Stephen Leatherman

Stephen P. Leatherman is the director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University.

In addition to his educational duties, Dr. Leatherman is known for his annual rankings of American beaches, thus earning him the nickname "Dr. Beach".

Education

Leatherman earned his Ph.D. in Environmental (Coastal) Sciences from the University of Virginia and a B.S. degree in Geosciences from North Carolina State University.

Beach Rankings

Leatherman is known for his annual ratings of the top beaches in the United States.

The list, which (since 1991) has been released each Memorial Day weekend (the unofficial start of the summer holiday season), is based on a 50 factor criteria which he developed to rate each beach.

Once a beach reaches the #1 ranking, Leatherman "retires" it from any further consideration.

Top Beaches

• 2011 - Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota, Florida
• 2010 - Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
• 2009 – Hanalei Bay, Kauaʻi island, Hawaii
• 2008 – Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida
• 2007 – Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach, Outer Banks, North Carolina
• 2006 – Fleming Beach Park, Maui island, Hawaii
• 2005 – Fort DeSoto Park North Beach, St. Petersburg, Florida
• 2004 – Hanauma Bay, Oʻahu island, Hawaii
• 2003 – Kaʻanapali Beach, Maui island, Hawaii
• 2002 – St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida
• 2001 – Poʻipū Beach Park, Kauaʻi island, Hawaii
• 2000 – Mauna Kea Beach, Hawaiʻi island, Hawaii
• 1999 – Wailea Beach, Hawaii
• 1998 – Kailua Beach Park, Oʻahu island, Hawaii
• 1997 – Hulopoe, Hawaii
• 1996 – Lanikai Beach, Oʻahu island, Hawaii
• 1995 – St. Andrews State Recreation Area, Florida
• 1994 – Grayton Beach State Recreation Area, Florida
• 1993 – Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, Hawaiʻi island, Hawaii
• 1992 – Bahia Honda State Recreation Area, Florida
• 1991 – Kapalua Bay Beach, Maui island, Hawaii

External links

• Stephen P. Leatherman. "DrBeach.Org web site". http://www.drbeach.org/. Retrieved 2011-06-30. 
• Bio from FIU
• Best U.S. beaches announced; Maui tops list; 'Dr. Beach' announces annual top 10; Maui, Florida, New York each have 2 (2006 list)
• Kaanapali Beach, Hawaii, Tops 13th-Annual ‘America’s Best Beaches’ List Beach Guru Releases Safety Guide (2003 list)

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