By Anthony McCartney
Associated Press Writer
CALADESI ISLAND, Fla. ó 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.
iI like that itís natural,î Sturm said, adding that she preferred it to other Gulf Coast beaches. iThe waterís just more beautiful here.î
Itís an assessment that Stephen P. Leatherman would agree with. Leatherman, a Florida International University professor dubbed iDr. Beach,î 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 yearís honor.
The runners-up on Leathermanís 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.
Caladesiís somewhat remote location factored into Leathermanís rankings ó and why Sturm and her mother, Cynde Jayden, were awed by it.
iItís an island getaway,î 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 ó unless they bring their own boat ó 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.
Caladesiís 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 ó including quality tests on water, sand and amenities ó to make his assessments.
iItís not just about going out and kicking sand,î Leatherman said.
But for tourists it is.
Jayden, 52, spent a recent weekday trying to get a tan before returning to her home near Pittsburgh. iI like that you can just see forever,î she said. iThereís no world out there.î
Jake Wolf and Katie Pass, prospective dental school students from the Kansas City area, said they decided to spend part of their vacation at Caladesi because they figured it would be less crowded than other gulf beaches.
iThe fact that you have to take a ferry is different, a little exciting,î said Pass, 25.
Caladesi, which ranked second in Leathermanís rankings in 2007, will now be retired from the list. Most years, he has chosen beaches in Florida or Hawaii as the top-ranked. He broke that trend last year by awarding the top spot to Ocracoke Island on North Carolinaís Outer Banks.
Leatherman compiles his list as part of the National Healthy Beaches Campaign, and this year plans a television special featuring the nationís best beaches, he said.
Caladesi touts itself as ithe real Florida,î which is on display on a nature trail that cuts through the center of island. Palmetto scrubs, palm and pine trees sprout from the sandy ground, osprey nests can be seen in the highest branches and lizards and other small animals dart through the leaves.
iItís really the idyllic environment,î Leatherman said.

On the Net:
Caladesi Island State Park: http://www.floridastateparks.org/CaladesiIsland/
Stephen Leathermanís beach rankings: http://www.drbeach.org

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Best of the beach

Here are the winners going back to 1991 of Florida International University professor Stephen P. Leathermanís annual Best Beach award. Winners are retired from later lists.
2008 ó Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Fla.
2007 ó Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, Outer Banks, N.C.
2006 ó Fleming Beach Park, Maui, Hawaii
2005 ó Fort DeSoto Park ó North Beach, St. Petersburg, Fla.
2004 ó Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
2003 ó Kaanapali, Maui, Hawaii
2002 ó St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Port St. Joe, Fla.
2001 ó Poipu Beach Park, Kauai, Hawaii
2000 ó Mauna Kea Beach, Hawaii
1999 ó Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii
1998 ó Kailua Beach Park, Oahu Hawaii
1997 ó Hulopoe, Lanai, Hawaii
1996 ó Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
1995 ó St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Fla.
1994 ó Grayton Beach State Park, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.
1993 ó Hapuna, Hawaii
1992 ó Bahia Honda, Big Pine Key, Fla.
1991 ó Kapalua Bay Beach, Maui, Hawaii

Source: Stephen P. Leatherman, http://www.drbeach.org