Inlet in Peril and Home Sweet Home

John Smith listens in while Butch Bayle talks about his beautiful
marina, Sailfish Marina, and the services they offer.

It is always great getting a fresh start. Last Friday was our first show from our new home studio, Sailfish Marina in Stuart, Florida. To kick off the first show from our new location, Sailfish Marina owner and operator Butch Bayley welcomed the Talkin’ Tourism team and gave our listeners an overview of their beautiful marina, along with all of the services they provide to the boating community.

The key topic for this week, and one that we will revisit as developments occur, is the perilous condition of the St. Lucie Inlet and the efforts to determine a solution both short and long term for this important economic resource of our community. Launching the discussion this week was John Smith, president of the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast and owner of River Forest Yachting Center. While certainly there are many differing opinions on the matter, John, Radio Man and History Lady were all in agreement that decisions need to be based on sound and factual information. Many comments made by observers may not in fact be accurate. This can lead to lots of needless emotion and concern on the issue. Despite some interesting thoughts on the best solution provided by some, there are many factors to be considered in the current inlet equation. We hope that you will follow us on this issue over the coming weeks as we seek to ensure that all of the facts are clear and the best decision is made for the long term solution. We would love to hear your thoughts. If you're inclined to share, please email them to us at talkintourism@gmail.com.

Who would have thought disasters could translate to boosts in tourism a particular attractions? If you missed the show, check it out HERE to learn which types of museums and locations around the U.S. have had a boost in attendance due to the recent disaster in Japan.

We hit the Top 15 Places Your Kids Should Visit before they Turn 15, and Robin had some interesting insight to our list based on experiences with her daughter Ashley. It wasn’t what Radio Man expected, that’s for sure!

Lastly, our second book review was interesting and a segment we look forward to building as time goes on. The 100th anniversary edition of John Muir’s My First Summer in the Sierra with accompanying photos by Scott Miller made a big impression on Gary. Again, if you listened to the show, you know how big of an impression. If you missed the show, you can catch Gary's review HERE.

Thanks for checking out the blog! We'll be broadcasting live from Melbourne Beach on Friday's show. Tune in for all the fun and infotainment!

An Inlet in Peril, Disaster Tourism, and 15 Places Your Kids Should See Before 15

The Grand Canyon. Photo courtesy of http://www.fixtours.com/.

For over 100 years, the St. Lucie Inlet has been a conduit of economic vitality for Martin County. Providing access to the Atlantic ocean, the St. Lucie Inlet invited growth and development of three distinct industries:  commercial fishing, sport fishing, and recreational boating. It also impacted ancillary businesses that rely on a healthy marine economy. Combined, these  industries play a significant role in the continued growth of tourism.

Since the St. Lucie Inlet is not a deep water port, Martin County has always struggled for funds to ensure the inlet's navigability. Like clock-work, shoaling of the inlet has once again become problematic. Economic conditions of the Treasure Coast region, state and nation are influencing the ability to obtain the funding to properly maintain this important resource.

Numerous solutions have been suggested, including one to do nothing. This week, Talkin’ Tourism will launch a series of conversations to help inform our listeners on the realities associated with this issue. John Smith, president of the Marine Industries of the Treasure Coast, along with Butch Bayley, owner of Sailfish Marina, will share their views and insight on the situation.

For the second time, the show will include a travelers book review: My First Summer in the Sierra by John Muir, which has been re-released on the 100 anniversary of its initial publishing in 1911. This newly released edition is accompanied by the stunning images of award winning photographer Scott Miller. As a side note, John Muir was the founder of the Sierra Club. If you are into nature based tourism (or photography), you will want to learn more about this book.

With the Elliott Museum closing to prepare for the construction of the new museum, Talkin’ Tourism has found a a new “home” studio. Sailfish Marina, located on the Manatee Pocket, will be Radio Man and History Lady’s new broadcast location when not on the road. Thanks Butch and Jan for your southern hospitality!

Wondering about our other planned topics of conversation? How about atomic tourism (and that's not an early April Fool's joke), 15 places kids should see before they are 15 years old, Bahamas updates and lots more!  Don't miss the fun and adventure. Tune in this Friday morning (April 1) at 10:05 a.m. to WPSL 1590 AM or check out the live Internet stream of the show at http://www.wpsltv.com/.