ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – Last night, more than 400 people from across the regional hospitality industry gathered at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in St. Augustine for the 15th Annual ROSE Awards ceremony to recognize outstanding employees from across Northeast Florida’s hospitality community
The premier event of the Northeast Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), the ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards honor frontline hospitality champions across Northeast Florida. This year’s event boasted more than 118 nominees from 36 different businesses, and 30 outstanding team members were honored with the coveted ROSE Award. From administrative assistants to chefs, housekeeping to transportation, and front desk staff to valet and bellmen, every single position in hospitality is critical to the success of the business in achieving outstanding guest experiences. Last night’s winners each received their award, the coveted ROSE Award pin, gift cards from local businesses, and recognition from industry peers and leadership. Middle managers were also recognized for their commitment and hard work throughout the ceremony. This year’s winners also included “Beyond the Call of Duty” awardees who saved the lives of guests in various life-threatening emergencies. A new end-of-the-program surprise in honor of the 15th year of the ROSE Awards included VISIT Jacksonville President & CEO Michael Corrigan presenting a $1,500 check to a ROSE Award nominee.
“It’s an honor to celebrate the fifteenth year of this amazing event and spend an evening recognizing the best of the best in Northeast Florida hospitality,” said Nicole Chapman, Regional Director for FRLA and the event’s creator and organizer. “Day in and day out these individuals truly go above and beyond as ambassadors for our region and our industry. Our winners are shining stars in our hotels and restaurants that keep our visitors coming back, and we are so proud to honor them.”
“Celebrating the heart and soul of hospitality in Northeast Florida, the ROSE Awards shine a light on excellence, dedication, and service above self,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of FRLA. “It is with immense pride that we honor the nominees and winners who embody the spirit of hospitality, enriching experiences, and creating lasting memories for our guests. Their unwavering commitment sets the standard for our industry, inspiring us all to elevate our service and embrace the true essence of hospitality.”
The 2024 ROSE Award winners are:
President’s Award: Milos Sukunda, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Administrative Assistant: Stephanie DiGregorio, World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine
Allied Member Spotlight: Jamie Williams, St Johns Food Service
Banquets: Evelyn Vennes, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Bartender / Mixologist: Tiffany Luna, Courtyard by Marriott Orange Park
Behind the Scenes: Jessica Colon, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Beyond the Call of Duty: Chris Blockberger, Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club
Beyond the Call of Duty: Douglas “Trey” Bennett, Omni Amelia Island Resort
Beyond the Call of Duty: Racheal Cox, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Beyond the Call of Duty: Brian Doyle & Ben Pierce, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Culinary Service – Chef / Cook Hotel: Najah Alhasan, World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine
Culinary Service – Chef/Cook Restaurant: Jose Camacho, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa
Customer Service – Concierge, Recreation, Spa: Linda Fretwell, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa
Customer Service – Event Services: Rodney Funk, Crown Linen, LLC
Food & Beverage – Support: Ezzahia Ezzine, Doubletree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront
Guest Service – Front Desk, Full-Service Hotel: Deidra Facey, Omni Amelia Island Resort
Guest Service – Front Desk, Select Service Hotel: Josh Avery, Element by Westin Jacksonville Beach
Guest Service – Housekeeping, Full-Service Hotel: Julie Morrison, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Guest Service – Housekeeping, Select Service Hotel: Ashley Marshall, Courtyard by St. Augustine I-95
Guest Service – Laundry: Sheila Lawson, Courtyard by St. Augustine I-95
Guest Service – Maintenance / Engineer: Bo Suddueth, Doubletree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront
Guest Service – Security: Marketta Thomas, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Guest Service – Valet / Bell Attendant: Alberto Vanegas, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Server – Hotel Breakfast Attendant: Raylene Martinez, Fairfield Inn by Marriott Jacksonville Beach
Server – Restaurant, Casual Dining: Roberta Hampton, Sunset Grille
Server – Restaurant, Fine Dining: Glensner Layugan, One Ocean Resort & Spa
Server – Restaurant, Hotel: Christina Johnson, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Restaurant – Quick Service: Darloni Fleming, Jeremiah’s of Fleming Island
Transportation – Airport, Ground, & Water: Edward Madden, Jax Black Car
About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents 1.3 million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.
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