SBA Business Recovery Locations

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened multiple business recovery locations throughout the state to assist with disaster relief in the wake of the red tide emergency. SBA staff can provide information, answer questions about the SBA economic injury disaster loans and help business owners complete applications for the loans.

These SBA loans, available to small business owners in counties impacted by red tide, can provide up to $2 million for working capital needs caused by the red tide disaster. As of October 2, 2018, these counties include:

Charlotte
Collier
DeSoto
Glades
Hardee
Hendry
Hillsborough
Lee
Manatee
Pasco
Pinellas
Polk
Sarasota

Eligibility for these low-interest loans is based upon the size and type of business as well as its financial resources. Money from the SBA loans can be used for payroll, accounts payable, fixed debts and other bills that could have been paid had the red tide disaster not occurred. They cannot be used to replace lost sales or profits.

Find an SBA business recovery loan location near you:

Lee County

City/County Annex Building

1825 Hendry St.

Ft. Myers, FL 33901

M-F 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Manatee County

Manatee County Library, Island Branch

5701 Marina Rd

Holmes Beach, FL 34217

M-F 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pasco County

Smartstart Program Manager

West Pasco Entrepreneur Center

4532 US Highway 19

New Port Richey, FL 35652

M-F 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pinellas County

Epicenter

13805 58th Street North

Suite 2-200

Clearwater, FL 33760

M-F 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sarasota County

Bay Ridge Park

4430 South Lockwood Rd

Sarasota, FL 34231

M, W, F 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Business owners can apply for the SBA loans here or can download an application here. For more information, please call 1-800-659-2955 (or 1-800-877-8339 for the dead and hard-of-hearing) or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

The filing deadline to return applications for economic injury is June 4, 2019.

SBA Loan Available to 13 Florida Counties Impacted by Red Tide

[September 21, 2018]

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a disaster declaration for Florida counties adversely impacted by red tide. This declaration means that businesses and other eligible organizations in the impacted areas are eligible to apply for SBA economic injury disaster loan assistance. On Sept. 4, the following counties were determined to be eligible for an SBA loan:

Charlotte
Collier
DeSoto
Glades
Hardee
Hendry
Hillsborough
Lee
Manatee
Polk
Sarasota

On Sept. 20, the SBA amended the declaration to include two additional counties:

Pasco
Pinellas

How SBA loans help:

These loans are intended to assist small businesses through the recovery period by loaning them up to $2 million. The interest rates are set by law and fixed for the life of the loan, but the maximum interest rate for this program is 3.385 percent. If your business is a major employer, SBA can waive the $2 million limit.

Credit Requirements for SBA loans:

Applicants must have a credit history acceptable to the SBA as well as the ability to repay the loan. Collateral is required for all economic impact disaster loans over $25,000, and real estate may be used as collateral. SBA will not decline a loan for lack of collateral, but it will require businesses to pledge collateral that is available.

Apply for an SBA loan:

If you are in the disaster area and have been negatively impacted by the red tide, you can apply for an SBA loan online here. For more information, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

For a full list of algae-related information and resources, please visit FRLA’s algae page.

FRLA Launches Course on Human Trafficking

[Tallahassee, Fla] Representatives from the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) announced the launch of an online training course on human trafficking specifically designed to help hoteliers, restaurateurs and their staff. Created in conjunction with subject matter experts, the FRLA course objectives include teaching participants to recognize the signs of human trafficking, understand best practices to protect victims and promote anti-trafficking awareness. Available in both English and Spanish, the course is free for all who take it.

“FRLA believes we have a moral obligation to do all we can to prevent this atrocious crime, and offering this course at no charge is one way we can help fight human trafficking,” said Carol Dover, CEO and President of the association. “We are committed to educating our members and others within the hospitality industry about the dangers of human trafficking, and this course underscores that commitment.”

Florida is the third-highest trafficking destination in the United States, and there were 604 cases of trafficking reported last year in the Sunshine State according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Geoff Luebkemann, Vice President of Education and Training at FRLA, says that those in the hospitality industry must understand that no one is immune.

“Most people think trafficking is sex trafficking that occurs in seedy motels in a bad part of town, but the facts are contrary to popular belief,” Luebkemann said. “The reality is that trafficking is also forced labor, which happens in broad daylight and can be found at diverse venues ranging from agricultural operations to golf resorts and upscale restaurants. Sex trafficking happens at properties across the price, service and luxury spectrum.”

Available online at StopHumanTraffickingFL.com, the course features research and resources from Polaris, the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as well as the International Labor Organization. To help learners fully engage with the subject matter, the course is divided into two parts and includes interactive elements. Each section of the course contains information relevant to hotels and restaurants, underscoring Luebkemann’s position that trafficking can occur anywhere. Currently, the course is available in both English and Spanish.

The launch of the free online course is the latest in a series of moves FRLA has made to engage and educate the hospitality community on the realities of human trafficking. The association has been actively involved in the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking for two years, and FRLA hosted a panel discussion on human trafficking at the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show on Sept. 8. Moderated by Luebkemann, the panel included Laura MacFarland of Places of Hope, Tomas Lares of Florida Abolitionist, Robin Thompson of STAC, Maurice Edwards of the Seminole County Sheriffs Office and Shelly Weir of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. These experts offered first-hand accounts of trafficking issues they have faced and discussed strategies for fighting trafficking at all levels including legislation.

