Historical Perspectives from Sea Captains to Cattle Ranchers

In today's fast-paced world, full of technology, social media and instant gratification, it's rare to have the opportunity to sit back and learn from a pioneer, who has decades of perspective and insight into a niche of the tourism and hospitality industry that has played a significant role in our region.

This week, Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!) is blessed with a very special opportunity to talk with G. Curt Whiticar, the founder of world-renown Whiticar Boatworks company, located right here in Stuart, Florida. Curt Whiticar, who some refer to as the "father of marine tourism," combined uncanny insight, knowledge and ability to design and build a superior sportsfishing line that is now known and revered world-wide. His wisdom and business savvy, established the basis of the Treasure Coast's marine tourism industry.

Curt will give us the chronology painting the picture of why Stuart become known as 'The Sailfish Capital of the World' and 'The Fishing Grounds of Presidents'. What makes this show even more special is that Mr. Whiticar will be celebrating his 100th birthday two days after the show. In addition to building one heck of a boat, Curt is also a prolific painter and a published author.
To provide a point-counter point to the conversation, Jim Dragseth, the president of Whiticar Boatworks, Inc. will be in the house to share with listeners his perspectives on the state of the marine tourism industry on the Treasure Coast (and beyond) and its possibilities for the future.

From sportfishing, the conversation will flow to another industry early pioneers established in Florida and beyond—cattle ranching. Making his third appearance on Talkin' Tourism Dr. Doug Noble, Ph.D., the Assistant Director of Exhibits and Public Programs from the Florida Museum of Natural History, has traveled all the way from Gainesville, Florida to share with our listeners information about two special exhibits (Florida Cattle Ranching and Florida Cowboys: Keepers of the Last Frontier) that will open at the musuem on Saturday, February 12. These FREE exhibits, which are on display through May 8, take an in-depth look at Florida’s Cattle ranching history and its continued impact on the state’s economy. If you are looking for a cultural reason to pony up-state, this is it.

Join us Friday morning (WPSL 1590 AM on your radio or http://www.wpsltv.com/) at 10:05 a.m. as we broadcast live from the Whiticar Boat Works facility on the shores of Willoughby Creek, in Stuart, Florida.

• Learn more about the history of Whiticar Boatworks

An Art-Mackin-Wahoo Show-tini!

Artist Dan Mackin, Ellen Peitz, Robin Hicks-Connors,
and Captain Marvin Steiding.

What do you get when you mix equal parts of a world recognized tropical marine artist, a world-class art festival in a small Florida downtown, and a world-class sportfishing captain, shake them rather than stir them, and then turn on the microphones? What you get is a fantastic edition of Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!).

The 10th annual Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts was the catalyst that brought Ellen Peitz, Dan Mackin and Captain Marvin Steiding together for this great show. By the time you read this, the Festival of the Arts will be just a memory. But what a great memory it will be if you attended the show.

Ellen, thanks for doing such a great job of letting our listeners know how great a show it was going to be this year.

Having famed artist Dan Mackin in the studio was a flashback all the way back to show number three when Dan appeared as a guest. Listeners of this week's show got a real up close and personal look at what Mr. Mackin is all about, what inspires his art and why he chose to live in beautiful Hobe Sound, Florida. Dan also talked about his current collaboration with former Beach Boy Brian Wilson!

Continuing education is good for everyone, even those who love to fish! Captain Marvin Steiding was on hand to tells our listeners and fans about a great hands-on learning opportunity—Marlin University. And, if you're thinking about or planning a trip to San Salvador, Bahamas soon, Captain Steiding declared it's “monster wahoo season” in San Sal, so be prepared! If you don't have you're own boat to travel to San Salvador, Captain Steiding can hook you up!

Here is the audio file of last Friday's Talkin' Tourism show. Hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed producing it. See you next week!

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.

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.