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/.

Tasty Nibbles, Comfort Food, Golf, Wine: What More Could you Ask For?

Well listeners, we did live up to the promised headline for Friday’s show—Fantasies, Wine and a Big Taste (for Tourism). Ensconced at the corner table of our newest show sponsor, Artichoke Café, we covered an escape to a fantasy island, an international wine tasting and a really big food “taste."

The third annual Escape to Fantasy Island event, slated for Saturday, April 9,  was covered in great detail by committee co-chair Tara Biek. If you had only one night to escape to a fantasy island, this is your opportunity! Justin Beard, of the United Way of Martin County covered the role of this non-profit organization in our community.

Adrienne Moore spared no details on the 25th Taste of Success International Wine Tasting and the great work done by Helping People Succeed.

And, Bill Bee CEO of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, served up a great appeitzer of what to expect at Martin County’s most well-attended food affair—The Big Taste—with the opportunity to play a round of golf beforehand in the Big Golf Tournament.

So, was the burning question—do these organizations market to short-term stay visitors [tourists]—answered? You will have to listen to the show to get that answer, but we can tell you that there were some pretty innovative ways revealed on how these agencies are getting the message out.

At the top of the show, Artichoke Café chef and owner Steve Feder gave our listeners the story on the success of his latest endeavor and the BIG word is that THEY ARE NOW OPEN FOR DINNER! Artichoke Café's menu is all about Steve’s interpretation of 'comfort food.' Take Talkin’ Tourism’s word for it, check it out soon!

The rest of the show covered topics such as fast ferries coming to the Bahamas coming soon, the first Caribbean Tsunami Test with 33 island nations participating, and what Treasure Coast tournament winning captain just won the Bacardi Rum Billfish Tournament, which took place recently in Port Lucaya, Grand Bahama.

If you missed the show, you can listen to it or download it here. Enjoy!

Fantasies, Wine, and a Big Taste (for Tourism)

This week, Talkin Tourism will broadcast from a great eatery in Downtown Stuart—the Artichoke Café—which is  the show’s newest sponsor! We'll introduce you to Steve and Pam Feder, the owner/operators of this popular restaurant, and tell you more about their great menu and attention to dining excellance.

During 'the season,' the Treasure Coast social calendar is full of great events, which typically benefit local charitable organizations. Most of these are purposely scheduled during 'the season' to attract “valued seasonal residents,” as well as locals. Talkin’ Tourism is curious to find out if these events are indeed attended by Treasure Coast tourists, so we've invited a number of special guests who are involved in one of the major events on the horizon.

So, who'll be in the studio this week? Here's the line-up:

(1) Justin Beard and Tara Biek, representing the United Way of Martin County's Escape to Fantasy Island. Their event, although in its thrid year, is a relatively new one on the scene. Radio Man and Parrot Mom have attended in the past and it is a fabulous affair held on a tropical fantasy paradise in western Martin County.

(2) Bill Bee, the executive director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, will speak on behalf of The Big Taste (formerly known as The Taste of Martin County) and its accompanying Big Golf Tournament.

(3) Last, but certainly not least, Suzy Hutcheson representing Helping People Succeed’s 25th International Wine Tasting, will give us an idea of what wineries, restaurants and more are involved in this Treasure Coast tradition.

We will learn the real scoop of whether tourists flock to these events from the experienced event organizers themselves. Anyone want to wager a bet??

Looking at the broader tourism perspective,we'll provide an extensive update with happenings in the Islands of the Bahamas. Residents and visitors to South Florida are extremely fortunate to have such a beautiful island nation so close to our shores. No other state in the U.S. has such a beautiful tropical island nation so close to its shores. From fishing tournaments to eco-tourism opportunities, to diving and fun in the sun, Bahamas (FLAHAMA Fever) beckon those of us in Florida every spring, summer and beyond!

See you this Friday, March 25, on WPSL 1590 AM at 10:05 a.m. If you're out of radio range, you can still enjoy the fun by tuning in via computer at http://www.wpsl.com/!

Celebrating a Leader in the Marine Industries

Well ladies and gentlemen, there certainly was a party at the end of Salerno Road last Friday and it was at Stuart Yacht! Celebrating their 40th anniversary, the Burdick’s (Gregg and Nancy) and their staff welcomed the Talkin’ Tourism team and their invited guests with great fanfare.

It was great to see many local marine industry representatives joining in the celebration. Soon after the studio was set up, guests began arriving to be part of the show and to wish Stuart Yacht another 40 years of continued success.

Owner Gregg Burdick spoke about many marine related items including: how the business started, his founding roles in the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast and the Maritime and Classic Boat Museum, his experience working for the Bahamas Telecommunications Company, and more. Gregg was initially a little taken aback by the preshow blog title ("There's a Party at the End of the World") but when he stopped for a second and thought about it, he realized it was fitting since mariners and yachtsmen from all over the world have come to take advantage of his company's personal service and quality craftsmanship.

Shifting gears from the past and into the present, our listeners were introduced to the new general manager, Dave Astras, who is no stranger to the boating industry. Dave has some very specific plans on growing the business beyond the local scene and developing a presence in the global marine economy. All this from the shores of the South Fork of the St. Lucie River.

We had the pleasure of having a few words with Jay Coyle, editor at large for Yachting Magazine, who has been a longtime customer of Stuart Yacht. Also, stepping in was Bill Astras, David’s father who has just retired from his 'day job.' Bill was a captain for Jim Smith Boats (which are built in Stuart) and fished many tournaments in the Bahamas (and beyond).

Besides a Bahamas updates and a mention of local weekend events of interest, this week the grand finale was a recap of the Top 10 Snorkeling Destinations in the Caribbean (according to Frommer’s).

Gregg and Nancy, the muffins and coffee were great, as was the Italian spread for lunch! Thanks a million for inviting Talkin' Tourism to be part of the celebration!

For those of you who missed last Friday's show, you can listen now by downloading the audio file here.

See you on Friday for another hour full of tourism facts, news, and more!