When Stephen Leatherman, aka “Dr. Beach,” visits beaches across the country to compile his yearly list of America’s Top 10 beaches, he usually likes to fly under the radar, quietly dodging the press until after his popular ratings are published.

This week, though, the world-renowned beach expert broke from his usual protocol to speak to local reporters as he toured up and down Charlotte County’s beaches and waterways filming a television episode for a pilot program on waterfront living, as well as a three-minute promotional video highlighting Englewood beaches, Punta Gorda and the barrier islands, including Don Pedro and Knight islands.