Seminole Inn - One of the many flavors of the Treasure Coast

VisitFlorida Insider Hilda Mitrani recently featured the Seminole Inn and Indiantown in her "Off the Beaten Path" blog. 

Even if you live on the Treasure Coast, you can be a tourist in your own backyard. Bass fishing, photo safaris, wine tastings, Sunday brunch, and more to explore and enjoy.

Check it out, and thanks Hilda!

Recipes: Janet Hutchinson's Christmas Eve Punch

As mentioned in the Christmas Eve show, here's Janet Hutchinson's punch recipe served for year's at the Elliott Museum on Christmas Eve. Thanks to Radio Lady for handing over the recipe!

1/3 cup cointreau
2 cups brandy
3 cups rum
1 2-liter bottle ginger ale
2 bottles white champagne (not pink!)

Enjoy in moderation!

2010: A Year of New and Old Friends and Plenty of Tourism Adventures

Foxy's on Jost Van Dyke in the BVI,
 throws one heck of an Old Year's Night party!
(Or anytime of the year.)

2010 is now pretty much in the rearview mirror and everyone in the industry is looking forward to what 2011 will bring. The Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond) team is no exception. We are blessed to have had a great year visiting great venues, seeing old friends and making new ones. And, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to bring you, our listeners, so many varied topics, insights and examples of why tourism is important to local, regional and even international economies and the quality of life. Thank you for your continued enthusiasm for the show.

This week, hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors will reflect on the most interesting shows from their perspective as host and co-host. Will their Top Ten be your Top Ten? And, since the New Year is celebrated across the globe, Radio Man and History Lady will take a look at some of the more unique traditions and ways in which the new year is celebrated and welcomed. Rather than celebrate “New Year’s Eve," why not celebrate “Old Year’s Night?" Radio Man was surprised to learn about this unique perspective when living in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We are sure that some of the celebrations and customs may amaze (and amuse) you.

Also, as we close out the old year, we will give you the latest details on the last tournament of the Treasure Coast Sailfish Championship Series, New Year’s Eve activities in the Treasure Coast, Florida area and more.

So pop the bubbly a little early and join Radio Man and History Lady for the last show of 2010. If you listen carefully, you just may hear corks popping during the show! Coming to you tomorrow from a 'secret' place on the Treasure Coast. Tune in to WPSL 1590 AM (or www.wpsl.com/tv) at 10:05 a.m. to find out where we are.

Christmas Eve, High Above the Atlantic

One of the great things about producing a tourism centric radio show is the good fortune to see so many different places that help make a destination unique and special. Last Friday, Talkin’ Tourism took advantage of the opportunity to broadcast the Christmas Eve show from a Treasure Coast hotel, which is one of the best beach front hotels on the Treasure Coast---the Courtyard Marriott Jensen Beach!! Thanks to the Courtyard's general manager, who is also one of the show's special guest host's, Ed Griffith, the Talkin' Tourism studio was on the top floor in a deluxe ocean view room. Spectacular views!! While we had given guests the day off to celebrate and finish their last minute Christmas shopping, Ed, who showed up to make sure everything went off without a hitch, decided to stay and chat on-air with the crew. That’s the kind of service you can expect at the Courtyard Marriott!

Radio Man and Robin delivered all the preshow planned topics, including the Christmas Wish List for Treasure Coast tourism organizations, when the tourist season really starts, and a Bahamas update. And, just for kicks and grins, Gary threw in a fun session of Christmas Trivia. Unplanned but unveiled was Governor-Elect Scott’s plan to boost tourism in Florida. You will want to hear what appears to be good news for the industry. We will definitely be following that story closely.

And last, Robin shared the recipe of Janet Hutchinson's famous punch served every Christmas open house at the Elliott Museum. Exacty what we need right now to stay warm!

If you missed last week's show and want to be "in the know" on the tourism scene, here's the link to the show's audio file for your listening pleasure! See you this Friday, New Year's Eve, from another fun location on the Treasure Coast!

Enjoy our beachside Christmas views!

Wishing you an Iggy Christmas

Instead of a partridge in a pear tree, we prefer
an iguana in a Christmas tree!

Since this Friday’s show falls on Christmas Eve, hosts Radio Man and History Lady have given guests a day off. With Radio Man traveling all over the islands and Treasure Coast the last couple of months and Robin’s hectic professional commitments over the same timeframe, there will be lots for us catch up on. This week’s show will be brought to you from high above the Treasure Coast at the Courtyard Marriott-Hutchinson Island. Our host, the property's general manager and a Talkin’ Tourism special guest co-host Ed Griffith has promised Gary Guertin and Robin-Hicks Connors a “studio with a view." Thanks Ed!

Some of this week’s topics will include conversation about the “crunch” of the Christmas/New Year’s Week, the age-old question of when does tourist season actually begin, and what's on Talkin’ Tourism’s Holiday Wish List for the various Treasure Coast Tourism promotion organizations (Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Treasure Coast Sports Commission, and St. Lucie County Tourism Development Council and more) in a perfect world? Gary and Robin will also let you know who's been naughty and who's been nice. (Who'll make the lists?)

For our new fans and listeners who may be getting more familiar with the Treasure Coast/ Islands of the Bahamas connection, Gary and Robin will talk about the history of Boxing Day, which is celebrated throughout the British Commonwealth.

Folks, these are just the highlights. Our regular show features, including upcoming events and arts and cultural happenings, will all be a part of the special Christmas Eve Day show.

And don’t forget  to listen in for our weekly Stuart Boat Show ticket give-away! Could be a great stocking stuffer for you or your favorite elf.

So if your shopping is done (or not), presents wrapped (or not), cookies cooked (or not) and the rum punch in chilling (or needs refilling), kick-start your Christmas Holiday by tuning into Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond).

