Boat shows and a big New Year's celebration on a tiny island

In just three weeks, the 38th Annual Stuart Boat Show will be attracting boaters, marine enthusiasts and exhibitors from across Florida and beyond to the Treasure Coast. Billed by producer AllSports Productions as the largest boat show between Annapolis, Maryland and West Palm Beach. The Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast (MIATC) owned show is a perennial crowd pleaser offering something for everyone.

This week, Tom Kilcourse of Merritt Supply and Stuart Boat Show Committee Chairman, along with Jim Dragseth, the president of legendary Whiticar Boat Works and MIATC board member, will be in the studio to share with listeners all of the exciting details (over 500 boats and $100 million in products on display) of the show. Rumor has it there will be vintage boats on display, a simulated fishing tournament for the kids, and a whole lot more.

What will be the hottest Bahama Island to be on this New Year’s Eve?  It may be closer than you think and there is still time to make plans to join the fun. We'll have all the details for you!

It is hard to believe that we are closing out another year of Talkin’ Tourism.  The journey has been fantastic and we thank all of our listeners and sponsors for their support. From our remote broadcasts from the Bahamas, locations around the Treasure Coast and our home studio at Sailfish Marina, we continue to explore how important tourism is to our economy and quality of life.  Thank you for the opportunity to share our passion.

From the Talkin’ Tourism team, we wish you Happy Holidays and a healthy and Happy New Year!

Sailfish Splash, a passport tip and "an island in the stream"

Talkin' Tourism co-host Robin Hicks-Connors with
Craig Anderson on the docks of Sailfish Marina.

According to Martin County Parks and Recreation Coordinator Craig Anderson, both locals and visitors will soon be splishing and splashing in Martin County’s newest water-themed attraction.

Sailfish Splash Waterpark, set to open mid-March, will serve both the recreational aquatics and competitive swimming markets. So, what amenities will make up the recreational side of the attraction?  Craig was pretty excited about the four-story tall water slide and a few other cool and innovative water features. On the sports tourism side of things Craig has very high expectations of competitive swim teams coming to Martin County to take advantage of the state of the art facility. Should County government be in the business of running a business?  Craig had some pretty interesting things to say. Season passes to Splash Water Park are now on sale and could be a great holiday stocking stuffer!

Following the water park banter, Robin and Gary listed some of the do’s and don’ts for visitors (and locals) in Martin County?

Craig Anderson and Talkin' Touism host Gary Guertin.

Next, a little passport talk. Is your's ready to expire? Robin shared an interesting experience that occurred to a friend of her's who traveled to Costa Rica. If you heard the story, bet you checked on the expiration date of your passport!  If you missed the show, and want to know why this is important, we've got you covered! You can download the  it here.

And, how is the St. Lucie County Tourism Development Council working with Westwood High School in Ft. Pierce?  If you missed this week's show, we've got you covered! You can download the December 16 show here.

As always, Talkin' Tourism covered a lot of ground in one hour, including the latest standings in local sailfish tournaments and where the Talkin' Tourism crew will be broadcasting on the eve of New Year's Eve! Hint—azure water, beautiful beaches, friendly people, lots of fun and a great fireworks extravaganza on an tiny island in 'the stream!'

See you on Friday, and please remember to thank a visitor for helping to keep the Treasure Coast green!

Soon to come to Martin County, FL: A BIG splash!

For a relatively small destination, Martin County, Florida has a multitude of nature based attractions. In just a few short weeks, an attraction that civic and community leaders hope will be a unique tourism magnet and great asset to the community that is not quite “natural” will open for business. The attraction—Sailfish Splash Waterpark—will cater to the aquatic pleasure of both locals and visitors.

It would be somewhat of an understatement to say this project was not without some controversy in this time of economic challenge. Nevertheless, the Martin County Parks and Recreation Department has embraced this project and is moving forward with very exciting plans. In addition to general aquatic recreation, the Sailfish Splash Waterpark will also serve as a competitive swimming and diving venue. Vision for the complex include attracting teams to from around the state and across the U.S. This could be a big boost for sports tourism in the area. 

To help put the project in better perspective, joining show hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors this week is Craig Anderson, Martin County Parks and Recreation department's newly hired marketing coordinator. Craig will bring our listeners up to speed on this multi-million dollar investment and discuss how the complex will help enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. 

Besides Sailfish Splash Waterpark, a rundown of the official results from the recent sailfish tournaments, will be included, as well as information on the the next leg of the series. St. Lucie County tourism updates are also on the list, several tips on things to remember when visiting Martin County, and Gary and Robin just might reveal what international destination will be hosting the Talkin' Tourism show and crew the Friday before New Year's. After hearing the details, you just might want to book reservations too and join the crew for New Year's celebration you'll always remember.

The show will be back at its home studio overlooking the Manatee Pocket at Sailfish Marina. See you on the docks! The fun begins at 10:05 a.m. on WPSL 1590 AM or streaming live over the Internet at www.wpsltv.com.

World-Class Marine Anchorage Attracts Artists and Boaters from Around the Globe

The beautiful venue of Sunset Bay Marina & Anchorage: a
destination attracting boaters from around the globe.

The broadcast from Sunset Bay Marina & Anchorage was a perfect way to acknowledge the importance of our valued seasonal boaters who frequent the Treasure Coast. Harbormaster Buzz Billue set the stage early in the show by sharing Stuart's early maritime history when it served the marine trades and supply lines and eventually becoming a recreational boating destination. Sunset Bay Marina’s transition from an anchorage to a first-class marina is a welcomed evolution. 

In addition to Buzz, also sharing the spotlight were several valued seasonal boaters, including Ken Trepagnier and Dick Harding, who shared how they discovered Stuart and the Treasure Coast. Despite coming from different backgrounds, they both share a passion and love for the Treasure Coast. 

Ken Trepagnier, Nancy Turrel, Judy "JP" Nichols,
and Dick Harding combined the topics of marine tourism
and marine art for this week's episode of Talkin' Tourism.

Rusty Hightower, with Massey Yacht Sales and Service, also had high praise for the marina and Stuart area. The point was very well made that marine tourism is a very important part of the area’s tourism product. Pulling it all together, John Smith, representing the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast (MIATC), explained how the organization works to keep the marine industry strong and vibrant.

Marinas and art do go hand-in-hand as pointed out by Nancy Turrell and Judy “JP” Nichols. Waterfront Wednesdays at Sunset Bay Marina, organized by the Arts Council of Martin County, is attracting marine artists from as far away as the Abaco’s (David Albury the famed model boat builder) to this great waterfront community event. Marine tourism? You better believe it! With as many slips as there are hotel rooms in Martin County, marine tourism is certainly a tourism component to acknowledge and to continue to promote. 

Here's the audio file to the December 9 episode of Talkin' Tourism to bring you up to speed on marine tourism, waterfront art events, and a whole lot more!