This Week: Big Yachts, Small Yachts and Lacrosse

The tourism/hospitality industry is broad, diverse and touches all segments of our community. This week’s show is testimony to that fact.

This week, meet Paula Wills, owner of Beyond the Sea. Inc. Recently relocated from Ft. Lauderdale, Paula plans to base her long-standing private yacht charter business in beautiful and slower paced Stuart, Florida.

Whether your pleasure is a 60 foot yacht for a weekend excursion to the Bahamas or a 300 footer for an extended stay in Antigua, Paula is your source.

During this week's show, we'll discuss whether some of Paula’s yacht clients will be coming to Stuart and if yes, where will they dock. What economic impact this might have upon the Treasure Coast. For those who might want to mix a land stay in a private villa with a yachting vacation, no problem! Beyond the Sea Yacht Charters also represents some of the most luxurious private villas throughout the world.

Next up--sports tourism, which is also an integral part of the overall tourism picture. Professional sports obviously is the big player, but what about local high school sports? Ted Brown, a regional vice president at Bank of America/US and board member of the Friends of High School Lacrosse for Martin County, will be in the studio to share how our high school's new lacrosse club might impact sports tourism in our region. Did you know that lacrosse is the fastest growing team sport in the country? That’s right! Participation in lacrosse has increased over 500% since 1999.

Also onboard this week is Julie Lentine of Lentine Marine. Although the current economy has impacted the marine industry, learn how this successful business changed its business model to adapt to the times and help keep boating affordable.

Another great hotel Getaway Giveaway is up for grabs. In addition, the winner of last week's Ramada package will be announced.

Tune your radio dial on Friday (October 2) to WPSL 1590 AM at 10 a.m.. If you're out of broadcast range, listen to us live via your computer at http://www.wpsl.com/. 'See' you on Friday!

Historic Preservation and Bahamian Connection Celebrations

The show that last week was too big for just one station grew again this week as co-host Robin Hicks-Connors was seated at her own desk and computer. Between show notes, broadcast equipment, and show beverages, the set needed a re-design. The new arrangement worked well. Robin has definitely earned her 'headset' as a great show co-host.

As expected, guest Linda Prange, Martin County Historic Preservation board chairman, filled the airwaves with all of the great activities that will be taking place during the month of October, which has been designated Historic Preservation Month for the second year. What does a scavenger hunt and historic preservation have in common? Who is behind this activity and how can you be involved? What home can you visit that is currently undergoing preservation? Learn this and more by listing to this past Friday’s show.

In the mood for the best Bahamian cooking this side of Abaco and lots of island fun and camaraderie? Well the New Monrovia Development Corp. in cooperation with many persons of Bahamian ancestry, which live in our community, are putting on a great party just for you. On the show Cheryl Longoria and Gloria McHardy shared with listeners many very interesting tidbits about the development of the upcoming Bahamian Connection Festival, which started 12 years ago, and how the Treasure Coast is joined at the hip with our friends and island neighbors in the Bahamas. You will even learn what business tycoon, who had a major impact on the future of Florida’s East Coast, played a roll in making this Bahamas/Florida connection!

Thanks to all that listened this week live on their radio or via the live stream on their computer. For those of you just getting the opportunity to listen to the show, thanks for being a fan.
Listen next week and find out who may have been the winner of a great weekend Giveaway Getaway, compliments of Ramada Stuart Hotel by being the first to correctly answer this week’s Question of the Week, which was: What has Martin County designated the month of October as? First correct answer e-mailed to talkintourism@gmail.com gets the giveaway!

Download the show HERE, and be sure to listen in this Friday at 10 a.m. for another fun- and fact-filled Talkin Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast.

Junkanoo, History Preservation and More...

Another great show is in store for this week, along with another accommodations Getaway Giveaway for the first correct answer to the “Question of the Week."

This week’s giveawy, compliments of Ramada Stuart Hotel, is a weekend stay for two in the property's luxurious Jacuzzi Suite, with champagne and strawberries upon arrival! Sales manager Nadege Bernadin will make a guest appearance on the show to briefly profile the amenities offered by this longstanding Stuart property.

Continuing to celebrate the Treasure Coast’s connection with the Islands of the Bahamas, Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors are pleased to welcome Gloria McHardy, a founder of the Bahamian Connection Festival that takes place next weekend October 2-3. Also joining Glorida, will be Cheryl Longoria, who is serving on this year’s organizing committee. If you're a fan of the islands and the Caribbean, or if you just enjoy the FLAHAMA state of mind, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Once you experience true junkanoo music, you will not be able to stop tapping your toes. Also, some of the best Bahamian food will be available.

October is History Preservation Month in Martin County. With history and charm raking as number one in the list of the area's top five strengths, according to attendees at the recent Martin County Tourism Summit, Talkin Tourism would be remiss in not having this be a key topic this week. Joining us in the studio will be Linda Prange.

Linda was appointed to the Martin County Preservation Board four years ago. She is now serving as board chairman and has worked with other board members to plan an educational, fun-filled and exciting second annual Historic Preservation Month.

What great events are in store for locals and visitors? Tune in this week (Friday, September 25) and listen closely. You just could be the winner of this week’s Getaway Giveaway!

You'll find Talkin' Tourism on your radio dial Friday, September 25, 10 a.m., at 1450 AM, or listen to the show LIVE via your computer by going to http://www.wpls.com/.

Courtyard by Marriott-Stuart Getaway Winner

The winner of the Hotel/Motel Association's first Getaway Giveaway, which was a 2-night/3-day package from the Courtyard by Marriott-Stuart, was Phil Lennan of Jensen Beach, Florida.

The question posed last week was:

Based on the input from Martin County tourism industry stakeholders at the first meeting of the Tourism Summit, what are the top five Martin County Tourism strengths?

Phil's correct answer was: (1) History/Charm; (2) Beaches/Waterways; (3) Ecotourism/Green spaces; (4) Downtowns; and (5) Sports (golf, equestrian, fishing etc.

Congratulations Phil Lennan! And a big thank you to Courtyard by Marriott-Stuart for donating the package.

Tune in tomorrow for a new chance to win this week's Getaway Giveaway.

To learn more about the Courtyard by Marriott-Stuart, visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pbist-courtyard-stuart/.

Weather on your mind?

Then check out conditions in Florida, the Bahamas or elsewhere on WPBF's Interactive weather, now sponsored by Harborage Yacht Club & Marina.

Martin County strengths, island properties and getaway giveaways

Another successful LIVE remote from beautiful Hutchison Island, with special thanks to guest Sharon Laing and the staff of Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort and Marina for providing the venue for today’s show.

A 16 year veteran of the property, Sharon gave listeners a great overview of the resort and its amenities. In addition to visitors from around the globe, Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort and Marina has tremendous appeal for locals as well, whether it is a 'stay-cation', quiet dinner, or cocktails around the pool. Martin County is fortunate to have such a wonderful beach front property.

The first ever on-air accommodations package giveaway occurred this week, thanks to the participating properties of the Martin County Hotel/Motel Association. This week’s package was compliments of the Courtyard by Marriott–Stuart.

This week’s question was:

Based on the input from Martin County tourism industry stakeholders at the first meeting of the Tourism Summit, what are the top five Martin County Tourism strengths?

If you were listening, the answer should have been easy. Lot of hints were given and the answers were repeated several times. Good luck! Remember, the first correct answer e-mailed to talkintourism@gmail.com is the winner, which will be announced on next week’s show.

Thanks to Greg and Carol Wyatt, Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast had an extended show. During the additional 30-minutes, Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors shared information on the businesses being recognized by the Martin County Business Development Board at their annual Business Appreciation Luncheon. You will be truly amazed at the great businesses represented.

What else will you learn when you listen to the show: what’s news in the Bahamas, events and activities on the horizon for locals and visitors, and what happened This Week in Martin County History. Download it HERE.

'See' you next week!

UPDATE ON TODAY'S EXTENDED SEGMENT

For our web audience, we just learned the extended segment of Talkin' Tourism airing from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on WSTU 1450, will not be available via the web. Our apologies!

We hope the full 1 hour and 30 minute audio of today's show will be available for download or listening via your computer by Monday (September 21).

This week: Extended remote from Hutchinson Island Resort

Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast is back on the road again and this week's show will air live from the Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort and Marina.

Why the Hutchinson Island Marriott? Well, the property is hosting the Martin County Business Development Board’s Annual Industry Appreciation Awards and show host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors plan to showcase the resort property, as well as the guests who will be attending the luncheon awards ceremony.

The 'extended' in this week's title has a bigger meaning. Talkin' Tourism (at least this week's show) is too big for just one station! The first hour of the show with air on WPSL 1590 AM as usual, and an additional thirty minutes will air on WSTU 1450 AM. So, this week's live remote is a total of one hour and thirty minutes, as long as you move your radio dial.

Sharon Laing, sales manager at the Hutchinson Island Marriott, will showcase all that Martin County’s premier waterfront resort and marina has to offer both locals and out of town visitors. What else is in store? How about the results of the first meeting of the Martin County Tourism Summit. You'll learn what tourism stakeholders have identified as Martin County’s top five strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

The show would not be complete with a Bahamas update, Robin’s Top Picks and This Week in Martin County History.

