Stu, Carol, Paul, Mary and a dog named Taz

The latest Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast took the show to the man and woman on the “streets” or should we say the “waterways." For the first time since the show's inception, hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors had the opportunity to speak with “Valued Seasonal Boaters" and learn first-hand their perceptions of the Treasure Coast.

Guests Stu and Carol Brewer are repeat visitors to Stuart, enjoying life aboard their 36-foot trawler. The Brewer's are relatively new to the boating lifestyle. During the show, Gary and Robin explore why the Brewers like to winter on the Treasure Coast, how they like life on the water, and how they made the decision to jump in to boating with both feet.

Next up was Paul and Mary Dolan, first-timers from New Market, Maryland. Their story is totally different! Here we have an entire family--mom, dad, four children (ages 17, 13, 12 and 7), and a boat dog, named Taz, on an adventure of a life-time. What possessed this family to purchase a 1977 46’ sailboat and head down the Intracoastal Waterway with dreams of visiting Florida the Islands of the Bahamas? Their story will make you think about what just may be the really important things in life. Are these teenagers missing their social scene? What about school? Is experiential education better than learning in the confines of a four walled classroom? Hear this and more by listening to their story.

Treasure Coast Airlines in up and running. Looking for quick New Year getaway? How about New Year’s Eve in Bimini? Gary and Robin cover this and more island happenings.

Trying to entice your family and friends to head south for the winter? Share the Talkin' Tourism blog link with them and tell them to leave the frigid north behind.

If your holiday plans will keep you away from your radio this week, Gary, Robin, the cast and crew of Harborage Yacht Club & Marina, the Martin County Historical Society, and those in hospitality businesses  on Florida's beautiful Treasure Coast, wish you Happy Holidays!

Miss the (December 18) show? You can listen or download the last Talkin' Tourism show HERE.

Safari's and Airplanes

Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast took a walk on the wild side this week both on the ground and in the air with two great guests. On the ground was Joe O’Bannon, owner/operator of J&R Outfitters located in western Martin County. We have often stated that "Martin County offers a hugely diverse menu of activities," but after you listen to Friday’s show, you will know that that statement is BEYOND true.

Joe took Talkin' Tourism hosts Robin Hicks-Connors and Gary Guertin on safari describing the workings a true game reserve, how they are saving critically endangered species, providing a nature experience that could only be replicated in many instances, by traveling Sub-Sahara Africa. Listeners learned what the differences are between a game farm, a game ranch and a true game reserve. They also learned that J&R Outfitters isn't the only place to hunt in Martin County, and how many State owned hunting areas there are in Martin County.

Big news! Stuart now has a on-demand, scheduled airlift to Walker’s Cay and Marsh Harbour, Abaco. Treasure Coast Airlines owner Danny Krachun’s service is receiving huge interest from Treasure Coast residents and visitors who wish to spend time in the Bahamas. Other points discussed was the issue of filling empty seats on the run back to the Treasure Coast.

The Treasure Coast is definitely on the cutting edge of some great new tourism happenings. Stay tuned to Talkin' Tourism weekly to learn about the lastest tourism news first!

If you missed this show, you can download it here.

Hunting and Fishing on Florida's Treasure Coast and a 'New' Way to Hit the Bahamas

The Treasure Coast is verifiably diverse in its attractions, offerings and activities to visitors who chose the area as a vacation destination. Most locals and visitors are attracted to the area for our beaches, waterways, small town charm, arts/culture, and more. But there is more to the Treasure Coast than the coast. As we have discussed on prior shows, the western portions of Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties offer vistas, activities and experiences that differ dramatically from a beach experience.

In Florida, and many other states, hunting and fishing represent millions in tourism dollars. A few hunting and fishing factoids for you to digest:

•  Sportsmen support more jobs than Disney World (85,000 vs. 61,000)
•  There are 214,000 resident hunters in Florida
•  Florida sportsmen spend $4.8 billion annually.
•  Florida ranks number two in the nation in total economic impact from hunting and fishing. Texas is number one in the nation.

J&R Outfitters, the largest preserve east of the Mississippi River, is located in Martin County. Guest Joe O’Bannon will describe the fascinating and unique hunting opportunities to be experienced at this hunting lodge. But it is more than just hunting. The 3,000-acre preserve is home to dozens of Florida native species. Some of the topics we'll explore with Jim this week is how hunting at J&R Outfitter’s compares with hunting in Africa. Two more factoids:  Mr. O’Bannon is one of the few hunters licensed in several African countries. And, swamp buggy photo safaris are one of the adventures offered by J&R Outfitters.

Are the Bahamas getting closer? It certainly seems so to many Treasure Coast residents with the announcement this week by Treasure Coast Airlines beginning service to the Bahamas from Witham Field in Stuart and from St. Lucie County International Airport, Ft. Pierce. Guest Danny Krachun will be a guest in the studio this Friday to provide details on this much needed airlift to the Bahamas. Some of the questions Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast plans to explore is what destinations will be serviced and will Bahamians utilize this service to come to the Treasure Coast? Talkin' Tourism hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connor predict the new service will be a HUGE success.

Tune in this Friday, December 11, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. by radio (WPSL 1590 AM) or computer (http://www.wpsl.com/). 'See' you then!