For more than 22 years, VISIT FLORIDA has operated as the marketing organization for the Sunshine State, attracting visitors from around the United States as well as travelers from other countries. Their efforts have proven to effectively draw in crowds from around the world. Year after year, we continue to see record-setting numbers of tourists coming for our beautiful beaches, awesome attractions and endless opportunities for adventure. In fact, last year, thanks to the work of the VISIT FLORIDA team, we had yet another record of 126.1 million visitors. These guests have a tremendous impact on the state’s economy and provide jobs for 1.4 million Floridians who work in hospitality.

VISIT FLORIDA’s carefully executed marketing plan for the state works well, and we see that in the steady increase in annual visitors. But there is another critical function of VISIT FLORIDA that perhaps many don’t know. VISIT FLORIDA works with local businesses and tourism councils to help communities market themselves with a variety of grant programs ranging from advertising matches to disaster recovery marketing. Because of VISIT FLORIDA efforts and grants, bed taxes in rural counties have grown nearly 50 percent faster than those in urban counties since 2012. Our small towns and cities benefit greatly from VISIT FLORIDA marketing assistance, and we must continue to support them by fully funding VISIT FLORIDA. However, the organization will sunset on October 1 unless our legislators choose to act.

Gov. DeSantis recognizes the value of VISIT FLORIDA and has recommended it be funded at its current level of $76 million, and we wholeheartedly agree. This investment is a wise one as the Legislature’s Chief Economist Amy Baker has noted that VISIT FLORIDA returns $2.51 to taxpayers for each dollar spent. I strongly urge our Senate to support Florida’s economy and jobs by ensuring VISIT FLORIDA does not sunset.

News release from Carol B. Dover, CEO & President of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer joined the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Foundation (AHLEF), the foundation arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), to announce a $75,000 grant to help Orlando community-based organizations – Second Harvest and After-School All-Stars – recruit and train individuals to join the growing and dynamic hotel industry.

In Orlando, more than 190,000 young adults are looking for employment.  Yet, the Orlando hotel industry has more than 7,600 job openings annually and nearly 400 positions open currently.  Grant funds will connect youth to employers in the hospitality industry and provide training to help them succeed.

As a result of the AHLEF grant, After-School All-Stars will be able to expand by at least two additional high schools in the Orlando area its after school training program, which will focus on developing job readiness skills to train youth for jobs in the hospitality industry.  Additionally, Second Harvest will host culinary focused trainings for job seekers.

Mayor Dyer and leaders from AHLEF and AHLA were joined for today’s announcement by representatives of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Grads of Life, After-School All-Stars, Second Harvest and local hoteliers.

Industry Leaders Weigh In

“The hotel industry supports more than eight million jobs across the United States and this Orlando grant is another step in our continued commitment to creating opportunity and economic mobility by investing in our workforce,” said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers.  “By partnering with Mayor Dyer and local community-based organizations, we are taking a meaningful step to close the jobs gap and provide individuals with the skills to launch long, prosperous careers in the hotel industry.”

The event is part of AHLA’s Hospitality is Working campaign, a national awareness effort to showcase career advancement opportunities, community commitment, and the economic importance of hotel and lodging businesses to every city and state across America.

“As one of the busiest travel destinations in the country, Orlando has a thriving hotel and lodging industry, and many more properties are being built to accommodate visitor demand,” said Mayor Buddy Dyer.  “I am proud to partner with AHLA, AHLEF, FRLA, and other hoteliers committed to creating jobs and investing in the lives of local individuals by providing the tools and resources needed to succeed.”

“One of the greatest challenges facing the hotel industry today is hiring associates to fill critical service positions,” said AHLEF President Rosanna Maietta. “AHLEF is committed to developing innovative, proactive programs in Orlando and across the country that invest in our workforce, from creative recruitment and retention strategies to launching innovative industry-wide programs to upskill our workforce and expand our talent pipeline.”

“The demand for exceptional talent in our industry is greater than ever and we know we must continue working hard to meet the anticipated growth,” said Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association President & CEO Carol Dover. “Our Florida hotels are proud to partner with community-based organizations, such as After-School All-Stars and Second Harvest, to develop and train the next generation of hospitality leaders.  We believe that this grant contribution will make a big difference in the lives of many local individuals who are ready to join this industry.”

[Tallahassee, Fla] On the eve of Florida Tourism Day 2019, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) partnered with the Asian-American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) to honor Hometown Heroes. Held at Bricks & Brass, this event honored the first responders who went above and beyond the call of duty in the wake of Hurricane Michael. FRLA collected nominations from every police department, fire department, sheriff’s office, emergency response office and state law enforcement agency in the impacted area. Each agency was allowed to submit the name and story of one individual whose response exemplified the spirit of a Hometown Hero. With 200 people in attendance, Attorney General Ashley Moody and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis honored these six men and women:

Deputy Fire Chief Ray Morgan

Panama City Beach Fire Department

After only nine months as a Deputy Fire Chief, Ray Morgan was in charge of Panama City Beach Fire Department’s operations section in response to Hurricane Michael. For three days after the record-setting storm made landfall, Deputy Chief Morgan coordinated rescue efforts and missions in surrounding municipalities while not knowing the fate of his own home and family. Each mission to coordinate supplies and task forces had to be completed face-to-face as radio and telephonic communications had been completely disrupted. Deputy Chief truly put his community first

Tashonda Whaley

Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office

A twenty-year employee of the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office, Tashonda Whaley is the county’s Emergency Management Coordinator. During and after Hurricane Michael, Ms. Whaley managed the EOC overseeing all missions. She organized response efforts, coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure Gadsden County residents received much-needed support and resources. Additionally, she organized efforts between local faith-based organizations, community volunteers, and the Florida National Guard to establish food and water distribution points throughout the county, providing thousands of powerless, waterless citizens with food in the first 48 hours after the storm.

Al Bryant

Liberty County Emergency Management Services

Like many in North Florida’s rural counties, Al Bryant with Liberty County Emergency Management Services used his own personal equipment to help neighbors and others in his community after Hurricane Michael. But Mr. Bryant worked day in and day out, giving his time and talents alongside county crews, city crews, and residents to clear roads and remove debris so that others could get to desperately needed aid and supplies. His unselfish acts and spirit of service truly exemplify the spirit of a hometown hero.

Accreditation Manager Casey Osborne

Panama City Police Department

As a non-essential employee of the Panama City Police Department, Accreditation Manager Casey Osborne was free to take time off or even leave town for Hurricane Michael. Instead, he choose to stay and work to serve others in the wake of the devastating storm. He spent countless hours working to ensure employees and volunteers at PCPD had three hot meals each day. Using two portable griddles and a portable two-burner stove, Mr. Osborne planned meals based on the limited supplies he was able to requisition from local businesses and suppliers. His understanding of the importance of a hot meal and its impact on morale will never be forgotten.

Police Chief James Baggett

Altha Police Department

Sanitation worker. Meter reader. Mechanic. Bookkeeper. Crossing guard. These are just a few of the additional jobs Altha Police Chief James Baggett has picked up since Hurricane Michael blew through the small Calhoun County town. Whether he was running a chainsaw or delivering gas, Chief Baggett committed himself to service and his town in a way that is the true embodiment of a hometown hero. Now, five months later, he is continuing to serve Altha and his neighbors in countless, selfless ways.

Joshua Allen

During Hurricane Michael, Walmart’s Senior Manager for Global Security Joshua Allen was embedded in Florida’s Emergency Operations Center, serving as a key member of ESF 18. Josh quickly became the most sought-out person in the ESF 18 office. He facilitated deliveries of truckloads of ice and donations of massive amounts of clothing and necessary supplies like diapers. He arranged to open stores in order to provide needed food and supplies to first responders. If there was a need, Josh exercised every effort to answer that need completely and efficiently. He was tireless.

Each winner was honored with a Hometown Hero plaque and $500. Upon hearing the stories of these heroes, FRLA member Tony Brown with ALSCO offered to match the award, giving each winner a total of $1,000.

For more information about the Tallahassee Chapter of FRLA, please visit the chapter page here.

[Orlando, Fla] On March 1 and 2, 413 culinary students representing 57 Florida high schools gathered at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando to compete in the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation’s (FRLAEF) 19^th Annual ProStart Teams Competitions. Over the course of the weekend, students competed in the Johnson & Wales Culinary Competition, Rosen College at UCF Management Competition, Art Institute Edible Centerpiece Competition and the Waiters Relay.

“Students look forward to the Florida ProStart Teams Competition every year,” says Laura Rumer, the Director of the FRLAEF. “Throughout the school year, these students train and practice their respective crafts weekly. The ProStart program and competition teaches high school students not only culinary and management skills, but the value of hard work, too. We are so proud to be a part of building the future of hospitality in Florida with ProStart.”

The last event of the competition was the Salute to Excellence dinner where students were awarded for their respective competition categories. Hundreds of high school students also received scholarships from the FRLAEF and event sponsors Keiser University, Johnson & Wales University, UCF Rosen School of Hospitality, Culinary Institute of America, Valencia College, Louisiana Culinary Institute and New England Culinary Institute. More than $1 million in scholarships were awarded.

THE 2019 FLORIDA PROSTART TEAMS COMPETITIONS WINNERS ARE:

Overall:

1st Place – East Ridge High School
2nd Place – Hialeah Gardens High School
3rd Place – Leto High School
4th Place – Lake Minneola High School
5th Place – Tarpon Springs High School

Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition:

1st Place – Leto High School
2nd Place – Hialeah Gardens High School
3rd Place – East Ridge High School
4th Place –Northeast High School
5th Place – John A. Ferguson High School

Rosen College at UCF Management Competition:

1st Place – East Ridge High School
2nd Place – Lake Minneola High School
3rd Place – Fort Pierce Central High School
4th Place – Strawberry Crest High School
5th Place – Eastside High School

Keiser University Edible Centerpiece:

1st Place – Tarpon Springs High School
2nd Place – Eustis High School
3rd Place – Leon High School
4th Place – South Lake High School
5th Place – East Ridge High School

Waiter’s Relay:

1st Place – East Ridge High School
2nd Place – Hialeah Gardens High School
3rd Place – JP Taravella High School
4th Place – Dixie Hollins High School
5th Place – Leon High School

Learn more about ProStart or FRLA’s Educational Foundation here, or contact Director Laura Rumer at [email protected].

[Key West, Fla.] The Monroe Chapter of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA Monroe)  installed their 2019 board earlier this month after presenting a check to the Florida Keys Community College (FKCC) Foundation for hospitality and culinary student scholarships. FKCC President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra swore in the new board.

FRLA Monroe’s 2019 officers are:

• John Trovato, President; Managing Director of Waldorf Astoria Casa Marina and The Reach
• Bobby Kuchinsky, VP of Restaurants; General Manager of Pat Croce Restaurant Group
• Larry Magor, VP of Lodging; Managing Director of Isla Bella Resort
• Laura Ciampa, VP of Upper/Middle Keys; VP of Human Resources and Training of Ocean Reef Club
• Sheldon Suga, Chairman/Past President; VP and Managing Director of Hawks Cay Resort
• Charles Bauer, Treasurer; Owner of Smokin Tuna and Founder of Key West Songwriters Festival
• Andreea Mihalcea, Secretary; Department Chair of Hospitality and Ecotourism at Florida Keys Community College

The February meeting for the FRLA Monroe Chapter was held at the FKCC Key West campus to underscore the board’s commitment to education. Money for the donation was raised at a fishing tournament hosted by FRLA Monroe last summer in Key West and underscores the association’s commitment to its mission of protecting, educating and promoting Florida’s hospitality industry.

To show their appreciation for FRLA’s support, FKCC culinary students served a feast of Valentine’s Day-themed treats including cakes, tarts, truffles and cookies.

Find more information about FRLA Monroe here or contact Lynne Hernandez at 305-710-3962.

[Tallahassee, Fla.] Today, Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled his budget, The Bold Vision for a Brighter Future, recommending $76 million for VISIT FLORIDA. This amount keeps the funding at its current level and underscores the importance of the tourism industry to our state’s economy. VISIT FLORIDA serves as the official tourism marketing organization for the state and targets potential visitors from out-of-state as well as out-of-country through a variety of partnerships and programs.

“We are proud to see that Gov. DeSantis recognizes the importance of tourism in Florida and has chosen to recommend we continue to support VISIT FLORIDA,” said Carol Dover, CEO / President of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. “The number of visitors to our great state has risen as a result of the marketing efforts of VISIT FLORIDA, and I am excited to see how this continuation of support will positively impact our state’s economy.”

Regarding his budget recommendation, Gov. DeSantis said, “While Florida continues to grow and diversify economically, it is undeniable that the tourism industry is one of our state’s economic foundations. Florida’s prosperity in recent years is due in no small part to the economic activity generated by over 100 million visitors to Florida every year. Although our state has much to offer, we cannot rest on our laurels and hope that our tourism success will continue without a strong state-level marketing program.

“The Bold Vision for a Brighter Future budget recommends $76 million for VISIT FLORIDA, the same amount as in the current fiscal year. VISIT FLORIDA serves as the state’s official tourism marketing corporation and Florida’s official source for travel planning to visitors across the globe. The organization, along with its partners, facilitates tourism industry participation through various domestic and international marketing opportunities (e.g. domestic and international trade shows and consumer shows and media missions) to top global visitor markets. VISIT FLORIDA also works closely with tour operators, travel agents and event planners as part of its marketing activities. In addition, the state’s five Official Welcome Centers are staffed by VISIT FLORIDA. At this proposed level of funding, we can be assured that Florida will set another record for the number of tourists visiting our state.”

