What's Tourism Mean on the Treasure Coast?

Can you tell what Rozeta Mahboubi thinks about tourism?

Talkin’ Tourism was in the thick of the 4th Annual Treasure Coast Business Summit held at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center. The place was packed! With WPSL 1590AM owner Greg Wyatt serving as the engineer and co-host Robin Hicks-Connor back after a two week “break,” the show focused on Treasure Coast tourism.

Guests Rozeta Mahboubi, executive director of the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Charlotte Bireley, the tourism manager for the St. Lucie County Tourism Development Council, gave listeners a great overview on the importance of tourism here on the Treasure Coast.

Talkin' Tourism hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connor
with tourism warriors Rozeta Mahboubi and Charlotte Bireley.

What made the show special was that the week of May 7 through May 13th was National Travel and Tourism Week. Both ladies shared what special activities and events took place in their respective county to commemorate tourism.

Rozeta was particularly pleased with the results of a new video created for the Martin County Convention and Vistors Bureau (see below).

Lots of great information was shared, including highlights from Robin’s recent visit to Epcot, changes at the Bimini Big Game Club, an update on Treasure Coast fishing tournaments, and lots more.

Thanks for tuning in. See you again on Friday, 10:05 a.m. on WPSL 1590AM or at www.wpsltv.com!

Reefs, Blind Boat Challenges, Boat Races, Fight Like a Girl and Flying Turtles

A Tipsy Turtle! Image credit: www.itsy.com.

Talkin' Tourism Friends and Fans:

Over the last month and a half, Four Little Birds, LLC "has been as busy as a one-armed…..", well you get the drift.

With the acquisition  of the Treasure Coast edition of Coastal Angler Magazine in mid February, Four Little Birds, LLC has focused diligently on the improvement of the magazine.  As a result, we were a little behind in getting the pre-shows and post show wrap-ups posted to the blog.

So, with our apologies, here is a quick update on the most recent Talkin’ Tourism shows March 30th through May 4th  for your listening pleasure.

On the March 30th show, James Oppenborn, St. Lucie County Coastal Resources Supervisor, gave our listeners some great information on the continued deployment of nearshore and offshore reef habitat. It was truly fascinating to hear how quickly these resources create new sources of recreation for anglers and divers. Also, it was super to hear about all of the volunteer support they have for this special mission.

Moving along to the April 6th show, listeners were treated to a very special call in guest from Nassau, Bahamas.  Jerome Thompson, founder and president of Bahamas Disability Adventures, a passionate warrior for promoting awareness of the potential of persons with disabilities, shared details of an event planned for July 7th – The Blind Boat Challenge International. (We have since learned that the event has been postponed to a later date this Fall so watch for future details).  Other fun topics included info about “Bird” a new member of the Guertin flock, the Vero Beach Boat Show, Hook Kids on Fishing Seminars and new rules for accommodations regarding persons with disabilities.

The April 13th show was all about the return of the Stuart Sailfish Regatta, guests Sergio Nativi and Blair Pontek gave all of the info listeners needed to know about the return of powerboat racing in Martin County.

Moving along to April 20th, the Talkin' Tourism Team launched a new feature of the show. With the summer boating season around the corner, the Islands of the Bahamas are a natural destination, to promote the Treasure Coast/Bahamas connection, each week we have a Bahamian property as a call-in guest on the show. The April 20th show featured Mike Weber, general manager of the Bimini Big Game Club/Outpost Resort. Thank for all of the information Mike! We're certain lots of Treasure Coast residents and visitors will be headed to Bimini this summer!

The month of April flew by! On April 27th, it was time to have the Stuart Sailfish Club start promoting their upcoming Ladies Tournament--Fight Like a Girl, one of the longest running ladies tournaments around.  Char Griggs, executive director of the Stuart Sailfish Club and tournament committee member Jody Fogel, were more than happy to give us the history of the tournament and a view as to the role the Stuart Sailfish Club played in the early days of tourism promotion in Martin County.  Thanks ladies!

This show's Bahamas Update feature allowed us to feature Althea Johnson, reservations manager at the Underwater Explorers Society (UNEXSO) located on Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas. For those diving enthusiasts wanting great diving in gin clear water with a wide variety of dive sites and experiences, look no further.

