An Island State-of-Mind, Travel Disaster Planning and Stuart's First Tourism Campaign

Smuggler's Cove, Tortola, BVI

In preparation for Radio Man’s semi-annual escape to Tortola, British Virgin Islands, this week Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast will be brought to you from the FLAHAMA-TM Ambassador House, located on Palmetto Parrot Cay, Flahama. This paradise is a good place to meld into an island state-of-mind. With lush tropical surroundings, parrots squawking in the trees, and an umbrella towering overhead, the location will be a real treat for this week's distinguished guests.

Not surprisingly, Stuart, Florida, the self-proclaimed “Sailfish Capital of the World,” had its early tourism promotion efforts coordinated by the Stuart Sailfish Club, which was founded in 1935. Dick Roland, a Stuart Sailfish board member for over 20 years, will join History Lady (Robin Hicks-Connors) and Radio Man (Gary Guertin) to share what impact the club had on early tourism promotional efforts. Additionally, Dick will talk about what the club is up to these days with their ongoing billfish conservation efforts, approaching tournaments, dock-tail parties, and more.

Next up—Travel Disaster Planning 101. So, you have a good health insurance plan and you are going overseas for a little vacation. Are you covered while in the Caribbean, Bahamas, on a cruise ship? Think about it. Are you taking your U.S. based health plan for granted? With Radio Man planning a trip to Tortola next week, and Robin headed for Paris, both need to know what they can do to ensure their heath insurance will take care of matters while abroad. Are you prepared? Appearing this week to educate our listeners will be our resident travel expert John Burson, CTC, principal of Indian River Travel, a 25 year veteran of the travel industry. His agency arranges travel for clients all over the world and works on their behalf to ensure that possible health care emergencies are not problematic.

So, tune in tomorrow at 10 a.m. on WPSL 1590 AM or on the Web at http://www.wpsl.com/ and take another hour-long trip with Talkin' Tourism and FLAHAMA-TM Free Radio, the pirate radio station of the Treasure Coast and beyond.

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.