And in case you haven't seen it yet, we've posted our video Holiday Card below. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Shopping, Santa, Special Deals and the 'Season's' Best Special Events

Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin with special guest host
Lisa Gilrane, from Ocean Properties, Ltd., and
Roberta Murray, local leasing manager for
Treasure Coast Square

There is a first time for everything and this week was no exception.  Last Friday’s edition of Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!) was indeed broadcast from a regional shopping mall, the Treasure Coast Square in Jensen Beach, Florida.  Typically a free-flowing and unscripted affair, this week’s show was even more so.

Agreeing to serve as a special guest host for her first time, Lisa Gilrane of Ocean Properties, Ltd. did an outstanding job. Loving to talk and loving the tourism industry made Lisa the perfect special guest co-host.  She was very excited to have the opportunity to talk about Ocean Properties, hotels on the Treasure Coast and specifically the Port St. Lucie Holiday Inn and the Courtyard Marriott-Hutchinson Island.  

The main event was guest Roberta Murray, the local leasing manager for  Treasure Coast Square.  Yes folks, Treasure Coast visitors and valued seasonal residents certainly do positively impact our local economy when it comes to the retail industry and Roberta shared exactly how important it is to our retail economy.  In addition to providing information about trends in the retail tourism industry, Roberta listed a host of special holiday deals mall merchants are offering. If you missed last week's show, listen to it now so that you too can take advantage of these pre-Christmas offers. 

What else was covered?  Bahamas updates, New Year’s Eve boat parades (on Bimini) and pool parties, guided beach walks, boat shows, Cape Eleuthera wahoo tournaments, and more.  You will only get the full scoop by downloading the show. Don't forget to grab some cookies and eggnog when you listen to the show, and close your eyes. Santa will be sitting right next to you, as he was with us at the mall. Enjoy! See you next Friday.

Twas Two Fridays Before Christmas....

It would not be the holiday’s without a trip to the closest mall, right? So, this is exactly what Talkin’ Tourism is going to do this Friday. The Treasure Coast Square is the perfect setting for "two shows before Christmas" and our 100th show! The studio will be no more than 20-feet from the bearded guy who wears a red suit trimmed in white fur!

So what will we be talking about besides eggnog, the best cookie recipes, and what's the latest rage on Christmas lists? How about one of the things that rate high on tourists lists? If you guessed shopping, you're absolutely right! We all know that valued-seasonal-residents and visitors contribute to our local economy in many ways. The retail segment of the hospitality industry is as important as any other. Speaking to this issue will be Roberta Murray, the local leasing representative for the Treasure Coast Square Mall. Roberta has a long history with the Treasure Coast retail industry and will be a wealth of knowledge as to how the retail industry is impacted by tourism. She is also on the board of the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau, so she's "in the know" when it comes to tourism.

Roberta  has lined up few mall retailers to chime in, as well as Mrs. Field’s Cookies, (did someone say "milk and cookies?"), Treasure Coast Fishing Center , and Echo Gifts. I guess we will see who has been naughty and who has been nice. With Santa just feet away, perhaps we can slip him our Treasure Coast Christmas Wish List for the tourism industry!

Also with us tomorrow will be Lisa Gilrane, the area sales manager for Ocean Properties, LLC. Her company operates lodging facilities and affiliates in the northeast, southeast and southwest of the U.S., as well as Canada and the Caribbean. Treasure Coast properties include the Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa;  Courtyard Marriott Hutchinson Island; Holiday Inn, Port St. Lucie; Holiday Inn, Vero Beach; Hampton Inn, Vero Beach; and the Courtyard Inn and Suites, Vero Beach. Lisa should have some great information about the current trends in the industry and what’s in store for the Treasure Coast this visitor season.

So join us TOMORROW morning at 10:05 a.m. on WPSL 1590 AM or http://www.wpsltv.com/ for another great edition of Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!). By the way, don't forget there could be some celebration in the air since this the 100th edition of the show!

Treasure Coast Traditions--Holiday and More!

All that was missing at the Elliott Museum studio Friday morning was the rum-laced eggnog. Poinsettias, Christmas ornaments, Christmas carols and a 12-foot Christmas tree reminded us (especially those of us who still haven't started our shopping) that Christmas is only 15-days away! 

After a one-month hiatus, History Lady and Radio Man had lots of catching up to do. The show kicked-off with Historical Society of Martin County communications director Amy Christensen launching into the details of the Society’s classic car show, which is held in the spring and now moving to the airport because it has grown so large! If you have a classic automobile that you would like to show off, there is still time to register. Last week's show's audio (download here) will give you all the details you need.

Here on the Treasure Coast, boats and everything related to boating, is a BIG deal. That said, Rick Allen, president of AllSports Productions and producer of the 37th annual Stuart Boat Show, gave listeners the rundown on this annual Stuart tradition. Some of the topics covered included whether a boat show a good place to purchase a boat and how to figure out what type of boating lifestyle appeals to you and your family? Rick had the answers and this year’s show will have something for everyone, including the kids. Have you ever thought about joining the cruiser boating lifestyle? If so, you'll want to check out what Rick had to say about Cruiser Expo, which is part of the Stuart Boat Show. This annual event will draw vendors and attendee’s from near and far. For the latest announcements on the show, become a friend of the Stuart Boat Show's Facebook page. And, while you're at it, if you aren't already one of our Facebook fans, don't forget to become a fan of the Talkin' Tourism Facebook page!

Rounding out the show, we took a look at some of the programs and activities available at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center on Hutchinson Island and we covered what's happening in the Islands of the Bahamas. What are you doing for New Year’s Eve? Want to party at the End of the World? Talkin’ Tourism has the scoop on a great Bimini Big Game Club event that you don't want to miss! Learn more when you listen to the show, or if you can't wait, follow this link.