And, finally last week, May 4th we had a special guest co-host:  Talkin’ Tourism co-producer and Coastal Angler Magazine Treasure Coast and Bahamas co-publisher Misti Guertin had a chance to spend time on the air with show host and husband “Radio Man”.  What is HEW?  Misti will tell you all about it and more. Lots of fishing tournaments headed our way so listen to the show and pick the events you’ll be fishing.

We also had a great conversation with Molly MacIntosh (Director of Sales) and Lynn Johnson (General Manager), from Green Turtle Club and Marina, located on Green Turtle Cay, Abaco Bahamas.  Abaco is  a Treasure Coast “magnet” this time of year so we hope that their information will get you excited about heading to Abaco. Need a great dockage deal? They've got it! And, "Do Turtles Fly?" But of course, and no, we weren't drinking rum or Tipsy Turtle concoctions. Check out the show to get all the insider information that will make Abaco one of your favorite summer destination spots this year!

So, now you are all caught up.  Lots of great shows and great guests.

Promise we will stay on track going forward. Look for the pre-show for this Friday’s show soon.

All aboard for Stuart Boat Show fun!

Chris Pollock, Gary Guertin Rick Allen, Robin Hicks-Connors,

Richard Treco, Bahamas Tourism office intern Ashley Knowles,

Rozeta Mahboubi and Donna Munroe post-show---all ready

for some boat show fun!

The Allied Marine Group conference room was packed with the Who’s Who of the marine tourism and Stuart Boat Show this week and the conversation was lively and engaging.  After introducing our host John Burkard, the president of Allsports Productions, Rick Allen, gave us a great rundown on what was in store for attendees at the 38th Annual Stuart Boat Show. Sharing in the conversation was John Smith, president of the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast (MIATC). John shared his vision on what needs to occur to build the Treasure Coast's marine industry economy, as well as the industry's impact on marine tourism.  Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Rozeta Mahboubi got right to the heart of the importance of the boat show and its important role in consistently keeping Stuart on the map as a world-class harbour-front community. Interestingly, Rozeta came up with a new name for the Cross Florida Canal/Okeechobee Waterway---Florida's Panama Canal. Very fitting for the gateway connecting the Gulf Coast to the East Coast, The Bahamas and the eastern Caribbean.

With South Florida and the Treasure Coast being on the doorstep to the Islands of the Bahamas, Richard Treco and Donna Munroe from the Bahamas Tourist Office joined the show to spread the Bahamas good cheer.  Just what good cheer did they talk about?  All the great incentives the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has initiated to attract boaters, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts of all types!  In addition, Donna also shared her passion for Grand Bahama Island, specifically sharing Grand Bahama is not just Port Lucaya and Freeport!  There are many unique and diverse attributes to the Islands of the Bahamas “Second City”.  And, special guest Chris Pollock, representing the Bimini Big Game Club, brought listeners up to speed on activity on Bimini and more.

Last but certainly not least, co-host Robin Hick-Connors made a very surprising and important announcement at the top of the show.  Described by others as an “adventure of a lifetime," Robin shared that on a recent fishing trip, she had caught (and released) her first sailfish. Check out the show audio (you can download the January 13 Stuart Boat Show edition here) to hear the details (and excitement) straight from Robin!

Thanks for being a Talkin' Tourism listener, and always feel free to suggest any great tourism topics you or others would like to hear more about.

Catch us next week, same time (10:05 a.m.), same channel (WPSL 1590 AM or www.wpsltv.com), and more great fun!

Stuart Boat Show, Offers to Get You Boating to the Bahamas, and Marine Tourism

It's hard to believe it's already Stuart Boat Show time! Boy, does time fly when you are promoting tourism! (Gotcha! You expected "when you're drinking rum!")

As we did last year on the opening day of this Treasure Coast tradition, we are broadcasting from the offices of Allied Marine Group, located right in the heart of the show. Expected to draw great crowds of boating, fishing and outdoor enthusiasts, we'll give our listeners an overview of what to see and the line-up of great guests will give the inside scoop on the show and special offerings you won't want to miss.

