Inlets, Secret Missions, Summer Vacations, and Sizzling Beaches

With co-host Robin returning from her “mission” to San Salvador, Bahamas, this week we will tap into her experience and learn all we can about the island that is a legend for spectacular fishing and diving, which is also where Christopher Columbus first reached the America. Informants on island relayed back to Talkin’ Tourism headquarters that History Lady and her associate Lynne “experienced the island like a local." Did she find “the man in the blue suit”?  And, who is Elvis? A limo sightseeing tour in an island only twelve miles long and five miles wide? Hmmmm, is there a San Salvador-Treasure Coast-FLAHAMA connection here?

Several days ago (April 26), a public meeting was held to discuss the fate of the seriously shoaling St. Lucie Inlet. If you missed the meeting, Radio Man will share his impressions on the responses of the panel and bring you up to speed on where we may be headed. Does the inlet benefit only a select group of people or do we all benefit from this waterway asset?

Is tourism up in the Family Islands or is it holding its own? A recent report from the Bahamas Out Island Promotion’s Board indicates mixed results. What islands and properties are up, and which ones are “holding their own?"

And, what about those rising gas prices? Will they impact summer travel? In most households, the answer is a loud "YES!" So, it's time to explore alternatives to ensure a summer get-a-way.

Are you staying “in-state” this summer and looking for the best beaches in Florida? We’ll be running down the list of  the top ones in the Sunshine State as ranked by Visit Florida. Categories include the best beach for solitude, family vacation, whitest sand, and most romantic. (Here's the Travel Channel's 5 secret beaches they claim will give you a taste of a lesser-known, less-crowded Florida--and one is very close by.) What kind of beach is your favorite?

All this, and of course, things to do, places to go and people to see on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and beyond) coming up Friday (April 29) morning at 10 a.m.. Tune in on the radio at WPSL 1590 AM. Those out of listening range, can pick up the show on the web at www.wpsl.com.

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.

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/!