Prohibition's "King of Rum Row" - Bill McCoy (The Real McCoy)

Closing out the month of October and the 'slow season,' this Friday, October 30, Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors will talk up The Real McCoy Rum Runner Party (November 13th), an event celebrating the grand opening of the Maritime and Yachting Museum (MYM) of Florida's new galleries at the Francis Langford Pavilion, Indian Riverside Park, Jensen Beach, Florida.

Ann Schmidt, a MYM of Florida board member and event chairperson, along with committee member Allison Partin, will join us in the Talkin' Tourism studio to share party details. The last of the local 'Rum Runner parties Radio Man (aka Gary) remembers were Sunday afternoons on the banks of the Indian River at the infamous Mr. Laff’s of yesteryear. Who knows, History Lady (aka Robin) may just fill us in on all of the great Bill McCoy legends! For more information on The Real McCoy Rumm Runner Party, click on the poster below.

This week, Gary and Robin will also discuss a variety of tourism topics. Time permitting one of those may include a new four state alliance, comprised of North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. The alliance is aimed at preserving and expanding coastal resources—the very resources the four states depend on for business and tourism. Other topics on the agenda: Florida lawmakers review of the $20-million pledged by the state for a animation studio at Tradition; the opening of the world’s largest Doubletree hotel in Orlando; and of course a continuation of the “Drill or Don’t Drill” discussion.

Will Gary survive the Owl's Howl Halloween Gala Ghoula at Harborage Thursday evening? What did he go as? What was the most extreme costume at the masquerade? And, what did the Harborage Yacht Club culinary team come up with for this year's event? To find out, tune in Friday, October 30 (WPSL 1590 AM or http://www.wpsl.com/) at 10 a.m. for another fun-filled show from the Captain’s Lounge at Harborage Yacht Club and Marina!

Oct 23 Show Recap: November full of fall fun on Florida's Treasure Coast!

Nothing to do? Then come to Stuart! Martin County is full of fall fun.

Dan Crow, the air show coordinator for the approaching Visiting Nurses Association Air Show, and Ron Rose, the executive director of the Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce, which produces the Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival, both shared the guest microphone today to talk up their respective events.

Bookending the week of November 6 through the 15, the two festivals combined are expected to draw a total of 100,000 people. How close is that to the entire current population of Martin County? If you missed today's show, you'll be able to answer that question by downloading today's show (show audio will be posted in a day or two).

Ron Rose reminded us Gregory Town, Eleuthera, Bahamas and Jensen Beach are Sister-Cities—both with pineapple histories. Just one more Treasure Coast-Bahamas connection!

For more information on the events, here are links to the respective web sites: http://www.pineapplefestival.info/ or http://www.vnaairshow.com/

Happy birthday to who? Co-host Robin 'History Lady' Hicks-Connors took the upper hand as host Gary Guertin became the subject of an interview about 'Radio Man’s' involvement in the Tourism Industry in Martin County. How old is Gary? For that answer, download the show HERE. It's all there!

Last, but not least, there is always Robin's 'This Week in Martin County History' and 'What’s Hot This Weekend'.

It’s all about fun, good times and spreading the word about our fabulous Treasure Coast, Florida, and beyond. Don’t forget to thank a visitor, or valued-seasonal-resident for helping to keep Florida green.

'See' you next week on Friday at 10 a.m. for another show of Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast!

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PHOTO: Ron Rose and Gary Guertin check the Bahamas Information Map to view how close the Treasure Coast is to the island of Eleuthera.

Pineapples and Airplanes

'Season' is just around the corner. What does that mean? It means that the calendar of great things to do kicks into high gear.

Two great events that have become hallmarks on the Treasure Coast are the Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival and the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) Air Show. Both family-friendly events are multi-day affairs and offer diverse experiences.

The Pineapple Festival celebrates Jensen Beach’s Sister-City relationship with Gregory Town, Eleuthera. Did you know that Gregory Town has been growing pineapples on the islands rocky soil since the early 1800’s? How did this relationship develop? Ron Rose, the executive director of the Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce, will provide the details.

Up, up and away…no, not in my beautiful balloon, but in just about any type of aircraft you can imagine. The VNA Air Show 2009 is coming to an airport near you—Witham Field that is—on November 14 and 15. This event is attend by thousands each year and thrills crowds of all ages. Dan Crow, Community Liaison for the Visiting Nurses Association of Florida and coordinator of the air show, will also be in the studio to give an in-depth view of what visitors can expect at this year's event.

Tune in tomorrow, October 23 (Friday) at 10 a.m. (WPSL 1590 AM or http://www.wpsl.org/) to find out if anything is new on the 'To Drill or not To Drill' issue, and so much more. 'See' you tomorrow!

Oct 16 Wrap: To drill or not to drill? Not a simple question.

Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast cranked it up a notch with this week's guest, State Representative William Snyder (District 82), who was on hand to discuss the topic of offshore drilling.

Points covered included the economic benefits offshore drilling may provide to help Florida relieve its current $2.4 billion budget deficit, environmental concerns and safeguards, and how exploration and drilling technology has improved since the ban on offshore drilling went into effect here in Florida in 1990.

Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors also discussed St. Lucie County's progress in establishng tourism and sporting endeavors with Grand Bahama Island. And, they touched upon the two-month new Coastal Angler Magazine Flahama issue that's being well-received both in Florida and the Bahamas.

Robin issued the Getaway Giveaway question of the week, which is: Who is Florida's featured artist for Historic Preservation Month? First one to send the correct answer to talkintourism@gmail.com wins a Harborage Yacht Club & Marina 3-day, 2-night boaters getaway.

Talkin' Tourism is pleased to serve as a platform for providing information on this lively, provocative and potentially emotional issue. Talkin' Tourism will continue to keep listeners informed through various guests in the future. If you wish to appear as a guest on the show to provide information, perspective or a point of view on this topic, please contact Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast at talkintourism@gmail.com The only criteria for being granted an appearance on the show regarding this issue is that you or the organization you represent be engaged in the tourism industry.

Special thanks to Representative William Snyder for taking time out of his busy schedule to appear on the show.

If you missed the show, you can download it or listen to it HERE.

Guests and subject line-up for this week's show (Friday at 10 a.m.) to be posted later this week.

CORRECTION: Listeners, please note that the reference to Enid Atwater as the wife of Senate President Jeff Atwater was certainly incorrect. Ms. Enid Atwater is Jeff Atwater’s sister.

Florida Exchanging Suntan Oil for Crude Oil?

In the final weeks of the spring legislative session, a bill was introduced to give the Florida Cabinet the power to grant oil and gas drilling leases in state waters. The proposal has the backing of the oil industry, as well as key business lobbyists. The Florida Senate has not yet voted on the bill approved by the Floria House. Proponents plan to file a similar proposal again, though the details are not yet set. Governor Charlie Crist has said he thinks the proposal is worth considering as early as this year during the special session; however, legislative leaders say it’s more likely to be considered next year in the 2010 regular session.

It's no surprise that environmental groups, as well as some tourism-industry associations, are opposed to offshore drilling. They are concerned drilling may negatively impact state beaches and natural resources.

Listeners, this is a topic that Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast wants you to know about. Both the pros and cons of this topic needs public thought and comment. To quote Bob Gabordi, executive editor of the Tallahassee Democrat (http://www.news-press.com/): "On an issue this important, with implications this far reaching, Floridians deserve the best thinking and information. Our concern is to make the process as fair as possible so that the best ideas, not the best politics, win the day.”

This week, Talkin' Tourism is honored to have the Honorable William “Bill" B. Snyder, Florida House of Representatives, District 82, in the studio to help educate the listening audience on this issue. Not only is this a Florida issue, it's an issue of global impact to the energy industry, as well as the tourism industry.

Get informed! Tune in Friday (October 16) to WPSL 1590 a.m. or to http://www.wpsl.com/ (to listen to the show's livestream via computer) at 10 a.m. to learn more about this issue and its possible implications.

Muck Monsters, Airlifts, David & Goliath

After today’s show, it appears that David and Goliath will be working together to collaborate on opportunities and programs that will be beneficial to the region. Palm Beach County Tourism Development Council Executive Director Roger Amidon was very specific that Palm Beach County has and will continue to demonstrate their commitment to collaboration. Sharon Glenn, Martin County's Tourism Development Council Chairman who shared the guest spotlight today, concurred the time is right for Palm Beach and Martin counties to take advantage of potential opportunities.

What did we cover on the show? Here are some of the highlights: Palm Beach County wants to increase year-round airlifts into Palm Beach International Airport and will be targeting two specific markets. The Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau has a five year contract as the destination marketing arm for the county. How does that compare to the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau? Is there really a Muck Monster? Listen or download the show HERE.

Congratulations to Pamela McCarthy, employed by the legendary boat building company Whiticar Boatworks of Stuart, Florida, the winner of last week’s Getaway Giveaway, which was a Harborage Yacht Club and Marina package that included two-nights dockage and a $100 certificate for dinner. Last week's question was: What special collection is housed at the Elliott Museum on Hutchinson Island, Stuart, Florida that is second only to the collection in Cooperstown, NY? The answer? The second largest collection of autographed baseball memorabilia.

This week's Getaway Giveaway question is: What new Palm Beach County attraction that was never in the county’s marketing plan has received national attention? E-mail your answer to talkintourism@gmail.com.

Special thanks to Best Western, Stuart, Florida for providing this week’s Getaway Giveaway package.

Hope to see you here next week, same time (10 a.m.), same station (WPSL 1590 AM or http://www.wpsl.com/!

PHOTO: Roger Amidon, executive director of the Palm Beach County Tourism Development Council.

FREE Bahamas Tournament

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November 7-8, 2009

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Optional Captains meeting on Thursday, November 5 at Harborage Yacht Club & Marina, Stuart, FL

Boat caravan leaving Harborage Yacht Club & Marina on Friday, November 6 at 7 a.m.

Caravan retuning November 9 by 2 p.m.

More details? Contact ppeterson@worldcat.com

Palm Beach and Martin Counties—Future Tourism Partners?

This week Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast goes 'right to the top.' How? By having the executive director of the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council and the chairman of the Martin County Tourist Development Council both in the studio at the same time!

The tourism and hospitality industry has long been recognized as a very important element in Palm Beach County's economic mix. With world class assets, an international airport, great small towns and downtowns, and spectacular diving and fishing, as well as major cultural attractions, Palm Beach County has been a visitor magnet for decades. Considering the opening of Henry Morrison Flagler's Royal Poinciana Hotel in 1894 followed by his Palm Beach Inn in 1896, tourism industry roots are very deep in Palm Beach County

Roger Amidon has recently been hired as the new executive director of the Palm Beach County Tourism Development Council (TDC). Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors will query Roger on his five-and-ten year tourism forecast, as well as how the TDC and its various partners will continue to educate residents on the importance of a strong tourism related economy.

Sharon Glenn, the resort manager at Plantation Beach Club at Indian River Plantation on our very own Hutchinson Island, is the current chairman of the Martin County Tourist Development Council (MCTDC). The MCTDC is charged with overseeing the overall tourism plan for Martin County. This responsibility includes annual review of the bed tax ordinance and determines where and how the bed tax funds collected will be dispersed.

In the spirit of collaboration and 'coope-tition' (yes folks, a Robin-ism), this week's show will also explore if there are opportunities for a 'Goliath,' like Palm Beach County, and a 'David,' like Martin County, to collaborate. And, whether visitors to both counties really care about political boundaries or not?

Finally, another Getaway Giveway will be up for grabs. Listen closely for the Question of the Week. The first correct e-mail received at talkintourism@gmail.com will be a winner!

'See' you on Friday (Oct 9) on WPSL 1590 AM or http://www.wpsl.com/ at 10 a.m.

Photo credit: trialsanderrors'@flickr.com

Oct 2 show wrap: Nautical Treasures and Pleasures and 'The Creators Game'

The October 2 show topics were as diverse as the tourism industry itself, but as always, Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and c0-host Robin Hicks-Connors continued to connected the tourism dots.

First up was Julie Lentine of Lentine Marine in Stuart, Florida. Julie explained how she and her husband Lou, a highly respected boat dealer, adjusted their business model to successfully navigate today’s choppy economy. The 4th Nautical Flea Market & Boat Show, produced by Lentine Marine, is evidence that 'local' events and activities can be visitor magnets. According to Julie, last year's Nautical Flea Market and Boat Show attracted 4,000 people, coming from as far away as Tallahassee and Miami. Based upon comments heard on Saturday, October 4, this year's show was a smashing success.

Next up was Ted Brown, volunteer board member of the newly formed Friends of High School Lacrosse of Martin County. Now that a lacrosse club has been officially sanctioned by the Martin County School District, Martin County will have the opportunity to host lacrosse tournaments, which attract as many as 30 to 40 teams from outside of the Treasure Coast. This brings an old industry phrase to mind—heads in beds! If you listened to the show live, you learned more about the sport. If you didn't, listen in to the archived show so that you can answer this question: Is lacrosse the fastest growing team sport in the country? The answer might surprise you. And, here's an interesting Lacrosse tidbit from Wikipedia:

Early lacrosse was characterized by deep spiritual involvement,befitting the spirit of combat in which it was undertaken. Those who took part did so in the role of warriors, with the goal of bringing glory and honor to themselves and their tribes.The game was said to be played "for the Creator" or was referred to as "The Creator's Game".

The second half of the show focused on the potential for Stuart to become a homeport for large private yacht charter operators. No, not a second Ft. Lauderdale, just a low key, slower paced beautiful area for owners of large yacht to call home. Paula Wills, owner of Beyond the Sea Yacht Charters has relocated to Stuart from Ft. Lauderdale and is cooking up some great opportunities for the local marine community.

Do you have to be Bill Gates to charter your own private yacht for a fabulous vacation? No you don't. Private yacht charters can be as cost effective as taking a regular cruise. Is it as cost effective as staying at a 5-star Caribbean resort? That answer might surprise you. Download the show and hear Paula’s enthusiasm as she describes the potential for Stuart to become a quieter mecca for the private charter industry.

Congratulations to Ben Martin of Satellite Beach, Florida for being the first to correctly respond to last week’s Talkin' Tourism Question of the Week. Indeed October was designated Historic Preservation Month by the Martin County Board of County Commissioners.

This week’s Getaway Giveaway up for grabs is a three-day, two-night stay at Harborage Yacht Club with complimentary dockage for a vessel of any size, plus a certificate for $100.00 in food and beverage.

This week's Getaway Giveaway question: The Elliott Museum in Stuart, Florida has the second largest collection of what item to be found outside of Cooperstown, NY?

Listen to the show (download HERE) to learn the answer. The first correct answer e-mailed to talkintourism@gmail.com, wins the Getaway Giveaway to Harborage Yacht Club & Marina.

This Friday, tune your dial to WPSL 1590 AM at 10 a.m. for another guest- and fact-filled Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast.