PADI travel incentives and a Segway adventure full of sea life

Talkin' Tourism co-host Robin Hicks-Connors with
PADI reservation specialist Lori Lacknicht.

True to her word, PADI reservation specialist Lori Lachnicht was a wealth of knowledge about the booming recreational dive industry and the role PADI plays in making every dive enthusiast’s wildest dream come true. From information on the Treasure Coast dive scene (History Lady also had a few things to add about diving historical wrecks in the area) to the diversity of diving opportunities within Florida to magnificent destinations in the Islands of the Bahamas and beyond, Lori covered it all.

Listeners who listened to Friday's show learned what special incentives are available to divers wishing to head to the Bahamas? If you missed Friday's show, listen to it now and you will be ready to pack your mask fins and snorkels. 

There are advantages to booking your trip through a PADI professional. A little rusty on your skills? Not a problem. Lori told our listeners how to get back in the game. Thanks Lori, the information was fabulous. Let’s go blow some bubbles!

Thinking about coming to Florida’s Treasure Coast for a little break? There are lots of events and activities going on this fall just right for the whole family. Ever taken a Segway Tour? Check out the show and find out where you can Segway your way to stingrays, sea turtles and edutainment on Hutchinson Island. 

Last but not least, if you are headed to The Abacos, Radio Man shared information on a great vacation cottage offering a special discount to Talkin’ Tourism fans and listeners. Here's the audio file so you can to learn more about this Abaco, Bahamas vacation opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in. See you on Friday with another action-packed show.

Talkin' Tourism at the Abaco Inn, Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahamas - May 2011

In case you missed the live show from the Abaco Inn on Elbow Cay, Abaco Bahamas, here's the video edition. Besides all the great information contained on the audio file, here you can see show guests and photographs from around Abaco.

Enjoy!

Click to Play

Join Talkin' Tourism on a trip to Abaco in the beautiful Bahamas. This episode host Gary Guertin introduces listeners to tourism and environmental leaders, educators, a film producer, and the inn keeper of the Abaco Inn on Elbow Cay. Hear how private partnerships are helping promote tourism to Abaco, explore how to get married in the Bahamas, and learn about the environmental education programs in place to protect this Bahamian treasure.

Up the Creek to Discover the Tarzan of the Loxahatchee, a Secret Radar Camp and Someone Named Murphy

Park Manager Mark Nelson, Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-
Connors checking out the scrub jay exhibit at
Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

Last week, Radio Man and History Lady were definitely up the creek but they did have their paddles!  After catching up, (it had been two weeks since they had been together on the air), show host Gary Guertin shared some of his and Misti's Abaco adventures with listeners.  There were many Abaconians to thank and tales to tell about Talkin’ Tourism’s latest trip to the Bahamas. 

Once the chit chat was over, Talkin’ Tourism's dynamic duo jumped right into the topic of the show--Jonathan Dickinson State Park and Trapper Nelson. Ironically, the tour guide show co-host Robin Hicks-Connors hoped to have on the show, who provided her and friend Paul with the tour to Trapper Nelson’s the week before, could not appear.  Why?  He had gone to the Bahamas!  Good choice if you ask Talkin’ Tourism!

Park Manager Mark Nelson started out with the 'big picture' of this Treasure Coast award-winning state park. You may be surprised to learn how big the park really is and the diversity of the habitats to discover there.  Do you know where Hobe Mountain is?  If you download the show, you will not only know where it is, but how high it is!  Secret radar installation during World War II, indeed.  The area was once known as Camp Murphy and housed a literal city.  Get all the facts here on all the park offers for outdoor enthusiasts.

Heading up the Loxahatchee River, Robin could not contain her enthusiasm for her experience of visiting Trapper Nelson’s Camp.  History Lady and Mark delved into some pretty interesting facts about Trapper Nelson, including where was he from, whether or not he was one of the first tourist attractions in the area and who would come up the river to visit him and why?  You will be intrigued and want to learn more about Tarzan of the Loxahatchee, no doubt about it.

With the hour nearly gone, the last minutes were wrapped up with Bahamas Updates, upcoming local fishing tournaments and even a scoop on a local Lionfish derby. 

As always, it was a fun and entertaining show. If you missed it, check it out, then head south on I-95, Florida's Turnpike or U.S. Highway 1 to Jonathan Dickinson State Park and see it all for yourself!

Off to the Jungle: In Jonathan Dickinson State Park

A peninsular cooter turtle. Photo credit: Jonathan DickensonState Park.

With Talkin’ Tourism back on the Treasure Coast after an excursion to Abaco, the challenge for Radio Man was where to do this Friday’s show. Since show host Gary Guertin would be out-of-pocket until Wednesday evening, co-host History Lady (aka Robin Hicks-Connors) turned into producer and pulled this week's show together.

Influenced by a very cool trip last weekend up the Loxahatchee River (a federally designated Wild and Scenic River) in northern Jupiter, Florida to visit the jungle home of Trapper Nelson, Robin thought that listeners would enjoy learning about this unique site located within Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Leave it to History Lady to come up with a historical (and wild) perspective!

Trapper Nelson came to the area in the 1930s and lived off the land by trapping and selling furs. He was a loner for the most part, who found security in this area and a way of life that was suited to his skills and temperament. He quickly became famous as the "Wildman of the Loxahatchee." Yet, with his limited education, he managed to make a living, built a much-visited wildlife zoo and acquired large land interests. After his death in 1968, the state acquired his land, preserving his home and grounds for future generations to enjoy.

You just may put a trip to Jonathan Dickinson State Park on your summer travel bucket list after listening to this week's show. This Martin County based state park offers lots of activities for the outdoor enthusiast and nature lover. Park Manager Mark Nelson will join us as we take you on a radio tour of the park outlining all it has to offer.

And, after a busy week in Abaco, Bahamas, Radio Man has many adventures to share with our listeners. Who did he meet? Where is the hometown of the current Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham? How many lionfish were caught last weekend in the Lionfish Derby in Marsh Harbour? How easy is it to get to Abaco? Will there be an Abaco/Treasure Coast Meet and Greet coming to a marina or restaurant near you?

All this and more on this week’s show for your listening and learning pleasure.

'See you' at 10:05 a.m. from Jonathan Dickinson State Park!

Been, been, been to Abaco! (And ready to return!)

You could be here at the Abaco Inn, Elbow Cay, Abaco Bahamas.

Another great road and sea trip, this time featuring the fun and adventure of Abaco, Bahamas. If you missed this show, you missed one of the best.

Sitting in for co-host Robin Hicks-Connors, Michael Albury, the president of the Abaco Chamber of Commerce and Abaco Community Tourism Foundation, jumped right into the groove in the co-host seat and was right at home even before the show began.

The conversation was fast and flowing. Judy Fortenberry, manager of the Abaco Inn, our host venue for the show, shared all the details of this fabulous property focusing in on the “Barefoot Excellence” the resort is known for. What is "Barefoot Ellegance?" If you tuned into the show, you heard. If you didn't turn into the show, you can find out by listening to the recorded audio file.


Judy Fortenberry, Michael Albury, Olivia Patterson,
Lindsey McCoy, Gary Guertin and Michelle Mikula
in a post-show, relaxed photo poolside at the Abaco Inn.

Besides providing "Barefoot Ellegance" every day, raising funds to restore a vintage 1965 Land Rover fire truck on Elbow Cay is one of Judy’s current community efforts. Can you help? Glad you asked and YES you can!! Make your $20 Hope Town Fire Truck restoration donation here!

Moving on, the conversation headed into the realm of current tourism efforts in Abaco. Michelle Mikula, from the Abaco Tourist Office, gave us a great update on her involvement on assisting wedding and other group tourism activity in Abaco. Thinking of a Bahamas wedding ceremony? Learn how long you have to be in the country and other necessary requirements you need to be aware of to make your dream wedding come true. Want to know what’s happening in Abaco over the next couple months? From the Summer Junkanoo Festival to the world famed Abaco Regatta, there is truly something for everyone.

Michael Albury outlined some of the concepts unfolding to launch a collaborative effort among the private sector to market Abaco as a tourism destination. Radio Man (aka Gary Guertin) and Michael share many same beliefs that destination development is a community-wide effort.

In most non-urban tourism destinations, the environment plays a huge role in developing and sustaining the tourism industry. The Bahamas, comprised of over 700 islands and cays with offshore, near-shore and inshore eco-systems, has a huge stake in ensuring that these precious habitats remain intact. Meet Olivia Patterson, the program coordinator for Friends of the Environment, an Abaco based conservation and education organization. This non-profit's efforts are extremely important in educating both Bahamians and visitors to respect, understand and appreciate the value of these resources for generations to come. Olivia’s comments are relevant to tourism destinations around the world.

Are you hungry yet? Lindsey McCoy, producer of Conch Salad TV, was next on the show menu. What she and her director partner Matt are doing is awesome. Want to experience the Bahamas like a local? Then dial in Conch Salad TV at http://www.conchsaladtv.com/. Some t'ings we learned from Lindsay include: who is Gary the Explorer, where are cave shrimp found, are they sightless and how many does it take for a Cave Shrimp Cocktail, how long does it take for an experienced “conch cracker” to clean a conch, and much more. Thanks for all the great cocktail party conversation Lindsey!

