An Art-Mackin-Wahoo Show-tini!

Artist Dan Mackin, Ellen Peitz, Robin Hicks-Connors,
and Captain Marvin Steiding.

What do you get when you mix equal parts of a world recognized tropical marine artist, a world-class art festival in a small Florida downtown, and a world-class sportfishing captain, shake them rather than stir them, and then turn on the microphones? What you get is a fantastic edition of Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!).

The 10th annual Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts was the catalyst that brought Ellen Peitz, Dan Mackin and Captain Marvin Steiding together for this great show. By the time you read this, the Festival of the Arts will be just a memory. But what a great memory it will be if you attended the show.

Ellen, thanks for doing such a great job of letting our listeners know how great a show it was going to be this year.

Having famed artist Dan Mackin in the studio was a flashback all the way back to show number three when Dan appeared as a guest. Listeners of this week's show got a real up close and personal look at what Mr. Mackin is all about, what inspires his art and why he chose to live in beautiful Hobe Sound, Florida. Dan also talked about his current collaboration with former Beach Boy Brian Wilson!

Continuing education is good for everyone, even those who love to fish! Captain Marvin Steiding was on hand to tells our listeners and fans about a great hands-on learning opportunity—Marlin University. And, if you're thinking about or planning a trip to San Salvador, Bahamas soon, Captain Steiding declared it's “monster wahoo season” in San Sal, so be prepared! If you don't have you're own boat to travel to San Salvador, Captain Steiding can hook you up!

Here is the audio file of last Friday's Talkin' Tourism show. Hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed producing it. See you next week!

Art, Marlins and the Islands of the Bahamas (and Beyond)

This week, the  Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts, Blue Marlin fishing in San Salvador (with a Treasure Coast connection), and Marlin University take center stage! And, a couple of surprise Bahamian tourism officials might also be thrown into the mix, so we have an action-packed guest line-up for our listeners.

The Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. To get the "insider's scoop," Ellen Peitz, co-chair of the event marketing committee, will be in our Elliott Museum studio. Ellen also represents Family Private Care the presenting sponsor of this year’s show. This festival is a perennial crowd pleaser attracting thousands of locals and visitors. Ellen will share everything about what makes this art show so special, and one you won't want to miss. Award-winning artist Dan Mackin, the featured artist of the festival, will also join Ellen to talk about the festival. This is the second time in ten years that Dan has been the featured artist. His vibrant tropical island and marine life art are a favorite and grace the walls of many famous homes around the world. Just who are they? Maybe Dan will drop a few names.

Speaking of tropical islands, Capt. Marvin Steiding, operator and owner of Reel Candy Sportfishing, and one of the most respected and knowledgeable charter captains from the Treasure Coast to San Salvador, Bahamas, will tell us about Marlin University and how you can "apply."

Last, but not least, rumor has it that there might be a guest appearance by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. They may have an announcement or two to make that relates to the Treasure Coast? What might it be? We're not spilling the conch shells! You'll just have to tune in tomorrow at 10:05 a.m. and find out for yourself.

You can catch the show on your radio at WPSL 1590 AM or on your favorite Internet browser at www.wpsltv.com. And below is a little promotion to show you what's in store this weekend at the 10th Annual Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts.

Feb 5 Show Recap--Hotels, Presidents, Festivals & Sharks

Another great show for those who listened, and for those who will listen to the show after the fact.

This weekend another annual local event is expected to attract thousands---30,000 in fact, comprised of both locals and visitors! Details of the 9th annual Hobe Sound Arts Festival, which takes place February 6-7, was Hobe Sound Chamber president Wayne Klick’s contribution to the show. One hundred and fifty vendors will participate and he promises there will truly be something for everyone. The best part is that it’s all FREE! Congratulations to Hobe Sound Chamber executive director Jennifer Ferrari and her volunteer staff for coordinating another great event.

Yes, fatal shark attacks are extremely rare and a tragedy when they occur, particularly when it occurs in your area. Regrettably, Stuart lost a great waterman this past week. Condolences and sympathy on the tragic loss are extended to the family and friends of Stephen Schafer. To help put this incident in its proper perspective, Florida Oceanographic Society executive director Mark Perry shared his scientific thoughts on the subject. The biggest question is--will this incident impact tourism on the Treasure Coast and in Florida for the remainder of the winter season?

The newly elected president of the Hotel/Motel Association of Martin County, Ed Griffith, who is also the general manager of the Courtyard Hutchinson Island/Jensen Beach, along with Katie Wacha, owner/operator of The Inn at Tilton Place in Jensen Beach, and Jacque Lewis, the general manager of the Courtyard by Marriott of Stuart,  shared their thoughts on the current tourist season. Listen in to find out if they are meeting their expectations and goals, whether visitors changing their booking habits, and their prospects for the rest of the season.

Lots of other information was discussed on great events and activities happening in our area. Don’t miss out. Download this week’s show HERE, to be "in the know" on tourism news along Florida's Treasure Coast and beyond.

Hotels, Presidents, Festivals & Sharks

Now that we were are hitting the height of the season, the Talkin' Tourism team thought it would be fitting to have lodging representatives share with the listening audience how the season has been thus far and what their projections are for the remainder of season.
Joining us this week are Katie Wacha, owner/operator of The Inn at Tilton Place, located in Jensen Beach, Jacque Lewis, general manager of the new Courtyard by Marriott, and Ed Griffith, general manager of the Courtyard Hutchinson Island Oceanside Jensen Beach. Each property is different and offers guest a range of services. Listen in to hear highlights and amenities offered by each property and learn what makes them unique from the other properties in the area.

This week, a local kite surfer lost his life after a shark attack at Stuart Beach in Martin County. Truly a very, very rare and tragic incident. Mark Perry, executive director of the Stuart based Florida Oceanographic Society, will share his knowledge about shark behavior in this area and why this incident may have occurred.

Art anyone? If the answer is "yes," then you won’t want to miss Hobe Sound Chamber president Wayne Klick talkin' details about the 9th annual Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts this Saturday and Sunday. How many vendors? Is admission FREE? Organizers promise here will be something for everyone!

As always, Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast keeps you on the cutting edge of tourism related information and news. Join us every Friday at 10 a.m. on WPSL 1590 or via your computer--www.wpsl.com.