Those interested in taking FRLA’s course on human trafficking can find it at StopHumanTraffickingFL.com or through the FRLA’s training website, SafeStaff.org. To learn more about human trafficking and why it matters to the hospitality industry, check out this article in the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Magazine. Find resources regarding human trafficking on FRLA’s trafficking page.

Governor Directs Additional $3 Million for Red Tide Counties

[Tallahassee, Fla] Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will provide an additional $3 million to counties impacted by red tide off the Gulf Coast. This brings the total grant funding for southwest Florida counties to $9 million. $3 million is designated for counties impacted by the blue-green algae, and $6 million is designated for counties impacted by red tide.

With newly-designated funds included, DEP has allotted the following grant funding:

More than $190,000 for Collier County
A total of $3.17 million for Lee County
$750,000 for Manatee County
$700,000 for Martin County
$1.1 million for Sarasota County

For the latest information regarding red tide, please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s red tide tracking page. You can also call 866-300-9399 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and listen to a recording about the latest red tide conditions.

RCS Staff Members Earn ‘Certified Hospitality Trainer’ Designation

[Orlando, Fla]

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) today announced the achievement of three RCS Training staff members. Caitie Higginbotham, Lorena Moreno and Leslie Batista all recently earned the Certified Hospitality Trainer (CHT) credential from the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. One of the highest distinctions awarded by the Educational Institute, the CHT designation affirms the knowledge, skills and abilities of those who earn it.

To be named a Certified Hospitality Trainer, hospitality professionals must demonstrate their talent through academic achievement and industry experience. The program requires each candidate to complete a comprehensive exam that tests skills in hotel operations, financial management, human relations, human resource management and administrative skills. Successful completion of the program proves not only their dedication to the industry but their ability to do well within it.

“I could not be more proud to have these three women on our team,” said Geoff Luebkemann, Senior Vice President of Education and Training for FRLA. “They bring extraordinary value to our organization with their understanding of the hospitality industry and their commitment to it. This certification as Certified Hospitality Trainer is an incredible achievement and a nice way to formally acknowledge their talent.”

All three honorees work for FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. Higginbotham serves the Florida Panhandle as a Regional Manager, Moreno is a Regional Sales Manager for Miami-Dade County and Bastita is a Regional Training Manager in Miami-Dade. Together, the have nearly 15 years of experience with FRLA and RCS.

RCS Training is a subsidiary of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and is the state’s leader in providing risk management and regulatory training for the hospitality industry in the Sunshine State. To learn more about RCS Training or to learn what courses trainers can offer, please click here.

Caitie Higginbotham, Regional Manager – Panhandle

Lorena Moreno, Regional Sales Manager – Miami-Dade County

Leslie Batista, Regional Training Manager – Miami-Dade

Red Tide Emergency: What FRLA members need to know

Red Tide Florida Coast — Red Tide off Florida Coast

This week, Governor Rick Scott issued Executive Order 18-221, declaring a state of emergency in Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties due to the impact of red tide. Although red tide is a naturally-occurring event, the impact can still be significant for businesses along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association wants to ensure our members have access to all the information and resources necessary to help you navigate this emergency effectively.

First, we encourage all members who are affected by the red tide to complete the Florida Department of Emergency Management’s Damage Assessment survey. You can find the survey here. Be sure to select “red tide” as the event. Information gathered will help the government develop the best strategy to help businesses recover during and after this event. Your input is invaluable.

Second, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is providing bridge loans and increasing their presence in South Florida. These interest-free loans, from $1,000 to $50,000, are available to small business owners with 2-100 employees who have suffered physical or economic damage as a result of the red tide.

The Governor’s emergency declaration includes funding for tourism promotion, algae clean-up, and additional scientists in the impacted areas. A full outline of how state and local government and research agencies are addressing red tide can be found here.

If you would like assistance with how to respond to guests with questions about this issue, please contact our Press Secretary, Amanda Handley, APR. She will happily help you craft talking points to share with staff and guests.

FRLA is working to ensure that our members can quickly and easily get information and resources to help you during this emergency. Check your email and follow us on social media for the most up-to-date information.

Federal Action Needed to Protect Florida’s Tourism Industry

As every Floridian knows, tourism is critical to our state’s booming economy. This $111.7 billion industry represents 1.4 million employees, and one out of every four people in the Sunshine State work in hospitality. With more than 850 miles of beautiful coastline, seemingly endless options for entertainment and warm sunshine, it’s no wonder that millions of people come to Florida every year. Our state’s largest industry is in danger as a result of the algal blooms caused when the federal government releases water from Lake Okeechobee into our rivers and estuaries. Governor Scott has taken incredible steps in securing billions of dollars in state funding for repairs to the Herbert Hoover dike and for Everglades restoration projects. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has worked tirelessly to expedite the EAA reservoir project, which is imperative for reducing the discharges from Lake Okeechobee. Further, the SFWMD continues to study the situation and determine what other actions can be taken. But the bottom line is that Governor Scott, the SFWMD and Floridians cannot stop the algal blooms or minimize the damage to our environment and economy on our own. The federal government must take immediate and decisive action to help Florida.

