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Dr. Beach Names Two Florida Beaches In Top 10 Beaches In The U.S.

Author Tampa Bay's Morning Krewe

Each year, coastal expert Stephen P. Leatherman, professor at Florida International University, aka “Dr. Beach,” releases his Top 10 Beach List.

Stephen uses 50 different criteria to evaluate beaches, which include water and sand quality as well as safety and management.

Before you head out to one of these beautiful beaches or any beaches around the country, be sure to check for local COVID-19 restrictions.

 

Coming in at number 1 on the list is:  (drum-roll please)  Grayton Beach State Park, Florida panhandle

I’ve never been, here is what he says about it:  “This beach boasts of its sugar-white sand and emerald green water where development has been restrained so big that sand dunes still dominate the landscape. At the same time, all the amenities of great restaurants and accommodations are close by in the old town of Grayton Beach or Seaside. Many people choose to camp in this wonderful state park that also features tidal lakes and freshwater ponds. Former Governor Bob Graham once told me that this was his favorite beach.

Place sounds amazing- it’s a long drive for us….so luckily, he also names another Florida beach a little closer to home:

 

Coming in at number 6 on the list is:  Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida

Here is what he writes about it:   Caladesi is reached by car ferry boat, private boats or a long walk north from Clearwater Beach—the inlet is closed so Caladesi is no longer a true island, but still a great getaway.  The white beach is composed of crystalline quartz sand which is soft and cushy at the water’s edge, inviting one to take a dip in the sparkling clear waters.  There are boardwalk trails, but my favorite is the kayak and canoe trails through the mangroves to see the large blue herons and other birds that frequent this wonderful natural area.

Check out the other best beaches:

Happy National Beach Day: 'Dr. Beach' ranks America's top 10 beaches

In honor of National Beach Day, we look back at 'Dr. Beach's' picks for top 10 beaches in the U.S. for 2020.

 

Some of Our Favorite Places Around Tampa Bay

Here are some of our favorite places to visit within the city limits. Might also be good places to take your out of town guests, too!
Tweet us @995QYK and tell us some of your favorite spots to visit in Tampa?

 

 

Launa is part of Tampa Bay's Hometown Morning Krewe on 99.5 WQYK. She has been with the station for 7 years and joined J.R. and Kevin on the morning show 4 years ago. Since then, they have been nominated for not only a CMA but also an ACM. Launa has been in radio for the past 28 years and in the Tampa Bay market for 22 of those years. While working in radio, Launa has also served as an entertainment reporter on a local TV show and has hosted many charity events in the community. Using her popularity from QYK, Launa loves to help raise money for shelter animals and has been a volunteer at local shelters for years. Launa loves the community and writes articles on local news, entertainment, and events and highlights people who are shining in Tampa Bay that she knows others like her would also be interested in reading.

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Author Tampa Bay's Morning Krewe
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