Before we knew it, the hour was over. What does that mean? It means we definitely have to go, go, go back to Abaco for Part II of Talkin’ Tourism’s Abaco Adventures. So many cays, so much rum and so little time…island time that is.

Here's the link to the Abaco show's audio file. Pour yourself a nice fruity tropical cocktail, sit back, and enjoy the show! We certainly did.

Show Album



Abaco Album



Friends of the Environment 2011 Lionfish Derby

Let's go, go, go to Abaco!

Hope Town Lighthouse, Abaco, Bahamas.
Photo credit:  Misti Guertin

This week, Talkin’ Tourism will not just be talking about tourism, we'll be the tourist as we bring the show to you live from the Abaco Inn, located on Elbow Cay, in Abaco, Bahamas. This great oceanfront property is perfectly suited for a great broadcast location. Just steps away from the sea, our studio will be spectacular!

We have put together a stellar line-up of guests who best represent all that is great about Abaco. Michael Albury, president of the Abaco Community Tourism Foundation and the Abaco Chamber of Commerce, will give us an overview of current tourism and business trends in Abaco. Michelle Mikula, the public relations and group business representative for the Abaco Tourist Office, will be on-hand to share some of Abaco's great get-away opportunities and approaching events. The Islands of the Bahamas has tremendous diverse ocean and coastal environments. Friends of the Environment, an Abaco based environmental group, will talk about what this non-profit is doing to ensure the stewardship of the environment for generations to come. Talkin’ Tourism will also welcome Lindsey McCoy, producer with Conch Salad TV, a new web-based media company that produces a new video every two weeks showcasing the Bahamas from a “locals” viewpoint. I am sure there will be some great story lines. There could be other surprise guests as well, so don’t miss this week’s show.

Coordinating our Talkin’ Tourism road trips is no small task and special thanks go out to Bimini Island Air, A and P Auto Rentals, and Abaco Inn.

Here’s a snapshot (if that is possible) of Abaco:

Located at the top of the Bahamian archipelago 75 miles north of Nassau and 200 miles east of Miami, Florida, the Abacos stretch for 130 miles from Walker’s Cay in the north to Hole-in-the-Wall in the south. Marsh Harbour, Abaco is the third-largest town in the Bahamas and the commercial hub of the Abacos. It also has the Out Islands’ first and only set of traffic lights. A short ferry ride from Marsh Harbour is Hope Town. Visitors feel like they stepped back in time with quaint New England style villages and pastel colored houses that date back to the firsts settlers who arrived from South Carolina in 1783. For more about Abaco visit: www.bahamas.com/out-islands/abacos.

Let’s go, go, go to Abaco! Are there any Treasure Coast-Abaco connects? You bet there are and we are determined to find more!

"See you" Friday when we'll be telling you why "It’s Better in the Bahamas!"

Vacation planning, travel trends, and HOT Memorial Day Venues

Jody Clifford, Talkin' Tourism
co-host Robin Hicks-Connors and
Gary Smith ready to talk tourism!

On Friday’s show, our listeners learned what is new and exciting at the Maritime and Classic Boat Museum, as well as the travel trends for the approaching Memorial Day Weekend.

Jody Clifford, executive director of the Maritime and Classic Boat Museum, ran through the museum's summer schedule of exhibits and shared what day of the week you can get in for free! Talk about a great deal! The museum is definitely on the move with plans underway for the 3rd annual Real McCoy Rum Runner event, which is slated for November 18. An new venue has been secured. If you missed the show, download the audio to get the inside track on the new location and to hear more details on this not-to-be-missed event.

Gary Smith, a AAA Auto Club South travel professional, was a wealth of information on the travel services America Automobile Association provides. Folks, AAA is not your grandfather's Oldsmobile any longer. For those of you who have not recently investigated the range and scope of travel services they provide, check it out. When you do, you just may become a member if you aren't already.

So what are the Memorial Day Weekend travel trends? We can’t say here (because we want you to download the show) but it definitely has something to do with water! If you are planning to travel for the long weekend, check out the top eight Memorial Day Weekend get-away locations according to Oyster.com to find out if your destination made the list. Here's a hint:  the top eight range from Jamaica to Miami to the Bahamas.

If you are taking a stay-cation for Memorial Day or this summer and are looking for suggestions on where spend a little time locally, the show covered lots to see and do right here on the Treasure Coast.

Jumping across the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas, Gary covered the results of the Bahamas Billfish Championship after the completion of the first two legs, and let’s just say there are definitely Treasure Coast connections.

