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.

Vero Beach--A Quaint Seaside Destination with Exceptional Standards!

Doing a radio program from the top floor penthouse suite of one of the top 10 celebrity owned hotels in the world is not tough duty. Thanks to the generous hospitality of Monica Smiley, director of sales for the Costa d’Este Beach Resort in beautiful Vero Beach, Florida, Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast reached new heights…literally.

Host Gary Guertin and special guest co-host Ed Griffith, the general manager of the Courtyard Marriott Hutchinson Island, had the pleasure of spending a great and informative hour with Monica, Indian River County tourism director Susan Hunt and photographer Susie Canino.

The range of topics covered was broad. Monica shared with listeners the top of the line amenities, features and exceptional service philosophy that makes Costa d'Este Beach Resort one of the best. Susan Hunt described in great detail many of the attractions, activities and events that have continued to attract valued seasonal residents and visitors alike to this quaint seaside town. One thing we learned in today's show is that Vero Beach and Indian River County likes to eat and party! If you ever wondered how much seafood is consumed during the famous Grant Seafood Festival by 50,000 attendees, this show answers that question. If you are not a seafood fan, you could have gone Italian! The Italian American Civic Association in Vero produces an annual Italian fest that's in its 25th year.

Photographer Susie Canino has carved out a niche for her photography business—PS Photography—and partner’s with Costa d’ Este Beach Resort. Bubbling with enthusiasm , she's passionate about her work!  Listen in and discover what exactly her niche is. Here's a hint---it entails a brides wedding gift for her new husband.

Destinations with no boundaries, exceptional service standards, Vero Beach fun facts, and more are all a part of  the show. We didn't have a chance to discuss “Vero Man." We'll do that on a future show when the focus is on Archeological Tourism.

You can download the February 26 show of Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast HERE. And, below is a photo album from this week's live remote. Enjoy!

In search of Carl Hiaasen, Gloria Estefan, John Walsh, and Steve Case.

Vero Beach, here we come!  So what's with the blog's title if Talkin' Tourism is headed to Vero Beach? According to Wikipedia, all three are notable residents of Vero Beach.

As we have demonstrated in the past, Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast does not always have to cross the Gulf Stream in order to do a live remote broadcast, although it is pretty darn fun! This week Gary and Robin cruise up the coast to Vero Beach in Indian River County to explore another great resort property, Costa d’Este Beach Resort.  Thanks to the generosity of Monica Smiley, director of sales for this Personal Luxury Resort, we'll take listeners on a personal and up close look at this Treasure Coast gem.

Also joining us this week will be Susan Hunt, the director of tourism for Indian County, and Susie Canino, a photographer and co-founder of PS Photography, who has teamed up with a number of Indian River properties. Sounds like we'll be discussing the merits of collaboration among industry stakeholders.

Other topics up for discussion:  Vero Beach is listed as one of the 100 Best Art Towns in the USA, what’s happening to Dodgertown now that the Dodgers have left, who or what is “Vero Man," and Pelican Island, possibly the very first wildlife refuge in the United States.

This week’s show will once again be packed with information to keep you abreast of all you need to know about Treasure Coast tourism and the players who make it happen.

Tune your radio dial  to WPSL 1590 AM on Friday (February 26) at 10 a.m. or catch the show on your computer at http://www.wpsl.com/.