Siesta Key Beach 'No. 1 Beach' Sign Unveiled (Video)

Wish you were here at the No. 1 Beach in the USA.

Visitors to America's No. 1 Beach can now take a picture with the vintage-themed billboard that touts' Siesta Key Beach's No. 1 ranking by Dr. Beach, who is actually Stephen Leatherman, director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research.

The County Commissioners unveiled the sign Wednesday morning by the main concession stands.

"We all know why Siesta Key Beach is the No. 1 Beach," Commission Chairwoman Christine Robinson said. "This is everyday in paradise here in Sarasota County.  The official designation from Dr. Beach puts Siesta Key Beach in world class company — among the best beaches anywhere."

The sign was suggested by lifeguard Scott "Scooter" Ruberg when the lifeguard caught up with Commissioner Joe Thaxton as he visted the beach one day, Thaxton said. The $1,300 sign is paid by the Sarasota Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.

County communications staffer Kate Harrison designed the sign.

"It's retro in theme which represents the history of Sarasota and brings to mind the very unique aspects of old Florida," Commissioner Nora Patterson said.

Patterson also noted the and a shuttle service from the mainland to the key. The improvments will include work at the concession area, increased parking, Beach Road improvements, additional restrooms, improved playground, a new maintenance facility and new tennis courts, and additional work if the commissioners can come up with $21.5 million.

The beach beat out Florida beaches Key Biscayne and St. George Island Park as well as Hawaiian beaches for the top spot, Robinson noted.