Reefs: Artificial and Oyster

Artificial reefs create habitats for all kinds of sea life
and provide a playground for anglers and diving enthusiasts.
Photo credit: University of Florida (www.news.ifas.ufl.edu).

There is no question that our Treasure Coast nearshore and offshore resources play a huge role in our regions overall tourism product. Our reef systems, coastal environments, lagoon and river habitats all provide significant recreation for outdoor enthusiasts of every variety.

Over the years, the creation of artificial reefs has enhanced these nearshore resources by creating new habitat for fish, coral and many other sea creatures. Artificial reefs have been studied worldwide for their effectiveness and to determine the best (and safest) materials to use to construct them.

This week, James Oppenborn, St. Lucie County Coastal Resources Supervisor, will be our featured guest.  St. Lucie County begins the deployment of four artificial reefs starting next week. These new reefs will create new fishing areas and also provide great diving.

In the near shore arena, an oyster reef deployment begins on Saturday. Jim will share with us his views on the economic importance of these program and efforts.

With Easter only a couple of weeks away, we are definitely at the height of our winter visitor season.  There are still plenty of great things to do, places to go and fun to be had on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and beyond).  Tune in once again this week and share the fun with Gary and Robin as they spend an hour Talkin’ Tourism and giving listeners a rundown on things they won't want to miss this week and in the coming weeks.

The fun begins at 10:05 a.m.. Tune to your radio dial to WPSL 1590 AM or tune in from you computer at www.wpsltv.com.

Approaching Treasure Coast Events: Hook Kids on Fishing, No-License Fishing Days, Stuart Sailfish Regatta

It is a rare show indeed when History Lady and Radio Man go it alone without a guest but that is exactly what happened as planned and promoted in our pre-show lineup

Some of events and activities that the crew talked about during the show are now in the history books but there are plenty of things coming our way that you can learn about by downloading the show.  Some of those include what days in the coming months you can fish without a license (fresh and saltwater), how famed artist and conservationist Guy Harvey is helping Florida education, Hook Kids on Fishing clinics along the Treasure Coast, the Stuart Sailfish Regatta, and a whole lot more!  Here's the link to hear it all first-hand.

The winter visitor season is in full swing for the next couple of weeks and for those Talkin' Tourism fans or "newbies" who are here for only a few weeks, even when you return home you can be back on the Treasure Coast by catching the show every Friday at 10:05 a.m. streaming live at www.wpsltv.com.

Arts, Boats, Oysters, Fishin' & Guy Harvey FL Lottery Scratch-Off Collector Series

Guy Harvey (center) with Florida Lottery Secretary
Cythia O'Connell and Florida Wildlife Commission's Chuck Collins
at a press conference held on the opening day of the
Palm Beach International Boat Show.
PHOTO CREDIT: Coastal Angler Magazine.

This week, Radio Man and History Lady will do something a little different and actually be the guests of their own show. With so much going on along the Treasure Coast and in Palm Beach to our south, buckle in and hang on for today's ride because this is going to be a fast one!

So what will the dynamic tourism duo cover today? How about Arts Fest, the 27th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show, the Vero Beach Boat Show, the Ft. Pierce Oyster Fest, and the approaching Stuart Sailfish Regatta.

Did you know Florida's Governor has set aside four days when you can fish without a fishing license. Hint, hint: one of those days falls close to Father's Day.

And, what new initiative is famed artist and conservationist Guy Harvey involved in? Talkin' Tourism's co-producer Misti Guertin was on hand for the press conference yesterday at the Palm Beach International Boat Show where the new initiative was unveiled. More details (photos and video links) to come.

And with all the "fish and boating talk", if time permits, Gary will tell listeners about three great Hook a Kid on Fishing clinics, designed for kids from ages 6 to 16, coming up next month in Hobe Sound, Fort Pierce and Sebastian, all in celebration of Earth Day

Tune in today (WPSL 1590 AM or www.wpsltv.com) at 10 a.m. for another informative and entertaining edition of Talkin’ Tourism.

Talkin' Tourism in Hobe Sound at Harry & the Natives

Talkin' Touism co-host Robin Hicks-Connor, with show guests
Harry MacArthur and Jan Otten, and  Talkin' Tourism
host and co-producer Gary Guertin.

Talkin’ Tourism has been known to “walk on the wild side” from time to time and our visit to one of Martin County, Florida’s iconic visitor attractions was definitely one of those times.

Doing a remote broadcast from Harry and the Natives, a restaurant, gift shop, former motel, and all around local hangout was a very special treat. As usual, owner/operator Harry MacArthur was his gracious self and was most accommodating (even personally taking, cooking and serving Robin’s coconut pancake breakfast which she ate during the second half of the show).

There were certainly many stories to tell since the establishment has been a part of Hobe Sound since 1941.  Harry’s mom and dad bought the property in 1952 and his mom Pauline, at 95 years young, still goes to work every day.

There are many reasons why such places across Florida (and the world for that matter) withstand the test of time.  When you listen to the show you will hear some great stories and get a glimpse into what makes Harry MacArthur and Harry and the Natives so unique.

Also joining us on the show was Ms. Jan Otten, the director of member services for the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce.  In addition to letting us know what is happening in Hobe Sound these days, she also was very passionate about what makes Hobe Sound such a tight-knit community.

It was a great show, filled with great guests, and even a downpour in the middle of the show did not dampen the enthusiasm and fun.

Check out the photo album of Harry and the Natives to see the definition of “eclectic”!

Thanks for listening enjoy the show. If you liked it, share the link with a friend or two!

Here's the audio file!

And here's the Harry & the Natives photo album:

Live in Hobe Sound from Harry & the Natives

Photo credit: Perrin Post, Conde Nast, cntraveler.com.

Every tourism destination has one or more very special tourism gathering holes: iconic establishments that have been providing unforgettable hospitality (and experience) to guests and visitors for generations. While many business may come and go, the very best withstand the test of time, having “the right stuff” to keep guests and visitors entertained and coming back again and again.

This week, Robin and Gary will be broadcasting live from one of those very special places: Harry and the Natives, (the only waterfront restaurant...when it rains) located in the village of Hobe Sound). Jack and Pauline MacArthur bought the restaurant in 1952. This family owned and ran establishment has one of the greatest histories imaginable. The influences were many over the years. Today, Jack and Pauline's son, Harry MacArthur, is chef and the operator of Harry and the Natives. This restaurant, motel, gift ship and attraction (yes, all rolled into one) is truly a one-of-a-kind Florida gem. You will truly enjoy our conversation with Harry as he describes the evolution of his parent’s passion for guest service and adaptation to the changes that came their way. To sum it up, their story could be classified as sort of a modern-day Jonathan Dickinson journal.

Stepping back into more modern times, a special Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce VIP (who will it be?) will join this week's show to describe how modern day Hobe Sound is evolving with the times.  Located just across the Intracoastal Waterway from one of the richest zip codes in the good old United States—Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound—has managed to retain its quaint, quiet and unspoiled village atmosphere. There aren't many of these places left to discover. (Pssst! Abaco 007 say's "Don't tell anyone!")

What else is in store?  Frankly whatever Radio Man and History Lady feel like talking about because they are the hosts of the show and they can. So there! (How's that for attitude?)

Join the unpredictable duo this Friday (March 8) at 10 a.m. on WPSL 1590 AM or www.wspltv.com for another edutaining episode of Talkin’ Tourism.

Spring Training is in the Air!

When spring is in the air, you know that it is time for Talkin’ Tourism to check out the excitement in the air at Digital Domain Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida and broadcasting live from the Mets official radio broadcast booth high above the field is always a thrill.

We are always pleased to have Paul Taglieri, general manager and director of Florida operations for the New York Mets, along with Traer Van Allen, assistant general manager and assistant director of operations, as our special guests.  Paul shared with our listeners all the improvements visitors can expect to enjoy and the huge economic impact spring training has on the Treasure Coast.

Now more than ever, the stadium experience is a true 'family affair'. The Mets organization has renegotiated their lease agreement with St. Lucie County and they are here to stay to 2023!  Based on Paul’s comments, it would appear that spring training and baseball in general is a huge tourism promotion engine for St. Lucie County and the Treasure Coast region.

Traer shared ticket sales this year are running strong and talked about the great passion in the region for this loved U.S.game. Traer gave his forecasts on what game will draw the largest attendance?  If you missed his prediction, you can still hear it by listening to Talkin' Tourism's Spring Training show here.

Although baseball and spring training were the main topics of this week’s show, lots of other local and regional tourism snippets were also discussed, including upcoming events and activities you won't want to miss.

So ladies and gentlemen, grab a hot dog, peanuts, popcorn and your favorite baseball beverage. The team is ready to go, and so will you after listening to last week’s show.  Let’s play ball!

Travel Safety and Surfing from Sebastian to Stuart

Laura Passanisi, Justin Beard and Talkin' Tourism's Gary Guertin
ready to talk travel safety and surfing!

Laura Passanisi, from the Martin County Sherriff’s Department, was today's featured guest.  Laura, a law enforcement and crime prevention specialist, had a wealth of “common sense” information for persons that travel for both business and pleasure.  When do you place your valuables in the trunk of your car when going to the beach or other isolated location?  What should you do when returning to your hotel room after dark or entering into your room after checking in? Should you open the door for “room service” or “maintenance/housekeeping” knocking at your door? It may be common sense, but Laura really opened our eyes to making sure that we are aware of our surroundings when traveling.

The beaches, are one of the Treasure Coast's  greatest assets. Thousands upon thousands of visitors and locals alike enjoy the wide variety of beaches along the Treasure Coast. Justin Beard and Talkin’ Tourism host Gary Guertin had a blast checking out the surf breaks from Sebastian Inlet to Stuart.  While co-host Robin Hicks-Connors certainly loves the beach, she became a little lost with the surf lingo….shore break…close out….tube…wedge at Sebastian Inlet…Monster Hole…peak…single fin???? If you are a surf dude or dudettes, you’ll have it wired.

Last but certainly not least, Justin shared all the great details of the 4th Annual Single Fin Showdown scheduled for March 17th at Stuart  Beach, Florida.  Surfers from around Florida will be checking into this great event to benefit, which will benefit the United Way of Martin County!

Here's the Talkin' Tourism February 24th show file for your listening pleasure! 

Comments, questions and suggestions are always welcomed!