All aboard for Stuart Boat Show fun!

Chris Pollock, Gary Guertin Rick Allen, Robin Hicks-Connors,

Richard Treco, Bahamas Tourism office intern Ashley Knowles,

Rozeta Mahboubi and Donna Munroe post-show---all ready

for some boat show fun!

The Allied Marine Group conference room was packed with the Who’s Who of the marine tourism and Stuart Boat Show this week and the conversation was lively and engaging.  After introducing our host John Burkard, the president of Allsports Productions, Rick Allen, gave us a great rundown on what was in store for attendees at the 38th Annual Stuart Boat Show. Sharing in the conversation was John Smith, president of the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast (MIATC). John shared his vision on what needs to occur to build the Treasure Coast's marine industry economy, as well as the industry's impact on marine tourism.  Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Rozeta Mahboubi got right to the heart of the importance of the boat show and its important role in consistently keeping Stuart on the map as a world-class harbour-front community. Interestingly, Rozeta came up with a new name for the Cross Florida Canal/Okeechobee Waterway---Florida's Panama Canal. Very fitting for the gateway connecting the Gulf Coast to the East Coast, The Bahamas and the eastern Caribbean.

With South Florida and the Treasure Coast being on the doorstep to the Islands of the Bahamas, Richard Treco and Donna Munroe from the Bahamas Tourist Office joined the show to spread the Bahamas good cheer.  Just what good cheer did they talk about?  All the great incentives the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has initiated to attract boaters, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts of all types!  In addition, Donna also shared her passion for Grand Bahama Island, specifically sharing Grand Bahama is not just Port Lucaya and Freeport!  There are many unique and diverse attributes to the Islands of the Bahamas “Second City”.  And, special guest Chris Pollock, representing the Bimini Big Game Club, brought listeners up to speed on activity on Bimini and more.

Last but certainly not least, co-host Robin Hick-Connors made a very surprising and important announcement at the top of the show.  Described by others as an “adventure of a lifetime," Robin shared that on a recent fishing trip, she had caught (and released) her first sailfish. Check out the show audio (you can download the January 13 Stuart Boat Show edition here) to hear the details (and excitement) straight from Robin!

Thanks for being a Talkin' Tourism listener, and always feel free to suggest any great tourism topics you or others would like to hear more about.

Catch us next week, same time (10:05 a.m.), same channel (WPSL 1590 AM or www.wpsltv.com), and more great fun!

Pitching Camp Along the Okeechobee Waterway

This week's guests:  Capt. Mike Conner, Joe Pilla
and Mike Nichols.

After a very short drive west from Stuart, the Talkin’ Tourism’ team was in the woods heading down Lost River Road and entering Phipps Park. Joe Pilla, supervisor of Phipps Park, stood ready to greet Gary and Robin and to welcome them to the great outdoors! After quickly converting the supervisor's residence into the on-the-road studio, the duo were ready to talk camping and, as usual, the fun began.

Joe painted pictures with words, detailing the Phipps Park's features and amenities. From traditional primitive sites to RV sites with electric and water connections, Phipps Park is well-suited to accommodate camping and RV enthusiasts. Joe told us where the park's guests come from, both during the off-season as well as during the traditional in-season. He even shared that not all guests come from afar, meaning locals like to get off the grid sometimes too and the park is a great escape not far away (hmmmmm....sounds like a tourism campaign).

Camping is traditionally a family endeavor and Phipps Park features a few amenities specifically designed for families with children. For river fishing enthusiasts, Phipps Park is a perfect venue!

There is always some truth to rumors, and in this case, the rumor turned out to be true. Mark Nichols, founder of D.O.A. Fishing Lures, and fishing guide extraordinaire Capt. Mike Conner made guest appearances on the show. Both enthusiastically shared the various types of fishing available in the waterways borderin the park. These two fishing professionals certainly know their stuff.

If you are a visitor thinking about a camping vacation in Martin County or a local contemplating a camping stay-cation, download last Friday’s show, pop out some marshmallows, light up the camp fire, and don't forget to gather the kids and grab your favorite fishing pole. You're in for a real treat! To see photos of the park, see the slide slow below.

• Download the January 28 Talkin' Tourism show.
• Download the Phipps Park brochure.