Bimini remote highlights and the return of power boat racing on the Treasure Coast

Lindsay Nickerson and Chuck Woodruff, who were on hand
this week to talk about a former Treasure Coast tradition
that is being rebirthed, are joined by Talkin' Tourism co-host
Robin Hicks Connors.

Back in the Sailfish Marina studio, as promised, show hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors provided a round up on all the activities and cool places enjoyed during last week’s broadcast from Bimini Sands Resort and Marina on South Bimini. From all indications, Robin, Paul, Gary, Misti, Lynne and Joe had a “I want to go back there” weekend.

If you caught the show you know what was Robin’s favorite place for whole fried snapper, whether she truly liked (or loved) Mackey’s Sand Bar, who’s conch salad rated the best (Fabian’s or Bonefish Ebbie’s), what kind of audio-visual equipment can be found at the End of the World Saloon, where is Koko Plums, whether $hanny really gave Misti a genuine Junkanoo hat and a whole lot more! There is lots to learn about the 'Best of Bimini' and it is all right here! If you need a reason for a Bahamian adventure, replay the show and be forewarned, you'll be booking a trip in no time flat!

The main guests this week were American Power Boat Association Hall of Fame Inductee and Jensen Beach resident Chuck “Rookie” Woodruff and Lindsay Nickerson. For those of you that are “short-timers” on the Treasure Coast, Chuck described the great history of the Stuart Sailfish Regatta and the early days of power boat racing in Martin County. Why? Because a vision of  Chuck’s is to reincarnate the Sailfish Regatta to the biggest and baddest powerboat racing event around! Lindsay, gave a precursor of what to expect over the planned two-day event. In addition to world-class, sanctioned powerboat racing, attendees will enjoy live music, children’s activities, food and drink, and more. The best part besides bringing back a Treasure Coast tradition, is that a portion of proceeds will benefit three local non-profits:  the U.S. Sailing Center, the Children’s Museum and the Maritime and Classic Boat Museum. 

Last, but not least, Gary covered the record-setting pace of some of the world’s top sailfish anglers participating in two Treasure Coast tournaments.  The number of sailfish released in only one day of fishing is CRAZY! The Treasure Coast definitely rests in “Sailfish Alley”!

If you missed the show, here's the audio link for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!

Small island(s), big time fun: Welcome to The Bimini's!

Talkin’ Tourism will be ending 2011 and beginning 2012 on a high note as we broadcast live from South Bimini, Bahamas this Friday morning. Bimini Sands Resort and Marina located on South Bimini is hosting the Talkin’ Tourism Team for their great New Year’s Eve Weekend celebration. While Bimini (made up of two islands North and South Bimini) is one of the smaller islands of the Bahamas, it makes up in spirit what it may lack in size. The closest Bahama island to the U.S. mainland, Bimini will be celebrating the arrival of the new year in style. Fireworks displays, Junkanoo rushout, parties galore, and just a plain ol’ good island time will be enjoyed by all. Celebrating the close tourism relationship between the Islands of the Bahamas and Florida could not be a more fitting way to usher out the old year and welcome in the new.

In addition to showcasing all the amenities Bimini Sands Resort and Marina has to offer its guests, show hosts Robin Hicks-Connors and Gary Guertin will be welcoming representatives from the Bimini Tourism Office, and other key notables from the island. From the mysterious Bimini Roads, to the legendary Ernest Hemingway legacy, Fountain of Youth, and the rum running era, to fabulous fishing and diving, we will entice you to make your plans for a Bimini get-away real soon.

So let Talkin’ Tourism take you on a Bahamas island get-away this Friday morning. Join us as we come to you live from Bimini Sands Resort and Marina, South Bimini, Bahamas!

Boat Shows, marine tourism, and community waterfront festivals

Jim Dragseth, Tom Kilcourse, April Price, John
Hennessee and Robin Hicks-Connors
talkin' tourism on the docks at Sailfish Marina.

Guests Tom Kilcourse and Jim Dragseth did an outstanding job describing the importance of the approaching 38th annual Stuart Boat Show to the tourism industry in Martin County and the Treasure Coast.  One of the longest running events in the area, the Stuart Boat Show certifiably attracts visitors from near and far putting 'heads in beds'. This land and 'sea' display show is considered one of the best and has been described as the Goldilocks of boat shows:  not too big, not too small, just right.