AllSports Productions and Stuart Boat Show producer Rick Allen will share his thoughts on this year’s show, comparing it to the last several shows. The economy is getting better (they say) and people still want to have boating fun. John Smith, Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast president, will give a marine industry state of affairs update for the Treasure Coast area and share the importance of marine industries to the area's economy. Rozeta Mahboubi, executive director of the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau,  certainly understands the importance of marine related tourism to our area. If hotels are places where people sleep, marinas certainly are places where boats sleep. When you look at the numbers, there are probably more boat slips than hotel rooms in Martin County, so a lot of boats (and their owners) sleep in Martin County!

Of course a show would not be a Talkin’ Tourism show if it didn't have a Bahamas angle. Joining us from the Bahamas Tourist Office will be one of our favorite Bahamian ambassador's and a long time friend, Richard Treco. Richard will outline all the special offers available to boaters headed over to the Bahamas.

Then, drilling down to the “island level,” Christopher Pollock, member of the Bimini Tourism Advisory Board and representative of the Bimini Big Game Club, will share some thoughts on what the private tourism sector can do to support the efforts of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

The hour will be action-packed and informative, so hoist your anchor, trim your sails and tune your radio (WPSL 1590 AM) and Internet dials to Talkin' Tourism for a boat-load of information!

Marine Tourism and the Gateway to the Bahamas

Allied Marine's waterfront conference room was a great spot to broadcast last week’s show at the launch of the 37th annual Stuart Boat Show. Special thanks to Jon Burkard, vice-president of brokerage sales for Allied Marine, a Ferretti Group Company for rolling out the red carpet for the Talkin’ Tourism team. The guest line-up could not have been more perfect with old friends reuniting and new friendships being kindled.

Stuart Boat Show producer Rick Allen led the discussion about the economic impact of the show to the Treasure Coast region, with specific insight on the numbers and dollars. John Smith, the president of the Marine Industries of the Treasure Coast (MIATC), shared how important the show is to the hundreds of marine industry firms and business in the area, as well as the show's true potential for continued growth.

Continuing to drill down to tourism specific impact, Rozeta Mahboubi, the executivie director of the Martin County Convention and Visitor's Bureau, explained the direct impact to local hotels, restaurants and related hospitality business.

Representing Bahamas Ministry of Tourism interests, Richard Treco from the Bahamas Tourist Office, expressed the Ministry’s very strong commitment to the Treasure Coast markets. It is very clear that the Treasure Coast is the Gateway to the Bahamas for thousands of boating and fishing enthusiasts. With the island of Bimini being the closest Bahama island to the U.S. mainland, Bimini Big Game Club’s Christopher Pollock was on our prestigious guest list and he shared some great upcoming events, tournaments and boating activities that are sure to be a magnet for folks headed to Bimini. Very exciting stuff!

Between hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors' questions and comments, combined with the enthusiastic conversations by the guests, the hour seemed way too short. It was a terrific and fitting second anniversary edition of  Talkin' Tourism. If marine tourism is important to you, this week's program will help you truly understand why this segment of the tourism industry is so important. If you missed it, here's the audio file for our January 14 show covering the Stuart Boat Show and the Gateway to the Bahamas. And, be sure to check out the Stuart Boat Show slide show below.

Marine Tourism is BIG Business Around the World

Just 103 weeks ago, Gary and Misti Guertin, along with Robin Hicks-Connors, launched into the world of regional tourism promotion via local radio, internet and social media. Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast was born. This Friday’s 104th show will mark the second anniversary of the show! How time flies when you are having fun (and rum)! Over the past two years, based upon the acceptance of the show in the Bahamas and British Virgin Islands, we had to change its name. It's now affectionately known as Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond)! 

It is fitting that our two-year anniversary will be marked by a live remote this week from the 37th annual Stuart Boat Show—and, it also marks the second show we've done from the Stuart Boat Show.

On the Treasure Coast (and beyond), marine tourism is a huge segment of tourism economy. As a matter of fact, in Martin County, there are nearly as many, if not more, wet slips and dry boat storage spaces than hotel rooms! 

This week’s show includes a line-up of guests who contribute in a big way to the Treasure Coast's and other  marine tourism economies. Here's the line-up:

• Rick Allen, president of AllSports Productions and the Stuart Boat Show's producer
• Jon Burkard, vice-president of brokerage sales for Allied Marine, a Ferretti Group Company
• Richard Treco, manager of special markets for the Bahamas Tourist Office
• Chris Pollock, director of operations for Bimini Big Game Club/Guy Harvey Outpost Resort
• Rozeta Mahboubi, executive director of the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau
• John Smith, the general manager of River Forest Yachting Center and the president of the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast (MIATC).

A few other surprise guests and fans will most likely be thrown into the boat, too!

One thing is certain, we promise a fun, lively and  informative show, so tune in this Friday (January 14) to WPSL 1590 AM or www.wpsltv.com at 10:05 a.m. This is a ship (oops, we mean show), you won't want to miss!

(P.S. If you're on Facebook, get more show details on the Stuart Boat Show's Facebook Page.)

Treasure Coast Traditions--Holiday and More!

All that was missing at the Elliott Museum studio Friday morning was the rum-laced eggnog. Poinsettias, Christmas ornaments, Christmas carols and a 12-foot Christmas tree reminded us (especially those of us who still haven't started our shopping) that Christmas is only 15-days away! 

After a one-month hiatus, History Lady and Radio Man had lots of catching up to do. The show kicked-off with Historical Society of Martin County communications director Amy Christensen launching into the details of the Society’s classic car show, which is held in the spring and now moving to the airport because it has grown so large! If you have a classic automobile that you would like to show off, there is still time to register. Last week's show's audio (download here) will give you all the details you need.

Here on the Treasure Coast, boats and everything related to boating, is a BIG deal. That said, Rick Allen, president of AllSports Productions and producer of the 37th annual Stuart Boat Show, gave listeners the rundown on this annual Stuart tradition. Some of the topics covered included whether a boat show a good place to purchase a boat and how to figure out what type of boating lifestyle appeals to you and your family? Rick had the answers and this year’s show will have something for everyone, including the kids. Have you ever thought about joining the cruiser boating lifestyle? If so, you'll want to check out what Rick had to say about Cruiser Expo, which is part of the Stuart Boat Show. This annual event will draw vendors and attendee’s from near and far. For the latest announcements on the show, become a friend of the Stuart Boat Show's Facebook page. And, while you're at it, if you aren't already one of our Facebook fans, don't forget to become a fan of the Talkin' Tourism Facebook page!

Rounding out the show, we took a look at some of the programs and activities available at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center on Hutchinson Island and we covered what's happening in the Islands of the Bahamas. What are you doing for New Year’s Eve? Want to party at the End of the World? Talkin’ Tourism has the scoop on a great Bimini Big Game Club event that you don't want to miss! Learn more when you listen to the show, or if you can't wait, follow this link.

Always fun and always entertaining, Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!) is the show to listen in on to keep you up to date on things to do, places to go and people to meet!

See you on Friday! Stay warm. If you need help, try the eggnog recipe posted above!

And here's a gift for all you procrastinators. How many shopping days do you have left? The snowman knows! Good luck!


Myspace Countdown Clocks

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!

NEWS RELEASE: Guy Harvey and Vaughn Cochran Team to Create Black Fly Bimini at the Bimini Big Game Club

Vaughn Cochran to create Black Fly Bimini at the Bimini
Big Game Club, Bimini, Bahamas.

Guy Harvey has annouced he is teaming with fellow artist, conservationist and fly fishing personality, Vaughn Cochran, to launch Black Fly Bimini.

Opening in late October 2010, Black Fly Bimini will operate out of the newly reopened Bimini Big Game Club, a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort and Marina.

Black Fly Bimini will organize all of the Big Game Club's backcountry fishing programs, with on-site staff, operations and merchandising support.

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Cochran and his fly fishing wife, Jean, oversee Black Fly Inc., a collection of enterprises featuring fly fishing merchandise, art and travel. The couple has recently opened Black Fly Bonefish Club, their newest lodge, located on Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas.

