Bubba Gump Conch, Radio Man and six tourism experts in Abaco

With summer boating season in full swing, this week’s broadcast from Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour could not have been more timely. Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast set a new show record with six terrific guests jampacked into only one hour.

Our lead guest, Abaco Beach Resort's general manager Bob Kramm, set the stage by describing the amenities, superb dining, entertainment, and diversions to be found at this established boaters' landmark. Harbour Master Chris Higgs then gave the details of their first class marina. How large of a vessel can they handle, what are the controlling depths to the channel, and what level of commitment to customer service does his staff have? Hear it from the man himself.

The name Kevie Thomas is known by hundreds of Treasure Coast sportfishing enthusiasts. Gary and Kevie had a blast reconnecting with boat names and Treasure Coast personalities that have spent time at Abaco Beach Resort over the years either “fun fishing” or competing in world class tournaments. You WILL recognize many of these names. As a matter of fact, one section of their marina was referred to from time to time as “Stuart Place”!

What were guest co-host Ed Griffith’s first impressions of Abaco? Well, Ed has been around the block a few times. By his descriptions, you might want to book a trip to the out-islands soon. The second half of the show was dedicated to island activities such as diving, ecology, the Bahamas National Trust and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. Keith Rogers, owner of Dive Abaco!, enthusiastically shared his love of Abaco as a supreme diving mecca. He even shared his “secret find” called Independence Reef and told us all why it's such a special dive.

The Bahamian people care about their environment and the stewardship of their natural resources. Guest Lynn Gape, Deputy Executive Director of the Bahamas National Trust, eloquently explained how the Bahamian government ensures these resources are protected for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. What’s the latest effort? How about a Training Program for Guides for Birding Tours. To wrap things up, Wynsome Ferguson, manager of the Abaco Ministry of Tourism Office, gave listeners some very interesting news…how about a “Companions Fly Free” program!!! Wynsome agreed that with all interested tourism stakeholders working together, both within the U.S. and the Bahamas, everyone benefits.

Thanks are in order for the staff from Abaco Beach Resort from the Talkin' Tourism crew. Special thanks to Bob Kramm, GM, Simon Parr, Resort Engineer, and Everette Coakley, Director of Food and Beverage, for making our stay so special. A big thank you to Coastal Angler Magazine for assisting with the airlift to Abaco via Yellow Air Taxi - we had a smooth, easy trip.

A side note regarding guest co-host Ed Griffith…his new island name is “Bubba Gump Conch”. Next time you see him…ask why.

Another great broadcast with spectacular guests and loads of useful information…enjoy the show!

Update: Wynsome Ferguson, manager of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism office in Abaco, added to Friday's show

A sixth guest with some serious knowledge about the Bahamian tourism market will be on hand Friday for Talkin' Tourism's 10 a.m. live broadcast from Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour.

Wynsome Ferguson, manager of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism office in Marsh Harbour in Abaco, will take the mike with host Gary Guertin and guest co-host Ed Griffith this Friday for the special live remote show. Wynsome oversees day-to-day operations at the Ministry of Tourism office, and has supervised events like Junkanoo Summer Festival, Abaco Christmas Festival and Regatta Time in Abaco.

Welcome aboard, Wynsome! A big thanks for coming on the show!

Conch fritters, deep-fried grouper and Kalik: Talkin' Tourism is Abaco-bound

We're taking another step in our quest to broadcast live from every island in the Caribbean (what a mission!) - and this week on Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast, it's back to the Bahamas for Radio Man. Tough life, isn't it?

Can everyone say conch fritters, deep-fried grouper and a Kalik? Because host Gary Guertin and guest co-host Ed Griffith are making their way to Marsh Harbour in Abaco.

Summertime is approaching quickly, which means residents and visitors on the Treasure Coast are packing their fishing rods, SPF-30 and snorkeling gear for a trip to the islands. The Bahamas offer such a great variety of top-notch vacation spots, so Talkin' Tourism is hitting the airwaves to narrow down some of the resort/marinas that vacationers should mark as must-visits.

One of those great Bahamian locales, Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour, is our destination this week. Just 165 miles from South Florida, the Abacos are a boater's and fisherman’s paradise.

Kicking off a star-studded lineup from the resort staff and elsewhere in the islands, Abaco Beach Resort’s COO/GM Bob Kramm will be the first up in the hot seat. Enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable, Bob is responsible for creating Bahama Buddies, a group of young Bahamians who assist with children’s programming at the resort so visiting youngsters can learn about Bahamian culture during their stay. Bob will also familiarize you with the “Entertainment Capital of the Abacos.”

Most Treasure Coast boaters who have spent time at Boat Harbour know Rooms Division Director Ms. Kevie Thomas. Kevie, our second guest, has watched many Treasure Coast "children" grow up throughout her more-than 20-year tenure at the resort. The guy that every boater needs to know is Chris Higgs, harbour master at the resort's marina. Luckily, listeners will get that chance on Friday when Chris gets in the mix with Ed and Gary. From well-known tournaments such as the Bertram/Hatteras Shootout, Abaco Beach Resort/HMY Billfish Blast Bahamas Billfish Championship and Penny Turtle Invitational, to manufacturer’s boating rendezvous for the likes of Marine Max, Sea Ray, World Cat and more, Chris and his staff ensure the best possible experience.