To hear all the details, download the show HERE.

We'll see you all this Friday from the Abaco Inn on Elbow Cay in beautiful Abaco, Bahamas! More details to follow.

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.

On a Twin Vee mission to Abaco

Talkin Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast, the Official Flahama radio station, is now one step closer to becoming “pirate radio.”  

Talkin' Tourism co-hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors will certainly be on the move in the coming weeks. We decided to scrap the original concept for this week’s show (broadcasting from the House of Refuge on Hutchinson Island, Stuart, Florida) because Radio Man was offered an intriguing assignment - to help deliver a 26-foot Twin Vee Catamaran to a secret destination in Abaco, Bahamas.  

You may ask, "What does this have to do with Treasure Coast tourism…and wasn’t Radio Man in Abaco just two weeks ago?"  Well, ladies and gentleman, the ever-popular Twin Vee Catamaran is made right here on our very own Treasure Coast.  Yes indeed, their plant is located in Fort Pierce.  And this well-crafted boat is extremely popular in the islands.  The more Twin Vees are ordered, the more Treasure Coast marine trades craftsman will be working - see, marine tourism does work to make a difference!

Accompanying Radio Man on this adventure will be Ben Martin, editor of the Florida’s most widely read fishing and boating publications, Coastal Angler Magazine.  

Other guests that may appear on the show are still a mystery at this time.  It's rumored, however, that world-renowned fishing guide Thatch McGuire may be in the house.  Knowing Gary and the cast of characters living and playing in Marsh Harbour, he will not be at a loss for a couple more guests.  Who knows, Radio Man may just run into some Treasure Coasters along the way.

Hopefully, History Lady will be able to make the phone connection to the radio station and have a part in the show. She's helping make some great things happen at the Elliott Museum.

So loyal listeners, you know the drill - Friday at 10 a.m. on WPSL 1590 AM, or www.wpsl.com! And don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook!

R-O-C-K-in' in Abaco

Get ready to tap your foot! Here's a MTV-like photo essay of Talkin' Tourism's recent visit to Abaco. Enjoy the fun! After viewing, drop us a note (talkintourism@gmail.com) and let us know how you liked it and what you might like to see on future remotes.

Special thanks to Abaco Beach Resort & Marina at Boat Harbour for the hospitality, Yellow Air Taxi, and Coastal Angler Magazine for helping with the airlift!

Update: Wynsome Ferguson, manager of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism office in Abaco, added to Friday's show

A sixth guest with some serious knowledge about the Bahamian tourism market will be on hand Friday for Talkin' Tourism's 10 a.m. live broadcast from Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour.

Wynsome Ferguson, manager of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism office in Marsh Harbour in Abaco, will take the mike with host Gary Guertin and guest co-host Ed Griffith this Friday for the special live remote show. Wynsome oversees day-to-day operations at the Ministry of Tourism office, and has supervised events like Junkanoo Summer Festival, Abaco Christmas Festival and Regatta Time in Abaco.

Welcome aboard, Wynsome! A big thanks for coming on the show!

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.

Talkin' Tourism March 27 Show Preview

This week’s show will be a real callaloo…a great mix of topics season with “chit chat and chatter.” Here's what to expect:

• • Jennifer Ferrari, executive director of the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce and vice-chair of the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau, will share with listeners the role of Treasure Coast Chambers of Commerce in promoting our Treasure Coast destination, she will also give listeners a run down of great events and activities slated for the Hobe Sound area.
  
  • Host Gary Guertin conducted a pre-show interview with Bobbi Spencer, coordinator of the Stuart and Ft. Pierce Green Markets, and will discuss why green markets are so popular with locals and visitors.
  
  • The traditional west coast/east coast summer boat migration is now threatened by the proposed closing of the Moore Haven Lock for nearly 3 month in prime season.
  
  • An update on why the Treasure Coast is so attractive as a Spring-break mecca as a affordable family-friendly, eco-lovers dream come true.
  
  • What’s happening to hotel rates and occupancy in major areas such as Miami-Dade and why the Treasure Coast can benefit.
  
  • Air Azul, based in St. Petersburg will be offering twice weekly flights beginning June 10 from Melborne International Airport with introductory fares of $79.00. Learn more on Friday.
  
  • Orchid Bay Yacht Club and Marina Great Guana Cay, Abaco now part of the Flahama-TM network with great dockage discounts.
  
  And much more. On Friday, March 27, tune your radio dial to 1590 AM at 10 a.m. to hear Talkin' Tourism airing live from the Captain's Lounge of Stuart's Harborage Yacht Club & Marina.