Governor DeSantis Signs FRLA Priority Bill to Stop Unauthorized Reservation Reselling

(L-R: Drew McLeod, Savour; Walt Dover; Carol Dover, FRLA; Governor Ron DeSantis; Ashley Chaney, Hayward House Bistro; Dave Reid, Tallahassee Restaurateur; Jesse Remiyac, Connors Steak & Seafood)

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) applauds Governor Ron DeSantis for signing critical legislation that will protect restaurants from the growing problem of third-party reservation piracy.

 The legislation – SB 940 by Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala) and HB 543 by Representative Vanessa Oliver (R-Punta Gorda) – was championed by FRLA and passed with bipartisan support to combat a deceptive and growing practice that has caused widespread harm to both consumers and hospitality businesses in Florida and across the nation.

 “Black-market reservation platforms are hijacking the dining experience in Florida,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA. “These unauthorized actors add no value – they simply inflate costs, damage reputations, and leave restaurants with empty tables, unpaid servers, and frustrated guests. We are proud to have worked with Senator McClain and Representative Oliver to get this bill passed, and we are grateful to Governor DeSantis for his prompt attention to sign the bill and put a stop to this predatory practice, protecting Florida restaurants, servers, and customers.”

 “We’re thrilled to see this important legislation signed into law by the governor in Florida,” said Pablo Rivero, CEO of Resy and Tock, SVP of American Express Global Dining. “It’s a critical step in stopping the exploitative practices that hurt these small businesses and their customers and keeping reservations where they belong—with restaurants and real guests.” 

“The signing of the Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Act into Florida law is a major win for restaurants and the broader hospitality industry,” said Debby Soo, CEO of Open Table. “With such slim profit margins, restaurants need every safeguard possible to protect their business operations and financial stability — the very areas most impacted by reservation piracy. We’re optimistic that other states will recognize the importance of this legislation and take similar action.”

Across the country, tech-savvy scalpers and unauthorized third-party platforms have been using bots to grab reservations at in-demand restaurants, then reselling them online or via social media – often at steep prices. This practice has led to customer frustration as legitimate guests are blocked from making direct reservations or are being duped into paying for something that should be free. It has also increased no-shows when reservations go unsold but are never canceled, costing restaurants critical revenue and depriving servers of expected tips. Further, these practices have caused significant brand damage and operational chaos as restaurants are left to manage angry guests and reputational fallout from a process entirely outside their control.

 “In recent years, black-market reservations have become an increasing challenge for restaurant operators and customers in destination dining cities around the country,” said Mike Whatley, Vice President of State Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy for the National Restaurant Association. “Black-market reservations create confusion for customers, make dining out more expensive, and cause operational chaos for operators. The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s advocacy on behalf of their members resulted in this important law, which will give restaurant operators back control over their own reservations.”

The new law, which takes effect July 1, 2025, makes it illegal to sell restaurant reservations without the restaurant’s explicit consent, ensuring that restaurants have full control over how and where their reservations are booked. Violations, defined as each day for each reservation for each establishment, will result in penalties of $1,000 a day for each violation.

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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 nearly two 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 SafeStaff^® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Latest data confirms that Florida set a new all-time annual record in 2024 with 143 million visitors—an increase of 1.7% over the previous record set in 2023. This historic growth includes 130.65 million domestic travelers, 8.94 million overseas visitors, and 3.41 million Canadian tourists. And, in 2024, the State of Florida collected billions in sales tax revenue from these tourists.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis also announced that Florida welcomed 41.2 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025, reinforcing the Free State of Florida’s position as the nation’s top travel destination and a global tourism powerhouse.

“Florida’s tourism industry leads the nation,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These results are proof that our freedom-first policies work—and that Florida remains the best place to visit, work, and raise a family.”

Key Highlights from Q1 2025:

• 41.2 million total visitors, maintaining Florida’s national tourism leadership.
• 91.9% domestic visitation, with 37.9 million domestic travelers, up 0.2% from Q1 2024.
• 2.1 million overseas visitors and 1.2 million Canadian visitors, making up 5.1% and 3.0% of total visitation, respectively.
• Domestic non-resident travelers: 35.8% arrived by air, 64.2% by non-air travel.
• 29.4 million total enplanements at Florida’s 19 major airports. Airports with the highest growth included Punta Gorda (+23.6%), St. Petersburg–Clearwater (+7.7%), and Daytona Beach (+7.4%).
• Hotel performance: +2.4% increase in rooms sold, Average Daily Rate (ADR) rose to $227.22 (+2.2%), and occupancy reached 75.7% (+1.6%).

Florida’s consistent growth in tourism not only reflects the state’s broad appeal but also fuels economic strength, supporting jobs, businesses, and communities across the state. With continued investment and strategic promotion, Florida is positioned for even greater success as the most visited destination in the United States.

~ Wekiva High School Places Fourth in Management Nationally, Earns Thousands in Culinary Scholarships ~

Wekiva High School Winners and Florida ProStart Leaders Celebrate Fourth Place Win at NPSI

Additional Competition Photos for Both Schools Are Available Here                                

BALTIMORE, MD – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) proudly announces the success of its Florida teams at the 2025 National ProStart Invitational. Hosted by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF), the competition featured more than 400 top culinary and restaurant management students from 47 states and Washington, D.C. Ninety-six teams competed for $200,000 in scholarships and top honors.

Florida’s Wekiva High School (Apopka) took fourth place nationally in the restaurant management category, featuring their restaurant concept and full business plan for Sabor, a contemporary Mexican restaurant. They advanced to the national competition after winning first place at the state level Florida ProStart Competition. The team is comprised of Onyx Castillo, Zariah Edwards, Isaac Aristud, Aubrey Pugh, and Parker Masangkay, with faculty instructor Christopher Bates. For their win, each student earned up to $23,000 in scholarships to further their culinary education.

Strawberry Crest High School (Dover) placed 12^th in the nation in the culinary competition, which included a three-course menu made in just an hour. The team included students Rubicel Lopez, Jadira Ipanaque, Savannah Heist, Sophia Reyes, and Riley Clark, with faculty instructor Paul Bonanno.

Their menu included burrata stack appetizer, which included fresh hand-crafted burrata cheese, balsamic reduction, breaded eggplant, fresh Campari tomato sauce, sauteed spinach, chiffonade basil, minced garlic, crispy prosciutto, and toasted pine nuts. The entrée featured a seared duck breast with goat cheese and porcini mushroom polenta, with sauteed brussels sprout leaves, julienned shallots, and pancetta, finished with a pomegranate balsamic reduction. Their dessert was hibiscus poached pear – a bosc pear poached in a spiced hibiscus syrup with orange pistachio mascarpone and mixed berry coulis.

“Congratulations to our teams for their strong showing at the National ProStart Invitational!” said Laura Rumer, Director of the FRLA Educational Foundation. “These competitions not only highlight our students’ skills, but also open doors through scholarships and national recognition. We are so proud of our amazing students and how well they represented Florida on the national stage.”

“As Florida’s leading industry, hospitality plays a vital role in our economy – and these exceptional high school students represent its bright future,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. “We are thrilled with their national success and honored to support their journey through ProStart. With the nation’s largest ProStart program, Florida continues to lead in hospitality education. Our young leaders have proven their talent and drive, and we look forward to the many ways they will shape the future of our industry.”

For that National Restaurant Association Press Release, click here.

Additional Competition Photos for Both Schools Are Available Here           

About ProStart: ProStart is a nationwide high school career program educating nearly 150,000 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.

About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association: 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 $111.7 billion hospitality industry which represents nearly two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of its 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 SafeStaff® 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, Fla. – Florida hospitality and tourism leaders, including the Florida Attractions Association, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Florida RV Park & Campground Association, Florida Association of Museums, Destinations Florida and VISIT FLORIDA, today are celebrating Florida Tourism Day, which recognizes hospitality and tourism as the state’s top economic driver, a major job creator and a source of revenue that benefits communities across Florida.

Following a morning program and networking lunch, representatives of Florida’s tourism industry walked the halls of the Florida Capitol to share with lawmakers the major positive impact local tourism has on their districts and their constituents’ quality of life.

This year’s Florida Tourism Day will culminate with the first-ever Florida Tourism Day Expo this evening beginning at 5 p.m. on S. Admas Street (between Jefferson Street and College Avenue) in downtown Tallahassee.

The event will feature a series of booths and interactive exhibits, food and beverage samples, games, live music and entertainment, mascots, animal encounters, and giveaways. Attendees will have the opportunity to be entered into a raffle for Florida-themed prizes by visiting each booth and having their Florida Tourism Day Expo Passport stamped. The Expo is free and open to the public.

Tourism and efforts to attract visitors to Florida’s many destinations have significant positive impacts for all residents of the state. Thanks to tourism and the revenue tourism generates:

• Florida residents do not pay a state income tax making Florida one of only eight states without a state income tax.
• Every Florida household saves more than $1,900 a year on state and local taxes.
• Communities can provide critical services residents rely on, such as education, public safety, infrastructure, and environmental programs.
• More than 2 million Floridians have jobs in hotels, restaurants, attractions, and other tourism-reliant businesses.

Florida’s tourism industry was responsible for welcoming a record-breaking 142.9 million visitors to Florida in 2024. That visitation generated $127.7 billion in economic impact and supported 2.1 million jobs in 2023, making tourism a key economic engine benefiting Florida families.

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Note for Media: photos available for individual schools and winning teams

ORLANDO – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) proudly announces the winners of its recent statewide high school hospitality competitions – the ProStart Culinary Team Competition and the Hospitality & Tourism Management Competition.

Last weekend, 400 students from over 40 Florida high schools competed in Culinary, Management, Edible Centerpiece, and Waiter’s Relay events at the 24th annual ProStart event. At the Salute to Excellence Award ceremony, winners received scholarships from the Culinary Institute of America, Culinary Institute of Virginia, Florida International University, Keiser University, Nicholls State University, and UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality. Culinary competition winners also earned full scholarships to Hillsborough Culinary Academies at Erwin Technical College. First place teams in culinary and management will represent Florida at the national ProStart Invitational in Washington, D.C. this May.

“We are incredibly proud of the talent and dedication shown by these students during the 24th annual ProStart and HTM events,” said Laura Rumer, Director of the FRLA Educational Foundation. “These competitions highlight their skills and passion for the industry. It’s inspiring to see so many receive scholarships and recognition for their hard work. Congratulations to all the winners, and we look forward to seeing them represent Florida at the national ProStart Invitational in Washington, D.C. this May.”

“As the state’s top industry, hospitality is at the heart of Florida’s economy, and these high school students are its future,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA). “We are thrilled to support their growth through programs like ProStart and HTM, which provide them with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in this dynamic field. With the largest ProStart program nationwide and the unique distinction of being the only state to host a statewide HTM contest, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders. Their talent and passion give us great confidence in the future of Florida’s hospitality industry. We are proud to invest in these young leaders and look forward to seeing the incredible contributions they will make to our industry for years to come.”

These events would not be possible without the support of our Global Sponsors: Keiser University, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality, and Universal Orlando. Event sponsors include Disney Culinary, Ecolab, Florida Atlantic University, and Zwilling J.A. Henckels.

24^th ANNUAL FLORIDA PROSTART COMPETITION WINNERS:

OVERALL WINNERS

 1^st Place          Martin County High School (Stuart): Instructor Shaun Southwick

2^nd Place         Strawberry Crest High School (Dover): Instructor Paul Bonanno
3^rd                    Wekiva High School (Apopka): Instructor Christopher Bates
4^th TIE              South Lake High School (Groveland): Instructor John Thunberg

4^th TIE              Fort Pierce Central High School (Fort Pierce): Instructor Jesse Strell

5^th TIE              George Jenkins High School (Lakeland): Instructor Sherry Scott

5^th TIE             Lyman High School (Longwood): Instructor Dane Brevoort

KEISER UNIVERSITY CULINARY COMPETITION

1^st Place          Strawberry Crest High School (Dover): Rubicel Lopez, Jadira Ipanaque, Savannah Heist, Sophia Reyes, and Riley Clark, Instructor Paul Bonanno

2^nd Place         Wekiva High School (Apopka): Erika Giraldo, Nowah James, Diego German-Quen, Jasmine Thomas, and David Maldonado, Instructor Christopher Bates

3^rd Place       Martin County High School (Stuart): Ethan Berrios, Constantino Padovano, Chris Clingan, and Sarah Duda, Instructor Shaun Southwick

4^th Place          Lake Minneola High School (Minneola): Rocco Brown, Daijah Charles, Nathaly Sierralta, Matthew Loayza, and Noah Hammond, Instructor Nick Sandora

5^th Place          JP Taravella High School (Coral Springs): Arianna Carter, Rihanna Cole, Gabriella Medina Perafan, and Luna Vasquez, Instructor Scott Goodman

UCF ROSEN COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT COMPETITION

1^st Place          Wekiva High School (Apopka): Onyx Castillo, Zariah Edwards, Isaac Aristud, Aubrey Pugh, Instructor Christopher Bates

2^nd Place         Strawberry Crest High School (Dover): Faye Lee, Juliana Kelly, Toby Highsmith, Reagan Westberry, and Christina Molina-Contreras, Instructor Paul Bonanno

3^rd Place         Martin County High School (Stuart): Jameer Lewin, Claire Richter, Zoey Krisel, Olivia Da Cunha, and Jennifer Sanchez, Instructor Shaun Southwick

4^th Place          Miami Lakes Educational Center (Miami Lakes): Paula Muniz, Ryan Anderson, Kyle Perez, and Wester Mordan, Instructor David Nunez

5^th Place          Coral Springs High School (Coral Springs): Brady Porter, Aubrey Vance, Evan Bittman, David Puello, and Cole Clap, Instructor Aruna Lien

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO EDIBLE CENTERPIECE COMPETITION

1^st Place          Bryar Stoney, Martin County High School

2^nd Place         Marie Townsel, Strawberry Crest High School

3^rd Place          Steven Twiss, George Jenkins High School

4^th Place          Ava Caldwell, Lyman High School

5^th Place TIE   Mischa Davies, South Lake High School

5^th Place TIE   Kyle Conti, JP Taravella High School

WAITERS RELAY COMPETITION

1^st Place            Martin County High School (Stuart): Ella Carbaugh, Davis Scott, and Colin Blackwell, Instructor Shaun Southwick

2^nd Place           Fort Pierce Central High School (Fort Pierce): Wyatt Roberts, Lily Dowdy, and Peyton Black, Instructor Jesse Strell

3^rd Place           South Lake High School (Groveland): Ryder Eckert, Isabel Acensio, Evan Greblick, Instructor John Thunberg

4^th Place           Dunnellon High School (Dunnellon): Brayden Sain, Olyvia Hanchar, and Addison Perkins, Instructor Melissa Mosby

5^th Place            Lyman High School (Longwood): Samuel Sargent, Ramon Raven-Vidal, and Alejandro Diaz, Instructor Dane Brevoort

ProStart is a nationwide high school career program educating nearly 150,000 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.

21^st ANNUAL HTM COMPETITION WINNERS:

Students participating in the recently held 21^st Annual Hospitality & Tourism Management (HTM) Competition did so in categories including Hotel Operations, Hospitality Project, and the Knowledge Bowl. Winners were awarded scholarships from the FRLA Educational Foundation and Florida International University. Florida is the only state to host a statewide competition for the HTM program.

OVERALL WINNERS

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

2^nd Place         Colonial High School (Orlando): Instructor Antoniella Paradiso

3^rd  Place         Osceola High School (Kissimmee): Instructor Valerie Woodring

HOTEL OPERATIONS COMPETITION

1^st Place          Stoneman Douglas High School (Parkland): Haylee Dorman, Nicole Robinson, Saya Greiner, Maddison Schapiro, Instructor Mitchell Albert

2^nd Place         Olympia High School (Orlando): Audrey Heaton, Isabel Miller, Karly Sollars, Instructor Kristina Bryant

3^rd Place          Colonial High School (Orlando): Lourde Metelus, Miabella Llauger, Mia Farias Rios, Makai Randall, Instructor Antoniella Paradiso

HOSPITALITY PROJECT COMPETITION

1^st Place          Colonial High School (Orlando): Lourde Metelus, Miabella Llauger, Mia Farias Rios, Makai Randall, Instructor Antoniella Paradiso

2^nd Place         Stoneman Douglas High School (Parkland): Haylee Dorman, Nicole Robinson, Saya Greiner, Maddison Schapiro, Instructor Mitchell Albert

3^rd Place          Horizon High School (Winter Garden): Hunter Baucom, Nathan Wing, Carmen Tucker, Annabella Maiguel, Instructor Kate Restifo

KNOWLEDGE BOWL COMPETITION

1^st Place          Colonial High School (Orlando): Lourde Metelus, Miabella Llauger, Mia Farias Rios, Makai Randall, Instructor Antoniella Paradiso

2^nd Place         Stoneman Douglas High School (Parkland): Haylee Dorman, Nicole Robinson, Saya Greiner, Maddison Schapiro, Instructor Mitchell Albert

3^rd Place          Robert Morgan Educational Center (Miami): Destinee Rodgers, Julia Felipe-Careaga, Daylin Gomez, Samyra White; Instructor Alina Hughes

The Hospitality & Tourism Management program (HTM) is a high school curriculum that introduces 2,000 Florida students to the hospitality and tourism industry each year. HTM 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 HTM students compete at the state level to showcase the skills they have learned in the classroom.

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

About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

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 $111.7 billion hospitality industry which represents nearly two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of its 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 SafeStaff® 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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~Area Restaurants and Hotels Award Local Employees for Service Excellence~

DESTIN, FL – The Northwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) partnered with Walton County Tourism and Destin Fort Walton Beach to recognize the men and women who have made a significant impact on the local hospitality industry. Nearly 200 people gathered at The Henderson Beach Resort to celebrate and recognize frontline hospitality employees. Over 40 individuals were nominated, and 10 individuals were selected for a Hospitality Hero Award. The winners each received an award and $500 in recognition of their outstanding service and commitment to providing exceptional experiences for guests.

“What an honor to recognize and celebrate the heart of our industry with the Hospitality Heroes Awards,” said Marissa Bonham, Northwest Florida Regional Director for FRLA and the event’s organizer. “This heartwarming event has left a lasting impression on not only the nominees and award winners, but everyone in attendance. Their contributions continue to set Florida apart as a leading destination for tourism and leisure travel.”

“Northwest Florida is known around the globe for its outstanding hospitality that keeps our visitors coming back year after year,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Every single team member in our restaurants and hotels plays a vital role in delivering the exceptional service that drives our success. Congratulations to our nominees and winners! Our industry is second to none because of you, our hospitality heroes.”

The 2025 Hospitality Heroes are:

Best Restaurant FOH Employee – Grace Carver, The Bald & The Beard Restaurant Group Best Restaurant BOH Employee – Dwayne Barnett, Jim Shirley Enterprises

Best Restaurant Manager – Gemma Fought, Saltwater Restaurants

Best Culinary / Kitchen Manager – Michael Reinsmith, Henderson Beach Resort

Best Hotel / Resort FOH Employee – Deb Esling, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa Best Hotel / Resort BOH Employee – Lily Sultansihvili, Embassy Suites Miramar Beach

Best Hotel Resort Manager – Liz Larneard, Gibson Beach Rentals

Director of Sales / Marketing – Peggy Moravec, Embassy Suites Miramar Beach

Spirit of Hospitality – Shantelle Dedicke, Frances Roy Marketing Agency

True Hero-Veteran in Hospitality – John Butler, The Bald & The Beard Restaurant Group

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 nearly two 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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~Inaugural ROSE Awards Recognize Local Stars of the Industry~

HOLLYWOOD, FL – Nearly 300 people from across Broward County gathered at the iconic Diplomat Beach Resort for the inaugural FRLA Broward ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards ceremony to honor outstanding members of the local hospitality community.

 The ROSE Awards recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of frontline hospitality team members across the region. The event boasted more than 80 nominees from 22 local businesses, and 10 outstanding team members were honored with the coveted ROSE Award. The winners each received their award, the coveted ROSE Award pin, and recognition from industry peers and leadership. Additionally, all winners received complimentary roundtrip airline tickets from Southwest Airlines.

“We are thrilled to bring the ROSE Awards to Broward County and celebrate these deserving individuals,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA). “Florida’s hospitality industry is globally recognized for creating unforgettable experiences that keep visitors and guests coming back time and time again. Every single team member in our restaurants and hotels plays a vital role in delivering the exceptional service that drives our success. Congratulations to our nominees and winners! Our industry is second to none because of you.”

“The inaugural Broward ROSE Awards celebrated the very best of Broward County’s hospitality industry, honoring the outstanding individuals that go above and beyond to create exceptional experiences every day,” said Rozeta Mahboubi, FRLA’s Broward Chapter Regional Director and the event organizer. “This prestigious event recognized the dedication, passion, and excellence that make Broward a top destination for visitors and locals alike.”

The 2025 ROSE Award Winners Are:

Back of the House: Kelvin Vasquez, Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport

Behind the Scenes: Monica Cabezas, Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

Culinary: Kedon Carter, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

Customer Service: Paige Vincent, Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale

Food and Beverage: Onyx Long, Riverside Hotel/The Las Olas Company

Front of the House: Julio Lopez, The Diplomat Beach Resort

Front of the House: Kushboo Singh, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

Front of the House: Nuno Luis Casanova, Boucher Brothers/Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

Front of the House: William Jones, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

Transportation: Kimberly Bertsch, Port Everglades

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 nearly two 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.

Nominees and winners gather for the 16th Annual ROSE Awards

ST. AUGUSTINE – Last night, more than 450 people from across the regional hospitality industry gathered at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village for the sold-out 16th Annual ROSE Awards ceremony to honor the stars of the Northeast Florida 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 workers across the region. This year’s event boasted more than 130 nominees from over 45 different businesses, and 30 outstanding team members were honored with the coveted ROSE Award.

“Every member of the hospitality industry plays a vital role in delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving successful businesses,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA). “From administrative assistants to chefs, housekeeping to transportation, and front desk staff to valets and bellmen, each position is essential to the team’s success. The dedication and excellence of these ROSE Award nominees and winners are a testament to their professionalism and passion for hospitality. Congratulations to these outstanding individuals! Our industry is second to none because of you.”

Last night’s ROSE Award winners each received an award, the coveted ROSE Award pin, 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 guests from near-drowning experiences, one incredibly selfless concierge who offered up her own home during a hurricane, and countless hospitality professionals who have gone the extra mile to provide exceptional service behind the scenes, to name a few.

“It’s an absolute honor to celebrate Northeast Florida’s best of the best in hospitality for the 16^th year of ROSE Awards,” said Nicole Chapman, NE Florida FRLA Regional Director and the event’s creator and organizer. “These dedicated individuals consistently go the extra mile, serving as true ambassadors for our region and industry. Their passion and hard work make a lasting impact on our guests, and we are thrilled to recognize their excellence.”

The 2025 ROSE Award Winners Are:

Administrative Assistant: Christine Hampton, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Allied Member Spotlight: Tony Johnson, St Johns Food Service

Banquets: Joyce Dillion, World Golf Village Renaissance Resort, St. Augustine

Bartender – Hotel: Mark Turner, Residence Inn Jacksonville – Mayo Clinic Area

Bartender – Restaurant: Lindsay Pittman, The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach

Behind The Scenes: Nicholas Smith, DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront

Beyond the Call of Duty: Chase Ledsworth, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

 Beyond the Call of Duty: Kathryn Galpin, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa

Beyond the Call of Duty: Michael Gozar, The Lodge & Club

Beyond the Call of Duty: Tanisha Edwards, Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

Beyond the Call of Duty: Toledo Crego, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Culinary Service – Chef/Cook Hotel: Maria Panichi, Residence Inn Jacksonville – Mayo Clinic Area

Culinary Service – Chef/Cook Restaurant: Brandon George, Mesa Restaurant

Customer Service: Concierge, Recreation, Spa: Bebi Rahaman, The Lodge & Club

Customer Service: Event Services: Lance Cutlar, Visit Jacksonville

Food & Beverage: Support: Aliona Telford, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront

Guest Service – Front Desk Full-Service Hotel: Latoya King, DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport

Guest Service – Front Desk-Select Service Hotel: Kimberly Nixon, Home2 Suites by Hilton – St. John’s Town Center

Guest Service – Housekeeping Full-Service Hotel: Rene Blanco, World Golf Village Renaissance Resort, St. Augustine

Guest Service – Housekeeping-Select Service Hotel: Zurija Medic, Residence Inn Jacksonville – Mayo Clinic Area

Guest Service – Laundry: Deyvid Layton, One Ocean Resort and Spa

Guest Service – Maintenance/Engineer: Kelvin Garland, Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

Guest Service – Security: Diane Cawley, Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

Guest Service – Valet/Bell Attendant: Bobby Ross, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville

Server: Hotel-Breakfast Attendant: Yasmine Rivera, Hampton Inn & Suites Middleburg

Server: Restaurant- Casual Dining: Amanda Bales, Salt Life Food Shack

Server: Restaurant- Fine Dining: Patty Garvey, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Server: Restaurant- Hotel: Anasymone Tadrous, Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront

Server: Restaurant- Quick Service: Stephen Ward, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa

Transportation: Airport, Ground, & Water: Brien Homminga, Jax Black Car

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate, and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents nearly two 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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~Retired Firehouse Subs CEO Honored at FRLA Stars of the Industry Gala; Tribute Video Released~

(L-R: FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover, FRLA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Don Fox, FRLA 2023 & 2024 Chairman of the Board John Horne)

TALLAHASSEE, FL – At the recently held Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to highly respected and accomplished restaurant leader Don Fox, former CEO of Firehouse of America. Fox was inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame during the ceremony, which was held at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor following a delay due to Hurricane Milton.

“Don Fox is the embodiment of leadership, vision, and passion for the hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA. “His remarkable career has not only shaped Firehouse Subs into a household name but has also inspired countless professionals in our field through his focus on culture and mentoring. His impact goes far beyond business – his dedication to community service, advocacy, and operator success is a true testament to his character and desire for others to succeed. We are honored to recognize Don with our Lifetime Achievement Award and celebrate his extraordinary legacy.”

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 FRLA Lifetime Achievement Award is a prestigious and seldom-bestowed honor, only presented to individuals whose lifelong contributions have profoundly shaped Florida’s hospitality industry and its future.

“The FRLA has been a rewarding part of my professional journey,” said Don Fox, FRLA Lifetime Achievement Award winner and retired CEO of Firehouse of America. “Receiving this award is a great honor, surpassed only by the value of the relationships forged among my peers.”

To learn more about Don Fox and his contributions, please view his FRLA Lifetime Achievement Award Video here.

About Don: Don M. Fox is an inspirational leader and engaged advocate with over 50 years in the restaurant industry. He has a proven track record in executive, operational, and staff roles, excelling in building critical franchisee-franchisor relationships. His accolades include the 2011 Operator of the Year from Nation’s Restaurant News and the 2013 Silver Plate Award from IFMA. In early 2024, he retired from day-to-day executive management. At Firehouse of America, LLC (2003–2023), Don served as President and CEO, guiding the brand to become one of America’s favorite restaurant chains with record sales of $1.1 billion in 2021, leading to its acquisition by Restaurant Brands International. His earlier roles included Chief Operating Officer and Director of Franchise Compliance. Prior to Firehouse, he spent 23 years at Burger King Corporation, rising through various management positions. Don is also an accomplished author and public speaker, with over 250 engagements and several published works. He actively serves on various boards – including FRLA, for which he was Chairman in 2017– contributing to industry advancement and community initiatives at both the state and federal levels.

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 nearly two 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.