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hstrybuf
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| Joined: | Sat Jun 17th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas |
| Posts: | 21060 |
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Posted: Sun May 25th, 2008 02:07 am | 1st Post |
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CALADESI ISLAND, Fla. (AP) - Kaylee Sturm sat in the low surf, the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico lapping around her.
The University of Tampa senior had never been to this barrier island north of Clearwater, but she and her mom were immediately impressed.
"I like that it's natural," Sturm said, adding that she preferred it to other Gulf Coast beaches. "The water's just more beautiful here."
It's an assessment that Stephen P. Leatherman would agree with. Leatherman, a Florida International University professor dubbed "Dr. Beach," picked Caladesi Island as the best beach in the 2008 ranking for his annual list, which was released Thursday. Caladesi beat out beaches in Hawaii, along the Eastern Seaboard and in California for this year's honor.
The runners-up on Leatherman's list of best beaches this year were 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 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.
More here:
http://information.travel.aol.com/article/news-feeds/_a/florida-beats-out-hawaii-and-california/20080523090409990001?ncid=AOLCOMMtravdynlsec0145
Last edited on Sun May 25th, 2008 02:10 am by hstrybuf
____________________
Deb
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/hstrycrsr
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