GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
|
Two LI beaches ranked as top in the nation
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/ny-libeach0522,0,6955846.story
Two LI beaches ranked as top in the nation
Newsday.com
9:49 AM EDT, May 22, 2008
Two Long Island beaches were again ranked in the top 10 in the United States, in rankings made by Stephen Leatherman, also known as 'Dr. Beach'.
Leatherman, a Florida International University professor dubbed "Dr. Beach," picked Caladesi Island in Florida as the best beach in the 2008 ranking for his annual list, which was released Thursday. Coopers Beach in Southampton and Main Beach in East Hampton were ranked again by Leatherman.
"The two in Long Island are pretty obvious to everyone in the Hamptons," Leatherman told Newsday last year. "They are a bit difficult in terms of access and pricing, but they are so beautiful that they make the list." Both beaches are open to the public, though drivers must have permits to park.Leatherman's intricate methodology involves grading the beaches on 50 different criteria, including erosion, sand quality, accessibility and concession offerings.
The runners-up on Leatherman's list of best beaches this year were Hanalei Beach, Hawaii; Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Fla.; Coronado Beach in San Diego; 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 Leatherman's rankings - and why Sturm and her mother, Cynde Jayden, were awed by it.
"It's an island getaway," said Leatherman, who has released his annual list since 1991. He noted that despite being in the densely populated Tampa Bay-area, many nearby residents have never visited Caladesi.
Most beachgoers reach the island by a 15-minute, $9 ferry ride. Visitors - unless they bring their own boat - 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 still boasts 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 are generally low on Caladesi, which 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," Leatherman said.
With information from The Associated Press
|
I grew up spending all my summers there 
