(L-R: Ed Cherry and Gary Nissen, US Foods, accepted on behalf of Pat Monile; Laurilee Thompson, Dixie Crossroads, Restaurateur of the Year; Eduardo Fernandez, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, Hotelier of the Year)

TALLAHASSEE, FL – At the 2023 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) awarded Supplier of the Year to U.S. Foods and Area President Pat Monile. They were inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame during the ceremony, which was held recently at the Opal Grand Resort in Delray Beach.

“Florida’s hospitality industry could not succeed without our amazing suppliers like U.S. Foods – reliable food distributors who enable our restaurants to produce innovative food and create memorable experiences for our guests,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. “They are an important partner in hospitality, and we are proud to recognize them as our Supplier of the Year!”

The Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala pays tribute to operators and suppliers 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.

To learn more about US Foods and Pat Monile, please watch the 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 1.3 million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff^® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

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Attendees to this week’s Pizza Tomorrow Summit and Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show will have the opportunity to experience four exciting competitions taking place during the trade shows on Wednesday, November 8 and Thursday, November 9 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup, a high-powered pizza-making competition, and the U.S. Pizza Team Acrobatic Finals, a pizza acrobatics spin-off will take place on US Pizza Team Competition stage in the back of the 800 aisle. The Rapid-Fire Challenge: Hot Sandwich and Sides Competition and the Hip Sip: Battle of the Modern Bartender Competition Bourbon Edition sponsored by Savage & Cooke Distillery will take place in the Culinary Innovation Theater in booth 172. Competitions and demonstration stages are open to all attendees.

“We have two amazing events scheduled for next week and can’t wait to welcome thousands of restaurant, pizza, foodservice, and hospitality professionals to the convention center where they will be able to see the latest products and solutions from hundreds of exhibiting companies, learn from a stellar line up of subject matter experts and watch four incredible competitions as well as culinary demonstrations,” said Glenn Celentano, Founder, The Pizza Tomorrow Summit and Partner, Restaurant Events, LLC. “One badge gives all attendees access to both events including competitions, product sourcing, education, and demonstrations. From high flying acrobatics, dough stretching and culinary pizza competition to the best sandwich and sides and whiskey cocktail there is certainly something for everyone. There is still time to register for this not to be missed event. Discount rates available until November 7^th.”

The Pizza Tomorrow Summit will kick off on Tuesday, November 7^th with a pre-event party at Playa Pizza, 13211 Reams Rd Suite 108, Windermere, FL at 7:00 pm. The US Pizza Team Competition stage will feature head to head battles between talented pizzaioli and pizza acrobats from across the nation, all vying for the Grand Prizes in both Culinary and Acrobatics of a trip to compete in the World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy, April of 2024.

• The pizza culinary competition will be held on Wednesday, November 8 starting at 8:30 am with two sets of competitors baking pizzas on a Fiero Napoli Traditional 110G, a hand-built, hearth-style oven and present their dishes. The finals will start at 3:30 pm with the awards presented at 5 pm.
• On Thursday, November 9^th there will be several competitions including the largest dough stretch, fastest box folder, fastest pizza maker and freestyle acrobatics. The events will be held from 11 am – 3:00 pm. All placers for Largest Dough Stretch and Fastest Pie Maker will receive cash prizes. The winner of the 2023 USPT Acrobatics Champion will have the chance to compete in the World Pizza Championship next year in Parma, Italy.

The Culinary Innovation Theater located in booth 172 will feature culinary demonstrations from four local chefs presented by the American Culinary Federation Central Florida Chapter and two exciting competitions.

• The Rapid-Fire Challenge: Hot Sandwich and Sides Competition will be held on Wednesday at 3 pm and judged by Food Network’s Shaun O’Neale, Kate Reed, President/ Founder and Phillip Marro, Co-Founder – Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival. Competing Chefs will prepare their favorite dishes ‘between the bread’ plus a side dish. The dishes will be judged on taste, presentation, cooking within a time limit and creativity and the winner will receive $1,000, bragging rights and gain exposure.
• On Thursday the Hip Sip: Battle of the Modern Bartender Competition Bourbon Edition sponsored by Savage & Cooke Distillery will take place at 2 pm. Hip Sip is judged by Art Sutley, Hospitality & Nightlife Expert, Savage & Cooke Distillery; and Bar Rescue’s Mia Mastroianni, and Phil Wills, The Spirits in Motion. A dozen bartender contestants will use Cask Finished Rye Whiskey to battle it out to see who has the best whiskey cocktail. The winner will receive a FREE trip to the Savage & Cooke Distillery. This trip will include airfare, 2-night accommodation in Napa, a tour of the distillery, and a meet & greet with the master distiller.

In addition to the exciting competitions, attendees will have access to the combined exhibit halls with 430 booths featuring leading suppliers demonstrating, and sampling products and services. Exhibitors include Sysco, Cheney Brothers, Roma brought to you by Performance Food Service, Bellissimo Foods, Fiero Group, Ken’s Foodservice, Shadowspec Umbrellas, ACF Central Florida Chapter, RL Schreiber, and many more.

Attendees to both the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit will have access to thirty free education sessions providing immediate actionable solutions and ideas, from industry subject matter experts focused on People, Process and New Technology; How to Lease Restaurant Space; Growing Your Restaurant Through your Chamber of Commerce, Building a Team, How to Recognize Talent and Develop Leaders and much more. In addition, all attendees are invited to register for the Restaurant Management 201 Workshop led by Darren Denington and Alison Anne who will guide the entire management team through the process of becoming a cohesive team with strong leadership.

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, a reinvented event serving a refocused foodservice industry, is sponsored by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and produced and managed by Restaurant Events, LLC. For exhibitor information for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show contact Joe Carlino at (484) 823-9611 or joe@therestaurantevents.com.

The Pizza Tomorrow Summit, now in its 2^nd year, 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. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore hundreds of exhibitors and have access to new companies, products, ideas, and initiatives that will help propel this evolving industry into the future. For exhibitor information about the Pizza Tomorrow Summit contact Dave Kellogg at 203-788-3794 or david@pizzatomorrow.com.

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, sponsored by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Pizza Summit Tomorrow are owned by Restaurant Events, LLC which also produces the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, scheduled for March 3-5, 2024 at the Javits Center in New York City and the 2024 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo scheduled for August 25-27 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

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For further information, contact:
Amy Riemer, Media Relations
978-475-4441(office) or 978-502-4895 (cell)
amy@riemercommunications.com

~Dixie Crossroads Co-Owner Honored at FRLA Stars of the Industry Gala, Tribute Video Released~

(L-R: FRLA Chairman of the Board John Horne, Hall of Fame Winner & Restaurateur of the Year Laurilee Thompson, FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover)

TALLAHASSEE, FL – At the 2023 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) awarded the coveted Restaurateur of the Year award to Laurilee Thompson, co-owner of Titusville’s Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant. Thompson was also inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame during the ceremony, which was held at the Opal Grand Resort in Delray Beach last week.

“People come from across the country and even the globe to experience the delicious wild ocean-caught seafood and renowned rock shrimp at Dixie Crossroads,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Through Laurilee’s leadership, the restaurant has thrived, all while she has also contributed so much to the local community and the state through her nature and environmental activism. Her passion and commitment to commercial fishing, food service, and the greater hospitality industry are without comparison! We are proud to recognize her as Restaurateur of the Year!”

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 such an honor to be recognized as Restaurateur of the Year by FRLA because there are so many deserving restaurateurs in this great state,” said Laurilee Thompson, co-owner of Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant. “I share this wonderful award with my family, my business partners, and my staff, as well as the boat captains who work so hard to ensure we have enough quality seafood from American waters to serve our guests. I’m so proud of what an incredible team we are together!”

To learn more about Laurilee, please watch her 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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~Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort GM Honored at FRLA Stars of the Industry Gala~

(L-R: FRLA Chairman of the Board John Horne, Hall of Fame Winner/ Hotelier of the Year Eduardo Fernandez, FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover)

 TALLAHASSEE, FL – At the 2023 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) awarded the coveted Hotelier of the Year award to South Florida hospitality leader Eduardo Fernandez. With his illustrious win, Fernandez was also inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame in a ceremony held last week at the Opal Grand Resort in Delray Beach.

“What fun we had honoring Eduardo for his lifetime of commitment to hospitality, including more than two decades as a leader in the great state of Florida,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Eduardo’s energy, leadership style, and commitment to his team and his guests are what make such great experiences that keep guests coming back. Congratulations to Eduardo, we are so proud of you!”

