FRLA Launches Course on Human Trafficking

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Governor Directs Additional $3 Million for Red Tide Counties

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

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

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

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

Red Tide Emergency: What FRLA members need to know

Red Tide Florida Coast — Red Tide off Florida Coast

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

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

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

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

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

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

Federal Action Needed to Protect Florida’s Tourism Industry

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

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

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

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

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

Gov. Scott Issues Emergency Order for Red Tide

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

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

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

Read the full press release here.

RESTAURANT & LODGING ASSOCIATION HIRES CUNHA

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

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

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

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

FRLA welcomes Guilherme Cunha as a Regional Director in Central Florida

Governor Scott Speaks at FRLA Board Meeting

[Key West, Fla] (June 12, 2018) – Today, Governor Rick Scott spoke to members of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) at the organization’s summer board meeting. In a speech focused on the significant gains for tourism in the sunshine state, the Governor praised FRLA members for their contributions to the state’s number one industry.

“No one moves to Florida without coming to visit first,” Scott said to the standing-room-only hospitality crowd. “Thank you for giving people great experiences, and thank you for giving people great jobs.”

Since Scott took office in 2011, the state’s tourism numbers have steadily increased. More than 116.5 million people visited Florida in 2017, marking a 44 percent increase from 2010. Lauded as “The Tourism Governor” by FRLA President and CEO Carol Dover, Scott has championed funding of VISIT FLORIDA, the public/private partnership founded by the state legislature in 1996 to market Florida to visitors.

“We are proud of the job Governor Scott has done in the last seven and a half years as his pro-business, pro-tourism efforts have had a tremendously positive impact on the hospitality industry,” said Dover. “Because of the Governor’s support for tourism, our $111.7 billion industry is now the number one employer in the state with more than 1.4 million employees. Governor Scott has set us on a path for a record number of visitors in 2018, and I am grateful for his leadership.”

Earlier this year, VISIT FLORIDA released tourism numbers for the first quarter. In the first three months of 2018, more than 33 million people visited the Sunshine State, a 7.4 percent increase over last year. Scott touted this number and challenged VISIT FLORIDA President/CEO to hit 125 million visitors this year. Lawson, who was in the room for Scott’s speech, accepted the challenge to a round of applause from the audience.

For more information on the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, please visit FRLA.org.

Gov. Scott: Florida Sets Another Tourism Record in 2017

NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida set another tourism record in 2017 by welcoming the highest number of visitors in any year in the state’s history with 116.5 million visitors, according to VISIT FLORIDA. This represents a 3.6 percent increase over the 112.4 million visitors in 2016.

Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to announce that Florida has continued our record-breaking success by welcoming more than 116 million visitors in 2017. Because of VISIT FLORIDA’s aggressive marketing efforts to make sure families across the world knew that Florida was open to visitors following Hurricane Irma, we are able to celebrate another record-breaking year for tourism. This is especially great news for the 1.4 million jobs that rely on our growing tourism industry. We will continue to market our state as the number one global destination for tourism.”

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that a record 116.5 million visitors traveled to Florida in 2017, an increase of 3.6 percent over last year. This number breaks down to 102.3 million domestic visitors, 10.7 million overseas visitors and 3.5 million Canadian visitors coming to the Sunshine State. Total enplanements at Florida’s 18 major airports in 2017 increased 4.1 percent over the same period the previous year, with 87.2 million passengers. The number of hotel rooms sold in Florida during 2017 grew by 4.6 percent compared to quarter four 2016. During the same period, Florida’s average daily room rate (ADR) increased by 2.6 percent and occupancy by 3.2 percent.

Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “Florida welcomed a record 116.5 million visitors in 2017, which is great news for our state. Because of the cutting-edge marketing programs at VISIT FLORIDA, particularly following Hurricane Irma, we were able to increase total visitation by 3.6 percent over last year, resulting in billions of dollars in revenue for the state. We are continuing to aggressively market the Sunshine State to the rest of the country and the rest of the world.”

Maryann Ferenc, Board Chair of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “I would like to offer gratitude to the Governor and the Legislature for funding VISIT FLORIDA, the VISIT FLORIDA team for their successful efforts, the tourism industry for creating a Florida that people want to visit and residents for creating the real welcome. Alignment at the local, state and national level have created prosperity in Florida!”