Always fun and always entertaining, Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!) is the show to listen in on to keep you up to date on things to do, places to go and people to meet!

See you on Friday! Stay warm. If you need help, try the eggnog recipe posted above!

And here's a gift for all you procrastinators. How many shopping days do you have left? The snowman knows! Good luck!


Myspace Countdown Clocks

Holiday Wishes

The cast and crew of Talkin' Tourism send holiday wishes to all our listeners, sponsors, and past show guests, as well as wishes for a prosperous and healthy new year!

A Treasure Coast Tradition---The Stuart Boat Show (and Cruiser Expo)

The Stuart Boat Show and Cruiser Expo cruise into
Stuart January 14-16, 2011.

With unsurpassed waterways, 22 miles of coastline, an inlet leading to the Gulf Stream and a position at the east end of the Cross Florida Canal/Okeechobee Waterway, Martin County is the definitely a boating, fishing and outdoorsman’s paradise.

With the Treasure Coast sailfish tournament season now in full swing, it is only a matter of weeks until the largest boat show south of Annapolis, Maryland sails in to Stuart, Florida. Rick Allen, president of AllSports Productions, the producer of the Marine Industries of the Treasure Coast owned show, is this week’s featured guest. Rick will share with Radio Man and History Lady what makes this 37th year of the Stuart Boat Show so special. With over $100 million in products on display and over 500 boats of every shape and size, this show is one not to miss.

A relatively new feature of the Stuart Boat Show is Cruiser Expo. Based upon the popularity of the cruising lifestyle, Cruiser Expo is the place to be to learn, mix and mingle with others who enjoy the art of cruising. During the course of the three-day weekend, informative seminars and information sharing will cover subjects for both the novice and seasoned skipper. We'll cover all the topics and details on the show. And, if you want more updates on the show, become a fan of the Stuart Boat Show's Facebook page.

It has been one month since History Lady and Radio Man have shared the studio microphones, which means a whole lot of catching up is guaranteed. Robin has big news on the Elliott Museum's Annual Classic Car Show and other great museum exhibits, which you won't want to miss.

As always, there will be Bahamas updates, Treasure Coast happening’s and lots of infotainment.

Join us this Friday at 10:05 a.m.. You can find us on your radio at WPSL 1590 AM or on the Internet at http://www.wpsltv.com.

Old Bahama Bay and Sustainable Tourism

According to Wikipedia, Sustainable Tourism is an industry committed to making a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate future employment for local people. The aim of sustainable tourism is to ensure that development brings a positive experience for the local people, tourism companies and the tourists themselves. This week’s show, hosted by the luxury boutique and marina of Old Bahama Bay and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, was a prime example of sustainable tourism and how the Blue Flag Programme plays a role to ensure the sustainability of Bahamian ocean and coastal environments and how participating destinations are making a positive impact on local communities.

Sustainable Tourism General Manager Earlston McPhee explained the essential elements of the program, citing Old Bahama Bay’s commitment to the environment by being the first marina in the Bahamas to achieve the certification. Most importantly, Old Bahama Bay has retained its certification every year since being first certified.

Old Bahama Bay General Manager Jackie Carroll gave listeners all of the key points that make Old Bahama Bay a boaters paradise. Are you looking for a great get-away that is not “too far away?" Then check out the great packages Jackie described for the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holidays. And after the holidays, consider an air-inclusive Grand Bahama Island package. You can find details here. And, here is a Talkin’ Tourism “Insiders’ Tip," the food is wonderful and the guest rooms are absolutely fabulous!
Special guest co-host Harold Rolle, a lifelong West Ender, shared interesting personal perspectives on Old Bahama Bay’s commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism and its positive impact on the residents of West End, Grand Bahama. Very proud of the fact that West End is called the “Home of Hospitality," Harold explained his passion for the tourism industry and the benefits to the island and the country.

And, last but not least, Raul Miranda, the tournament coordinator of the Bahamas Wahoo Championship, gave a brief rundown on the first leg of the championship, which was occuring at the time of our radio show.

Special thanks to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the Grand Bahama Tourism Office, Discovery Cruise Line, Old Bahama Bay and M&K Car Rentals for being special sponsors of the show. Also, special thanks to Old Bahama Bay Operations Manager Nathan Moody for ensuring all the technology was in place (and working) to accommodate the live remote!

If you missed the show, you can download the audio file HERE. And to see photos from the show, from around Grand Bahama, and aboard the Discovery Sun, check out the slide show below.

Last, a link to an actual video of the show, will be posted in a day or two for your viewing and listening pleasure, so be sure to check back soon!

This week, LIVE from Old Bahama Bay!

Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!) is once again focused on the “beyond” as the team crosses the Gulf Stream to Grand Bahama Island to bring you a show live from Old Bahama Bay, located at West End, on Grand Bahama Island.

With over 700 islands and cays and 100,000 square miles of pristine ocean and coastal environments, the Bahamian government knows that if the marine environment degrades so does their tourism industry. The Sustainable Tourism Division of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is responsible for helping to insure the protection of Bahamian waters and is the administrator of the Blue Flag Programme. Similar to the Clean Marina Program in the U.S., the Blue Flag Programme provides criteria and standards to guide those responsible for marinas, beaches and individual boater education.

Old Bahama Bay is a certified Blue Flag Marina. On all our live remotes, we always try to highlight the Treasure Coast connection. Here it is---located 68 nautical miles, West End, Grand Bahama is the closest marina to the Treasure Coast area for our Treasure Coast boaters to clear Bahamas Customs & Immigration.