In addition to VISIT FLORIDA’s domestic and international marketing efforts, the organization works to drive visitors to areas that have been negatively impacted by various disasters. Programs such as Red Tide Recover and Hurricane Recovery Support offer complimentary brochure distribution at the state’s welcome centers, marketing partnerships and exposure on the VISIT FLORIDA website. Designed to help areas quickly recover in the wake of a disaster, these programs benefit tourism-related businesses like hotels and restaurants.

For more full details of Gov. DeSantis’ Bold Vision for a Brighter Future budget, click here.

[Destin, Fla] On Jan. 31, the Northwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) partnered with Visit South Walton and the Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) to recognize the men and women who have had a positive impact on the area’s tourism. Nearly 300 people gathered at The Henderson Beach Resort to celebrate the those on the frontlines of the region’s critical tourism industry. Area hotels, vacation rentals and restaurants nominated more than 50 individuals for 12 categories designed specifically to acknowledge those making a difference in Walton County hospitality. Last night’s winners each received a plaque and $500 to thank them for their commitment to hospitality.

“Tourism is the state’s largest industry, and it’s certainly an economic driver here,” said Nick Lowe, Regional Director for FRLA and the event’s organizer. “A great experience brings visitors back again and again, and our honorees are the ones ensuring our guests have positive, memorable trips year after year. We are proud to honor these heroes for their service and impact.”

The 2019 Hospitality Heroes are:

Best Restaurant Manager: Jason Schiess, Great Southern Café, 45 Central Wine & Sushi Bar, Meltdown on 30A

Best Hotel/Resort Manager: Phyllis Shanks, ResortQuest by Wyndham

Best Culinary Manage: Chef Jim Shirley, Jim Shirley Enterprises

Best Front of House Associate, Restaurant: Angelia Anderson, Floyd’s Shrimp House

Best Front of House Associate, Hotel/Resort: Tamee Huggins, Henderson Park Inn

Best Back of House Associate, Restaurant: Jose Arias, Jr., Brotula’s

Best Back of House Associate, Hotel/Resort: Eddie Gray, Newman – Dailey

Supplier of the Year: Heartland Payment Systems

Best Sales and Marketing Associate: Misty Rae, Saltwater Restaurant Group

Best Arts and Culture Experience: Culture Arts Alliance of Walton County

Best Event: South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival

Spirit of Hospitality: The St. Joe Company

[Palm Beach, Fla] The Palm Beach Chapter of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) will host the fifth annual Palm Beach E.A.T.S. on Friday, Jan. 25 at the West Palm Beach Hilton. E.A.T.S. is the Education and Agriculture Together Showcase and was designed to highlight Palm Beach County’s tourism and agriculture industries and to benefit hospitality students. Each year, local high school students team up with Palm Beach chefs to create dishes using fresh ingredients from area farms. Open to the community, tickets are available online starting at $100.

“Palm Beach E.A.T.S. is an incredibly powerful event for the hospitality community,” said Nick Velardo, Committee Chair for E.A.T.S. and Vice President of Food and Beverage for The Breakers. “By pairing students who are interested in the culinary arts with seasoned experts, we strengthen the future of the hospitality industry overall. Further, when we add local farmers to the mix and open the event to the public, we promote our county’s top two industries and underscore their importance in Palm Beach.”

This year, E.A.T.S. will be held in the open-air garden of the West Palm Beach Hilton, and attendees will dine on dishes created by the culinary students / chef teams. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items including resort getaways, hotel stays, restaurant gift certificates, spa packages and golf rounds. Started in 2014, the Palm Beach E.A.T.S. event benefits high school culinary and hospitality students who wish to pursue an advanced degree. As a result of last year’s event, the Palm Beach Chapter of FRLA granted more than $14,000 in scholarships, and FRLA Regional Director Jodi Cross believes that E.A.T.S. 2019 will be even more successful.

“We have an unbelievable line-up of 12 area restaurants and farms participating this year,” Cross said. “Using locally-grown produce and homegrown goods, the students and chefs will prepare fabulous dishes for all attendees to enjoy.”

For more information on Palm Beach E.A.T.S., please visit FRLA.org/event/palm-beach-eats or contact Jodi Cross at 561-410-0035.