Carol Dover, President and CEO of Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), said, “Given all the Sunshine State has to offer as a vacation destination, it comes as no surprise that each year, Florida continues to attract visitors in record numbers, however this welcomed outcome is incredible considering the tough year our state has faced in the wake of Hurricane Irma and validates the state’s sound investment in tourism marketing. FRLA salutes the diligent efforts of VISIT FLORIDA, as well as our hospitality industry partners, who work in concert to ensure Florida remains competitive as a leading global destination. Visitors are not only enjoying our hotels and restaurants, they’re simultaneously boosting state and local revenues, and supporting 1.4 million industry jobs across the state.”

Florida set another record despite losing 1.8 million visitors due to Hurricane Irma, according to a recent report commissioned by VISIT FLORIDA. The impact report of Hurricane Irma shows that it cost the state 1.8 million visitors. An estimated 34.9 million out-of-state visitors came to Florida in the final four months of 2017. In the “no hurricane” model, Florida would have hosted 36.7 million visitors during that same time period. Additionally, Irma resulted in a loss of $1.5 billion in visitor spending, with $1.1 billion attributable to domestic visitors and $400 million for international visitors. Visitation was hit hardest in September, with visitation falling 13.5 percent relative to anticipated growth. However, losses were drastically reduced by October, and even more so in the following months. VISIT FLORIDA’s Post-Irma Marketing Campaign helped curb the effects of Irma on visitation, with an estimated 358 million impressions in the month following Irma.

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that a record 28.5 million visitors traveled to Florida in the fourth quarter of 2017, an increase of 5.5 percent over the same period last year. This Q4 number breaks down to 25.0 million domestic visitors, 2.8 million overseas visitors and 705,000 Canadian visitors coming to the Sunshine State. Total enplanements at Florida’s 18 major airports in Q4 2017 increased 6.7 percent over the same period the previous year, with 21.7 million passengers. The number of hotel rooms sold in Florida during quarter four of 2017 grew by 8.1 percent compared to quarter four 2016. During the same period, Florida’s average daily room rate (ADR) increased by 5.4 percent and occupancy by 7.0 percent.

To view the full Hurricane Irma Impact Report, click HERE.

To view additional Florida visitor data, click HERE.

*Preliminary estimates are issued 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Final estimates are released when final data are received for all estimates in the report.

Scholarships Awarded to Florida High School Students Participating in Hospitality and Tourism Management Competition

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 7, 2018) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF ) is proud to congratulate the winners of the 15th Annual Hospitality and Tourism Management Program Competition (HTMP) which was held Monday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando.

A total of 11 schools participated in the competition with 3 schools winning top awards throughout the day’s events. Scholarships from Johnson & Wales University as well as the FRLAEF were distributed to the winning schools. All winners and participants are a part of Florida’s HTMP program, the official industry-recognized curriculum to prepare students for roles in the hotel industry and beyond. More than 2,000 students from across the state are enrolled in the program. The three main event competitions included: the Hotel Operations Competition, Hospitality Project Competition and Knowledge Bowl Competition.

Miami Beach Senior High School won first place in the overall competition. Winter Park High School took home second place in the overall competition, with Osceola High School placing third.

“These talented students represent the future of Florida’s hospitality industry and we are extremely proud to help support their education by awarding scholarships. We are passionate about investing in these inspiring, young leaders of the trade and are thrilled to celebrate their incredible talents and pursuit of successful careers,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the FRLA.

Overall Competition Winners
1st Place:    Miami Beach Senior High School | Instructor: Patricia Gregory
2nd Place:   Winter Park High School | Instructor: Meg Pietkiewicz
3rd Place:   Osceola High School | Instructor: Valerie Woodring

Hotel Operations Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their hospitality knowledge in four key topics relating to hotel operations: night audit/hotel accounting, food and beverage and guest service.

1st Place: Osceola High School | Instructor: Valerie Woodring
2nd Place: Winter Park High School | Instructor: Meg Pietkiewicz
3rd Place: Miami Beach Senior High School | Instructor: Patricia Gregory

Hospitality Project Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their knowledge, skills and abilities required in planning an event to include two BEOs (Banquet Event Order) containing two different menus and set up options.

1st Place: Miami Beach Senior High School | Instructor: Patricia Gregory
2nd Place: Winter Park High School | Instructor: Meg Pietkiewicz
3rd Place: Miami Sunset High School | Instructor: Milagros Perez

Knowledge Bowl Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their knowledge of the hospitality and tourism industry during this “Jeopardy Style” question and answer event.

