Here's the highlights from the Jan. 16 show: Butch Olsen, Jr. gave listeners an update on the commercial fishing industry and the third annual Port Salerno Seafood Festival, which organizers were expecting a crowd of more than 20,000. The festival celebrates the thriving commerical fishing industry and raises money for a number of non-profit causes. Believe it or not, but over one million pounds of fish come across the commercial fishing docks every year.
Talkin' Tourism host, Gary Guertin, highlighted the importance of working waterfronts on tourism, "Folks like to walk the docks and talk with the fisherman. There aren't many communities where that can still happen."
Show co-host Robin Hicks-Connors, president and CEO of the Martin County Historical Society, provided listeners and the studio audience a history lesson on Port Salerno. "Port Salerno has actually had five names: Alicia, after Henry Flagler's wife; Mumford; Salerno; and eventually Port Salerno because it sounded more magical and because it was a safe haven."
Ed Griffith, the general manager of the Courtyard Hutchinson Island Oceanside/Jensen Beach and the new incoming president of the Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the importance of tourism and the fact that tourists don't know political boundaries. "Guests at our property dine, shop and play up and down the coast. They don't care whether they're in St. Lucie County, Martin County or another county." Show host Gary Guertin pointed out that regional tourism officials need to look at a broader scope when marketing the area instead of focusing just on their respective geographical boundaries.
During his presidency of the chamber, Griffith plans to focus efforts on increasing recognition of Jensen Beach as a travel destination.
This week's show also had an unannounced guest, Nicole Wellington, the sales manager for one of Martin County's newest hotels, the Hampton Inn and Suites North Stuart, which opened Labor Day weekend. Nicole, who also sits on the board of the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the Hampton Inn's occupancy levels are good and that she's looking forward to a good season. Ed Griffith also confirmed occupancy levels at his property are good.
Guest's for the Jan 30 show will include Allon Fish, executive director of the Indiantown Chamber of Commerce, and a representative from the Arts Council, who will detail what's scheduled for ArtsFest and beyond.
Download this week's show HERE.
