VISIT FLORIDA Highlights Incredible Year for Florida Tourism

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, VISIT FLORIDA highlighted an amazing year for Florida’s tourism industry driven by the efforts of the state’s official tourism marketing corporation. Throughout 2022, VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing initiatives – initiatives that are frequently done in collaborative partnership with local and regional tourism industry partners throughout Florida – have consistently yielded record-breaking visitation growth, and reinforced Florida’s position as one of the top vacation destinations in the world. “Florida tourism continues to reach new heights thanks to VISIT FLORIDA’s strategic marketing initiatives in tandem with the initiatives of our tourism partners throughout the state,” said VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Dana Young. “Quarter after quarter, our vacation message has clearly resonated with travelers far and wide, and delivered record-breaking results on behalf of all Floridians. We appreciate Governor Ron DeSantis’ support and leadership that have helped get us here today, and are looking forward to leading Florida’s No. 1 industry to even more success in 2023.”

2022 Highlights:

Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian, VISIT FLORIDA launched a multi-million-dollar marketing plan in partnership with communities throughout Florida to promote tourism to the state to ensure a full recovery from the storm. The multi-phased campaign includes an initial effort showing that Florida is open for business, as well as a comprehensive recovery package for the areas of the state that were most severely impacted by the storm.
Conducted the annual Winter Sunseekers Campaign to reinforce Florida’s position as a top winter vacation destination. The campaign delivered over 1 billion impressions and those exposed to its advertising were nearly 3 times more likely to travel to Florida.
Hosted Florida Huddle (serving the international travel trade industry) and Florida Encounter (serving the meetings and events industry) simultaneously for the first time ever in Tampa, FL. Together, the events were attended by more than 600 registrants, representing 24 countries and over 7,500 appointments.
Partnered with the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) to help promote Florida’s Rural Areas of Opportunity (RAOs). Efforts included a two-module, in-person adventure training program for local tourism suppliers, and a new Unexplored Florida webpage on VISITFLORIDA.com.
Awarded the distinction of International Destination Guest of Honor at the ANATO Tourist Showcase in Bogota, Colombia—the first state to ever receive this designation in the event’s history.
Led multi-city mission trips to Mexico and Brazil to further foster Florida’s presence among Latin American travelers – which encompassed eight of Florida’s top 10 international origin markets in 2021.
Executed the annual Families campaign to further solidify Florida as the top destination for family travelers. Targeting a variety of markets across the U.S., the campaign resulted in over 970 million impressions among potential travelers.
Attended the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW (International Pow Wow) in Orlando, participating in nearly 400 trade appointments and media interviews over three days. VISIT FLORIDA collaborated with Visit Orlando on several events spotlighting Florida as the host state for the event, and conducted 6 post-show Group Familiarization Trips (FAMs.)
Executed a total of 15 domestic and international campaigns with Expedia. The campaigns resulted in 2.2 million air tickets, 2.4 million room nights, 1.3 million vacation rental nights, 5.3 million passengers, and nearly $517 million in total gross bookings.
Created a culinary hub on VISITFLORIDA.com and produced 22 “You’ve Got To Try This: Chef’s Edition” videos. Highlighting the unique restaurants, cuisines, and chefs across the state, the programming showcased the wide spectrum of Florida’s culinary offerings to potential travelers.
Florida grew its market share of overseas visitors by 21 percent, surpassing New York as the #1 destination in America for the first time since 2001.
Partnered with Michelin, Visit Orlando, Visit Tampa Bay and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau to announce the launch of the MICHELIN Guide in Florida.
Hosted the 2022 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Boca Raton, FL. Over 800 tourism professionals and stakeholders attended the event, representing GC’s highest participation since 2016.
From January through September, Florida welcomed 104.5 million travelers, an increase of 4.1 percent from the same period in 2019, and over 15.3 percent more than in 2021.
Launched its 2022 Adventure Travel campaign to showcase Florida’s wealth of outdoor experiences and grow the state’s reputation as a leading adventure travel destination.

U.S. Small Business Administration to Offer Disaster Loans with No Interest and No Payments for First Year

WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s 33 million small businesses, announced the Agency will waive the interest rate for the first year on new disaster loans and extend the initial payment deferment period automatically to 12 months.

“We must ensure that communities struck by disaster have the help they need to recover in the wake of natural disasters, and the Biden-Harris Administration is 100 percent focused on finding more ways to assist,” said Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “Our zero-interest disaster loan and payment deferral solutions add new tools to our toolbox to help small business owners gain flexibility as they work to invest, reopen, and get back to business. Disaster-impacted residents in Florida, Puerto Rico, and others facing disaster can count on the SBA to help in any way it can in the days and months ahead.”