Now, even BIGGER news! Talkin' Tourism is thrilled to welcome the Martin County Hotel/Motel Association to the show. Beginning this week, a special 'getaway package,' which will be provided by one of the members of the Martin County Hotel/Motel Association, will be awarded on every show!

How do you win? It’s easy! At the end of every show, host Gary or co-host Robin will ask a question. The answer will have been given during the show. For example, during the show, Robin shares several events that happen during her This Week In Martin County History. At the end of the show she might ask the question, “This week in Martin County history, in what year did the Jensen Beach Causeway open?" If you know the answer, or want to guess, simply email your answer to talkintourism@gmail.com. The first correct answer received via e-mail will win that week's 'getaway package.'

This week's package is compliments of Courtyard by Marriott-Stuart. The winner will receive a three-day/two-night stay, including breakfast and dinner, with cocktails, for two.

Tune in tomorrow for some great conversation and the chance to win a fabulous local getaway! From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., the show will broadcast on WPSL 1590 AM (or http://www.wpsl.com/); from 11 a.m. to 11:30, it'll broadcast on WSTU 1450 AM (or http://www.wstu1450.com/).

To learn more about the Courtyard by Marriott-Stuart, visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pbist-courtyard-stuart/.

Island Friend Visits Treasure Coast

Saturday, September 12, Keith Cooper, sales and marketing director at UNEXSO on Grand Bahama Island, spent the day on the Treasure Coast visiting the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center.

Hosted by Florida Oceanographic Society's (FOS) executive director Mark Perry, Keith received a 'behind the scenes' tour of the unique eco-education facility, one of Martin County’s most popular attractions.

The listening audience and the Talkin' Tourism team, met Keith on the June 26 show, which was broadcast from Grand Bahama. During that show, Keith talked about his vision of expanding eco-tourism and eco-education for residents and visitors to the Island. The purpose of his visit to the Treasure Coast this past weekend was to see a world-class model of what can be done to protect the island’s fragile coastal environment, and also foster stewardship of the Islands of the Bahamas precious ocean and coastal resources.

A bonus of the trip was to view first-hand the aquaculture program in place at FOS. One vision Keith has for his island and country is to develop an aquaculture program that focuses on the farming of conch, a staple of the Bahamian diet and a real treat for visitors, in order to preserve existing conch stocks for future generations.

Keith also brought along his mom, Cynthia, who is no stranger to the Treasure Coast. Cynthia is the founder of Sisters in the Pot, an very popular caterer of outstanding Bahamian cuisine. Sisters in the Pot can be found at many South Florida events and festivals, as well as at the Stuart Green Market every Sunday.

Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast is extremely pleased to have assisted in once again 'connecting the dots' as we continue to explore the Treasure Coast’s longstanding and ongoing relationship with the Islands of the Bahamas.

NOTE: Cynthia, the conch salad and fritters were wonderful! Thanks!

Water Connections

If you believe water 'connects' people and places versus 'divides,' then today’s show is just for you.

Speaking of places, we learned today that golf tourism is the new hot market for the Islands of the Bahamas and about the new Florida Bahamas Golf Challenge currently in the planning stages. Island friend and Bahamas Tourist Office general manager Earl Miller gave more highlights on the challenge, what his country's goverment is doing doing about the current over 35 foot/under 35 foot boat entry fees, what new marinas have opened, and which marina's have improved or added more slips to their facilities.

With the winter season just around the corner, Treasure Coast marinas are looking forward to welcoming back our valued seasonal boaters. The approaching second annual Cruiser Expo, part of the Stuart Boat Show produced by Allsports Productions, is an event that no boater, or water lover, should miss. The three-day event provides networking opportunities and scores of informative seminars. Proper dingy dock etiquette? What's that? How many transient vessels do you think traverse and visit Treasure Coast waters each winter? Listen to this week's show. The abswer to the questions just might surprise you.

As always, thanks for visiting the blog and listening to this week’s show. If you know a friend or a family member who is interested in tourism and events on the Treasure Coast, share the Talkin' Tourism show link with them. Help us spread the message that tourism helps keep Florida green.

The audio for this week's show can be listened to HERE. 'See' you next week!

This Week: Golfing the Islands of the Bahamas, Cruiser Expo, and Valued Seasonal Boaters

It’s hard to believe but final planning is underway for the 36^th Annual Stuart Boat Show, the largest in-water boat show from West Palm Beach, Florida to Annapolis, Maryland, drawing crowds consistently each and every year.

