 miles of beach, coastal parks are a staple of the state
park system,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “We are proud to top Dr.
Beach’s Top Ten List this year, and I thank the staff of the park and our entire
DEP team for their dedication.”
Florida state park beaches have consistently scored high in Leatherman’s
surveys, with four other parks previously ranked as number one: Bahia Honda
State Park in the Florida Keys, selected as America’s best beach in 1992;
Grayton Beach State Park in Northwest Florida, ranked number one in 1994; St.
Andrews State Park, Panama City, chosen number one in 1995; and St. Joseph
Peninsula State Park, Port St. Joe, topped the list in 2002. In 2007, Caladesi
Island State Park was named the number two beach in the nation, second only to
Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach in Outer Banks, North Carolina.
“Beach and waterfront activities consistently rank among the top three
activities for domestic visitors to Florida” said Nicki Grossman, Chairman of
the board of directors of VISIT FLORIDA. “But then we Floridians have always
known life’s a beach.”
One of the few completely natural islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast,
Caladesi’s white sand shores welcomed more than 230,000 visitors already this
fiscal year, and contributed more than $140,000 to the local economy. The park
is accessible only by boat or ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park. Beach
lovers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing, while saltwater anglers
can fish from their boats or throw a line out into the surf. Nature enthusiasts
can glimpse wildlife while hiking the three-mile nature trail through the
island’s interior or paddling a three mile kayak trail through the mangroves and
bay. Picnic tables and shelters are located near the beach, and the park offers
a marina with electric and water hookups for boaters.
The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park
service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with
161 parks spanning almost 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach. From
swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs to birding and fishing or
hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer
year-around outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native
American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums
and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.
For more information about Florida State Parks, visit
www.floridastateparks.org. To see
Dr. Beach’s “America’s Best Beaches List,” visit
www.drbeach.org/.
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2012 State of Florida