A Commissioner's Perspective and Surfin' Florida USA

After last week's live remote from Costa d'Este, which Gary had fun hyping to Robin since she missed out on the experience, both were ensconced back at Harborage Yacht Club & Marina and were back on track.  Before tourism talk could resume, both shared highpoints from the past two weeks. First, Robin shared that the Historical Society received an Addy from the Treasure Coast Ad Federation and Gary shared he'd been appointed to a national marina legislation committee and served on a LEADERSHIP Martin County economic panel, representing the marine and tourism industries. Congratulations to both!

Martin County Commission Board Chairman Doug Smith was first up this week and shared with listeners his thoughts on a variety of local, regional and state industry issues. Commissioner Smith also shared his opinon on offshore oil drilling in Florida. Other topics discussed included collaboration among tourism stakeholders and whether a convention center was in the future.

Next up were Justin Beard, the director of communications for the United Way of Martin County and Jordan Schwartz, owner of Ohana Surf Shop on Hutchinson Island. Both got the Talkin' Tourism hosts in the groove for the upcoming Stuart Single Fin Showdown surf contest, an event purposely designed to be a great seaside family event. And, whether you are a surf dude or dudette, or even a spectator, a fun day should be enjoyed by all. Jordan promises the surf gods are predicting a good swell for the event. History Lady had a hand in this year’s event and is hosting the Palm Beach County Surfing History Project at the Elliott Museum. Cowabunga! Robin!!

Next, the show took a side trip to old Cape Cod. "Moonlight and sand dunes and salty air, quaint little villages here and there," thanks for the memories Patti Page.

Last, lyrical tourism? Will someone eventually write and record the Treasure Coast anthem? Where are you Mr. Buffett?

If you missed the show, this week's audio can be downloaded HERE. Enjoy your weekend! See you next Friday.

Surf Boards, Commission Boards, and Old Cape Cod

This week Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast is back in the Captain’s Lounge of Harborage Yacht Club and Marina. What’s up this week? The surf! Guest Justin Beard, the communications and marketing director at the United Way of Martin County, joins History Lady and Radio Man to promote and chat about the 2010 Stuart Single Fin Showdown surf contest slated for March 20 to benefit the United Way. Based on the success of last year’s inaugural event, this year’s contest should be terrific.

Learn how many contest participants are expected from out of town, the profile of the average participant and their families, what professional surfers are expected to make appearances, and how the Elliott Museum ties into the event. Will Radio Man agree to serve as a judge this year? Tune in to learn the answer to this question and more.

Current Martin County Board of County Commissioners Chairman and representative to the Martin County Tourist Development Council (TDC) Doug Smith will also be joining the show this week. Martin County's support and recognition of the importance of tourism industry in the county is vital to the industy's ultimate success.

Topics up for discussion with Commissioner Smith include whether the opportunity for collaboration with tourism officials in St. Lucie and Indian River counties exists, his thoughts on the prospect of offshore oil drilling, his vision of the future for tourism in Martin County, and whatever else Gary or Robin may throw his way.

Next up, Cape Cod. This week, one of the best-selling female artists in traditional pop music from the 1950's—Patti Page—was honored on the Cape. Why? And how does it have anything to do with tourism?  Listen ito this Friday's show and you'll know why.

Last, we'll touch upon songs like Girl From Ipanema, April in Paris, I Left My heart in San Francisco, Kokomo, and Margaritaville. All certainly promote destinations and cities, real or imagined. Do song lyrics promote tourism? Gary and Robin we'll give you their thoughts on Friday.

This Friday at 10 a.m., tune your radio dial to WPSL 1590 AM or your computer to http://www.wpsl.com/ to enjoy the next live show of Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast with your hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors.