SIESTA KEY — For the second time in seven years, Siesta Beach earned the equivalent of an environmental Oscar: the No. 1 Beach in America.
The beautiful stretch of white sand — known the world over for its glittering white quartz crystals — previously won the award from Stephen “Dr. Beach” Leatherman in 2011, a distinction that likely drew thousands of tourists to the region who otherwise might not have visited Sarasota County and the broader region.
“It is an honor for Siesta Beach to receive this recognition for a second time,” says Virginia J. Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County, the community’s tourism promotions agency. “The investments by Sarasota County to improve the amenities offered at the beach have paid off with this No. 1 ranking. Since holding the number one spot in 2011, Sarasota County invested more than $21 million to renovate the amenities offered at the beach. These include additional free parking spaces, a playground, extended picnic areas and more.
“These investments only add to the pristine beauty Siesta Beach.”
Last year, Siesta wasn’t far from the top, earning second place on Leatherman’s annual list. Dr. Beach reset the clock on his list, allowing beaches that have previously been named No. 1 to receive recognition again.
The local stretch of sand is often vying with Hawaii’s legendary beaches for the highest spots.
Leatherman goes beyond water and sand quality and looks at the entire beach experience. He keeps tabs on the details, including the number of sunny days, the water temperature, number of pests, access, noise and vehicle traffic.
He has previously lauded Siesta for its clear, warm waters; its crescent shape; and its ideal setting for volleyball and other types of recreational fitness.
He has previously lauded Siesta for its clear, warm waters; its crescent shape; and its ideal setting for volleyball and other types of recreational fitness.
Leatherman is an internationally known coastal scientist who has published 20 books and hundreds of scientific articles and reports about storm impacts, coastal erosion and ways to improve beach health and safety. Lately, he’s putting more emphasis on environmental management and beach safety.
Last year, Siesta Key fell slightly short of its Oahu competition; smoking is banned on all Hawaiian beaches. Sarasota County has long pushed for smoke-free beaches, but Florida is one of a handful of states with a law that prevents local governments from enacting smoke-banning regulations.
Since winning the top spot in 2011, Siesta has won numerous other accolades. For example, Conde Nast rankedSiesta Key Beach the fifth best beach in Florida and was named the No. 1 beach in the United States by TripAdvisor.
Siesta Key is getting national attention from another direction, even as Dr. Beach releases his list: MTV and its vast audience.
Camera crews are filming a new reality TV show about wealthy local college students home for the summer. Details about the show, which premieres in July and is known as “Siesta Key,” are minimal. A brief commercial recently ran during the MTV Movie & TV Awards, giving a nod to another of the network’s reality shows, “The Hills.” “From The Hills to the Beach,” it said as a couple kissed on the screen. “Welcome to Siesta Key.”
The show could shape the way millions of viewers see Southwest Florida. Tourism promoters hope it’s a positive portrayal of the community, unlike some of the negative aspects that grew from another MTV production, “Jersey Shore.”
Read More From Original Article Siesta Beach in Sarasota is No. 1 in U.S. again, ‘Dr. Beach’ says
