FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2017 CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us  Two Florida State Parks Listed on Dr. Beach's 2017 Top 10 Beaches ~Grayton Beach and Caladesi Island state parks are among the best beaches in the country~ Caladesi Island State Park earns a top spot on Dr. Beach's Top 10 Beach List.  TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – This year, two Florida State Parks are listed among the best in the nation on Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beach List for 2017: Grayton Beach State Park is ranked at #4 and Caladesi Island State Park is ranked at #7. Both parks offer white sand beaches, beautiful scenery and amenities for visitors to enjoy. "Florida State Park beaches are consistently ranked among the best in the country," said Gary Clark, DEP deputy secretary for land and recreation. "I encourage all Florida residents and visitors to head to a Florida State Park beach this Memorial Day Weekend." Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa Beach provides an idyllic setting for swimming, sunbathing, boating and more. The park holds golden sunrises and silver moonlit evenings making it the perfect spot for exploring nature’s inherent beauty. Visitors have the option to paddleboard, canoe and kayak on Western Lake or hike more than four miles on a nature trail through a coastal forest. Grayton Beach offers multiple options for those looking to explore or relax, all surrounded by gorgeous scenery. Caladesi Island State Park, an offshore island near Clearwater, is one of the few completely natural islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The beach is home to gorgeous white sands and offers visitors the options of swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy boating and surf-fishing, while hikers and birders can spot wildlife on a 3-mile nature trail or while kayaking. The list is produced by coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, also known as  “Dr. Beach,” a professor at Florida International University. Every year, since 1991,  Dr. Beach has released the top 10 beaches using 50 criteria he created to rate the nation’s best beaches. Criteria to determine the ranking of the nation’s top beaches include beach material, water temperature, sand softness, smell and safety. About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association. Florida’s 174 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/19d4f95

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