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.

“I am humbled, honored, and surprised to be inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame as the 2023 Hotelier of the Year,” said Eduardo Fernandez, General Manager of Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. “We have so many great hoteliers in Florida that are deserving of such recognition, so it makes it even more special to me. I have spent over 20 years in Florida doing what I love in an industry that contributes so much to our state’s economy and offers great career opportunities. I am extremely lucky and thankful to have such a great team at Margaritaville and to work in a fabulous resort that offers such a unique experience full of fun and escapism. I am also beyond grateful and forever indebted to my wife Paula and my family for all the support and sacrifices they have made over the years to allow me the opportunity to do what I enjoy for all these years. I look forward to many more years in this rewarding business, working closely with the FRLA organization to ensure our industry continues to thrive in Florida. As Jimmy Buffet always said…’I love my job!’”

Fernandez currently serves as General Manager of Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, a destination resort and entertainment complex located on the legendary Hollywood Beach Boardwalk. He has more than 25 years of proven leadership skills as general manager and in corporate roles across many brands and management companies, including Davidson Hospitality Group, Sonesta Hotels & Resorts, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Eduardo has held many board positions with prestigious organizations such as the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, FRLA, and the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Alliance. He currently serves as a board member for the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Hollywood Beach Business Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree in professional studies from Barry University and a degree in Hotel Management from the Institut de Tourisme et d’Hotellerie du Quebec in Canada. Eduardo has received many recognitions and accolades over the years, including the 2016 General Manager of the Year from FRLA, the 2001 Hotelier of the Year from the Delaware Hotel & Lodging Association, and ITT Sheraton’s President’s Award in 1991. Eduardo is fluent in English, Spanish, and French.

To learn more about Eduardo, 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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~Hotelier, Supplier, and Restaurateur of the Year Icons Honored~

(L-R: Ed Cherry and Gary Nissen, US Foods; Laurilee Thompson, Dixie Crossroads; Eduardo Fernandez, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort)

 DELRAY BEACH, FL – Last night, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced its Hospitality Stars of the Industry Hall of Fame Winners at an evening gala at the Opal Grand Resort.

 “The Hall of Fame recognition is one of FRLA’s most prestigious tributes, celebrating industry icons for their enduring commitment and remarkable contributions to the world of hospitality spanning decades,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “These awards honor distinguished leaders whose legacies have left an enduring mark on Florida’s vibrant hospitality landscape, and we are incredibly proud of these inductees.”

 2023 FRLA Hall of Fame Winners

Hotelier of the Year: Eduardo Fernandez, Margaritaville Beach Resort, Hollywood, FL

Eduardo Fernandez is the General Manager of Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, a destination resort and entertainment complex located on the legendary Hollywood Beach Boardwalk. He has more than 25 years of proven leadership skills as general manager and in corporate roles across many brands and management companies, including Davidson Hospitality Group, Sonesta Hotels & Resorts, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Eduardo has held many board positions with prestigious organizations such as the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, FRLA, and the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Alliance. He currently serves as a board member for the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Hollywood Beach Business Association.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in professional studies from Barry University and a degree in Hotel Management from the Institut de Tourisme et d’Hotellerie du Quebec in Canada. Eduardo has received many recognitions and accolades over the years, including the 2016 General Manager of the Year from FRLA, the 2001 Hotelier of the Year from the Delaware Hotel & Lodging Association, and ITT Sheraton’s President’s Award in 1991. Eduardo is fluent in English, Spanish, and French.

Restaurateur of the Year: Laurilee Thompson, Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant, Titusville, FL

Laurilee Thompson is the co-owner of Dixie Crossroads, a southern seafood restaurant with international name recognition and a menu that features locally caught seafood. Laurilee’s background includes decades of involvement in commercial fishing, Florida’s hospitality industry, and environmental advocacy. She started as a teenager running blue crab traps and gillnetting for mullet in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon and working on the back deck of a rock shrimp trawler. After receiving an AS in Oceanographic Technology from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1974, she captained a commercial long-line boat targeting swordfish and tuna in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. In the early 1980s, she was a pioneer in the Gulf of Mexico longline grouper fishing industry before she left the sea to work in her family’s seafood restaurant where she remains connected today.