Captain Chris Caldwell, Cruiser Expo coordinator and owner of Captain Chris Yacht Services, LLC, will cover the myriad of topics related to the annual boat show and the second annual Cruiser Expo, as well as let the public and and boating enthusiasts know what they can expect this year. Besides the Stuart Boat Show, Captain Chris will talk about the annual migration of this area.s valued seasonal boaters and how they contribute to the Treasure Coast's tourism economy.

Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast’s relationship with the Islands of the Bahamas continues to grow. This week, well known Plantation, Florida Bahamas Tourist Office general manager Earl Miller will be in the house. Listen in to learn about the new and exciting tourism initiatives being planned by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. Here's a hint--those individuals and families who enjoy 'chasing the white ball' are going to love the new campaign.

As usual, Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors continue to explore all there is to know about tourism in our region and beyond and how it affects YOU. By supporting tourism on the Treasure Coast, we are working together to build a stronger economy and superior quality of life. Tourism works for all of us and let's face it, what could be better than simply helping visitors to our area have a great time?

Tune your radio dial to WPSL 1590 AM or your computer to http://www.wpsl.com/ on Friday at 10 a.m. to hear the discussion on these topics and more!

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Show Wrap: Kinja Rules, Movies, a New West Coast-East Coast Connection, and Coastal Angler goes Flahama

Back in the Captain’s Lounge at Harborage Yacht Club & Marina, this week’s show was informative AND entertaining!

As tourism efforts in Martin County and the Treasure Coast continue to grow and mature, it is very important that everyone involved 'know the rules'. In many ways, the Treasure Coast is like the islands, not just in the physical sense with all the waterways, lagoons, rivers, ocean and harbors, but in the sense of governance and how things actually are done in public and behind the scenes. Getting things dones means everyone must know the rules. This is very well illustrated by a Jimmy Buffett song from Don't Stop the Carnival, which was referred to in the show that helps us to understand when and why the rules are 'different' and may (and often do) change from time to time.

This week Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors also said goodbye to Martin County Convention and Visitors board member Nicole Wellington, who is moving to Florida's west coast for a new job. Will there be a Florida west coast—east coast connection in the future? Listen to the show for the details.

Now that principal filming has wrapped for Natalie, Queen of Scots, what are the next steps in bringing the independent children’s action feature to a theatre near you? Writer/director Brian Carroll gives more detail on what happens in the post-production stage and what's involved in getting the film ready for distribution.

Looking for fun things to do this Labor Day Weekend? Robin shares her list of top events and activities happening on the Treasure Coast this weekend.

What's new in FLAHAMA? Well, for one, Coastal Angler Magazine launched it's FLAHAMA edition this month and it's beautiful! A huge contingency of advertisers on both sides of the 'Stream' jumped aboard for the inaugural issue. If you're a business in the Bahamas or in Florida, this is a great way to reach potential customers. To learn more, listen to the show and/or visit http://www.coastalanglermagazine.com/.

Last…thank you Erika (at least so far) for not messing up our Labor Day Weekend!

Download or listen to the show here. See you next week!

Erika, goodbye's and hello's, and a girl named Natalie

After two remote shows and because a little fish storm named Erika is meandering in the Caribbean, Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors settle back in to the Captain’s Lounge at Harborage Yacht Club tomorrow (Friday, September 4) for the radio show's 33rd show.

With the approaching Labor Day weekend and summer officially behind us, thoughts are now quickly turning to how the Treasure Coast can maximize the upcoming winter tourism season. This week, the show will cover a number of diverse topics including, but not limited to: the first meeting of the Martin County Tourism Summit, which is designed to help focus all stakeholders on a common vision for the future of tourism in Martin County; a review of the inaugural edition of Coastal Angler Magazine’s FLAHAMA edition; a potpourri of tourism related topics from across the State; the top Treasure Coast activities and events this labor Day Weekend; and an update from Brian Carroll on the post-production of the independent children's action feature Natalie, Queen of Scots, which just wrapped filming here on the Treasure Coast.

Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau board member and now former director of sales for the Hampton Inn and Suites-North Stuart, Nicole Wellington, will be our special guest this week. Nicole has accepted a new director of sales position at a beautiful property on Florida’s west coast and we'll be saying a few 'goodbye's'. During Nicole's year at the Stuart property, she was very active with the Martin County Hotel/Motel Association and will give her insights as to the potential of west coast/east coast collaboration of hotels and other accommodations.

A new bed and breakfast just opened in Martin County. Where is it and why is it on Robin's "to do" list?

Tune your radio dial to WPSL 1590 AM tomorrow at 10 a.m. or listen to the show via your computer at http://www.wpsl.com/. The Talkin' Tourism crew promises to keep you informed about all there is to know about tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast, as well as points beyond.