"Bimini is one of those rare locations where you can have world-class back-country and offshore fishing just minutes from the dock." said Cochran. "Hands down any day, for a pure adrenaline rush, the Grey Ghosts of Bimini can hold their own against the Man in the Blue Suit," Cochran added referring to the Blue Marlin that is synonymous with Bimini's reputation among off-shore anglers.

About Vaughn Cochran: A Florida native, Cochran grew up in the art community of St. Augustine and earned art degrees in ceramics and painting at the internationally known and respected Art and Printmaking Department of the University of South Florida. Arriving in Key West in 1972, he started his fishing career, teaching Jimmy Buffet how to fly fish while playing the washboard, banjo and bass guitar for his Coral Reefer Band. Becoming one of the most respected fly fishing guides in the Florida Keys, Cochran later managed some of the legendary fishing lodges of the Caribbean and Central America, including Parismina Tarpon Rancho in Costa Rica and Turneffe Island Lodge in Belize. Along the way, he nurtured his artistic calling, and today his works are found in numerous private and corporate collections, including a recent one-man exhibition at the IGFA¹s main gallery.

With his quick wit and entertaining laid back style, Cochran is a frequent host and guest of various fly-fishing TV shows including the popular 'Spanish Fly' with fishing pal, Jose Wejebe.

What started out as Vaughn Cochran's marine art gallery years ago has turned into a unique destination fly shop in the U.S., Black Fly Outfitter, a full service technical fly shop specializing in saltwater flies, custom fly kits, fly rods, fly reels and clothing for tropical fly fishing destinations around the world.

About Bimini Big Game Club, a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort and Marina: Founded as a dinner club in 1936 in Alice Town, by Nassau entrepreneur and bon-vivant, Neville Stuart, the Big Game Club has over the last 74 years hosted world-class fishermen, major tournaments, international celebrities and tens of thousands guests looking to bask in the unique 'Islands in the Stream' mantra made famous by author Ernest Hemingway who fished and lived in Bimini in the mid 1930s.

Today, the Big Game Club's Outpost concept is designed to take the resort beyond that of a 'fishing lodge' to create an eco-destination attracting both fishing and diving enthusiasts while focusing on adventure travel, sustainable tourism and marine conservation. The Club features a 51-room resort and a 75-slip marina capable of accommodating boats up to 145 linear feet. By Spring 2011, a full service fuel dock will be operational. Phase II plans include a Guy Harvey Theater, guest lecture series and interactive sessions with Dr. Harvey and the Guy Harvey Research Institute at NOVA Southeastern Oceanographic Center and day trips to the Bimini Biological Field Station¹s world-famous shark lab.

Bimini Legends and New Beginnings

There is nothing like Bahamian hospitality, especially on the island of Bimini!  This week as the preshow noted, the Talkin' Tourism crew was hosted by the management team of the new Bimini Big Game Club/Guy Harvey Outpost Resort during a two day media event.  Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond) was part of the A-list media invited to participate.  Media representatives who were on hand for grand opening festivities included Coastal Angler Magazine, Sportfishing Magazine, In the Bite, Passage Maker, Southern Boating, Marlin Magazine, Reel Adventures, Saltwater Ventures TV, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, freelance writers and more.  However, Talkin' Tourism was the only media that recorded a radio program to be aired on the Treasure Coast and distributed world-wide via the Talkin' Tourism blog.

The program was seeped in history as co-host Robin Hicks-Connors talked about the influence of Ernest Hemingway, and Michael Lerner, Ansil and Ashley Saunders and a host of other Biminites who have shared in the island's legendary history.

Bimini Big Game Club General Manager Christopher Pollock took time out of his busy day to share his reflections on the reopening of the resort and described its many amenities in great detail.  Dr. Guy Harvey, renowned conservationist, scientist, artist, diver, angler and explorer was on hand to personally welcome guests and share his passion for the environment.  

This is one show we know you will enjoy.  So, sit back, pour your favorite “boat drink” and take a one hour trip to Bimini and share the excitement of the reopening of the Bimini big Game Club/Guy Harvey Outpost Resort. Later mon!

Later this week we'll be offering you two choices to enjoy this show! You can either enjoy the audio of the show (avaialable now), or (when the streaming is finished) you can view a video file of the live remote from the Bimini Big Game Club, which we captured on Hi-Def video.

• Download the Audio file here.
• See and hear video streaming of the show below.

Bimini Big Game Club Grand Opening from Talkin Tourism on Vimeo.

Here are some photos from the event as well. Enjoy!

Technical Difficulties Impacting Streaming

For those listeners who tuned in via the Internet to listen to today's Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast (and Beyond), WPSL is having technical difficulties with the live stream. The audio file for today's show from the Bimini Big Game Club should be posted on the blog by tomorrow.

It's just another day in paradise...and maybe some influence from passing Tropical Storm Bonnie.

The Big Game is On!

Sometimes, the sun, the moon, and planets align to bring karma and good things to great people and places. This week, Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond) was part of very special occasion. The Bimini Big Game Club, a hallmark big game sportfishing destination for decades, is officially re-opened and Talkin' Tourism was there. Certainly Ernest Hemmingway made his mark on the island of Bimimi as literary scholars will attest. Whether you are a sportfishing enthusiast, fascinated by Bahamian history or part FLAHAMIAN, the Bimini Big Game Club holds a very special place in the hearts and minds of thousands.

History Lady Robin will be immersed in Bimini history and lore. Radio Man is looking forward to seeing the staff in action and the marina operating. The attendees of this special media event will be the A-list of the fishing, boating and history media industry.

Join Gary and Robin as they share their impressions of the newly re-opened resort and marina, located a mere 50 miles from the coast of Florida. Despite all of the action, it is hoped that the team will be able to spend time speaking with Christopher Pollock, general manager of the Bimini Big Game Club/Guy Harvey Resort. Tune in tomorrow (Friday, July 23) to WPSl 1590 AM or on the web via http://www.wpsl.com/ and learn what is happening in Bimini that will make you want to head to an 'island in the Stream' to experience a new generation of Bahamian hospitality and fun.

And yes folks, there is a Treasure Coast connection!

Best of mARTin and Travel World News in Martin County, Florida

Larry Waterman, show guest Joan Gonzales,
and Joan's son Dan Gonzales

The Martin County Arts Council is getting pretty creative with grant funds to help provide local attraction packages to guests of area hotels.  Nancy Turrell, executive director of the Martin County Arts Council, made another appearance on Talkin Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast to let fans and listeners know about the Best of mARTin Discount offer. Local participating hotels are providing their hotel guests with FREE admission tickets to several area attractions as an added value for their guests. This is also helping drive attendance to some of Martin County’s most popular museums.  If you missed the live show and want to know what museums are participating and how the packages are being publicized, it's all contained on this week's Talkin'  Tourism audio-cast.

Also up this week, Talkin' Tourism had a very, very special guest, veteran travel writer Joan Gonzales.  Ms. Gonzales shared some of her insights as a travel writer, who now writes for internationally known Travel World News.  This online publication, geared to travel planners and travel agents, is considered the bible for the latest and hottest travel information.  Joan's primary focus is Latin America, so why was she on the Treasure Coast?  Our own Martin County Convention & Visitors Bureau executive director Rozeta Mahboubi, connected with Joan at a recent travel industry trade show. Rozeta invited Joan to visit the area, in hopes of her  writing a piece on Martin County.  Accompanying Ms. Gonzales was her son Dan and friend Larry Waterman.  Dan, a former Miami-Dade firefighter moved to the Treasure Coast a few years ago.  An avid sportsman, Dan calls this area an “Outdoorsman’s Paradise” and for good reason.

So, radio Man WAS in the Bahamas after all!  Were there more Treasure Coast connections involved?  Who spied radio man in Pisces Restaurant in Port Lucaya?  Who did Radio Man run into that he had not seen in 15 years?  Is the cruise ship Discovery a good way to get to Grand Bahama for a couple of days?  All this and more on this week's Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast. If you missed the show's radio or Internet broadcast, download the  audio-cast here.

See you next week, when we bring you a very special show from the grand opening of  the Bimini Big Game Club, which has reopened as a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort and Marina. Get your cow bells and Bahama Mamas ready!

Thanks for listening and keep those guest and show topic suggestions coming to us at talkintourism@gmail.com.