Hutchinson Island Treasures, Muster Days, and Southern Kings

Jack Holmes, managing partner of the
Southern Kingfish Association
and guest co-host Ed Griffith.

Heading “up island” to the Sandhurst Hotel and Suites, the venue for Friday’s show, was a real treat for show host Gary Guertin and guest co-host Ed Griffith. Nothing like a great drive along A-1-A knowing you have 17 miles of pristine beach on your starboard side and miles of the most diverse estuary in North America on your port side. No traffic lights, no neon, no strip malls. Just a barrier island the way it should be.

Friday’s show celebrated kingfish and Navy Seals, but first, we had Sandhurst Hotels and Suites General Manager Ryan O’Connor describe this great waterfront property. Check the property out the next time you are on the Treasure Coast, especially if you are a fishing enthusiast. Great rates, attentive service and this perfect location can be all yours, just minutes from the Fort Pierce Inlet.

The National Navy UDT-Seal Museum was next on the menu with retired Captain Michael Howard and the museums curator Ruth McSween. Truly a “one of a kind" museum, this St. Lucie County attraction should be on the list of everyone who wants an up close and personal look at one of our country’s most elite military groups. When you listen to the show, you’ll learn why the museum actually was built on North Hutchinson Island and lots more interesting facts about the museum's upcoming Muster Day, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the Treasure Coast.

Jack Holmes, managing partner of the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA), rounded out the show with lots of background about how the SKA grew from an “idea” to the largest saltwater tournament organization in the world! It’s a great story. You’ll even know why it’s a kingfish association and not a grouper or dolphin association (could have been!). Jack even shared what he feels will be the bait of choice for the SKA Championship. Not a participant?  No worries! There will be lots of action and excitement for spectators at the weigh-in.

As promised, here is the link to the USA Today’s “Reporters at Sea, Family Style” contest to cover the unveiling of the cruise ship ALLURE of the SEAS coming December 2010:  http://contest.allureoftheseas.com/.  Good luck! It would be fantastic to have a Talkin' Tourism listener WIN!

Thanks for tuning in and for checking out the blog. We would love to hear your thoughts on the blog face-lift, and don’t forget to check out our sponsors and partners. Here's the audio link to the October 1 Talkin' Tourism. Enjoy!