Sustainable Tourism general manager Earlston McPhee will join the Talkin’ Tourism Team to explain in more detail the importance of this certification. Old Bahama Bay director of operations Nathan Moody, and other representatives of this beautiful resort, will describe in full detail the amenities and attributes of this world-class facility. Adding a little “local flavor” (literally) will be Tony “Macaroni” Hanna, Cacique Award Winner and owner/operator of Tony Macaroni’s World Famous Conch Experience. Who knows? Perhaps Tony will bring some of his tasty roast conch or conch salad. Yum!

An added bonus for this week's show is the first leg of the Bahamas Wahoo Championship is being held at Old Bahama Bay during the time we are there, so we’ll update you on the catches and progress of the tournament!!! Wahoooooo!!!!

See you from Grand Bahama Island this Friday morning!

Travel, life on the road, and tourism from the entertainers viewpoint

For the first time in recent history, the Elliott Museum was more like a comedy club than a museum! Guests Derek Richards, Michael “SPAZ” McGoorty and Loretta Grantham had Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and guest co-host Ed Griffith in stitches! The show's theme was a “behind the scenes” perspective about life on the road for entertainers who contribute enormously to the overall tourism experience. While Gary had high expectations for the show with such great guests, even his expectations were exceeded! The show was filled with laughs, merriment and mayhem.

Some of the interesting fodor included Loretta and Derek’s most “off-the-wall” restaurant experience, which as a result of the error, resulted in a special menu item created in their honor! What about SPAZ? He shared what happened when he proceeded to the kitchen to find the manager with a broken table knife in his hand. If you listened to the show, you'll know whether he got a free meal or a one-way ticket to the local jail!

Some of you may think it's more “Christmasy” up north. You just may change your mind after hearing Derek’s opinion on what location is more "Christmasy."
On a more serious note, there was great conversation about the potential for entertainers to collaborate with local attractions and venues to boost tourism business, as well as the importance of the entertainment business to the tourism industry, and much more.

NEWS FLASH! During the show, Radio Man promised to give-away a four pack of tickets to the upcoming 37th annual Stuart Boat Show. Well, with all the hysteria of the show, Radio Man spaced-out and forgot to do the giveaway. So, here is the deal. You can still win the tickets by being the first to e-mail the correct answer to the following two-part question.

Here it is:  (1) From what island in the Bahamas was the November 19, 2010 show broadcast from AND (2) what is the full name of the resort/marina that hosted the show?

The first correct answer e-mailed to talkintourism@gmail.com, picks up a four-pack of tickets to the Stuart Boat Show! It's that easy.

If you missed the November 26 show (because you were out shopping!) and want to know what happened to SPAZ, where Derek thinks is the most "Christmasy" place on the planet, and more about tourism from an entertainer's perspective, then you can download it here. Enjoy!

The “Big Game” and Bimini Happenings, Legend and Lore

Returning to the Bimini Big Game Club/Guy Harvey Outpost Resort after our last trip in July was a special treat. As always, the Big Game is On! and the hospitality was perfect.

In January 2010, when we did our first show from North Bimini, we had the pleasure of meeting local historian, published author and poet, Ashley Saunders, the creator of Bimini's famed Dolphin House. This trip, we were thrilled to have Mr. Saunders as a guest on the show. If you have never seen or heard of the Dolphin House, listen to Ashley describe the personal inspiration that motivated him to create this poem in stone. Ashley also talked about other Bimini myths, legends and lore including the Atlantis Road, and the Healing Hole located on the islands of North and South Bimini. All very fascinating!

Renee Robbins from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s Bimini Office was excited to share with listeners all of the great activities and events coming up over the next several months. For a small island, Biminites sure do know how to throw parties and have a great time. With Christmas and Boxing Day coming up soon, as well as New Year's, if you are looking for a great time on an island in the stream, Bimini could be the place to be. Unfortunately, during our stay, we learned that the End of the World Bar is closed. However, there is rumor that it could reopen in the near future so stay tuned for breaking details.

With the Bimini Big Game Club as our show location host, Sandra Fieger, part of the Bimini Big Game Club management team, shared what is coming up at the resort over the next couple of months. For diving enthusiasts, the commencement of Dive Bimini launching on December 1 is BIG news. Bimini Blue, a glass bottom, double-decker vessel certified for 100 passengers will begin operating and provide a host of on-the-water experiences. Also, Black Fly Bimini is gearing up for its debut in the very near future.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is just the tip of the iceberg for last Friday’s show. Sit back with your favorite rum drink and slice of Bimini Bread and enjoy the show. You can download or listen to our 96th show, which came to you live from Bimini, by clicking HERE.

Thanks again to the crew of the Bimini big Game Club/Guy Harvey Outpost Resort for hosting Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond).

At the "End of the World!"

From time to time, Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!) gets to actually travel “beyond” the Treasure Coast to bring you live remote broadcasts from locations outside of the Treasure Coast region. It is truly our pleasure to provide you, our valued listeners and fans, with perspectives and information that goes beyond our local borders. Frequently, the Islands of the Bahamas beckon with opportunity. The marriage between the radio show and Coastal Angler Magazine-FLAHAMA provides the Talkin’ Tourism Team with the “connections” to promote the longstanding ritual of Floridians enjoying the hospitality and tropical experiences to be found among this island nation so close to our shores.

Many times, the obvious choice for a getaway is right under our noses. The islands of North and South Bimini, so close but yet so far away, offer a unique opportunity to get away from it all. While known as a big-game fishing destination for decades, a visitor does not have to be a big-game fishing enthusiast to enjoy all that the Bimini’s have to offer.

