Businesses in Broward County, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply

~Inaugural ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards to honor Monroe County Hospitality & Tourism Stars~

 Who:

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association – Monroe Chapter

What:

The Monroe Chapter of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) will host the inaugural ROSE Awards next week to honor outstanding hospitality champions who provide excellent customer service. The ROSE awards are designed to recognize these hardworking individuals and the positive contributions they make to Florida’s hospitality and tourism industries.

When:

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Where:

Hawks Cay Resort

61 Hawks Cay Boulevard

Duck Key, FL 33050

There are more than 50 employee nominees from all hospitality and tourism related businesses in Monroe County. ROSE Award Nominees include the following:

Ashanti Ambrister-Perez, Ocean Reef Club

Patrick Anello, Casa Marina Resort

Antonio Anillo-Sarmiento, Ocean Reef Club

Jean Antoine, Ocean Reef Club

Edwin “Rolando” Barrera, Little Palm Island Resort

Ophelia Brown, Dewey House & La Mer

Judy Burrel, Irish Kevin’s

Barbara Chavez, Reefhouse Resort & Marina Key Largo

Harlie Clark-Keane, Hawks Cay Resort

Ivan Collazos, Ocean Reef Club

Carleene Cook, Southernmost Beach Resorts

Sheila Cordahl, Hawks Cay Resort

Sandy Cottrell, Half Shell Raw Bar

Stephison Foster, Hawks Cay Resort

Kate Garcia, Parrot Key Hotel

Sharon Gardner, Marina Del Mar

Samantha Gibson, Ocean Reef Club

Juan Gonzalez, Benihana Key West

Britt Gordan, La Trattoria

Ryan Hills, Hawks Cay Resort

Gwen Jeffries, Isla Bella Beach Resort

Daniel Jenkins, Reefhouse Resort & Marina Key Largo

Lisa Karasek, Hyatt Centric Key West

Mark King, Sole’ Watersports

Linda Kirk, Little Palm Island Resort

Ailton Lopez, Islamorada Resort Collection

Krystyna Loza, Isla Bella Beach Resort

Gina Luijean, Ocean Reef Club

Kendrick Lyons, Hyatt Centric Key West

Susana Maldonado, Reefhouse Resort & Marina Key Largo

Ricardo Marques, Ocean Reef Club

Joe Meier, Half Shell Raw Bar

Michelle Meier, Half Shell Raw Bar

Melissa Mirocha, Ocean Reef Club

Travis Morgan, Isla Bella Beach Resort

Alison Narvaez, Hyatt Centric Key West

Karolina Naselli, The Marker Resort

Yadira Perez Gonzalez, Courtyard Faro Blanco Resort

Ana Perez Osorto, Reefhouse Resort & Marina Key Largo

Stoyan Petrov, Southernmost Beach Resorts

Ester Porhun, Hawks Cay Resort

Jeanette Rivera, Ocean Reef Club

Marilyn Rosberg, Southernmost Beach Resorts

Lubos Sarissky, Casa Marina Resort

Elizabeth Saunders, Hawks Cay Resort

Ernsy Simon, Ocean Reef Club

Jerome Simpson, Ocean Reef Club

Doug Snyder, Conch Republic Seafood Company

Marilyn Taylor, Islamorada Resort Collection

Joseph Virgilio, Ocean Reef Club

Jayme Wharram, Ocean Reef Club

Debbie Wright, Marathon Yacht Club

Elizabeth Wunsch, Little Palm Island Resort

Catherine Yeager, La Trattoria

###

April 3, 2023

On the heels of new Miami restaurant recognition by Michelin in February, the Guide is now recommending additional restaurants in both Tampa and Orlando. See the full list and links to those announcements below.

ORLANDO

Toledo

Twenty Pho Hour

Victoria & Albert’s

Doshi

Edoboy

Otto’s High Dive

Kaya

Juju

See the full Orlando write-up here.

TAMPA

Lilac

Ponte

Noble Rice

See full Tampa write-up here.

Congratulations to these outstanding establishments on their new recognition by The Michelin Guide. Stay tuned for the full award announcements on May 11, 2023!

Coffee Fest Orlando to Follow Nov 10-11, 2023

ORLANDO, FL, March 20, 2023 – The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, the premier event for Florida’s hospitality industry, owned by Clarion Events and sponsored by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association has announced plans to join The Pizza Tomorrow Summit, owned by Grand Slam Events, in a co-location of both events taking place Wednesday, November 8 and Thursday, November 9 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, FL. In addition, Clarion Event’s Coffee Fest Orlando will be held November 10-11, also at the OCCC, providing a week of trade shows and conferences in the Florida marketplace for thousands of movers and shakers in the restaurant, pizza, foodservice, lodging and specialty coffee industries.

“There is undeniable synergy between our two Shows – Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show and Coffee Fest — and Grand Slam Events’ Pizza Tomorrow Summit. We are thrilled to offer industry suppliers unprecedented access to this combined group of highly qualified buyers in what is one of the largest and rapidly growing food and beverage markets in the country. This is a brand-new opportunity for owners and operators to come together, learn, support, connect and be inspired. Attendees will return to their businesses with an even greater array of products, services, and experiences to offer their customers,” said Rita Ugianskis, Vice President, Clarion Events Food & Beverage Group. “Restaurant, pizza, foodservice, specialty coffee and lodging professionals will find a convenient and efficient way to access top subject matter experts addressing key issues in cross over education, see a full range of products from leading vendors, and be inspired and entertained from several exciting special events and competitions.”

“We had a fantastic launch event in 2022 and are beyond excited to welcome The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show which will bring an even broader segment of buyers to our exhibitors, as well as a newly expanded educational program to our attendees,” added Glenn Celentano, Co-Owner, Grand Slam Events, LLC. “The Pizza Tomorrow Summit will once again provide independent pizza operators with an immersive and fun experience, a wide range of products, a robust conference program, plus entertaining and informative pizza competitions and demonstrations. Our attendees will have the
opportunity to explore hundreds of exhibitors and have access to new companies, products, ideas, and initiatives that will help propel our evolving industry into the future.”

“Florida is known for bringing together the best across the food and beverage industries and producing top notch events to build excitement to take our industry to even higher levels of success,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “The creativity and innovation that comes from these events, as well as the connections of consumers, industry professionals, and exhibitors will provide unparalleled opportunities for growth and invention. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is thrilled to partner with our long-time partners at Clarion Events, to produce even greater content, attendance, and success for the co-located shows this year.”

FL Restaurant & Lodging Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit will sit side by side in the same exhibit hall, so registrants will have easy access to both shows. Coffee Fest will offer similar access to its Show which follows. Each show will host their own competitions and demonstration stages. Clarion and Grand Slam events will share education theaters on the show floor and host education together since the needs of both audiences are so similar. Attendees to the FL Restaurant Show and Pizza Summit can also learn about coffee, tea and other specialty beverages by attending Coffee Fest, on November 10-11, enabling them to offer these products to their customers.

For exhibitor information for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show contact Paul Pedrow at (475) 282-0607 or [email protected]. For exhibitor information about the Pizza Tomorrow Summit contact Dave Kellogg at 203-788-3794 or [email protected]. For exhibitor information on Coffee Fest Orlando, contact Anya Falcone at 253-999-5698 or [email protected].
Grand Slam Events, LLC is a partnership between industry veterans Doug Miller and Glenn Celentano. With an established reputation in the trade show industry that precedes them, Doug and Glenn bring nearly 60 years of experience running large-scale B2B and B2C events around the country. For more information on The Pizza Tomorrow Summit, visit www.pizzatomorrow.com.

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show and Coffee Fest are owned by Clarion Events Food & Beverage Group and sponsored by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. The Clarion Events Food & Beverage Group also includes the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, The NGA Show, and the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo. Clarion Events operates over 180 events in 50 countries from 15 offices in the UK, the US, South Africa, Brazil, Germany, Singapore, UAE, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands. Clarion can trace its roots back to 1947 and takes great pride in being one of the oldest independent event organizers in the UK. More recently the firm has developed an international portfolio of brands and now has interests in a number of global vertical industries including energy, security and defense, hospitality, electronics, technology, fashion, retail, gaming and marketing. The teams at Clarion create uniquely effective and stimulating environments that can serve as a platform to build businesses, enhance customer relationships and accelerate product awareness. us.clarionevents.com.

# # #

~March 21 is FMCA’s Day of Advocacy~

Tallahassee, Florida – By bringing together highly-trained professionals from the fields of science, engineering and medicine for 100 years, the Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) has created a collaborative force to control the world’s deadliest animal – the mosquito.

Senator Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) today hosted members of the FMCA at a press conference at the State Capitol, recognizing their integral role in keeping Floridians safe, tourism thriving, and the economy strong.  Joining Senator Boyd were Senator Erin Grall (R-Ft. Pierce), Rep. Tom Fabricio (R-Miami Lakes), and Mary Ann Hooks, Director of Government Affairs, UF- Institute of Food & Agricultural Resources.

“Ensuring the health and well-being of the Florida public is one of FMCA’s top missions, and we can’t thank them enough for everything they do behind the scenes, by air, by boat and on foot to control the population of these disease-carrying insects, “said Senator Boyd.  “They are highly trained, licensed public servants and we know that the state’s two largest business sectors, tourism and agriculture, could not grow without the professional control of mosquitoes.”

Each year during the Legislative Session, FMCA members travel to Tallahassee to advocate on behalf of their work. Members include 15 independent mosquito control districts (MCDs) with constitutionally elected boards that work with the state’s 42 county and municipal mosquito control programs to control the mosquito population in Florida.

For more than 100 years, scientists and entomologists in Florida have worked together to educate the public about the multitude of dangerous diseases that can be transmitted via a mosquito bite – including Zika, West Nile Virus, Chikungunya, as well as Dengue fever.

“Due to Florida’s sub-tropical, and tropical climates, ranging from the Panhandle to the Florida Keys, mosquito control programs work 24/7, 365 days a year,” said FMCA President Sandra Fisher-Grainger. “Mosquito control has become a finely-honed science that includes the use of airplanes, helicopters, drones, natural predators, and impoundments to control outbreaks across the state.”

Florida is ground zero for mosquitoes and the diseases they vector in the continental United States. Florida is also home to more than 80 different species of mosquitoes ranging from the tropical climate of the Keys and South Florida to sub-tropical and more moderate climates in the Panhandle.

“On behalf of the members of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, we thank FMCA’s members for their role in boosting Florida’s economy by allowing millions of tourists to enjoy outdoor activities, including dining, sports, and concerts by keeping the mosquitos at bay,” said Samantha Padgett, Vice President of Government Relations and General Counsel, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

For more than a century, Floridians and our tourists have greatly benefitted from the hundreds of dedicated mosquito control scientists and technicians who work to make life more comfortable and safer from an insect that has plagued mankind for thousands of years and continues to be a growing threat today. Especially in the Florida Keys where the Florida Keys Mosquito Control Districts has been recognized nationally.

“Before 1920, Florida’s development was slow largely because of mosquitoes.  It is well known that these biting and disease carrying pests have slowed progress in most of the tropical and subtropical climates of the world, even still today—but no longer in Florida,” said Commissioner Phil Goodman, Keys Mosquito Control District. “Mosquito control has continually progressed in Florida and is now a very complex and sophisticated science, encompassing elements of every physical and life science while at the same time, protecting our fragile environment.”

“Our district employees around the state are tireless in their work,” said Richard Weaver, FMCA President-elect. “But success is never final. In 2016 the state worked closely with the MCDs and county and municipal mosquito control programs to combat the Aedes aegypti in response to a Zika virus outbreak. This prompt action limited damage to health and businesses. But the Aedes aegypti remains a severe public health threat, responsible for the continued spread of Dengue virus in South Florida.”

According to a 2022 Florida Department of Health Arbovirus Surveillance report  there were several documented cases of Dengue transmissions in Miami-Dade (64), Broward (2) and Collier (1). Additionally, there was also a case in Volusia bringing the total cases to 68. The Florida Department of Health also publishes weekly reports that can be found here.

For tips on what you can do to keep your home and loved ones safe please visit the Florida Department of Health site by clicking here.

To learn more about the FMCA’s 100-year anniversary (1922-2022) please click here for an article by Gordon Patterson.

FORT MYERS, Fla. —Today, Governor Ron DeSantis visited Fort Myers to highlight recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian. In the six months since Hurricane Ian made landfall, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has secured nearly $800 million in Public Assistance obligations at record speed, allowing Florida to generate nearly $1 billion in federal resiliency funds. Through Florida’s state-led housing program, 504 households have received travel trailers, outpacing FEMA’s 460 households that received trailers. Additionally, the Governor awarded more than $7 million from the Florida Disaster Fund to support small businesses in Southwest Florida that were affected by the storm. To watch the Governor’s full remarks, click here.

“When Hurricane Ian made landfall, we made a promise that we would be there for impacted Floridians every step of the way through the recovery process,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “After the cameras left and the dust settled, we continued to stand up programs where the federal government dragged its feet and we continued to find ways to support Floridians whose needs did not fit into a specific government program. We are glad to be adding to these efforts with today’s announcements.”

“The Division remains committed to seeing Southwest Florida through the recovery process and making this community whole again,” said Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie. “Governor Ron DeSantis continues to lead the way and empower the Division to cut through unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy.”

The Governor also announced two awards through the Florida Disaster Fund totaling $7 million to support small businesses. The first award of $3 million will go to the nonprofit arm of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to expand their ability to provide economic relief to hospitality-based businesses that were impacted by the storm. The second award of $4 million will create a new Small Business Recovery Impact program to support additional small businesses outside of the hospitality sector that have been unable to reopen due to lack of capital. Small businesses will be eligible for up to $50,000 grants to support their employees and help to reopen and pay for things like equipment, drywall, and commodities.

In the six months since Hurricane Ian made landfall, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has secured nearly $800 million in Public Assistance obligations. By securing these funds so quickly, we have been able to generate nearly $1 billion in federal resiliency funds. This is the most funding FDEM has ever secured in this time frame and the most ever secured for resiliency funding in such a short time following a disaster for any state-managed hurricane response. The Governor announced that Collier County has been reimbursed $23.2 million for debris removal and emergency protective measures, bringing the total amount reimbursed to local communities to $140 million.

Following Hurricane Ian, a monumental effort was undertaken to clean debris, restore roadways and bridges, and to reconnect power to homes and businesses.

• Temporary repairs to the Pine Island bridge allowed access to Pine Island to be restored in less than three days.
• Temporary repairs allowed a one-time convoy of bucket trucks and other equipment, supplies, work crews and emergency response personnel to cross the Sanibel Causeway while more permanent repairs to the causeway could be made.
• Access to Sanibel Island via the Sanibel Causeway was restored in 15 days.
• Power was restored to all 2.6 million accounts that were able to safely receive power in under two weeks.

The Governor gave an update on permanent repair progress to the Pine Island bridge and Sanibel Causeway. The Pine Island bridge repairs are expected to be completed by fall of 2023 and are estimated to cost $25 million when completed. Permanent repairs to the Sanibel Causeway will be complete by the end of this year and are estimated to cost a total of $350 million when complete.

Additionally, more than 877,000 cubic yards of debris was removed on land and an additional 491,000 cubic yards of debris was removed from the water. FDEM partnered with local Sheriff and Police departments to utilize sonar technology to identify 5,672 items in the waterways of Charlotte, Collier, and Lee counties. Items ranged from vessels and vehicles to other debris such as appliances.

When the federal government dragged its feet to provide temporary housing trailers and home repairs for impacted Floridians, Florida stepped up to help Floridians in need. Through the Florida State-Led Non-Congregate Sheltering Program, 504 households have received travel trailers in comparison to 460 households that have received trailers from FEMA. The state has also led the Sheltering in Home for Recovery Continuation Program, which provides temporary repairs to homes from Hurricane Ian damage with the support of volunteer organizations and a partnership with Home Depot. Through this program, work orders have been issued to volunteer organizations for 141 projects totaling more than $1.3 million.

The Florida Disaster Fund is the state’s private fund overseen by Volunteer Florida established to provide financial assistance to our communities as they respond to and recover from times of emergency or disaster. In partnership with public, private, and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities. To contribute, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.

Donations to the Florida Disaster Fund are made to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and are tax-deductible. Donations may be made by credit card on the secure website www.floridadisasterfund.org or by check to the below address. Checks should be made payable to the Volunteer Florida Foundation and should include “Florida Disaster Fund” in the memo line.

Volunteer Florida Foundation

Attention: Florida Disaster Fund

1545 Raymond Diehl Road Suite 250

Tallahassee, FL 32308

ORLANDO – From March 4-7 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, 340 Florida high school students from 46 schools competed in the statewide annual Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) Hospitality & Tourism Management Program (HTMP) and ProStart Culinary Competition Events. This year marked the 22nd year for the ProStart competition and the 19th year for the HTMP event; Florida is the only state to host a statewide competition for the HTMP program. Executive and Board Leadership from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association attended the competition, as well as Secretary Melanie Griffin from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Throughout the weekend, ProStart students competed in categories including Culinary, Management, Edible Centerpiece, and Waiter’s Relay. At the Salute to Excellence Award ceremony, students were awarded for their respective competition categories. They also received scholarships from the FRLAEF and event sponsors, including Universal Orlando, Disney Culinary, National Restaurant Association Education Foundation, Keiser University Center for Culinary Arts, University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management, American Culinary Federation, Ecolab, Florida Atlantic University, and At-Sunrice Global Chef Academy. Winners will advance to the national ProStart Invitational in Washington, D.C., which is hosted by the National Restaurant Association in May. HTMP students competed in categories including Hotel Operations, Hospitality Project, and the Knowledge Bowl and were also awarded scholarships from the FRLA Educational Foundation.

“This year’s ProStart and HTMP competition event featured the hard work and talent of our top hospitality students,” said Laura Rumer, Director of the FRLA Educational Foundation. “It was wonderful to see the lively competition, strong teamwork, and awesome school spirit of these kids and their instructors. We are grateful to all who participated from across the professional hospitality industry, including our judges and volunteers. We are hopeful for the bright futures of these students and the hospitality industry.”

“As a top destination for tourism and hospitality, it is fitting that Florida continues to lead the way in high school hospitality courses,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). “We boast the largest ProStart program in the U.S. and are the only state to produce a statewide HTMP contest. These competitions are important as we invest in our students who are the future of this great industry, and it is truly a thrill to see them in action. Congratulations to these outstanding young men and women and to their instructors who devote so much time to their training.”

22nd ANNUAL FLORIDA PROSTART COMPETITION WINNERS:

OVERALL WINNERS

1^st  Place         Martin County High School (Stuart): Instructor Shaun Southwick
2^nd Place         Wekiva High School (Apopka): Instructor Christopher Bates
3^rd Place          Strawberry Crest High School (Dover): Instructor Paul Bonanno

4^th Place          Coral Springs High School (Coral Springs): Instructor Aruna Lien

5^th  Tie              Dixie Hollins High School (St. Petersburg): Instructors Christy Rabich/Tara Bishop

5^th  Tie              Bethlehem High School (Bonifay): Instructor Chelsea Herndon

KEISER UNIVERSITY CULINARY COMPETITION

1^st Place          Martin County High School (Stuart): Lily Tax, Paige Williams, Sophia Poirier, Georgia Poirier, Dominic Padovano, Instructor Shaun Southwick

2^nd Place          Strawberry Crest High School (Dover): Sydnie Gutierrez, Julian Alvarado, Emma Langston, Mayte Hernandez-Diaz, Instructor Paul Bonanno

3^rd Place          Winter Park High School (Winter Park): Maria Santana, Madison Bryant, Murry Critcher, Audrey Alamina, Instructor Chris Whitlow

4^th Place          Wekiva High School (Apopka): Greta Torres, Erick Hendrickson, Nicholas Eberle, Josephina Russo, Travis Grider, Instructor Christopher Bates

5^th Place          Lake Minneola High School (Minneola): Anthony Miller, Kyndall Meacham, Elliot Lewis, Calvin Skolnik, Instructors Nick Sandora and Lance Bowles

UCF ROSEN COLLEGE MANAGEMENT COMPETITION

1^st Place            Wekiva High School (Apopka): Danny Ha, Ishia Vilus, Judah Myers, Keyshia Acevedo-Ares, Josean Vargas, Instructor Christopher Bates

2^nd Place           Coral Springs High School (Coral Springs): Mariah Almodovar, Avinash Seepersad, Rylie Feller, Lanaya Nesmith, Instructor Aruna Lien

3^rd Place           John A. Ferguson High School (Miami): Kayla Quintero, Teresa Kinnaird, Rebecca Wylie, Instructors Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia, & Jebel Cordoba

4^th Place           Strawberry Crest High School (Dover): Lauren Trotto, Connor Butler, Katya King, Instructor Paul Bonanno

5^th Place           Winter Springs High School (Winter Springs): Aaron Lambert, Shia Lorenzano, Ellyanna Rivera, Instructor Adam Efland

EDIBLE CENTERPIECE COMPETITION

1^st Place          Kadence Phillips, Bethlehem High School, Bonifay (Instructor Chelsea Herndon)

2^nd Place         Mikayla Dailey, Bayside High School, Palm Bay (Instructor Stuart Gray)

3^rd Place          Payton Miller, Steinbrenner High School, Lutz (Instructor Cheryl White)

4^th Place          Kamiel Miller, St. Lucie West Centennial High School, Port St. Lucie (Instructor Christina Gedke-Balaschak)

5^th  Tie              Melissa Rivera, Martin County High School, Stuart (Instructor Shaun Southwick)

5^th  Tie              Lucia Bedoya, Coral Springs High School, Coral Springs (Instructor Aruna Lien)

WAITER’S RELAY COMPETITION

1^st Place            Dixie Hollins High School (St. Petersburg): Ty Cranston, Philip Smith, Justice Calle, Instructors Christy Rabich & Tara Bishop)

2^nd Place           JP Taravella High School (Coral Springs): Myah Joseph, Pharrell Williams, Natalie Pisani, Instructor Scott Goodman

3^rd Place           Martin County High School (Stuart): Gage Meskauskas, Jake Chase, Alex Garces-Kaline, Instructor Shaun Southwick

4^th Place           Chipley High School (Chipley): Gretchen Green, Kaitlin Thompson, Carolynn Vanderbrink, Instructor Sandra Solger

5^th Place          Steinbrenner High School (Lutz): Sophie Lopez, Amaya Pollack, Julissa Teran, Instructor Cheryl White

ProStart is a nationwide high school career program educating nearly150,000 students in culinary arts and restaurant management skills. Florida’s ProStart program is the largest in the nation with approximately 30,000 students enrolled annually. ProStart’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities and sets a high standard of excellence for the industry’s next generation of leaders. Yearly, students compete on state and nation-wide levels to showcase skills learnt in their classroom kitchens.

19th ANNUAL HTMP COMPETITION WINNERS:

OVERALL WINNERS

1^st  Place         Stoneman Douglas High School (Parkland): Instructor Mitchell Albert

2^nd Place         Miami Sunset High School (Miami): Instructor Milagros Perez

3^rd  Place         Olympia High School (Orlando): Instructor Kristina Bryant

HOTEL OPERATIONS COMPETITION

1^st Place          Windermere High School (Windermere): Keegan McBride, Charles Johnson, Alexandra Conley, Madeleine Empric; Instructor Heather Kelly

2^nd Place         Stoneman Douglas High School (Parkland): Morgan Fink, Alexis Presno, Madison Schapiro; Instructor Mitchell Albert

3^rd Place          Miami Sunset High School (Miami): Raquel Guerrero, Jekcy Guerrero, Irianny Petit Soto, Jade Pagoda; Instructor Milagros Perez

HOSPITALITY PROJECT COMPETITION

1^st Place          Stoneman Douglas High School (Parkland): Morgan Fink, Alexis Presno, Madison Schapiro, Blake Blackman; Instructor Mitchell Albert

2^nd Place         Miami Sunset High School (Miami): Raquel Guerrero, Jekcy Guerrero, Irianny Petit Soto, Jade Pagoda; Instructor Milagros Perez

3^rd Place          Olympia High School (Orlando): Annalise Blomberg, Molly Bryan, Aylin Sandboyva; Instructor Kristina Bryant

KNOWLEDGE BOWL COMPETITION

1^st Place          Stoneman Douglas High School (Parkland): Morgan Fink, Alexis Presno, Madison Schapiro, Blake Blackman; Instructor Mitchell Albert

2^nd Place         Horizon High School (Winter Garden): Renata Chaves, Adrianna Mason, Gracelynn Dull; Instructor Kate Restifo

3^rd Place          Robert Morgan Education Center (Miami): Destinee Rodgers, Peyton McQueen, Julie Felipe-Careaga, Allanie Sahatoo; Instructor Alina Hughes

The Hospitality & Tourism Management Program (HTMP) is a high school curriculum that introduces 2,000 Florida students to the hospitality and tourism industry each year. HTMP presents the industry on a global scale with a large focus on diversity. Most importantly, this curriculum is industry driven as evidenced by the fact that more than 60 industry leaders served as subject matter experts, ensuring that today’s program matches the needs of hospitality employers across the world. Each year, Florida’s HTMP students compete at the state level to showcase their skills they have learned in the classroom.

For more information about ProStart, HTMP, or FRLA’s Educational Foundation, visit our webpage or contact Director Laura Rumer at [email protected].

###

JACKSONVILLE – Last night, nearly 500 people from across the regional hospitality industry gathered at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in St. Augustine for the 14^th Annual ROSE Awards ceremony to award those making a difference in Northeast Florida’s hospitality community.

A 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 130 nominees from 48 different businesses, and 27 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 a trophy, 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 include individuals who saved a guest’s life, an amazing cook who celebrates his deafness and spreads positivity, and more behind the scenes stars.

“It’s such a privilege to recognize Northeast Florida’s best of the best in hospitality for the 14^th year of ROSE Awards,” said Nicole Chapman, Regional Director for FRLA and the event’s 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.”

“As Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry rebuilds post-COVID and we set new visitation and revenue records, we are still struggling to meet our pre-pandemic workforce numbers,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “For these nominees and winners to serve with such excellence – even during these challenging times – is a testament to their grit, grace, and professionalism and shows that they truly love what they do. Ours is the best industry in the state, and the Northeast Florida ROSE Awards is a wonderful opportunity to shine the light on these outstanding individuals who provide the ultimate guest experiences. Congratulations to these industry leaders and to Nicole Chapman, our amazing Regional Director, for all she has done to make this event such a success.”

The 2023 ROSE Award winners are:

President’s Award: Clive Ramsey, Brett McLaughlin, and Austin Patton: One Ocean Resort & Spa

Administrative Assistant: Saige Horowitz, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

Banquets: Christine Steffens, One Ocean Resort & Spa

Bartender / Mixologist: Aaron Price, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Behind the Scenes: Isabella Zarka, One Ocean Resort & Spa

Beyond the Call of Duty: Ben Burke & Thomas Robertson, The Lodge & Club

Culinary Service – Chef / Cook Hotel: Jimmy McGuire, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville

Culinary Service – Chef/Cook Restaurant: Kathleen Hampton, Prospect Five Points

Customer Service – Concierge, Recreation, Spa: Jody Sutton, Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village

Customer Service – Event Services: Captain William Mayhem, St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

Food & Beverage – Support: Roderick Carlise, Prospect Five Points

Guest Service – Bed & Breakfast: David Corey, St. Francis Inn B&B and Casa De Suenos

Guest Service – Front Desk, Full-Service Hotel: Deidra Facey, Omni Amelia Island Resort

Guest Service – Front Desk, Select Service Hotel: Kaitlyn “Katie” Murphy, Best Western Oceanfront

Guest Service – Housekeeping, Full-Service Hotel: Odalis Rodriguez, One Ocean Resort & Spa

Guest Service – Housekeeping, Select Service Hotel: Debora Lowe, Fairfield Inn & Suites, St. Augustine

Guest Service – Laundry: Milena Gusalic, Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park

Guest Service – Maintenance / Engineer: Luis Villacis, Courtyard Orange Park

Guest Service – Valet / Bell Attendant: Angel Rodriguez, Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village

Server – Restaurant, Casual Dining: Danny Stimpson, Biscottis

Server – Restaurant, Fine Dining: James “Slim” Allen, The River Club

Server – Restaurant, Hotel: Glensner Layugan, One Ocean Resort & Spa

Restaurant – Quick Service: Faith Brunner, Starbucks at Casa Monica Resort & Spa

Transportation – Airport, Ground, & Water: Jenny Cremer, East Coast Transportation

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.

###