Siesta Key Beach ranked
second in the U.S. in the 19th annual Top 10 Beaches ranking, by
coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Director of Florida
International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research. Hanalei
Bay on the Hawaiian island of Kauai took the number 1 spot.
"Dr. Beach" Leatherman has
selected the annual Top 10 Beaches since 1991. Fifty criteria are used
to evaluate beaches, which include water and sand quality as well as
safety, facilities and environmental management. Leatherman selections
are based on his knowledge as a Ph.D. coastal scientist with more than
30 years of scientific experience studying storm impacts, erosion, and
ways to improve beach health and safety. (www.DrBeach.org).