Join us this Friday as we bring to you some of the characters and legends that make Bimini such a special place. The recently renovated and re-opened Bimini Big Game Club/Guy Harvey Outpost Resort plays host (once more) to the Talkin’ Tourism Team. This legendary resort and marina property has re-invented itself under the influence and guidance of famed marine-life artist and conservationist Guy Harvey.

Find out what’s new and what exciting new things are coming, to this “Island in the Stream." Tune in Friday, November 19, at 10:05 a.m. to WPSL 1590 AM or on the web at http://www.wpsltv.com/. And yes…there will be a party at the End of the World Bar!

Let the sailfish action begin!

Radio Man was thrilled to be walking the docks of Finest Kind Marina in Stuart, Florida last Friday morning. With the sailfish season starting in just another couple of weeks, there were many friends and fellow fishing enthusiasts on the docks getting set for the upcoming tournaments. The smell of the salt air, sounds of mullet jumping and the general “buzz” on the docks as boat owners and captains were sharing their fishing adventures from around the globe, set the stage for Friday’s show. Co-host Robin enjoyed a lay-day (day off), as they say in tournament lingo, and area fishing guru and historian Ed Killer filled in the co-host chair. With jets flying overhead is was appropriate to promote the Stuart Air Show, one of the biggest Treasure Coast visitor magnets each year.

Things, however, quickly got down to sailfish tournament business. Radio Man (aka Gary Guertin) did his standard preshow research, and brought some very interesting and notable information on the early years of the Stuart Sailfish Club’s Light Tackle Tournament to the group discussion. If you desire a better understanding of what our area's sailfish tournament legacy is all about, you will definitely appreciate the show.

Taking a quick side trip to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Fa-La-Me Capt. Rob Moore shared what it was like to be chased from port to port by Hurricane Earl, which lashed the British Virgin Islands as they were pursuing blue marlin.

Getting down to specifics, Char Griggs, Capt. David Berard and Krista Chasmar gave listeners the latest and greatest on the three major sailfish tournaments coming up in December. It was great to hear that each tournament has established its own special “signature."

On Friday, November 19, we'll becoming to you LIVE from the Bimini Big Game Club/Guy Harvey Outpost Resort on North Bimini. We’ll be talking fishing, sharks, history and much more. What will be the Treasure Coast connection? Tune in Friday at 10:05 a.m. to find out. More pre-show banter to come!

Here's the show from Friday, November 12. Enjoy!

Sailfish Fever…Coming to an Inlet Near You

Sailfish doing sailfish things.
Photo credit: Derek Goodrich@webshots.

The air has turned decidedly crisper, time has has been turned back an hour, and scores of world class captains, anglers and mates are beginning to show up on the docks and tackle shops along the Treasure Coast can only mean one thing:  Sailfish Tournament Season is just around the corner!

Long nicknamed the Sailfish Capital of the World, for the next three months Stuart and Treasure Coast offshore waters will host some of the world's best in the sportfishing world. This Friday, we will feature our annual Sailfish Tournament Season show bringing incredible insight into several local tournaments that have molded our past as a sportfishing destination and major tourism generator.

Talkin’ Tourism resident fishing and boating guru, Ed Killer will be with us dockside at Finest Kind Marina on the Manatee Pocket to provide historical perspective on the tournament scene and share his perspective on what the future of these historic tournaments may be. World-class competitor Fa-La-Me Captain Rob Moore, a consistent top-placer in local tournaments, as well as those in the Virgin Islands and beyond, will share his views on the tournament scene as well.

The first local tournament, the Finest Kind Quickie, will be represented by Krista Chasmar. As a relative newcomer to the tournament scene, the "Quickie" has rapidly gained the reputation of being a great event. Next is the Pirates Cove Sailfish Classic, the first tournament in the Treasure Coast Sailfish Championship Series. Dave Berard, a consistent tournament winner, will be give us details on the Classic. The Stuart Sailfish Club’s 57th Annual Light Tackle Tournament, one of the country’s oldest, will be represented by Tournament Committee co-chair Char Griggs. The Stuart Sailfish Club is credited with being the first tourism promotion group on the Treasure Coast.

So ladies and gentlemen and fishing fanatics, dust off your rods and reels, strap on your fighting belts, slap on your favorite SPF lotion, fill your coolers with ice and your favorite beverages, and “let go fishing”!

Rum Running, Pineapple Rum and Lots of Laughter!

Rum Runners, pineapple rum, fundraisers, lots of laughs and nautical flea market were all topics of lively conversation and laughter this week!

Leading off the show, Maritime and Classic Boat Museum executive director Jody Clifford gave listeners the scoop on the museum’s origins, current happenings, and future vision for a new facility at Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach, Florida. As the show photos attest, if you have a “thing” for old boats and nautical memorabilia, put the Maritime and Classic Boat Museum on your "must see" list. 

With the cause well established, Chris Cooke gave the scoop on the upcoming Real McCoy Rum Runner Party. This 'spirited event' will be the talk of the town. Food, fun, entertainment and plenty of rum will ensure a good time by all attendees. Wrapping up the weekend will be a super Nautical Flea Market and Classic Boat Show. Committee member Julie Lentine described what to expect. Boating and marine enthusiasts, as well as their families, will enjoy this special day at Indian Riverside Park!

With the Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival on everyone’s radar screen, what could be better than having seven visiting Eleutherans in the studio to share their perspective on Gregory Town, Eleuthera’s 20 year Sister City partnership with Jensen Beach, Florida! Lead Junkanoo’er Avian Morley headed up the conversation with his love of the Treasure Coast. Glenda Johnson, senior executive with the Eleuthera Ministry of Tourism, shared her impressions of 20 years participation in the event. Did you know there is a Jensen Beach Travel Club in Eleuthera? Max will tell you all about it. There are even Eleutheran high school students here that will spend time with the music students at Jensen Beach High School during their stay. And folks, those are just the highlights!

