BIMINI, Bahamas, July 19, 2007 – From July 12-15, Bimini Bay Resort and Marina played host to the 21st annual Latin Builders Association of South Florida (LBA) fishing tournament where approximately 150 boats and yachts and nearly 1,100 guests traveled across the Bahamian channel for a weekend of fun and relaxation at Bimini Bay Resort and Marina.
Located only 48 miles off the coast of South Florida, vacationers made the short trip to the small island of Bimini enjoying a weekend of Bahamian-inspired cuisine prepared by the resort’s award-winning Executive Chef Wayde Sweeting, games and nights filled with music and dancing and fun-filled days of fishing, boating and beach volleyball on white sandy beaches. The weekend was topped off with an awards banquet in the bayfront event facility overlooking Bimini’s emerald green waters.
“The tournament was such a riveting success that we will begin a tradition of holding future LBA tournaments at Bimini Bay Resort and Marina,” said LBA Tournament Director, Ernesto Portuondo. “Guests now get to fish in the Big Game fishing capital of the world while enjoying upscale amenities and accommodations offered at a first-class resort and marina that has brought life back to our beloved Bimini.”
According to the Bimini Tourism Office, the tournament and resort brought in record-breaking numbers to the island of Bimini over the three-day period totaling 1,097 tourists who traveled by air and sea to the island. When compared to the same weekend in 2006, numbers dictate a 50 percent increase in tourism. Local vendors benefited from the surplus of visitors including the town’s golf cart rental which completely sold out and the straw market which had its grand opening during the weekend. “The island hasn’t seen numbers like this since July 4th weekend of 2006,” stated Acting Manager of the Bimini Tourism Office, Antoinette Stuart. “We are really starting to see the revitalization of Bimini.”
This was the 15th year that the LBA hosted the tournament in Bimini, making it the largest turnout ever with a total of 73 boats that registered for the fishing competition. After three days of intense fishing, there were five successful billfish releases, plus anglers brought tuna, dolphin and kingfish to the weigh-In station. The largest fish at weigh-in was a 93-pound yellowfin tuna.
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LBA TOURNEY AT BIMINI BAY RESORT – 2
Bimini Bay Resort has continued to shine hosting nearly 20 events and tournaments to date which has really benefited the economy of the island. Guests can enjoy staying in beautifully-appointed condominiums and treehouses as well as appreciate upscale amenities such as the resort’s infinity pool and grill and best restaurant on the island, Casa Lyon. Bimini Bay looks forward to breaking more records in the future as it continues to expand with the Conrad Hotel, casino, spa, Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed links golf course and a second private island.
~ Bimini Bay Resort and Marina ~
A longtime favorite for big-game fishing and yachting enthusiasts, Bimini is back in the spotlight with the opening of Bimini Bay Resort and Marina. Couples, families and anyone seeking a getaway offering white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters can take advantage of this Bahamian retreat, located just 48 miles off the shores of South Florida. The resort offers exceptional amenities and gourmet cuisine. Real estate opportunities are available, including condominiums, oceanfront and bayfront homes and the resort’s exclusive private island. Coming soon are the luxury Conrad Hotel, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed links golf course, Mega Yacht Marina and additional restaurants and shops. For reservation inquiries regarding Bimini Bay Resort, please call (242) 347-2900 or e-mail reservations@biminibayresort.com. For real estate inquiries, contact Fantasy Cove Realty, Bimini Bay’s exclusive U.S. real estate sales representative, at (305) 513-0506 or e-mail sales@biminibayresort.com. For general information, please visit the website www.biminibayresort.com.
~ Latin Builders Association ~
The LBA is an energetic, non-profit organization that encompasses a vast array of individuals and companies related to South Florida’s vibrant construction industry. Since its establishment in 1971, Latin Builders Association has embodied the interests of builders, developers, contractors, architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians and tradesmen associated with the business of construction, striving to provide a vital forum for discussion, networking, training/development, and representation at the local and state level.
*Editors Note: jpg photos of the LBA tournament are available by contacting Allison Robins, Bimini Bay Resort and Marina, (305) 403-2389 or at arobins@capogroup.com.
