Something of a paradox?

Maybe.

But Virginia Haley doesn’t care.

“Now that we’ve cracked the top 10 lists, I think it subtly validates our destination — even the gimmicky ones,” said Haley, president of Visit Sarasota, the county’s tourism agency. “I don’t think anyone is going to look at one of these lists and book a vacation, but over time, they’ll remember our destination because they’re hearing about it over and over again.”

Meanwhile, the online ranking accolades — though often strange when combined — have continued to pile up in Southwest Florida. Sarasota, its hotels, beaches and other venues have seen a steady rise in top rankings year after year. Though some may hold more weight than others, each has a positive impact.

The serious “listing” began in 2011, when Siesta Beach was named the No. 1 beach destination in the nation by Florida International University scientist Dr. Stephen Leatherman, aka “Dr. Beach.”

That coveted title, which still adorns signs on Siesta Key roadways, promotional pamphlets and tourism and hotel websites, put Sarasota County on the tourism map, so to speak.

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