Indiantown Marine and Tourism Updates, and Art in the Pocket!

Heading out west last Friday was lots of fun.  While we did not ride any horses or go bass fishing, we did find out from Scott Watson that there is lots going on 'out there,' including nature tours, hiking, biking, photo safaris, fresh water largemouth bass fishing. Western Martin County is truly an “outdoorsman’s paradise” as described by outdoor writer Dan Bryan.

Scott provided listeners with a little history of the Indiantown Marina and described the important role it has played in the development of Indiantown.  Being located so far from the coast, one would be surprised at the marine activity that takes place at the marina.  What was surprising to show host Gary Guertin (and perhaps some listeners), was the number of sailboats that are stored at the Indiantown Marina during hurricane season versus the number of power boats.  The Treasure Coast is not known as a “sailing mecca” so the conversation included why this is the case.

Keeping with the marine theme, Gary, c0-host Robin Hicks-Connors and Scott also talked at length about the importance of the Cross Florida Canal/Okeechobee Waterway and the unique position this places Stuart in. It's a real competitive advantage!  This might help influence the proposal for a fee-based U.S. Customs and Border Protection office at Witham Field. Listeners, do you think this be of benefit to the boating community? Gary, Robin and Scott share their opinions during the show.

At the top of the show, events promoter Lindsay Nickerson shared her contagious enthusiasm on the Port Salerno Arts Show, which is held the last Sunday of every month.  Some folks in the know say Port Salerno evolving into the “arts colony” of Martin County.  It will if Lindsay and some of her associates have anything to say about it!  Lindsay has lots in store to make it more fun. Listen in to hear the plans. 

As always, thanks for tuning in. 'See you' next week, Friday, September 3 at 10 a.m. on WPSL 1590 AM or on the web at www.wpsl.com for another hour packed with tourism tidbits from around the Treasure Coast and beyond!

Here's last week's show. Don't forget you can subscribe to Talkin' Tourism podcasts via iTunes. And, if you're not already following us on Facebook, check out our page and please share the link with your friends!

Catchin' a Seahorse Bound for the West

This week, Radio Man and History Lady are strapping on their jeans, saddling up their seashorses (or maybe sea ponies), and takin' western. Western Treasure Coast that is. 

The western area of the Treasure Coast, over by Lake Okeechobee, is also a part of that Great State of Mind, FLAHAMA.  This week Allon Fish, president and CEO of the Indiantown Chamber of Commerce, will update listeners and fans about what is new for visitors and locals away from the coast.  Airplane rides at Indiantown Airport, bass fishing in Lake Okeechobee, hiking in the Barley Barber Swamp, swamp buggy tours and Sunday Brunch at the Seminole Inn, and it doesn't stop there! All are different from the experiences enjoyed on the Atlantic coast.

Also in the studio will be Scott Watson, owner/operator of the Indiantown Marina.  What's a major marina doing away from the coast?  That’s a good question! Well Scott has this rather important canal, the Okeechobee Waterway and Cross Florida Canal, which passes right through his backyard. What makes the Treasure Coast, and specifically Martin County, such a unique destination is truly the fact that you can cross through the central part of the State of Florida from the west coast to the east coast, pass through the world famous Lake Okeechobee and exit the east coast at Stuart, Florida.   

What's even more amazing is that both boating enthusiasts and non-boaters do not know this.  Scott will share his ideas on how we can promote this asset.

Strap on your boots and join us on Friday at 10 a.m. (WPSL 1590 AM or www.wpsl.com)  for more infotainment and fun!

This Week, Three P's Took Center Stage---Pineapples, Pirates and (air) Planes

Gary and Robin were reunited this week back at the Elliott Museum “studio". Eventhough the crew was home, the show could not get into gear without first recapping the Talkin' Tourism adventures on Eleuthera last week. Without question Robin will be going to Eleuthera sometime soon as she continues her quest for exotic sportfishing locations. Right Robin?

Having gotten past the Eleutheran adventures Radio Man and History Lady launched in to this week’s show by introducing Mike Roberts, president of the Road To Victory Military Museum. Certainly Robin had lots to say as she IS the CEO of the Elliott Museum! The big news was Mike’s conversation about the upcoming Stuart Air Show, which the Road to Victory Museum is now commanding. Mike shared some interesting facts on what his group will be doing to inject some new activities into the very popular weekend event. It’s pretty cool stuff!

Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ron Rose was not shy about sharing what he feels makes the Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival such a great success. Now in its 23rd year, the event will also mark the 20th anniversary of the “Sister City” relationship the town of Jensen Beach, Florida shares with Gregory Town, Eleuthera. Besides talking about the entertainment line-up, Ron gave details on the Bahamian Marketplacewhether event goers can expect a Junkanoo rush-out.

If you can swagger, and talk like a pirate, the Treasure Coast Pirate Fest may be just the event for you and your family. More about this popular event, which is in it's third year, in the show.

Here's the link to download or listen the audio file of this week's show. See you in a week for another action-packed hour of Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast (and Beyond)!

Pirates, Planes, Pineapples and Party!

As we begin to approach autumn, the calendar begins to fill quite rapidly with events and festivals for enjoyment by locals and visitors alike. Not wanting to get behind the proverbial eight-ball, this week Radio Man and History Lady talk fun, fun and more fun.

Back from Eleuthera, (be sure to check  out the Free Companion Airfare promotion) Radio Man and Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond) would be remiss if we did not talk about the Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival. Slated this year for November 5-7, this year’s event marks te festival's 23rd anniversary and 20th anniversary of the Sister City relationship with Gregory Town, Eleuthera, home of the original Pineapple Festival. Ron Rose, executive director of the Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce, will discuss planned highlights for this year’s event.

One of the most popular events over the last ten years has been the Stuart Air Show, whose lead sponsor had been the Visiting Nurses Association of Florida. The big change this year is that the Road to Victory Military Museum is now the lead sponsor. This year’s dates are November 13-14. What, if any, changes are in store this year for this fabulous event?

The Treasure Coast would not be the “Treasure Coast” if it were not for our history of pirates, blunder and wenches. The Treasure Coast Pirate Fest, will be sailing into Downtown Stuart, Florida September 10-12. This festival will certainly please every scallywag, buccaneer, privateer and matey.

Like music? Ron Hart, the self-appointed Cultural Ambassador to Downtown Stuart, will share his excitement about “Rockin’ Riverwalk” coming in October for the winter season.

Tune your radio dial to WPSL 1590 or your computer's browser to www.wpsl.com at 10 a.m. for Treasure Coast fun and more on this week’s episode of Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond).