Historical Perspectives from Sea Captains to Cattle Ranchers

In today's fast-paced world, full of technology, social media and instant gratification, it's rare to have the opportunity to sit back and learn from a pioneer, who has decades of perspective and insight into a niche of the tourism and hospitality industry that has played a significant role in our region.

This week, Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!) is blessed with a very special opportunity to talk with G. Curt Whiticar, the founder of world-renown Whiticar Boatworks company, located right here in Stuart, Florida. Curt Whiticar, who some refer to as the "father of marine tourism," combined uncanny insight, knowledge and ability to design and build a superior sportsfishing line that is now known and revered world-wide. His wisdom and business savvy, established the basis of the Treasure Coast's marine tourism industry.

Curt will give us the chronology painting the picture of why Stuart become known as 'The Sailfish Capital of the World' and 'The Fishing Grounds of Presidents'. What makes this show even more special is that Mr. Whiticar will be celebrating his 100th birthday two days after the show. In addition to building one heck of a boat, Curt is also a prolific painter and a published author.
To provide a point-counter point to the conversation, Jim Dragseth, the president of Whiticar Boatworks, Inc. will be in the house to share with listeners his perspectives on the state of the marine tourism industry on the Treasure Coast (and beyond) and its possibilities for the future.

From sportfishing, the conversation will flow to another industry early pioneers established in Florida and beyond—cattle ranching. Making his third appearance on Talkin' Tourism Dr. Doug Noble, Ph.D., the Assistant Director of Exhibits and Public Programs from the Florida Museum of Natural History, has traveled all the way from Gainesville, Florida to share with our listeners information about two special exhibits (Florida Cattle Ranching and Florida Cowboys: Keepers of the Last Frontier) that will open at the musuem on Saturday, February 12. These FREE exhibits, which are on display through May 8, take an in-depth look at Florida’s Cattle ranching history and its continued impact on the state’s economy. If you are looking for a cultural reason to pony up-state, this is it.

Join us Friday morning (WPSL 1590 AM on your radio or http://www.wpsltv.com/) at 10:05 a.m. as we broadcast live from the Whiticar Boat Works facility on the shores of Willoughby Creek, in Stuart, Florida.

• Learn more about the history of Whiticar Boatworks