941-743-1900
FAX: 941-743-2245
www.pureflorida.com
Contact: Becky Bovell
941.743-1900
Satellite Conference Counters
Post-Hurricane Images
Testimony on Pristine Nature-based Vacation Destination
Hurricane Charley paid an unwelcome visit to Charlotte County on Aug. 13, damaging manmade structures along its narrow track, but leaving the area’s natural attractions and environmental assets – largely intact.
The Charlotte County Visitor’s Bureau initiated a live satellite media conference and simultaneous Webcast to counter the disturbing television images of hurricane damage. The event was produced by Waterman Broadcasting in Fort Myers and broadcast from Harpoon Harry’s restaurant at Fishermen’s Village, a popular tourist attraction over which the eye of Hurricane Charley passed.
“Network news outlets were quick to broadcast photos of demolished structures during and after Charley,” said Becky Bovell, Charlotte County’s Director of Tourism. “But shortly after the storm left, so did the cameras, leaving people with vivid images of damage and debris. Those images do not accurately portray the current condition of our nature-blessed ‘eco-tourism’ destination and we wanted to set the record straight.”
“I am not aware of anyone else in Florida tourism who has taken the opportunity to nationally broadcast post-hurricane conditions,” continued Bovell, “and I am pleased to set a precedent in Charlotte County.”
What has not been reported, Bovell added, is that Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands has a resilient tropical ecology which uses storms to rejuvenate and replenish the environment, making the upcoming winter new growth season uniquely appealing.
To verify that claim, Bovell assembled a panel of six area experts who spoke with authority and experience on such subjects as wildlife and natural habitats, harbor ecology, sport and game fishing, arts and culture, and the business community recovery effort in Punta Gorda, the city most affected by the storm.
“It’s been a true cleansing process,” said Captain Marian Schneider, naturalist instructor and owner of Grande Tours, a kayak outfitter and tour company. “Nature knows what she’s doing. I’ve been talking to shrimpers and crabbers and they’re having the best season they’ve had in years. And the migratory birds are back in force. People who visit this season will be able to see nature’s miraculous recovery in a way they may not see again in their lifetime.”
Also broadcast at the conference was new video footage filmed within the last two weeks, showing the true condition of the area’s natural attractions and tourism amenities.
“The fish will be particularly abundant this season,” said Captain Ralph Allen, owner of King Fisher Fleet fishing and cruise boats. “On Tuesday, we took a skeptical outdoor newspaper writer out on the water. To his surprise, we hauled in snook, redfish, spotted sea trout along with several other catch varieties. It emphatically proved what I already know – that fishing in Charlotte Harbor is exceptionally good this season.”
In addition to Bovell, Schneider and Allen, the panel of experts included Steve Tutko, retired biologist and tour director for the Babcock Ranch wilderness area; Judy Malbuisson, director of the Arts and Humanities Council of Charlotte County; Mike McFarland, general manager of Palm Island Resort; and Donna Heidenreich, executive director of the Punta Gorda Business & Community Alliance.
Video disks, Beta and other formats of both the teleconference and the new video footage will be provided to media upon request. Streaming video footage will also be posted on the Visitor’s Bureau Web site, www.pureflorida.com .
Also posted will be contact information for the Visitor’s Bureau’s panel of experts, who are available to answer questions. For more information about Charlotte County attractions, contact the Visitor’s Bureau at (941) 743-1900, Becky Bovell by cell at (941) 204-0057, or public relations representative Bob Massey at (941) 276-0714.
–
END –