Feb 5 Show Recap--Hotels, Presidents, Festivals & Sharks

Another great show for those who listened, and for those who will listen to the show after the fact.

This weekend another annual local event is expected to attract thousands---30,000 in fact, comprised of both locals and visitors! Details of the 9th annual Hobe Sound Arts Festival, which takes place February 6-7, was Hobe Sound Chamber president Wayne Klick’s contribution to the show. One hundred and fifty vendors will participate and he promises there will truly be something for everyone. The best part is that it’s all FREE! Congratulations to Hobe Sound Chamber executive director Jennifer Ferrari and her volunteer staff for coordinating another great event.

Yes, fatal shark attacks are extremely rare and a tragedy when they occur, particularly when it occurs in your area. Regrettably, Stuart lost a great waterman this past week. Condolences and sympathy on the tragic loss are extended to the family and friends of Stephen Schafer. To help put this incident in its proper perspective, Florida Oceanographic Society executive director Mark Perry shared his scientific thoughts on the subject. The biggest question is--will this incident impact tourism on the Treasure Coast and in Florida for the remainder of the winter season?

The newly elected president of the Hotel/Motel Association of Martin County, Ed Griffith, who is also the general manager of the Courtyard Hutchinson Island/Jensen Beach, along with Katie Wacha, owner/operator of The Inn at Tilton Place in Jensen Beach, and Jacque Lewis, the general manager of the Courtyard by Marriott of Stuart,  shared their thoughts on the current tourist season. Listen in to find out if they are meeting their expectations and goals, whether visitors changing their booking habits, and their prospects for the rest of the season.

Lots of other information was discussed on great events and activities happening in our area. Don’t miss out. Download this week’s show HERE, to be "in the know" on tourism news along Florida's Treasure Coast and beyond.

Hotels, Presidents, Festivals & Sharks

Now that we were are hitting the height of the season, the Talkin' Tourism team thought it would be fitting to have lodging representatives share with the listening audience how the season has been thus far and what their projections are for the remainder of season.
Joining us this week are Katie Wacha, owner/operator of The Inn at Tilton Place, located in Jensen Beach, Jacque Lewis, general manager of the new Courtyard by Marriott, and Ed Griffith, general manager of the Courtyard Hutchinson Island Oceanside Jensen Beach. Each property is different and offers guest a range of services. Listen in to hear highlights and amenities offered by each property and learn what makes them unique from the other properties in the area.

This week, a local kite surfer lost his life after a shark attack at Stuart Beach in Martin County. Truly a very, very rare and tragic incident. Mark Perry, executive director of the Stuart based Florida Oceanographic Society, will share his knowledge about shark behavior in this area and why this incident may have occurred.

Art anyone? If the answer is "yes," then you won’t want to miss Hobe Sound Chamber president Wayne Klick talkin' details about the 9th annual Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts this Saturday and Sunday. How many vendors? Is admission FREE? Organizers promise here will be something for everyone!

As always, Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast keeps you on the cutting edge of tourism related information and news. Join us every Friday at 10 a.m. on WPSL 1590 or via your computer--www.wpsl.com.

Island Friend Visits Treasure Coast

Saturday, September 12, Keith Cooper, sales and marketing director at UNEXSO on Grand Bahama Island, spent the day on the Treasure Coast visiting the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center.

Hosted by Florida Oceanographic Society's (FOS) executive director Mark Perry, Keith received a 'behind the scenes' tour of the unique eco-education facility, one of Martin County’s most popular attractions.

The listening audience and the Talkin' Tourism team, met Keith on the June 26 show, which was broadcast from Grand Bahama. During that show, Keith talked about his vision of expanding eco-tourism and eco-education for residents and visitors to the Island. The purpose of his visit to the Treasure Coast this past weekend was to see a world-class model of what can be done to protect the island’s fragile coastal environment, and also foster stewardship of the Islands of the Bahamas precious ocean and coastal resources.

A bonus of the trip was to view first-hand the aquaculture program in place at FOS. One vision Keith has for his island and country is to develop an aquaculture program that focuses on the farming of conch, a staple of the Bahamian diet and a real treat for visitors, in order to preserve existing conch stocks for future generations.

Keith also brought along his mom, Cynthia, who is no stranger to the Treasure Coast. Cynthia is the founder of Sisters in the Pot, an very popular caterer of outstanding Bahamian cuisine. Sisters in the Pot can be found at many South Florida events and festivals, as well as at the Stuart Green Market every Sunday.

Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast is extremely pleased to have assisted in once again 'connecting the dots' as we continue to explore the Treasure Coast’s longstanding and ongoing relationship with the Islands of the Bahamas.

NOTE: Cynthia, the conch salad and fritters were wonderful! Thanks!

Friday, March 6: Spring Training, Golf and Environmental Tourism

This week Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin has planned a show that focuses on Spring Training and 'Green' tourism. This week's co-host is Ed Griffith, general manager of the Courtyard by Marriott Hutchinson Island Oceanside/Jensen Beach (who'll share some exciting news about the Italian Baseball team).

Our lineup includes Paul Taglieri, director of operations of the New York Mets; Joseph Patton, the new development director of the Florida Oceanographic Society; and possibly Bob Baldassari, general manager for PGA Village.

LAST...if the technology gods smile upon us, this week's show will be live-video-streamed from the Captain's Lounge of Harborage Yacht Club & Marina on www.wpsl.com!! Tune in on the web or to WPSL 1590 AM on your radio dial at 10 a.m.

As always, expect a few last minute surprises!