Having a Billfish Blast, the oil spill in perspective, and local news limelight

This week’s Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast was very important in multiple ways.  First, Gary explained the Bubba Gump Conch reference in last week’s post show blog update.  It finally clicked for Robin once she understood guest co-host Ed Griffith’s affinity for that tasty mollusk of the Bahamas…conch.  

So, Robin DID go fishing on Mother’s Day with her daughter and her friend Lynn.  What did she catch?  Well, I give you a hint…she smoked it, and, no…it was not a “square grouper”… Gary and Robin both enjoyed some of her catch during the show.

Getting past all the chit-chat, Gary and Robin moved on to take a call from Laurie Bass, Tournament Director for the upcoming HMY-Boat Harbour Billfish Blast taking place at Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour in Abaco May 31 - June 4.  Whether you fish in tournaments or not, you will appreciate learning about this family-fun event.  Tune in to find out what each day's theme will be! And, did you happen know that the opening evening’s fireworks display is sponsored by a local Stuart resort/marina? You'll have to listen in to find out which one! 

The main event of the day was a compelling conversation with Gary Roderick, head of the Division of Environmental Quality for Martin County, Florida.  Gary recently spearheaded a meeting with public and private sector folks interested in developing and implementing a plan in case the disastrous Deep Horizon Oil Spill reaches the Treasure Coast.  What should local residents and visitors expect to see?  What are the chances?  Are we ready? Having Gary explain the answers to these and other questions certainly put the issue in its proper perspective.

Lastly, we discussed the message that Florida tourism officials want out in the public to ensure visitors don't cancel reservations and vacations to the Sunshine State based on misinformation and assumptions. 

An unexpected surprise awaited both Gary 1 and 2 and Robin after the show, as WPTV Channel 5 reporter Jon Shainman showed up to film the three about the days’ topics.  Pretty cool for TV to follow Talkin' Tourism!

Here's the audio file for today's show. Have a great weekend and "see" you next week for another action-packed Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast.

Back in Abaco fishing (at least in spirit), and explaining the oil spill's effect on our coast

What could be almost as good as being back in Abaco?  

Well, talking about another great fishing tournament coming up at Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour is a pretty good start!  Laurie Bass, tournament director for the HMY - Boat Harbour Billfish Blast, will be calling in to Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast from her office in Texas to discuss the upcoming tournament taking place May 31 - June 4.  

This tournament, now in its 11^th year, lives up to its name and always is a “Blast.” The event is ranked among the best billfish tournaments in the world and it's truly a family-fun event.  What Treasure Coast and South Florida boats will be competing? How far will folks be coming from to fish with the best of the best?  You will know if you tune in!

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill tragedy has certainly has gotten everyone’s attention.  But, is the media hyping this disaster, or possibly down-playing the potential consequences? And locally, what could be the worst case scenario for the Treasure Coast?

Talkin' Tourism is very pleased to have Gary Roderick, head of the Division of Environmental Quality for Martin County, FL with us this week.  Gary will explain what plans are currently in the works should the spill reach and affect the Treasure Coast. He will also discuss if and how residents can help out. And finally, he'll explain which agencies and organizations are working jointly from both the public and private sector to ensure that the impacts are minimal.

It's been a long two-week hiatus, folks, but History Lady is back in the co-host seat. Rumor has it that she went offshore fishing again recently. Could this pastime become a passion? 

All this and more is on tap this week, so listeners, you know the drill - 10 a.m. on Fridays, set your dial to 1590 WPSL AM or log on to www.wpsl.com for your weekly dose of tourism!

A Killer summer fishing season is underway

When Ed Killer is in the house, you know that all things fishing, boating and tournament related will be on top of the agenda.

In his return to Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (Ed first appeared February 27 of last year) the man behind the outdoors and fishing reporting for Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers was definitely not at a loss for words. As promised, Ed gave us a great rundown of summer fishing tournament season - which, believe it or not, has already kicked off. Just in the month of May, the Treasure Coast is looking at 14 total tournaments!

Summer tournament season also means fishing tourism season for our area. Ed quotes some numbers that are pretty darn phenomenal, in terms of bringing in tourism dollars. Even though a specific tournament may only be a two or three-day affair, visiting anglers stay even longer than that, and….ca-ching (if you know what I mean).

Greg McCampbell, chairman of the Treasure Coast Builders Association's 24th Annual Memorial Weekend Fishing Tournament, was next in the guest seat. A veteran chairman of this event, Greg gave Gary and Robin the low-down on what changes are in store for this year, including a new venue that brings the tournament back to it roots. Where? Listen and learn!
Radio Man gave Ed another shot in the guest seat after the break. Known as an advocate for our oceans and coastal resources, Ed shared his thoughts on the recent oil rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. He also delved into his views on how continuing the discharges from Lake “O” impacts the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. There is no doubt that Ed is passionate about these issues. We could have gone on for another two hours.

At the top of the show, Radio Man queried History Lady about her recent international tourism experience with some gents from down under. Could it have been more than she expected…or wanted?
Download and listen to the show to find out…you won’t be disappointed.

Thanks for listening, and be sure to check out Talkin' Tourism on Facebook!