Resorts World Bimini's ongoing development is having a positive spin-off effect - the opening of several new business ventures on the twin islands. Among them are the 1 2 3 Floor Sports Bar - a joint venture between a Biminite and an investor - and The Bimini Times community newspaper and Blue Marlin FM (BMFM) radio station, both of which will be owned and operated by businessman Obie Roberts.
The Bimini Times will be a bi-monthly newspaper initially, however Roberts says the plan is to increase the frequency of the publication as the need arises. It will cover stories of interest surrounding Bimini's development, community life and sports.
"Mass media relations are important for a growing community," he said. "With Resorts World Bimini, you have the SuperFast ferry coming in, and the development of a new airport which permits night flights; these are very historical moments that are occurring in this community. The story must be told and clearly articulated, not just to Biminites but throughout the entire Bahamas and the rest of the world."
According to Roberts, Biminites are excited about the new media outlets coming to the island.
"It gives them a voice, an identity and a chance to express themselves," he said. "This radio station is going to belong to the community of Bimini, and it will allow them to voice their concerns and jubilation about their past successes as well those to come."
The projected opening of BMFM radio station is December 2014, whereas The Bimini Times is earmarked for a late October launch.
Native Biminite Ambrose Francis and investor Joseph Parzanese have already teamed up to provide the island with its first fleet of specialized golf carts. Their company ABC Rentals has 14 carts, and plans are underway to add another 10 by December. They are now looking to open the 1 2 3 Floor Sports Bar and Restaurant in the coming weeks.
"We are going after a more mature crowd, who just want to sit, talk and have a drink", said Francis. "Our goal is to work along with Resorts World and other restaurants and bars on the island to create a bar hopping experience for guests."
Francis said that he is excited to see the development that has come to his island.
"With all of this development going on, people on the island need to start focusing on some type of business because it's going to happen, whether you want it to or not," he said. "This is just the beginning of what we are going to do. I'm trying to be prepared for what's going to happen because I can see it coming."
Resorts World Bimini Executive Dana Leibovitz said the openings of these and other businesses on the island are evidence of progress.
"Bimini is truly evolving into a land of opportunities," he said. "We congratulate these business persons for their keen foresight to take advantage of the increasing business to the island, and we encourage others to do the same."
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