The federal government should immediately fully fund their half of the state-federal partnership for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. To date, the state has contributed more than $2.3 billion, but the federal government has contributed only $1.3 billion. Their failure to follow through on their commitment delays critical projects that will clean, store and move water south and thereby eliminate the need for the Lake Okeechobee releases.

Congress should quickly approve the EAA Reservoir Project. The SFWMD accelerated the planning and design for this project, and the White House Office of Management and Budget approved the plan last month. However, the plan is still sitting in Congress, waiting on approval. Without Congressional approval, this key project is on hold, and the Lake Okeechobee discharges continue.

Finally, the Army Corps of Engineers should evaluate their plan for Lake Okeechobee. We are in the middle of the wet season. Funding for the Herbert Hoover dike rehabilitation is secured thanks to Governor Scott. And yet, the Army Corps of Engineers has not updated the Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule for a decade.

Florida’s leaders are doing all that they can to protect our environment, our people, our wildlife and our economy. We all understand that a long-term, lasting solution requires everyone working together, and we are doing all we can. We need our partners at the federal level to do the same.

Gov. Scott Issues Emergency Order for Red Tide

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott issued Executive Order 18-221 declaring a state of emergency due to impacts of red tide in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Red tide is a naturally occurring algae that has been documented along Florida’s Gulf Coast since the 1840’s and occurs nearly every year.

Governor Scott said, “As Southwest Florida and the Tampa Bay area continues to feel the devastating impacts of red tide, we will continue taking an aggressive approach by using all available resources to help our local communities. Today, I am issuing an emergency declaration to provide significant funding and resources to the communities experiencing red tide so we can combat its terrible impacts. This includes making additional FWC biologists and scientists available to assist in clean-up and animal rescue efforts, more than $100,000 for Mote Marine Laboratory and $500,000 for VISIT FLORIDA to establish an emergency grant program to help local communities continue to bring in the visitors that support so many Florida families and businesses.

“In addition to the emergency order, I am also directing a further $900,000 in grants for Lee County to clean up impacts related to red tide – bringing total red tide grant funding for Lee County to more than $1.3 million. While we fight to learn more about this naturally-occurring phenomenon, we will continue to deploy all state resources and do everything possible to make sure that Gulf Coast residents are safe and area businesses can recover.”

Read the full press release here.

RESTAURANT & LODGING ASSOCIATION HIRES CUNHA

[Tallahassee, Fla] Today, representatives from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced the hire of Guilherme Cunha as Regional Director for the nonprofit’s Central Florida Chapter. Cunha brings extensive experience in event management and fundraising as well as a proven track record in tourism development to the association promoting the Sunshine State’s largest industry.

“Gui’s lifelong involvement with the hospitality and tourism industry make him a natural fit for FRLA,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the FRLA. “His commitment to success, creativity and incredible track record will bring exceptional value to both the Central Florida FRLA chapter and to the association as a whole.”

Cunha grew up in Miami Beach watching both of his parents work in the hospitality industry. What he saw as a child sparked a passion for the industry that has followed him throughout his career. Cunha attended the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism in Miami-Dade where he was part of the first Hospitality and Tourism Management Program team to win back-to-back titles at the FRLA competition. He served as Florida International University’s Assistant Director of Events and Operations and worked at The Diplomat Resort and Spa, managing large-scale projects like the Miami Dolphins’ 50^th Anniversary Gala, Monday Night Football with ESPN and the Miss Universe pageant. Most recently, Cunha was the Tourism Manager for Orlando North Seminole County. Under his leadership, the convention and visitor bureau experienced Seminole County’s highest Tourist Development Tax and Average Daily Rate collections in the county’s history.

For more information about the Central Florida Chapter of FRLA, please click here.

FRLA welcomes Guilherme Cunha as a Regional Director in Central Florida

ASSOCIATION HIRES HANDLEY AS NEW PRESS SECRETARY

[Tallahassee, Fla] Today, representatives from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced the hire of Amanda Handley, APR, as Press Secretary. Handley brings expertise in media relations and strategic message development to the state hospitality trade industry’s association.

“Amanda’s experience, work ethic and passion for communication and community will bring exceptional value to our organization,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the FRLA. “We proud to have her as part of our FRLA family and excited to leverage her talents and skills as we continue to advocate for the hospitality industry.”

Handley’s PR background includes working with clients ranging from local nonprofits to national associations, and she is an active member of the Florida Public Relations Association. She currently serves as the President-Elect of the FPRA Capital Chapter and was the Joe Curley Rising Leader for the chapter in 2018. She is also a member of LeadershipFPRA Class II. Her award-winning work has earned national media coverage in publications such as the Chicago Tribune and Apartment Therapy. A lifelong Florida resident, Handley holds a Master’s degree in English Education from Florida State University. Prior to joining the FRLA team, she was the Public Relations Director at BowStern Marketing Communications, worked in the Florida Senate and taught high school English.