One attribute shared by Jim Dragseth as to why the marine industries, and events such as the Stuart Boat Show, are such a vital part of our area’s economy is because Stuart is blessed with such great waterways.  Boat Show Committee Chairman Tom Kilcourse described the activities and the exhibitors who will help make the show a great family affair.  This is definitely one event to put on your January “to do list”.

John Hennessee, the chairman of the Port Salerno Neighborhood  Advisory Committee, and April Price, events coordinator for the Port Salerno Seafood Festival, dropped by the studio to give listeners a sneak peak of what is in store for this year’s festival, which takes place on January 28th.  Celebrating six years, this event draws over 30,000 attendees to the working waterfront town of Port Salerno.  More to come on the Seafood Festival in the coming weeks.

Here's one of the boys---Jim Dragseth, Gary Guertin
and Tom Kilcourse.

The Bimini Islands are THE place to be this New Year’s Eve. Talkin' Tourism hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors reviewed the great happenings scheduled on both North and South Bimini this coming New Year's weekend and if you listened to the show, you’ll agree that there is definitely a party going on.  Talkin’ Tourism will be broadcasting live from Bimini Sands Resort and Marina on Friday morning. If you can't join us on island for all the fun, then definitely tune in Friday morning to learn more about Bimini and why this is destination is one you shouldn't miss.

Here's last week show for those of you who might of missed it or for those who want to listen in again.

See you Friday from Bimini!

Made New Year's plans yet? If not, check out this Bimini fireworks extravaganza.

Talkin' Tourism show hosts Gary and Robin touched upon Bimini Sands Resort & Marina on last week's show and mentioned the resort's annual New Year's Eve pyrotechnics show, plus the great winter all-inclusive vacation package,which covers everything from luxury villa accommodations, a free slip for boat owners, on site resort activities, all meals, and even adult libations. AND, there are no blackout dates, even over the holidays.

Here's a link for more information. If you decide to book, tell them Talkin' Tourism sent you!

Bimini Sands Resort & Marina 4th Annual New Year's Eve Fireworks Extravaganza.

Shopping, Santa, Special Deals and the 'Season's' Best Special Events

Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin with special guest host
Lisa Gilrane, from Ocean Properties, Ltd., and
Roberta Murray, local leasing manager for
Treasure Coast Square

There is a first time for everything and this week was no exception.  Last Friday’s edition of Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!) was indeed broadcast from a regional shopping mall, the Treasure Coast Square in Jensen Beach, Florida.  Typically a free-flowing and unscripted affair, this week’s show was even more so.

Agreeing to serve as a special guest host for her first time, Lisa Gilrane of Ocean Properties, Ltd. did an outstanding job. Loving to talk and loving the tourism industry made Lisa the perfect special guest co-host.  She was very excited to have the opportunity to talk about Ocean Properties, hotels on the Treasure Coast and specifically the Port St. Lucie Holiday Inn and the Courtyard Marriott-Hutchinson Island.  

The main event was guest Roberta Murray, the local leasing manager for  Treasure Coast Square.  Yes folks, Treasure Coast visitors and valued seasonal residents certainly do positively impact our local economy when it comes to the retail industry and Roberta shared exactly how important it is to our retail economy.  In addition to providing information about trends in the retail tourism industry, Roberta listed a host of special holiday deals mall merchants are offering. If you missed last week's show, listen to it now so that you too can take advantage of these pre-Christmas offers. 

What else was covered?  Bahamas updates, New Year’s Eve boat parades (on Bimini) and pool parties, guided beach walks, boat shows, Cape Eleuthera wahoo tournaments, and more.  You will only get the full scoop by downloading the show. Don't forget to grab some cookies and eggnog when you listen to the show, and close your eyes. Santa will be sitting right next to you, as he was with us at the mall. Enjoy! See you next Friday.

The “Big Game” and Bimini Happenings, Legend and Lore

Returning to the Bimini Big Game Club/Guy Harvey Outpost Resort after our last trip in July was a special treat. As always, the Big Game is On! and the hospitality was perfect.

In January 2010, when we did our first show from North Bimini, we had the pleasure of meeting local historian, published author and poet, Ashley Saunders, the creator of Bimini's famed Dolphin House. This trip, we were thrilled to have Mr. Saunders as a guest on the show. If you have never seen or heard of the Dolphin House, listen to Ashley describe the personal inspiration that motivated him to create this poem in stone. Ashley also talked about other Bimini myths, legends and lore including the Atlantis Road, and the Healing Hole located on the islands of North and South Bimini. All very fascinating!

Renee Robbins from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s Bimini Office was excited to share with listeners all of the great activities and events coming up over the next several months. For a small island, Biminites sure do know how to throw parties and have a great time. With Christmas and Boxing Day coming up soon, as well as New Year's, if you are looking for a great time on an island in the stream, Bimini could be the place to be. Unfortunately, during our stay, we learned that the End of the World Bar is closed. However, there is rumor that it could reopen in the near future so stay tuned for breaking details.

With the Bimini Big Game Club as our show location host, Sandra Fieger, part of the Bimini Big Game Club management team, shared what is coming up at the resort over the next couple of months. For diving enthusiasts, the commencement of Dive Bimini launching on December 1 is BIG news. Bimini Blue, a glass bottom, double-decker vessel certified for 100 passengers will begin operating and provide a host of on-the-water experiences. Also, Black Fly Bimini is gearing up for its debut in the very near future.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is just the tip of the iceberg for last Friday’s show. Sit back with your favorite rum drink and slice of Bimini Bread and enjoy the show. You can download or listen to our 96th show, which came to you live from Bimini, by clicking HERE.

Thanks again to the crew of the Bimini big Game Club/Guy Harvey Outpost Resort for hosting Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond).

At the "End of the World!"

From time to time, Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!) gets to actually travel “beyond” the Treasure Coast to bring you live remote broadcasts from locations outside of the Treasure Coast region. It is truly our pleasure to provide you, our valued listeners and fans, with perspectives and information that goes beyond our local borders. Frequently, the Islands of the Bahamas beckon with opportunity. The marriage between the radio show and Coastal Angler Magazine-FLAHAMA provides the Talkin’ Tourism Team with the “connections” to promote the longstanding ritual of Floridians enjoying the hospitality and tropical experiences to be found among this island nation so close to our shores.

Many times, the obvious choice for a getaway is right under our noses. The islands of North and South Bimini, so close but yet so far away, offer a unique opportunity to get away from it all. While known as a big-game fishing destination for decades, a visitor does not have to be a big-game fishing enthusiast to enjoy all that the Bimini’s have to offer.

Join us this Friday as we bring to you some of the characters and legends that make Bimini such a special place. The recently renovated and re-opened Bimini Big Game Club/Guy Harvey Outpost Resort plays host (once more) to the Talkin’ Tourism Team. This legendary resort and marina property has re-invented itself under the influence and guidance of famed marine-life artist and conservationist Guy Harvey.

Find out what’s new and what exciting new things are coming, to this “Island in the Stream." Tune in Friday, November 19, at 10:05 a.m. to WPSL 1590 AM or on the web at http://www.wpsltv.com/. And yes…there will be a party at the End of the World Bar!

Let the sailfish action begin!

Radio Man was thrilled to be walking the docks of Finest Kind Marina in Stuart, Florida last Friday morning. With the sailfish season starting in just another couple of weeks, there were many friends and fellow fishing enthusiasts on the docks getting set for the upcoming tournaments. The smell of the salt air, sounds of mullet jumping and the general “buzz” on the docks as boat owners and captains were sharing their fishing adventures from around the globe, set the stage for Friday’s show. Co-host Robin enjoyed a lay-day (day off), as they say in tournament lingo, and area fishing guru and historian Ed Killer filled in the co-host chair. With jets flying overhead is was appropriate to promote the Stuart Air Show, one of the biggest Treasure Coast visitor magnets each year.

Things, however, quickly got down to sailfish tournament business. Radio Man (aka Gary Guertin) did his standard preshow research, and brought some very interesting and notable information on the early years of the Stuart Sailfish Club’s Light Tackle Tournament to the group discussion. If you desire a better understanding of what our area's sailfish tournament legacy is all about, you will definitely appreciate the show.

Taking a quick side trip to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Fa-La-Me Capt. Rob Moore shared what it was like to be chased from port to port by Hurricane Earl, which lashed the British Virgin Islands as they were pursuing blue marlin.

Getting down to specifics, Char Griggs, Capt. David Berard and Krista Chasmar gave listeners the latest and greatest on the three major sailfish tournaments coming up in December. It was great to hear that each tournament has established its own special “signature."

On Friday, November 19, we'll becoming to you LIVE from the Bimini Big Game Club/Guy Harvey Outpost Resort on North Bimini. We’ll be talking fishing, sharks, history and much more. What will be the Treasure Coast connection? Tune in Friday at 10:05 a.m. to find out. More pre-show banter to come!

Here's the show from Friday, November 12. Enjoy!