Stuart, Florida—Small town, big fun!

Patty O-Connell, Rachel Snyder and Thondra Lanese
painted the holiday flavor of Downtown Stuart.

Talkin’ Tourism’s hometown of Stuart, Florida was well represented by three outstanding guests this week. With the focus on small town destination tourism and the upcoming holidays, Talkin’ Tourism listeners became very well versed about all the attributes that make Stuart, Florida a model of downtown revitalization success.

Thondra Lanese, project manager for the City of Stuart Community Redevelopment Agency, provided historical background on the Florida Main Street Program, which has been instrumental in Historic Downtown Stuart’s revitalization success. Initiated 23 years ago, the process is still moving forward with great vision. Thondra also noted how this effort has help grow the tourism industry in the community. 

A downtown would not be successful without a group of dedicated merchants. President of the Downtown Business Association, Patty O’Connell, shared how the merchants, along with the Stuart Main Street members, are collaboratively working toward common goals. She was especially proud of the recent article  in Coastal Living Magazine showcasing Stuart a national audience. 

Activities abound in Stuart, especially during the holiday season. Stuart Main Street board member Rachael Snyder ran down all the special holiday events on the calendar, including holiday boat parades, tree lighting festivities, music events and more.

Whether a resident or visitor to the City of Stuart, this episode shared a lot of great information about this thriving waterfront town. Here's the audio file from this (November 25) episode of Talkin' Tourism.

Thanks for listening and special thanks to the Stuart Coffee Company for allowing us to broadcast live from their great new shop.

Friday morning will find Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors talking will guest Bernie Malone, Board Member and Past Chairman of the Martin County Tourist Development Council and currently the manager of the Stuart Main Street Program. Mr. Malone will update listeners on the history of the Stuart Main Street Program and its contributions to the redevelopment of the City of Stuart into the great small town it is today. Bernie will also let us in on all of the excitement and partying that will be associated with the upcoming Fourth of July Celebration.

Nicole Wellington, Sales Manager of the Hampton Inn and Suites-North Stuart will also appear on the show. Nicole is a board member of the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau representing area hotels. She will provide us an update on hotel activity in this downturn and share what her property and others are doing to turn the tide.

Tune in and find out more about Gary and Robin taking to the high seas for Talkin' Tourism's next remote broadcast from Grand Bahama Island on June 26th!!! Got a boat? Come with us!!