Operation Blue Suit, St. Lucie Inlet Update, and Romantic Beaches

If you have ever thought about spending time on a beautiful island surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, and one with fabulous fishing and world-class diving, after listening to Talkin' Tourism co-host Robin Hicks-Connor's first-hand account of her four-day Talkin’ Tourism “secret mission," you just might be on the phone now booking your own trip to San Salvador, Bahamas! Robin's mission was to see the island like a local, and by all accounts from Robin (and the very active coconut telegraph), she did that and probably a little more.

Listeners got to hear about Elvis, Peaches, Davey Crockett, Margonda, Hilton, Michelle and the great hospitality extended to Robin and her traveling cohort Lynn during their island getaway. Robin described the local night spot, the great local food, fabulous beaches and her personal tour of the island’s more remote areas. Her enthusiasm was off the hook (pun intended). Unfortunately, sea conditions were a bit uncooperative and she never encountered “the man in the blue suit” despite several attempts to visit his local haunts. Will Robin return for another try? We'll let you answer that question!

Other topics included a recap of the St. Lucie Inlet meeting on April 26 to discuss dredging and possible funding sources. Boaters from near and far, as well as those businesses who are impacted by the health of the marine industries, know this is a critical Treasure Coast, Florida issue. If you missed the meeting or last week's show, the audio file from last week's show will bring you up to speed.

Char Griggs, the executive director of the Stuart Sailfish Club, made a guest appearance on the show to share all the special details of this weekend's Stuart Sailfish Club Ladies Tournament. Will you be fishing? The weather is supposed to be great and rumor has it that History Lady is trying to field a team of ladies anglers. This Friday, we'll give you an update on any late-breaking tournament details.

Florida 2011 tourism numbers seem to be improving at a steady pace. Has that spread across the Gulf Stream to the Family Islands in the Bahamas? Talkin’ Tourism took a regional look and shared recent reports from the Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board’s recent survey of hotels and resorts, which indicate better days seem to be on the horizon. If you'd like to hear those details, it's all on last week's show audio file, which you can download here.

Last, but not least, listeners learned about five of Florida's top-rated beaches by category. If you missed it, no problem, we've got you covered. Here's the audio file from last week to find out where you may want to go this summer for a nearby romantic beach vacation.

'See you' on Friday!

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.

Tourism updates, fishing tournaments and here marlin, marlin.

Marlin release courtesy of Reel Candy Sportfishing.

Sometimes the best made plans do not turn out as expected.  Radio Man, History Lady and special guest co-host Ed Griffith anxiously waited for phone-in guest and Florida tourism guru Jack Wert, to call in to the show to discuss proposed changes in the way Florida is promoted as a world class destination. Well, Jack got tied up in meetings and his call didn't come until after the show, so the Talkin’ Tourism crew moved on to the spring cleaning (or purging) of the show files.  

With lots of items to cover, the hour, as always, flew by. What did we cover?  Here is the list:

• St. Lucie Inlet dredging
• Approval of a fee-based U.S. Customs Office in Stuart
• Robin’s secret mission to San Salvador
• The Bahamas Billfish Championship
• Bimini Big Game Club’s approaching inaugural Billfish Invitational
• Third annual Lionfish Derby & Dinner at Green Turtle Cay
• Ladies Let’s Go Fishing Seminar coming to Stuart
• Three tips to beat airline extra baggage fees
• Increased bed tax dollars this season on the Treasure Coast, and
• the main topic, the possible changes to Visit Florida from the perspective of a local Treasure Coast hotelier. 

Whew!

Some of these topics (dredging of the St. Lucie Inlet, Visit Florida, fishing, and secret missions) will return as more details unfold.

If you missed the show, download the audio file HERE. As always, thanks for listening and be sure to tune back in on Friday at 10 a.m. for another fun hour of Talkin' Tourism. Will Robin find her "guy in a blue suit?"  We'll let you know on Friday!

Sailing Lattitudes and Ineffective Traveler Attitudes

For a region noted for power boating and high performance sportfishing, it was a real eye opener to speak with two officials from the U.S. Sailing Center of Martin County, the executivie director Alan Jenkinson,  and chairman of the center's board of directors, Jim St. John. Since 1992, this Martin County facility has taught thousands the art and sport of sailing. Now, in a well-equipped facility at Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach, the U.S. Sailing Center is truly a top-notch facility. Alan and Jim both shared the center attracts many visitors, who travel to the Treasure Coast to participate in various regattas, special events and sailing classes. The sailing center is even producing world-class competitors! There are too many details to go into here on the blog, so if you missed the show, check out the archived show audio. After learning more about what the center does, you just may want to volunteer at this first-class and riverfront sailing center.

Jim St. John (who is also the president and CEO of Mantis Hospitality), Radio Man and History Lady had a great time reviewing Landlopers.com Seven Habits of Highly Ineffective Travelers.

If you missed the show, here's Landloper's 'ineffective' list:

1. Dream trip fantasies
2. Mortgage your home
3. Distrust new food
4. Refuse to toleratre
5. Thinking inside the box
6. The world is your resort
7. Stay home

Be sure to check out the Landlopers blog for more detailed and colorful explanations. As ridiculous as the habits may sound to most seasoned travelers, Radio Man, History Lady and Jim all shared some personal firsthand accounts of examples they have experienced during their careers in the travel and tourism industry. Hopefully you aren't an 'ineffective traveler' and will get as much of a chuckle out of the list as we did.

Those are just the highlights of our Friday, April 16 show. For the finer points, such as Bimini’s End of the World Bar reopening, St. Lucie Inlet updates, “this week in history," and more, download the show, pour your favorite beverage and take a mini-vacation on us. See you again this coming Friday!

Sailing and the 7 Habits of Ineffective Travelers

For decades, Stuart and the Treasure Coast have been primarily known for sportfishing and power boating. Many other parts of the country however, have a strong reputation for sail powered craft. New England, the Chesapeake Bay area, the Great Lakes and the west coast of the United States are all noteworthy for the number of sailboats that ply their waters. Given that fact, why would someone work to establish a U.S. Sailing Center here in Stuart, Florida? This week, Talkin’ Tourism will have the U.S. Sailing Center of Martin County’s executive director, Alan Jenkinson, and the board of directors chairman, Jim St. John, as our special guests.

Here's a little history on the U.S. Sailing Center of Martin County to set the stage for Friday:

In 1992, a small group of community leaders envisioned the possibilities and opportunities that a community sailing center could provide to children and residents of Martin County. Later that year, US SAILING, the National Governing Body of sailing in the United States, authorized the group to develop a "small boat training facility" in Martin County. The center had a modest beginning, operating from a trailer located on the Jensen Beach Causeway. With hard-working volunteers and donated sailboats, the center began to grow. In 1998, it was recognized as the nation's, "most creative and innovative community sailing program." In April 2002, the center moved into a new home at the north end of Indian Riverside Park. Like the little engine that could, the U.S. Sailing Center of Martin County has grown into a world class facility.

What else is on tap for this week? How about a list of the Seven Habits of Highly Ineffective Travelers. Hopefully, none of our listeners are guilty of these. A St. Lucie Inlet dredging update, what’s going on in the Bahamas as well as events and activities you will not want to miss here on the Treasure Coast will round out the hour.

Enjoy the rest of your week. Gary and Robin look forward to entertaining you Friday morning!

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/.