Download the November 5th show and share in the fun, good times and great information that made this show truly special.

Rum and Junkanoo--A PERFECT Combination!

Are you ready for some Junkanoo?
(PHOTO CREDIT: DeusXFlorida@Flickr.com.)

The season is starting to crank-up along the Treasure Coast and the Talkin’ Tourism crew is revving up to bring you all the action. Taking a quick road trip this week, show hosts Gary and Robin will be stopping by the Maritime and Classic Boat Museum located in Jensen Beach, Florida. This unique museum is home to some of the finest collections of maritime memorabilia and classic boats in South Florida.

A signature event sponsored by the Maritime and Classic Boat Museum is the Annual “Real McCoy” Rum Runner Party, which is slated for November 19th, 2010. Featured this week will be the museum's executive director, Jody Clifford, Rum Runner Committee member Chris Cooke, and Nautical Flea Market and Classic Boat Show Committee member, Julie Lentine. Collectively they will talk about future plans for the museum, describe the current collections and detail their collaboration with other local marine institutions and organizations. And of course, they'll give all the details on the Real McCoy Rum Runner Party, and the Classic Boat Show & Nautical Flea Market, which follows on November 20.  So, what does William (Bill) McCoy have to do with the Treasure Coast?  Myth, legend or fact? Expect History Lady to shed some light on this one.

Another huge festival on the Treasure Coast approaching this weekend is the Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival. Celebrating 23 years and a 20 year Sister City relationship with Gregory Town, Eleuthera, Bahamas, Talkin' Tourism will have some Eleutheran friends in the studio! Avian Morely, lead Junkanoo’er, along with Glenda Johnson, Eleuthera Ministry of Tourism, and VIP Bahamian friends will share their relationship with the Treasure Coast and describe what they find appealing about our region. How is a Junkanoo costume made? Where does the word Junkanoo come from? These Bahamians will give listeners the real deal.

So fellow tourism fans, sit back and enjoy another round of Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond). It's the show that keeps you informed and entertained about things to do, places to go and people to meet on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!). See you all Friday morning.

The Lost Episode....Somewhere in Cyberspace

Bahamas Director General of Tourism Vernice Walkine smiles
when Gary mentions Misti wants to return to Eleuthera soon.
Standing behind Ms. Walkine is Warren Pinder,
Consultant Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board;
sitting next to Ms. Walkine is Shaun Ingraham, Director Island
Journeys; Hon. Oswald Ingraham, M.P. South Eleuthera;
Talkin' Tourism co-host Ed Griffith and show host Gary Guertin

Well fans, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. The show we planned to bring to you last Friday did not air due to a programming error. As a result, the show from Cape Eleuthera Resort and Yacht Club that had aired on August 13 was replayed. If you missed the first airing of the show, you probably found it extremely interesting to hear Earlston McPhee, the general manager of Sustainable Tourism for the Bahamas, Leon Gibson, the administrator of the Blue Flag Programme, along with Cape Eleuthera Resort and Yacht Club general manager Stephen Kappeler discuss the commitment by the Islands of the Bahamas to ensure their beautiful waters remain as clean and pristine as possible.

The show also featured movers and shakers in the tourism industry including Vernice Walkine, now the former Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Tommy Sands, a local businessman and investor of Cotton Bay Estates, Avian Morely, restaurateur and conch salad master, and Member of Parliament, The Hon. Oswald Ingraham.

Once the “missing show” is located, we'll post it here on the blog as a “special bonus show” for your listening and vacationing pleasure.

Technology is Grand...When it Works. :)



Neil Watson, Jr., Avian Morley, and Captain Freddy from
from the second Eleuthera show, sharing insights on
fishing, diving, conch, and so much more.
(Audio for the second  show to be uploaded shortly.)



Well, those who are listening to the Eleuthera show are hearing the first show we did on Eleuthera. It's great, but it's not the one you were supposed to hear.

The studio is looking for the second Eleuthera show, which showcased fshing, diving and the Cape Eleuthera Institute. We hope to upload the second show to the blog tomorrow, along with the photos and video footage.

Where in the world would we be without technology? Like the title states, it's great when it works!

In the meantime, enjoy the first show...great guests and great topics!

Revisiting a Beautiful Island: Eleuthera, Bahamas

In August, the Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond) team headed to the island of Eleuthera for its first broadcast from this Bahamas Out Island. The show was spectacular with guests including now former Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Vernice Walkine, Sustainable Tourism General Manager Earlston McPhee, Member of Parliment, South Eleuthera, Hon. Oswald Ingraham, and other Eleutheran movers and shakers. The primary focus of the show was to promote the country’s Blue Flag Programme and other Bahamas related tourism initiatives.

This week, Talkin’ Tourism is back on Eleuthera! A one-hour show was just not long enough time to provide our listeners with information on all the fun things to do above and under the sea, the places to go and explore, the pristine beaches to visit, and the beautiful gin clear water to rejuvenate one’s soul. So, as they say in the Caribbean, we go to come back, and this week we're back!

Talkin' Tourism special guest co-host Ed Griffith and host Gary Guertin catch up on Friday with our friends at Cape Eleuthera Resort and Yacht Club on Powell Point, South Eleuthera, who know how to help people have a great time.

Diving enthusiasts will enjoy hearing from Neal Watson Jr., operator of Cape Eleuthera Divers. Fishing enthusiast’s attention will be grabbed by Cape Eleuthera Resort and Yacht Club’s dockmaster and local fishing guru Leon Gibson and Captain Freddy. Hungry for great conch salad? Guest Avian Morley, the head chef and conch salad master at Coco Plums Restaurant and Bar in Rock Sound, describes his enjoyment of being a restaurateur on the island.