New disaster loan borrowers will now have up to one year from the date of the note to begin making payments, instead of the standard five months. Interest on the loan will not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial loan disbursement. Previously, interest begins to accrue on all disbursed loan funds including during the initial payment deferment period. Today’s announcement will benefit disaster survivors and help them to decrease the overall cost of recovery by setting the interest rate to 0% for the first 12 months and reducing the overall amount of accrued interest they must repay.
SBA disaster loans offer individuals and businesses direct access to affordable financial assistance to help fully repair or replace disaster-damaged property. By offering affordable loans with no interest and no payments for the first year, and low fixed-interest rates for the remaining 30-year term, SBA is maximizing disaster survivors’ likelihood of a successful recovery and minimizing further financial hardship.

The extended deferment to 12 months is automatic and loan borrowers do not need to take any additional action. There is no prepayment penalty and borrowers can begin making loan payments during the deferment period if they choose.

The change is effective for all disaster loans approved in response to a disaster declared on or after September 21, 2022, through September 30, 2023. The effective date covers SBA disaster loans currently available for Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian declared earlier this year. SBA

does not have the authority to forgive interest that has already accrued on disbursed loan funds.
Borrowers who already received a loan for a disaster declared after the September 21 effective date will also receive an automatic extension of their first payment due date to 12 months and 0% interest. SBA will notify eligible borrowers of their loan modification and they will not need to submit a request to receive this automatic benefit.

As of December 5, 2022, SBA has approved $1.2 billion for residents and businesses impacted by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian.

About SBA Disaster Loans
Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.

Interest rates are zero percent for the first year and are as low as 3.04 percent for businesses, 1.875 for nonprofit organizations, and 2.188 percent for homeowners and renters, after the first year with terms up to 30 years. The initial payment is deferred automatically for 12 months from the date of the Note. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Building back smarter and stronger can be an effective recovery tool for future disasters, and President Biden has made climate preparedness and adaptation a priority for his Administration. SBA encourages applicants to consider mitigation measures that may reduce future disaster damages. Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase up to 20 percent of their verified physical damages for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, elevation, retaining walls, and landscaping to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.

SBA reviews disaster loan applicants for eligibility, satisfactory credit, and repayment ability when determining if they qualify for assistance. Applicants must have satisfactory credit, acceptable to SBA, and can afford the additional debt burden from a new disaster loan to be approved. SBA’s criteria for acceptable credit is more flexible than traditional lenders, banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions.

How to apply

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or by sending an email to [email protected].

Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration: The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

PepsiCo and CELSIUS® Launch “Save the Shore” Program to Fund Hurricane Ian Relief and Restoration Efforts for Florida’s Iconic Coastline Businesses

Heading into the peak holiday tourism season, the brands’ combined $200,000 investment will support and drive awareness to almost 30 local businesses with funding for renovations, employee relief funds, free product and more

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — More than two months after Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida, local businesses across the state are still struggling to reopen and welcome customers once again. To support these rebuilding efforts, PepsiCo and CELSIUS^® are coming together to give back to Florida communities and local economies with its “Save the Shore” program, supporting nearly 30 local Florida businesses reliant on tourism in their path to reopening.

Acknowledging the loss that will come from being closed during the start of peak holiday tourism season, PepsiCo and CELSIUS^® will fund employee relief and restoration efforts of three local iconic Florida businesses – Crabby Joe’s Deck & Grill in Daytona Beach, FL, and Lani Kai Island Resort and Salty Sam’s Marina in Fort Myers Beach, FL – with a donation to the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association on behalf of each business.

“Being headquartered in Florida, it’s our responsibility to step up for the communities we serve. At PepsiCo, we took immediate action to funnel our resources to address the damage left in Hurricane Ian’s wake,” said Heather Hoytink, PepsiCo Beverages North America, President, South Division. “By joining forces with our partner CELSIUS, we’re able to expand our support of these beloved local businesses and help the people and places that make these communities thrive.”

“Florida’s coastline is full of iconic businesses that play an integral role for locals and visitors alike. The ‘Save the Shore’ initiative especially hits close to home with our brand being based in South Florida. With our partnership with PepsiCo for the ‘Save the Shore’ initiative, we hope to alleviate some of the stress for these business owners by helping their establishments get back on track, giving employees relief, and revitalizing the region for the new year,” said CELSIUS^® Director of Human Resources & Administration Danielle Babich.

“We are so thankful to our wonderful partners at PepsiCo and CELSIUS for their generous donation directly to these iconic FRLA Members who were among many devastated by recent events,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). “These funds will help so much as our restaurants recover from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. We are proud to be a part of this effort and will also continue to assist through the FRLA Disaster Relief Fund as we rebuild our industry.”

Along with driving awareness to the businesses, PepsiCo’s South Division will also introduce a reopening fund to provide additional local businesses with free PepsiCo products as soon as they are able to welcome back customers. In addition, PepsiCo plans to sponsor reopening parties for Crabby Joe’s Deck & Grill, Lani Kai Island Resort and Salty Sam’s Marina as well its various businesses including Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, The Original Shrimp Dock Bar & Grill, Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise and Sight Sea-R Dolphin and Sunset Cruises. The events will honor and celebrate local first responders who played an integral role during Hurricane Ian and in the wake of its aftermath.

This is the latest in the company’s ongoing support of areas impacted by Hurricane Ian, led by its regional headquarters in Orlando. Most recently, executives from PepsiCo’s South Division headquarters joined Team Rubicon’s clean-up efforts on the ground in Fort Meade, FL, clearing the area of debris for reconstruction. In October, PepsiCo Beverages North America’s South Division and the PepsiCo Foundation supported the recovery efforts of the Salvation Army, Team Rubicon, and other local organizations to help Florida communities and PepsiCo employees impacted by the storm, providing safe accommodations, supplies, meals, water and more. The PepsiCo Foundation has also offered employees opportunities to volunteer locally, encouraging them to donate their time and resources to those in need when they are able.

About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $79 billion in net revenue in 2021, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with PepsiCo Positive (pep+). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.

About CELSIUS^® Holdings, Inc.
CELSIUS Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: CELH), is a global consumer packaged goods company with a proprietary, clinically proven formula. A lifestyle energy drink born in fitness and a pioneer in the rapidly growing energy category. CELSIUS energy drinks offer proprietary, functional, essential energy formulas clinically-proven to offer significant health benefits to its users. CELSIUS energy drinks are backed by six university studies that were published in peer-reviewed journals validating the unique benefits provided by them. For more information, please visit: http://www.celsiusholdingsinc.com and https://www.celsius.com.

SOURCE PepsiCo Beverages North America

DBPR Issues Emergency Order Providing License Renewal Relief to Food and Lodging Operators

On November 22, 2022, Secretary Griffin signed DBPR Emergency Order 2022-08, bringing license renewal relief to all food and lodging operators located in the District 7 Fort Myer’s District with a license expiration date of December 1, 2022. In summary, Emergency Order 2022-08 renews various provisions of DBPR’s previous emergency orders and extends the existing license renewal deadline for District 7 public food service and public lodging establishment licenses in the following counties from December 1, 2022 to January 20, 2023:

Charlotte

Collier

Desoto

Glades

Hardee

Hendry

Highlands

Lee

Manatee

Okeechobee

Sarasota

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News: US visitors boost Florida tourism industry

By Jim Turner, News Service of Florida

U.S. visitors continued to drive Florida’s tourism industry at a record pace, while international travel still struggled to reach pre-pandemic levels, according to newly released figures for the third quarter of 2022.

The tourism-marketing agency Visit Florida estimated Tuesday the state attracted 35.115 million travelers during the third quarter, a 6.9% increase from 2021. The estimate was also 8% above the same period of 2019, before the pandemic largely shut down the state’s crucial tourism industry.

The numbers from July 1 through Sept. 30 — the fifth consecutive quarter outpacing the corresponding quarter in 2019 — indicated the industry has mostly moved past the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Tourism is the number one industry in Florida, and it is the highest contributor to general revenue of our state. So the health of our tourism economy is directly related to the health of our economy as a whole,” Visit Florida President and CEO Dana Young told TravelMole Managing Director Graham McKenzie last week while at the World Travel Market London. “Said another way, if we aren’t doing well, the economy is not going to be doing well either. And so, the more people realize that, that very important connection between tourism and prosperity, the more they are likely to realize how important the work that we do with tourism marketing is.”

The estimates did not reflect impacts from Hurricane Ian, which crashed into Southwest Florida as a Category 4 system on Sept. 28, days before the end of the quarter. But some resorts have reported layoffs as they try to recover from damage, and the hurricane could affect fourth-quarter tourism numbers.

After Ian hit, Visit Florida quickly put together a digital and social-media promotional campaign, seeded with about $2.7 million, that focused on parts of the state left unscathed by Ian.

Young didn’t discuss the Ian-related efforts with TravelMole but highlighted marketing beyond the state’s top tourism regions.

“Last year, we saw a marked increase in the number of visitors that were going to our more rural counties, so truly off the beaten path,” Young said. “In fact, in a few of our counties, we saw hotel occupancy levels increase as much as 25% year over year.”

The public-private Visit Florida is backed this year by $50 million in state money for marketing.

During the first nine months of 2022, Florida drew 104.375 million visitors, up 15.3%over the first three quarters of 2021 and 4.1% higher than at the same point in 2019, according to the Visit Florida numbers. For all of 2019, the state attracted a record 131.07 million travelers.

The state drew 97.752 million U.S. visitors during the first nine months of 2022, including 32.645 million in the third quarter. By comparison, the state drew 90.05 million U.S. visitors during the first nine months of 2019, including 29.295 million in the third quarter of that year.

The state initially focused on reviving domestic travel after the initial hit from Covid-19 in 2020. Numbers didn’t start to surpass pre-pandemic levels until the middle of 2021.

Meanwhile, Florida drew an estimated 5.002 million overseas travelers during the first three quarters of this year, down 30% from the same period in 2019. Also, Florida drew 1.62 million Canadian visitors through Sept. 30 this year, nearly 46% below the 2019 total.

Young told TravelMole she didn’t expect global inflation or the devalued British pound to further hurt the state’s efforts to attract international visitors.

“What we are seeing is that people still want to escape all of that, and they are still planning vacations,” Young said. “And by and large, they are planning vacations to Florida. So, we are not seeing an impact from the negative economic situation around the world on the people that are actually planning a trip to Florida.”

Florida got a boost in June when the Biden administration lifted a requirement that international travelers test negative for COVID-19 within a day of boarding flights to the United States. The ban was one of the last remaining government mandates designed to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

But the 1.931 million overseas travelers in the third quarter was off 22.8% from 2019. Also, the 539,000 Canadians who traveled to Florida during this year’s third quarter was down from 703,000 during the same period in 2019.

Palm Beach Chef & Restaurateur Frank Eucalitto Inducted into Hospitality Hall of Fame

~Café Chardonnay President Honored at FRLA Stars of the Industry Gala~

(L-R: FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover, Frank Eucalitto, FRLA 2022 Chairwoman of the Board Olivia Hoblit)

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) recently recognized the commitment and service of Café Chardonnay President Frank Eucalitto during its annual Stars of the Industry Gala at the Caribe Royal Resort in Orlando. During the ceremony, Eucalitto was inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame as Restaurateur of the Year.

“Florida is known around the globe for having incomparable restaurants and dining experiences because of industry leaders like Frank Eucalitto,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Frank opened his first restaurant in Florida 40 years ago and has since launched a successful catering company and six more restaurants, including the acclaimed Café Chardonnay. Frank has made such an incredible impact on his local community, and he has invested so much into mentoring others in the culinary industry. We are so proud to honor Frank with this well-deserved Hall of Fame recognition!”

The Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala pays tribute to men and women from across the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in hospitality. The Hall of Fame distinction is reserved for those who have dedicated decades to providing excellent service and leadership in hospitality.

“It is an honor to be inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame as Restaurateur of the Year, and it has been such an amazing privilege to be a small business owner in Palm Beach Gardens,” said Frank Eucalitto, President of Café Chardonnay. “My wife Gigi and I have loved being a part of this community and feel blessed with the support we have received over the last 36 years. We could not have done this without our incredible team, and we share this award with them. We look forward to continuing to provide outstanding experiences for our entire Café Chardonnay family.”

Since 1982, Chef Frank Eucalitto has successfully created seven restaurants and an off-premises catering company in northern Palm Beach County. Under his management, Café Chardonnay and the catering company have endured for more than 35 years. Since childhood, Frank loved to cook alongside his dad. He graduated from the prestigious Johnston and Wales in Providence, Rhode Island, earning degrees in both culinary arts and hotel/restaurant management. Frank and Gigi Eucalitto opened their first restaurant, The Cobblestone Café, in Tequesta in 1982 and followed that with Café Chardonnay in 1986. Chef Eucalitto has been a respected businessman in the local Palm Beach community, owning several restaurants including No Anchovies!, Frank’s Sandbar, and Off the Vine. He was named Businessman of the Year by the local Chamber of Commerce and was a past president and is a current board member and treasurer for the Palm Beach Chapter of FRLA. Frank has been involved in numerous charitable events, was one of the organizers for the first Share our Strength “Taste of the Nation” event, and founded “Chef’s Helping Heroes” to benefit the Renewal Coalition of Jupiter.

To learn more about Frank, please watch his FRLA Hall of Fame Video here.

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 1.5 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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Johnson Jackson PLLC, Shareholder Kevin Johnson Inducted into Hospitality Hall of Fame

~Local Employment Law Firm Honored for Superior Service at FRLA Stars of the Industry Gala~

(L-R: FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover, Kevin Johnson, FRLA 2022 Chairwoman of the Board Olivia Hoblit)

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) recently recognized the commitment and service of Tampa labor and employment law firm Johnson Jackson PLLC during its annual Stars of the Industry Gala at the Caribe Royal Resort in Orlando. During the ceremony, Johnson Jackson and shareholder Kevin Johnson were inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame as Supplier of the Year.

“Through Kevin Johnson’s incredible leadership, he and his entire team at Johnson Jackson have provided unparalleled service to Florida’s hospitality industry for decades,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are so proud to induct Kevin and Johnson Jackson into the FRLA Hall of Fame and recognize their significant contributions as trusted advisors to our businesses. Through the last few years with historic unknowns due to the Pandemic, changing wage laws, and countless issues affecting workforce, Johnson Jackson has been our calm and stabilizing counsel through it all. Congratulations to our 2022 Supplier of the Year!”

“On behalf of our whole team of attorneys, it is truly an honor to receive this award and work with such an outstanding organization,” said Kevin Johnson, Johnson Jackson Shareholder. “Partnering with FRLA helps us to build healthy networks within the restaurant business. Becoming intimately familiar with trends in the restaurant and lodging industry helps us better advise our hospitality clients, and providing support to hospitality employers allows us to give back to a community that has meant so much to our success.”

Kevin D. Johnson is a founding shareholder of Johnson Jackson PLLC, where he defends employers in employment-law matters. He graduated from the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law in 1994. He became board certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar in 2007. Kevin currently serves as the chair of the Standing Committee on Technology for The Florida Bar and is a past chair of both the Civil Procedure Rules Committee and the Solo and Small Firm Section. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America, has been named in Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, and has been listed by SuperLawyers on their list of the Top 100 attorneys in Florida for ten of the past eleven years. He is a native of Gainesville, Florida. To learn more about Kevin Johnson and Johnson Jackson, please watch his FRLA Hall of Fame Video here.

For more information about the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, please visit FRLA.org

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About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association providing excellent service for more than 75 years. 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 1.5 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.

About Johnson Jackson: Johnson Jackson PLLC is a labor and employment law firm based in Tampa, Florida. The firm serves clients throughout the state of Florida and across the country, providing trusted advice and strategic defense on a wide range of matters including labor and employment litigation; developing and revising policies; auditing employment practices; and advising on how to conduct internal investigations. Clients range from large restaurant chains to independent restaurants; multi-state retail chains to construction contractors and suppliers; large hospital systems to privately-held physicians’ offices; and statewide agencies to local governments. Additional information can be found online at www.johnsonjackson.com, as well as on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Veteran Hospitality Leader, Local Hotelier Sheldon Suga Inducted into Hospitality Hall of Fame

~Hawks Cay VP Managing Director Honored at FRLA Stars of the Industry Gala~

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) recently recognized the commitment and service of Hawks Cay VP Managing Director Sheldon Suga during its annual Stars of the Industry Gala at the Caribe Royal Resort in Orlando. During the ceremony, Suga was inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame as Hotelier of the Year.

“There is no one more deserving of the recognition of Hotelier of the Year than Sheldon Suga,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “He has devoted more than 40 years to the hospitality industry and is known for his passion, integrity, and commitment to excellence. Sheldon has made such positive and lasting impacts, and we are proud to name him into the FRLA Hall of Fame.”

“I’m honored to be inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame as the 2022 Hotelier of the Year,” said Sheldon Suga, VP Managing Director for Hawks Cay Resort. “To join my deserving peers in this recognition means so much to me and my family, and I want to thank my entire team at Hawks Cay for their hard work each and every day and their commitment to excellence. I look forward to continuing our great work to keep our resort and Florida’s hospitality industry the best in the world.”

Suga began his career as a room clerk in Niagara Falls Canada for summer employment, which led him to pursue a degree in Hospitality Management at Ryerson University in Toronto. Upon graduation, Sheldon was accepted into ITT Sheraton’s General Management Training program. During his time with ITT Sheraton, he attained the ITT Ring of Quality Worldwide Team Award and served as general manager at properties in West Harford, New York City, Halifax, La Jolla, and Los Angeles. He also worked in Tokyo and was Country Manager for ITT Sheraton. He also worked for Wyndham hotels and resorts as an area director in Atlanta and Puerto Rico. He worked in Orlando at the Gaylord Palms as the VP Hotel Manager and was the SVP and General Manager of the Gaylord National Resort. Suga currently serves as a Past Chair of the FRLA State Executive Committee, a member of the District III Advisory Committee of the Monroe County TDC, and a board member of VISIT FLORIDA. Additionally, he is on the Board of Trustees for The College of the Florida Keys. He previously served on the board of Tourism Halifax, Maryland Hotel and Motel Association and on the Maryland Tourism Development Council. An avid fly fisherman and runner, Sheldon and his wife Laura have lived in the Florida Keys for more than 13 years. To learn more about Sheldon, please watch his FRLA Hall of Fame Video here.

For more information about the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, please visit FRLA.org

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Activates Business Damage Assessment Survey to Gauge Impact of Hurricane Nicole on Florida Businesses

Tallahassee, FL – Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced the activation of the Business Damage Assessment Survey to gauge the impact of Hurricane Nicole on Florida businesses. Survey responses will assist the state in expediting recovery efforts by providing data on the needs of affected businesses.

On November 10, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 22-256, declaring a state of emergency for the entire State of Florida. All affected businesses are encouraged to complete the survey.

“Governor DeSantis has shown time and time again what prompt, effective disaster response looks like, and DEO is committed to quickly standing up resources to assist,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “The Business Damage Assessment Survey assists DEO and its federal, state, and local partners in understanding physical and economic impacts to inform decision making. I encourage businesses impacted by Hurricane Nicole to complete the survey at www.FloridaDisaster.biz.”

Results from the Business Damage Assessment Survey will be shared with various federal, state, and local agencies to implement appropriate relief. Businesses can complete the survey online or visit www.FloridaDisaster.biz and select “Hurricane Nicole” from the dropdown menu. If you need additional assistance with your business, please call 850-815-4925 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or email [email protected].

Governor DeSantis Declares State of Emergency for Subtropical Storm Nicole

FRLA is committed to bringing you the latest news and emergency updates. Today, Governor DeSantis issued Emergency Order 22-253 for Subtropical Storm Nicole, declaring a State of Emergency in 34 of Florida’s 67 counties. As of 2 pm, Atlantic Standard Time, Nicole is about 465 miles East of the Northwestern Bahamas with current wind speeds of 45 miles per hour and is moving Northwest at approximately 9 miles per hour.

A slower northwestward motion is expected later this afternoon through tonight. A turn toward the west or west-southwest is then forecast to begin by Tuesday night and that motion should continue through early Thursday. On the forecast track, the center of Nicole will approach the northwestern Bahamas on Tuesday and Tuesday night, move near or over those islands on Wednesday, and approach the east coast of Florida Wednesday night. Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph (75 km/h) with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast during the next few days, and Nicole is forecast to be at or near hurricane intensity by Wednesday or Wednesday night while it is moving near or over the northwestern Bahamas. Winds of 40 mph extend outward up to 275 miles from the center.

Key Messages from the National Hurricane Center

1. Hurricane conditions are possible across portions of the northwestern Bahamas and southeast to east-central Florida beginning Wednesday, where a Hurricane Watch has been issued. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the Tropical Storm Watch areas in Florida and Georgia beginning Wednesday.

2. A dangerous storm surge is possible across portions of the northwestern Bahamas, much of the east coast of Florida, and portions of coastal Georgia. A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for most of the east coast of Florida and portions of coastal Georgia.

3. Do not focus on the exact track of Nicole since it is expected to be a large storm with hazards extending well to the north of the center, and outside of the cone, and affect much of the Florida peninsula and portions of the southeast U.S.

4. Nicole will produce heavy rainfall by Wednesday night and Thursday across the Florida Peninsula. Flash and urban flooding will be possible across portions of the Florida Peninsula, along with river rises on portions of the St. Johns River.

For the most up-to-date information from the National Hurricane Center, click here.