Along with her partners, Laurilee helps operate the family business at Dixie Crossroads, which was opened by her parents in 1983 as a 30-seat diner serving on paper plates and now seats 465. There are companion components, including Wild Ocean Seafood Market and Cape Canaveral Shrimp Company, which help ensure that Dixie Crossroads always has the best local wild-caught shrimp available to serve their guests.

Laurilee is a board member for FRLA and the Merritt Island Wildlife Association and a Trustee for Hubbs Sea World Research Institute. She is an appointed member of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program Management Board, Save Our Indian River Lagoon Citizen Oversight Committee, and the City of Titusville FL Environmental Commission, where she is Chair. She served on the Brevard County FL Tourist Development Council from 2000-2020 where she represented eco-tourism. Laurilee is the founder of the highly successful Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, one of the nation’s top events of its type.

Supplier of the Year: US Foods, Area President Pat Monile, Tampa, FL

Pat Monile has been with US Foods for more than 30 years and currently serves as Area President for South Florida. Prior to his current role, he was the Division President for a decade. He held various management positions within the company, including Vice President of Sales, Regional Sales Manager, and District Manager. US Foods, a leading food distributor, is an important partner with Florida’s hospitality industry. With more than 300,000 operations across the country, US Foods helps chefs and operators make it with innovative food and provides the business tools, services, and industry expertise that makes them one of the most trusted food distributors.

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

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents 1.3 million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff^® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

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SARASOTA – Wednesday evening at The Westin Sarasota, dozens from across Florida’s Suncoast regional hospitality industry gathered for the inaugural Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) Suncoast ROSE Awards ceremony to recognize superstars from across Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards honor frontline hospitality team members across the region. This premiere event boasted nearly 40 nominees from 17 different businesses, and six 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 superior guest experiences. The winners each received their award, the coveted ROSE Award pin, and recognition from industry peers and leadership. Among the winners detailed below, Luis Valenzuela won the “Above and Beyond” award for his heroic efforts to resuscitate and save the life of a six-year-old girl following an emergency in the hotel’s pool.

“What an amazing night we had honoring those hospitality stars who create special experiences for our guests that keep them coming back,” said Dannette Lynch, FRLA Regional Director and Director of Membership. “It was our privilege to recognize these hard-working individuals who represent our region so well. Congratulations to our nominees and winners!”

The 2023 Suncoast ROSE Award winners are:

Danielle Berry, Bartender, Gecko’s Hospitality Group

David Gunn, Cook, The Westin Sarasota

Raymond Alexander, Wine Sales, Michael’s Wine Cellar

Marvin Palacios, Front Desk Agent, Resort at Longboat Key Club

Molly Glenn, Bartender, Anna Maria Oyster Bar Landside

*Above and Beyond Winner, Luis Valenzuela, Embassy Suites Sarasota

“We are so proud to bring the ROSE Awards to Florida’s Suncoast for the first time to recognize these amazing hospitality champions,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “For these team members to serve with such excellence is a testament to their determination and professionalism and shows that they truly love what they do. Ours is the best industry in the state, and the FRLA Suncoast ROSE Awards is a wonderful opportunity to shine the light on these outstanding individuals.”

 About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents 1.3 million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff^® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

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TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) today announced “Building Brighter Futures,” a new strategic partnership between its Central Florida Chapter and Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) to help shape future hospitality leaders and strengthen the industry.

 Earlier this week, FRLA convened with the Culinary Educators of OCPS at the Valencia Downtown campus to unveil the collaborative initiative to enrich students’ educational journey for the 2023-2024 school year.

“We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Orange County Public Schools,” said Dan Davis, President of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Central Florida Chapter. “Our combined efforts will empower students with the tools they need to thrive in the hospitality sector, ensuring a bright and promising future for the industry.”

Under the banner of this visionary partnership, both organizations are committed to providing OCPS students with invaluable opportunities for growth and development within the hospitality sector. The primary focus areas of this collaboration encompass internships, mentoring, and site visits, all deliberately designed to inspire and cultivate the emerging hospitality leaders of tomorrow.

“This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to providing students with real-world learning experiences,” shared Shannon Latimer, District Coordinator of Career and Technical Education for Orange County Public Schools. “It’s an incredible opportunity for our students to learn from the best in the hospitality business.”

