FORT LAUDERDALE, FL Mark Ellert, President of Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts & Lodges, announced today its plans to open the company's third Florida resort on St. Augustine Beach, Florida.
"It's a historic day, so to speak, to bring our flag ashore here in America's oldest city," said. Ellert, confirming its agreement with St. Augustine Resorts, Inc. of Tampa, Florida to convert the current Holiday Isle Oceanfront Resort into a Guy Harvey Outpost Signature Property.
Located on the beach, south of the St. Augustine inlet, the Guy Harvey Outpost Resort St. Augustine Beach will replace the current Holiday Isle Oceanfront Resort, owned by St. Augustine Resorts, Inc. and managed by H.I. Development, after completion of a multi-million dollar renovation now getting underway.
"We are very pleased to join the Guy Harvey brand, which is built on a legion of fans who support Guy Harvey's conservation advocacy, family values and adventure lifestyle, and we cannot think of a more authentic brand experience to complement the many treasures of St. Augustine, its beachfront communities, and our resort" said Andre P. Callen, President of HI Development, who, along with his family members, own the hotel. "Through Guy's art, science and hospitality, our intent is to genuinely connect our guests with these treasures and create meaningful awareness of our unique coastal destination here in St. Augustine Beach, Florida."
Renovations are expected to be complete by late summer 2015, timed to coincide with St. Augustine's city-wide celebration of its 450th anniversary, with events scheduled throughout the community during the first week of September. The resorts 153 guestrooms, public areas, and grounds will be renovated, including plans to create a new casual "sea and farm" to table bar and restaurant.
"Fishing, diving and discovery are part of our company's DNA," commented Guy Harvey, Chairman of Outpost, a frequent visitor to St. Augustine. "It's only fitting that we're following in the steps of some very famous explorers by landing here. I'm especially looking forward to building on this community's heritage of promoting the arts and history." Dr. Harvey premiered his award-winning documentary "Tiger Shark Express" to a full house at Flagler Auditorium during the recent Marineland Film Festival. "Our future ultimately is tomorrow's history. We intend the Outpost and our Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation to become important civic partners in promoting awareness of the area's biodiversity and ongoing marine research activities that are so important for protecting that future."
About Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts www.guyharveyoutpost.com
Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts is based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The company's Signature Collection properties operate under the Guy Harvey Outpost brand name, with resorts currently in Florida's popular destinations of St. Pete Beach and Islamorada. The newest Guy Harvey Outpost Resort will open on St. Augustine Beach in fall, 2015. A 30-unit Signature Collection eco-lodge is planned for construction in the Galapagos Islands, on the island of San Cristobal.
Members of the company's Expedition Portfolio are independently operated and managed boutique sized hotels and lodges in remote destinations that offer superior service and amenities. Member hotels enjoy access to Outpost marketing and its reservation system and on-line booking engine. Expedition Properties include three in the Bahamas: Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour at West End and the Green Turtle Club and Blackfly Bonefish Lodge, both in the Abaco Islands and Hotel Playa Media Luna in Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
Through the company's GHOFish program, Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts promotes scientific angling expeditions, tournaments and charters. Expedition Outfitters an invitation-only collection of top-of-class dive shops and guided or charter boat fishing outfitters.
The company was founded in 2007 by Mark Ellert, a veteran hospitality professional, and is co-owned by Dr. Harvey, Bill Shedd and Charles Forman. Shedd is the owner of AFTCO, recognized worldwide for its big-game fishing tackle and merchandise. AFTCO is the official licensee of Guy Harvey sportswear. Both Harvey and Shedd are trustees of the prestigious International Game Fishing Association, IGFA, cofounded by Ernest Hemingway during his days on Bimini. Forman is a practicing eminent domain lawyer and early partner of Dr. Harvey in the growth of his licensing and publishing activities.
About H.I. Development www.hidevelopment.com
Founded in 1959 by Robinson Callen, H.I. Development Corp is an established respected hospitality development and management firm based in Tampa, Florida. One of the industry's earliest hotel development organizations, with over five decades and three generations in the business, the Callen family likes to say that hospitality "runs in the family." With properties currently throughout the southeastern United States and the Caribbean, H.I. Development and its affiliates operate independent and nationally franchised hotels, resorts, and casinos, with emphasis on product quality and guest services. Today, H.I Development is one of the foremost privately owned hotel management and consulting companies in the United States with offices in Tampa, Fla.; Miami, Fla.; Savannah, Ga.; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Andre Callen serves as President of H.I. Development and has worked in the hotel business since graduating from Boston University. Director of Operations for the company is Larry E. Collier, Jr. who joined in 1986 after serving honorably in the United States Marine Corp.
Contact: John Bell prseitz@bellsouth.net 954-766-2794
