Tuesday, June 1, 2010

What's Life-Saving Rum Punches, Police and Fire Departments, and the Caribbean Have in Common? Talkin' Tourism!

When you're the host of a radio show like Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast, you get to do a lot of cool stuff! This week Radio Man, and special guest host Ed Griffith (manager of the Courtyard Hutchinson Island Oceanside/Jensen Beach), did the show from the east porch of the oldest building in Martin County, Florida—the House of Refuge. It was a gorgeous morning, as the photos will attest. For the surfer dudes and dudettes, a nice  little 2’-3’ swell was running. Next time Gary plans to bring along (and use) his long board!

Amy Christensen, the development manager for the Historical Society of Martin County, was full of great information about the history of the building and the purposes a House of Refuge served in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s along Florida’s east coast. The life-saving station keepers were a special breed and were isolated for long periods of time—not your typical type of job. And, what about the lady of the life-saving 'casa'? What was her role in the scheme of things? Did you know that the Historical Society has a special cocktail in honor of the House of Refuge? Indeed they do, but you’ll have to listen to this past week’s show to get the recipe. According to Amy, it is really, really good, and yes it is a rum grog, hearty and tasty enough for infamous pirates like Don Pedro Gilbert!

In the second half of the show, Tom Colucci, executive director of the Treasure Coast Sports Commission, gave listeners a wrap up of the recently completed FHSSA Baseball Tournament that took place at Digital Domain Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida. According to Tom the event was a great success contributing significantly to the tourism business on the Treasure Coast. So, what other sports activities and events does the Sports Commission have lined up? Besides the upcoming Florida Police and Fire Games returning again this year the list is pretty big. If you love sports, there are some you just may want to attend.

The time flew but Gary had a chance to do a Bahamas update, which included information on the upcoming change in hotel tax in July, a new cruise to the Bahamas sailing out of South Carolina and changes in customs duties (many being lowered) on materials being brought into the Islands.

Don’t miss out! Listen to last week’s show, enjoy the conversation and the signature rum drink of the House of Refuge!

Thanks for tuning in and keep those cards and e-mails coming. To stay up on breaking news, become one of the show's Facebook fans, and be sure to recommend your friends and family do the same.

See you on Friday!

P.S. Don't miss our June 11 show, coming LIVE from Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Guests? One of the best chef's in the Caribbean---Davide Pugliese, the proprietor of the world renown Brandywine Bay Restaurant and South Beach Wine & Food Festival celebrity chef.
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