Key Highlights of the Building Brighter Futures Partnership Include the Following:

Internship Opportunities: OCPS students will gain access to hands-on, immersive internships within the vibrant Central Florida hospitality industry, enabling them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios and fostering a deeper understanding of the field.

Mentorship Programs: Seasoned professionals from FRLA’s Central Florida Chapter will serve as mentors, guiding students on their journey toward becoming accomplished hospitality leaders. Mentors will share their expertise, insights, and experiences, offering invaluable career guidance.

Educational Site Visits: Students will be welcomed at some of Central Florida’s most esteemed hospitality establishments. These visits will provide a firsthand look into the industry’s inner workings, sparking inspiration and passion for hospitality careers.

With a steadfast commitment to nurturing talent, fostering growth, and preparing the next generation of hospitality professionals, this partnership between the FRLA’s Central Florida Chapter and Orange County Public Schools signifies a momentous step forward. The 2023-2024 school year promises to be transformative for aspiring hospitality leaders as they gain the skills, knowledge, and contacts necessary to excel in this dynamic industry.

For more information on the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, please visit FRLA.org. For more information on Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), please visit https://www.ocps.net/.

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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Governor also calls on the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to approve the federal fisheries emergency declaration requested for Hurricane Ian nearly one year ago

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis requested the U.S. Secretary of Commerce issue a federal fisheries disaster declaration to help the fishing industry in the Big Bend area rebuild. This disaster declaration would provide access to federal funding, subject to appropriation, that would allow offshore, nearshore, and inshore fisheries to rebuild. Governor DeSantis’ letter requesting the declaration can be found here.

Governor DeSantis requested a similar federal fisheries disaster declaration following Hurricane Ian. The U.S. Secretary of Commerce has not approved the Governor’s request despite the nearly one year that has passed since Hurricane Ian. The Governor will continue to fight for Florida’s fishing industry and urges the federal government to approve the fisheries disaster declarations for both Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Idalia.

“The Big Bend’s fishing industry took a direct hit from Hurricane Idalia, and as a result, so did the many residents who make their livings on the water here,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “One of the most important keys to recovery is getting people back to work. I am calling on the federal government to help Floridians who depend on these fisheries get back on their feet.”

“The fishing industry is an economic driver for this part of Florida and it is important that the people who are dependent on the success of the fisheries are able to access federal funding to keep their businesses going,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Providing people the resources they need to get back on their feet and back to work is the best way to support long-term recovery in the Big Bend region following Hurricane Idalia.”

Hurricane Idalia heavily impacted the fishing industry in the Big Bend area through loss of boat facilities, halting commercial and charter fishing and loss of product due to power outages. Additionally, tourism for fishing in the area will be impacted while the community rebuilds.

Florida leads the nation in the number of saltwater fishing anglers, generating a $9.2 billion impact on the State of Florida’s economy. Additionally, the dockside value of commercial fisheries is estimated at $244 million. The financial assistance from this disaster declaration would help replace fishermen’s lost income and rebuild their businesses and infrastructure.

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WASHINGTON – Low-interest disaster loans from the  U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in Florida following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration due to Hurricane Idalia occurring on Aug. 27 and continuing.

“SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help Florida small businesses and residents impacted by this disaster in every way possible under President Biden’s disaster declaration for certain affected areas,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”

The disaster declaration covers Citrus, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Suwannee, and Taylor counties in Florida, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Alachua, Columbia, Gilchrist, Hernando, Jefferson, Madison, Marion, and Sumter in Florida; and Echols and Lowndes in Georgia.

Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.

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 $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.

Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 2.375% for nonprofit organizations, and 2.5% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the initial disbursement.

Building back smarter and stronger can be an effective recovery tool for future disasters. Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20 % of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

“The opportunity to include measures to help prevent future damage from occurring is a significant benefit of SBA’s disaster loan program,” said SBA Associate Administrator Francisco Sanchez, Jr. “I encourage everyone to consult their contractors and emergency management mitigation specialists for ideas and apply for an SBA disaster loan increase for funding.”

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and should apply under SBA declaration # 18118.

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.

Disaster loan information and application forms can 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 sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded from 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.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Oct. 30, 2023. The deadline to return economic injury applications is May 31, 2024.
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 or 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.

~ Businesses in 25 Florida counties are eligible to apply  ~