History Preservation, Birds of a Feather, Junkanoo & the Reel (Real) Candy

Back on “his” island--Hutchinson Island, Florida that is--Radio Man and History Lady quickly caught up on two weeks of activity. Show host Gary Guertin revealed just who Taino, Lucaya and Pauchie were and yes, everyone was pleased to hear that the “feathered ones” liked their new toys donated from the Guertin’s Landing  birdy toy box.

Getting on with the 'Old Things New' theme, Sally Dadko gave listeners a very good perspective of the importance of Historic Preservation Month in Martin County. The month long list of events, lectures, free tours and workshops will keep both locals and visitors busy. On air, Sally confessed to being from Massachusetts and another dot was mysteriously connected when Gary (Radio Man) confessed to being from Massachusetts too.

With time and information flying, Gary and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors moved on to a key event taking place during the early part of Historic Preservation Month--the annual Bahamian Connection Festival! Taking place on Saturday, October 2nd, the festival celebrates our community’s ties and heritage to the Islands of the Bahamas. Gloria McHardy, president of the New Monrovia Development Corporation, shared the origins of the event that has now grown into nothing short of a true Bahamian festive experience. Kherri Anderson, the event's communications officer, described the plans for entertainment, food, vendors and just plain “all t’ings Bahamian."

Since Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast (and Beyond!) was focused on several aspects of the Bahamas, why not talk Bahamas fishing? Special guest, Captain Marvin Steiding of Reel Candy Sportfishing fame wrapped up this week’s show talking about his Martin County based charter operation that specializes in trips to San Salvador, Bahamas for his clients to experience “the adventure of a lifetime." There's nothing like catching and releasing a world-class blue marlin! Hmmmm, you might be pondering. Just why is San Salvador such a great blue marlin magnet? You’ll have to listen to this week’s show to find out.

So fans, sit back with an ice cold Kalik or your favorite boat drink and enjoy another informative and entertaining edition of Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond).

This program is brought to you by the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Coastal Angler Magazine's Flahama edition!

Old Things New, Conch Fritters and Reel Candy

Frances Langford and Bob Hope
USO performance.

Arts, cultural and historic tourism are all key elements in the grand scheme of today’s global tourism and destination marketing. The Treasure Coast is certainly not at a loss for historic treasures and activities. With October being designated as Historic Preservation Month in Martin County, Florida what better time to talk about old things becoming new again.
Leading the conversation will be guest Sally Dadko, vice-chairman of the Martin County Historic Preservation Board. From the kick off ceremony at the Jensen Beach Christian Church on October 1st, to the closing event—USO, Letters from Home Ball—at the Flagler Recreation Center, there will be plenty to do for both visitors and residents alike. History Lady is going to love this show!

FLAHAMA Free Radio keeps the Bahama spirit alive with a preview of the upcoming Bahamian Connection Festival to be held October 2nd in the New Monrovia community of Port Salerno. Celebrating its 13th year, this fun filled festival gets everyone’s toes tapping with great Junkanoo music, great Bahamian cuisine, fun and an introduction to visitors and locals of our community’s rich Bahamian heritage. Kherri Anderson, the festival's communications director, and board president Gloria McHardy fill us in on all the great "happenings” of this signature event.

Now that summer is behind us, sportfishing enthusiast from everywhere will be focusing in on the great sailfish action headed our way, as well as planning trips to the Bahamas for some big game fishing angling. Marvin Steiding, owner and captain of the Martin County based sportfishing charter boat Reel Candy will be in the house talking about his ongoing success catching big blue marlin and monster wahoo in San Salvador, Bahamas. So what does a trip like this entail? Can you go to school to learn how to fish for wahoo? Where do I sign up?

So folks, it looks like we have the bases covered for this week. Join us this Friday for more fun, infotainment and good times from the Elliott Museum.

Enjoy the Junkanoo action from last year's Bahamian Connection Celebration below! See you Friday at 10:05 a.m. on WPSL 1590 AM or http://www.wpsl.com/!

Bahamas update and Martin County introduces new tourism segments: Agri-tourism and Industrial-tourism

Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin shared with listeners today some of his "experiences" at the Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour last weekend, including the hospitality of Bob Kramm, Michael Choiniere and the entire Abaco Beach Resort staff, as well as Captain Marvin Steiding, a former Pirates Cove Resort & Marina charter operator, who took Gary and a group to Hope Town and Great Guana Cay aboard the Reel Candy.

From there, Gary and his co-host Robin Hicks-Connors, introduced Allon Fish, the CEO and executive director of the Indiantown Chamber of Commerce. He described in good detail the fact that at this time there is really only one hotel, the Seminole Inn, in western Martin County. He discussed the Dupuis Reserve and that folks are lobbying FPL to open up Barley Barber, which contains a one-mile boardwalk running through a cypress swamp of large bald cypress, red maples, and cabbage palms. Also discussed was the Indiantown rodeo, and Bike Fest scheduled for Sunday, March 29 (expected to draw 4,000 people).

Other highlights:

• Western Martin County has "Agri-tourism." OJ doesn't grow on trees in half-gallon containers. Folks can learn more about the citrus and cattle industries in Indiantown.

• Indiantown International Airport has the longest grass strip in the country.

• Lots of new construction and building in Indiantown is going to lead to "industrial-tourism." Housing, restaurants and other services are are needed to support the new FPL Solar Plan, a new Florida gas line, and the remodeling of two schools.

• The history of the Martin County Fair was discussed. The first fair 50 years ago drew 7,500 people; this year's fair is expected to draw 70,000.

As soon as the audio file for today's show is available, it'll be posted here for your listening pleasure!

To view shots from the Abaco trip click HERE.