Looking for eco-adventure? Lynn Gape, executive director of the Bahamas National Trust, plans to provide a wealth of knowledge about the vibrant wildlife thriving in Abaco during her appearance on Talkin' Tourism. With her expertise, Lynn will highlight the unique beauty of Abaco’s natural resources, from wild horses to the famous Abaconian Parrot.

Rounding out the guest list will be Keith Rogers of Dive Abaco!, who has been leading diving enthusiasts to the depths of the Abaconian waters since 1978.

Last, but not least, our special guest co-host Ed will be making his inaugural road trip with Talkin' Tourism. What will he think of the Abacos?

Get your radio (or internet browser) ready - when Talkin' Tourism hits the islands, the show always promises to be a blast! Tune in to WPSL 1590 AM, or log onto http://www.wpsl.com/ Friday at 10 a.m. to catch us live.

The new Buzz around Fort Pierce, and your friendly neighborhood pirate

Well, me saucy wenches and scalawags, this week’s show was a-Buzz with excitement, fun and tons of information. It even included a professional pillager of a guest, well-known Treasure Coast privateer Don Pedro Gilberto. For the non-pirating audience out there, a privateer is a pirate who is officially sanctioned by a national power.

Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast had Ed Griffith fill in for History Lady, who went underground to do some special recon for next week’s show. Ed, thanks for a fabulous job once again! First up was Buzz Smyth, self-proclaimed "Tourism Warrior" of Fort Pierce. Buzz proved to be a formidable opponent for Radio Man in the tourism realm, and there is no doubt - he's working his biscuits off to make things happen in Fort Pierce. Listen in and find out what pixie dust he’ll sprinkle around town to help bring in the crowds.

Gary and Ed were pleased to have privateer Don Pedro Gilberto join the fray. A bit of a scalawag, but nevertheless, he really added another dimension to the show. Officially sanctioned by the Treasure Coast region, he reflected on his past days sailing the high seas off the Treasure Coast. In fact, there's still a motherload of booty for our visitors to discover on the Treasure Coast, according to Don Pedro…What say you, Matey? Got a treasure map to borrow, by any chance?

Talkin' Tourism also brought in another VISIT FLORIDA Insider this week, and just like Jill Martin in last week's show, Hilda Mitrani knows how to travel around the Sunshine State. Hilda, an Off-the-Beaten-Path Insider, has a reputation for finding Florida's hidden gems.

Specializing in the lesser-known Florida activities and destinations, Hilda was duly impressed with the area and plans to promote the Treasure Coast in a big way on her VISIT FLORIDA blog. Listen in and hear what Hilda has to say about the Treasure Coast!

Until next time landlubbers, you know where to find those scurvy dogs who talk about tourism - check out the show Fridays at 10 a.m. on WPSL 1590 AM, or log onto http://www.wpsl.com/!

News Flash: History Lady out for Friday, Possibly a Special Guest in?

The Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast news department just received word from reliable sources that co-host History Lady (Robin) is going underground and will be out of commission for this week’s show.

So, will Radio Man face an formidable panel of guests on his own this Friday? Or will Courtyard by Marriott Hutchinson Island general manager and guest co-host Ed Griffith be available? Will a celebrity guest co-host sit in to offer some fresh perspective?

Tune in Friday at 10 a.m. on WPSL 1590 AM to find out, or check out the show at http://www.wpsl.com/!

Is Stuart the "Sailfish Capital of the World?" Just ask Captain Scott Fawcett of the Boneshaker.

Are we or are we not the “Sailfish Capital of the World”? After today’s show there should be no doubt.

Captain Scott Fawcett, captain of the local charter boat Boneshaker, left no doubt that on any given day Stuart and the Treasure Coast can be the best of the best.  Example, on the opening day of the 1997 Light Tackle Tournament, 38 boats released 382 sails. The week finished with a total of 538 releases. And, last year, 17 boats fishing the Pirates Cove Sailfish Classic put 275 releases on the board in only 3 days of fishing. Now that’s SAILFISHING!

Captain Scott threw out some numbers to substantiate the claim that tournament fishing impacts our local tourism economy. If you missed his run down, download today's show--Let the (Sailfish) games being--listen, and do the math. You'll be blown away!

Captain Scott also shared the primary reason he loves the business of being a charter boat captain helping guests pursue the “Adventure of a Lifetime." His story would make a great plot for a movie.

Unfortunately, technical problems interfered with regular co-host Robin Hicks-Connors planned “Black Friday” in the field report. Talkin' Tourism's guest co-host Ed Griffith suggested it's hard work to hold a cell phone and dozens of shopping bags. He and Talkin' Toursim host Gary Guertin also joked around about Robin being at the Lakeland Mall and doing her best to not use her shopping cart as a weapon. Next show, expect a full report from Robin.

For those who have sent in Treasure Coast vacation photos for this month’s Getaway Giveaway promotion, thank you! If you haven't sent one in yet, what are you waiting for?? The winner of this tourism photo contents receives a great hotel package compliments of Caribbean Shores Resort in beautiful Jensen Beach!

Tune in next week (Friday, December 1 at 10 a.m.) for more interesting tourism talk!