Avian will soon be visiting Jensen Beach, Florida as the lead Junkanoo’er in the upcoming Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival! Eleuthera. Eleuthera's Tourism Manager Jackie Gibson also joined the crew and spoke about the Gregory Town, Eleuthera and Jensen Beach, Florida 20-year Sister City relationship. Representatives from the world renown Cape Eleuthera Institute and The Island School, Geoff Walton, Karla Cosgriff and Chris Maxey, spoke about their passion and work in marine science research taking place at the institute and school, including aquaculture, aquaponics, permaculture and much more.

So listeners, treat yourself to a mini vacation this Friday and join us for a little more Bahamian fun, infotainment and Treasure Coast connections!

Henry Flagler Vision Alive and Well & Killer Outdoor Fun

Reg Lawrence is a Treasure Coast transporation expert!

The Beach Boys tune (I Get Around) certainly set the tone for all the transportation talk that was the theme for our most recent show. Reg Lawrence, driver and company representative for Acadiana Destination Services, was a great source of information regarding the transportation needs for both Treasure Coast visitors and locals. It would seem from Reg’s comments, there definitely is a need for the types of services provided by Acadiana Destination Services and similar transportation firms. As tourism grows, the need will continue to increase. Other “get-around” conversations revolved around alternative transportation opportunities that could possibly work on the Treasure Coast, whether to and around a downtown shopping district, or shuttle service to the beach or other attractions. Accommodating visitor transportation needs does contribute to good impressions and making a region a quality destination for tourists.

On a grander scale, City of Stuart Mayor and Martin County Metropolitan Planning Organization Chairman Michael Mortell, was a wealth of knowledge on the proposed Amtrack/FEC Corridor passenger train proposal. Was Henry Flagler a visionary with his pursuit of the Florida East Coast Railway? It would seem so. The overwhelming consensus, even in the 'modern world,' is passenger rail service along Florida’s East Coast will be a definite boost to tourism, resulting in significant positive economic impact. Mayor Mortell's comments, facts and observations should not be missed on this subject. After listening (download the show HERE), you'll become a believer in the concept too.

With Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers coming on board as a show sponsor, TCPalm’s fishing, boating and outdoor blogger extraordinaire Ed Killer joined Talkin' Tourism hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors to let listeners know that now show fans and listeners can access his blog right from the Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond) site. Now it'll be as easy as it gets to know the latest fishing, boating and outdoor news!!

Thanks for checking out this week’s show, and as always, email us with any comments or suggestions!  And, if you aren't already a Talkin' Tourism Facebook Friend, we'd be honored if you would join us on Facebook!
'See you' next Friday from South Eleuthera in the Bahamas!

A Star is Born!

Tourism Agent 007 has reported for duty. Stay tuned for Abaco's Treasure Coast escapdes. And if there are any locations you would like her to cover or people you'd like Abaco to interview, drop an email to talkintourism@gmail.com.

Can't Hear the Live Show on the Web?

We can't either! WPSL is checking into the problem. Hopefully it'll be resolved soon. Fortunately the show is recorded, so if the streaming challenge isn't fixed before the end of the show, check back for the audio file tomorrow.

Round, Round Get-Around.....Killer Blogs and Rails

One important aspect that truly makes a destination visitor-friendly is how easy it is (as the Beach Boys said) to get-around. If visitors arrive by plane, then it is logical to think they will need a car. If they are visiting in a group or participating in a conference, often times there are excursions planned for the group to attractions in the area as a part of their package. Cruise ship passengers also need to “get-around” on \various shore-excursions. Some destinations use horse drawn carriages in their historic downtowns. What about transportation to and from the airport? On many islands in the Bahamas and Caribbean, bicycles and motor scooters are available. Is the Treasure Coast transportation friendly or challenged? What about local taxi service? As a destination, does the Treasure Coast provide a variety transportation for our visitors to make the most of their time. Do we make it easy?

Reg Lawrence of Acadiana Destination Services joins us this week to provide insights into the services they provide to visitors and residents. Also, City of Stuart Mayor and Chairman of the Martin County Metropolitan Planning Organization Michael Mortell will be in the studio to share the latest information on the proposed Amtrack/FEC rail passenger service to the Treasure Coast and Florida's east coast.
The trickle of Valued Season Residents and Boaters is beginnin to turn into a steady stream as November looms closer. What are the signs that tell us that? Ed Killer, outdoors columnist for Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, will be in the house to talk about his very popular fishing, boating and outdoor blog and the signs of the changing season. Ed's blog is THE blog to turn to when you want to know what’s happening outdoors!

Talkin' Tourism's regular show segments, such as What’s Going On the Treasure Coast, This Week in Treasure Coast History, Bahamas Updates, and more will make for another fun and fact-filled hour.

See you in the morning!

IN THE NEWS!

Gary Guertin (center), outgoing chair of the
Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)
with CVB executive director Rozeta Mahboubi and
incoming CVB chair Jennifer Ferrari.

Talkin' Tourism's host Gary Guertin and sponsor Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau made the news. Read "Economic woes boost importance of 4-year-old Martin tourism bureau".

The Treasure Coast's Undersea (and Above Sea) Treasures

Radio Man (aka Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin)
going "coastal."

With mask, fins and snorkels at the ready, Radio Man and History Lady took the plunge to explore the undersea treasures of the Treasure Coast. Did Gary and Robin really have mask, fins and snorkels? Just check the show photos!