1st Place: Miami Beach Senior High School | Instructor: Patricia Gregory
2nd Place: Oakridge High School | Instructor: Vanessa Zameza
3rd Place: Gainesville High School | Instructor: Dawn Bekaert

For a complete list of participating Florida HTMP schools, click here.

$1 Million in Scholarships Awarded to High School Students Participating in Florida ProStart Competition

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 6, 2018) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) is proud to congratulate the winners of the 18th Annual Florida ProStart Competition which was held Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4, 2018 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando.

A total of 50 schools participated in the competition with 15 schools winning top awards throughout the day’s events. More than $1 million in scholarships was distributed to the winning students. All winners and participants are a part of Florida’s ProStart program, a career technical education program where high school students learn from an industry-derived curriculum that teaches culinary techniques and restaurant management skills. More than 20,000 students from across the state are enrolled in the program. The four main event competitions included: the Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition, The Art Institute Management Competition, the Keiser University Edible Centerpiece Competition, and the Waiters Relay Competition.

East Ridge High School in Clermont won first place in the overall competition. Tarpon Springs High School in Tarpon Springs took home second place in the overall competition, with John A. Ferguson High School in Miami placing third.

“These talented students represent the future of Florida’s hospitality industry and we are extremely proud to help support their education by awarding more than $1 million in scholarships. We are passionate about investing in these inspiring, young leaders of the trade and are thrilled to celebrate their incredible talents and pursuit of successful careers,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the FRLA.

Overall Competition Winners
1st Place: East Ridge High School
Instructors: Ken Pitts & Christopher Dwyer
2nd Place: Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan
3rd Place: John A. Ferguson High School
Instructors: Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia & Jebel Cordoba
4th Place: Northeast High School
Instructors: John Beck & Curtis Serata
5th Place: Leto High School
Instructor: Debra Hladky

Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their creative abilities during the competition through the preparation of a meal consisting of: starter (such as soup, salad or appetizer), protein (such as meat, fish or fowl), starch, vegetable, and dessert.
1st Place: Leto High School
Instructor: Debra Hladky
2nd Place: Eastside High School
Instructors: Pam Bedford & Sarah Waters
3rd Place: East Ridge High School
Instructor: Ken Pitts
4th Place: Tarpon Springs High School
Instructors: Cathleen Ryan, Tony DeVincenzo & Vincent Pesce
5th Place: John A. Ferguson High School
Instructor: Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia & Jebel Cordoba

The Art Institute Management Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their knowledge of the restaurant and foodservice industry by developing a business proposal for a new restaurant concept. The business proposal consisted of a defined restaurant concept, supporting menu, and supporting marketing plan. Teams prepared a comprehensive written proposal, verbal presentation and visual display.

1st Place: East Ridge High School
Instructors: Ken Pitts & Christopher Dwyer
2nd Place: Northeast High School
Instructors: John Beck & Curtis Serata
3rd Place: John A. Ferguson High School
Instructor: Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia & Jebel Cordoba
4th Place: Holmes County High School
Instructor: April Coe
5th Place: Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan

Keiser University Edible Centerpiece Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their creative ability during the competition through the preparation of an edible centerpiece consisting of fruits and vegetables. Contestants explained nutritional information, product availability, and preparation techniques.

1st Place: Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan
2nd Place: Estero High School
Instructor: Jeremy Jasper
3rd Place: Eustis High School
Instructor: Nicole Austin
4th Place: Northeast High School
Instructors: John Beck & Curtis Serata
5th Place: Mainland High School
Instructors: Jason Kester & Troy Logan

Waiters Relay Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their ability to duplicate a table setting while racing against the clock.

1st Place: South Lake High School
Instructors: Candy Huxhold & John Thunberg
2nd Place: Leon High School
Instructors: Christine Beam & Karen Stribling
3rd Place: John A. Ferguson High School
Instructors: Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia & Jebel Cordoba
4th Place: St. Lucie West Centennial High School
Instructors: Calvin Lewis & Christina Gedke-Balaschak
5th Place: Lake Minneola High School
Instructors: Nick Sandora & Lance Bowles

First-place teams from the management and culinary competitions will advance to the prestigious National ProStart Invitational, April 27-29, 2018, in Providence, Rhode Island.