Deep Six Dive and Watersports representative Glenn Hair provided listeners with his perspective on the Treasure Coast scuba scene as a diving professional. Relatively new to the Treasure Coast region, Glenn shared with show listeners why he made the move to the Treasure Coast. Glenn’s perspective as to WHY this region could be so popular was very interesting. No, we do not always have “gin clear water” and no, the water temperature is not always 82 degree, but you can see some of the same marine life as you can see in Cozumel or the Bahamas? Yes you can! The key to our region’s uniqueness is marine diversity.



History Lady, Robin Hicks Connors, gives the
Talkin' Tourism camera a thumbs up.



From marine ecosystem diversity and water temperature variations to bottom configurations and artificial reefs, the Treasure Coast offers great dive adventures. Radio Man revealed some interesting numbers on the economic impact of our offshore reef systems. These "did you know's" make for great cocktail party talk when the conversation dries up.

So, what you don’t see can’t hurt you. Right? Out of sight, equals out of mind. Wrong! For the next topic covered on the show, what you can't see does hurt and it needs to be top of mind, especially when out enjoying our waterways. As we all have witnessed, debris from many various sources, finds its way to our near-shore and offshore coastal environments. Perhaps you don’t see it when gazing out upon a beautiful blue sea at sunset or sunrise, debris that accumulates on the bottom of the sea, lakes and rivers has a disastrous impact on marine life. Retrieving this debris requires the work of skilled and trained divers. Captain Don Voss, head of the Marine Clean Up Initiative, shared his plan to eradicate this problem with the help of trained volunteer divers. By the time you read this, we'll know if he set a world-record with his planned flotilla in the Ft. Pierce Inlet turning basin.

So, ladies and gentlemen, from near and far, grab your dive gear and head on down to experience some of the most diverse diving opportunities to be found anywhere, right here on Florida’s Treasure Coast.

Here's the audio link to Talkin' Tourism's "The Underwater World of the Treasure Coast" show. Enjoy!

The Underwater World of the Treasure Coast

Goliath grouper residing on a Martin County, Florida
offshore reef, smiles for the camera.
Photo credit: Reefmaker Artificial Reefs.

Radio Man and History Lady have covered many topics dealing with “things to do, places to go, and people” to see ABOVE the sea. This week, hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors will dive into things to do, reefs to explore and fishes to meet UNDER the offshore waters of the Treasure Coast! They won’t be suiting up with masks, fins, snorkels, weight belts and air tanks for this edition of Talkin' Tourism, but they will be talking with guest Glenn Hair, a PADI instructor with Deep Six Dive and Underwater Sports. With Glenn's supervision we'll explore the bounty, beauty and undersea adventures just waiting to be found in the waters of the Treasure Coast. From fantastic artificial reef systems to beautiful natural reef systems, join us for this underwater exploration.

In preparation for the show, Radio Man was wondering just how many visitors and locals take advantage of these wonderful resources? He's uncovered some numbers that will certainly encourage our regional tourism promoters to keep this niche “out in front” of our tourism promotional efforts.

Speaking of diving, there are many coastal clean-ups and other initiatives designed for the purpose of educating us not trash our coastlines, but what about the trash and debris that ends up under the sea? Meet Captain Don Voss, a Vero Beach diver and boat captain, who has established the not-for-profit organization Marine Clean Up Initiative, Inc. He will share with listeners a campaign he has organized to rid our ocean and our coastal environments of this debris and yes, you can help!

Now that we are getting closer to turning the corner of the winter season, spectacular events and activities are literally coming out of the woodwork. The Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival, the Stuart Air Show, championship fishing tournaments, and a whole lot more. As always, Radio Man and History Lady will touch upon places to go and things to do, as well as so much more, on this week’s edition of Talkin’ Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast (and Beyond!). So, tomorrow at 10:05 a.m., tune your radio dial to WPSL 1590 AM or your Internet browser to http://www.wpsl.com/ to join us for another week of edutainment!

Treasure Coast Cuisine and the SMERF Tourism Market

Talkin' Tourism co-host Robin Hicks-Connors with
Scripps Treasure Coast Food Critic Diana Foote and
Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort and Marina
Sales Manager Tenille McLeod.

Well, no little blue men showed up in the studio but show hosts Robin Hicks-Connors and Gary Guertin were treated to some great SMERF information with guest Tenille McLeod, sales manager for Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort and Marina, Stuart, Florida. And Diana Foote, the restaurant reviewer and food critic for Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, filled the first half-hour with food!

Speaking of food, Diana Foote talked about Florida signature foods, such as alligator tail and frog legs. Robin became a bit squeemish when Diana mentioned an establishment where the gator could be served up looking like the real thing, but the two shared an affinity for a couple of local establishments where the food and service shouldn't be missed. Dianna shed light on the diversity of culinary experiences found from Vero Beach in Indian River County to Jupiter, Florida in Northern Palm Beach County. Yes, diverse dining opportunities do make a difference. Do Treasure Coast restaurants make the grade?

Without a doubt the SMERF (social, military, educational, religious and fraternal) group markets do play and important role in our regional tourism efforts. Tenille shared what this market likes to do after their meetings, whether being within walking distance of shops, restaurants and activities is important, as well as her thoughts on whether a convention and meeting facility centrally located in Historic Downtown Stuart might help Martin County attract more SMERF’s. Gary also brought up an interesting point: boating SMERF's do exist!

The Bahamas update keyed in on next month's Bahamas Wahoo Challenge and a Bahamas Tourist Office sanctioned Grand Bahama/South Florida Fly-in slated for December 10-20, 2010 that will include "LSA’s," as well as general aviation aircraft. What's an LSA? You'll have to listen to the show or follow this LSA link to know.

As always, thanks for listening and if you missed us, pour yourself your favorite beverage and enjoy this week's episode of Talkin' Tourism.