~Local Employment Law Firm Honored for Superior Service at FRLA Stars of the Industry Gala~

(L-R: FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover, Kevin Johnson, FRLA 2022 Chairwoman of the Board Olivia Hoblit)

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) recently recognized the commitment and service of Tampa labor and employment law firm Johnson Jackson PLLC during its annual Stars of the Industry Gala at the Caribe Royal Resort in Orlando. During the ceremony, Johnson Jackson and shareholder Kevin Johnson were inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame as Supplier of the Year.

“Through Kevin Johnson’s incredible leadership, he and his entire team at Johnson Jackson have provided unparalleled service to Florida’s hospitality industry for decades,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are so proud to induct Kevin and Johnson Jackson into the FRLA Hall of Fame and recognize their significant contributions as trusted advisors to our businesses. Through the last few years with historic unknowns due to the Pandemic, changing wage laws, and countless issues affecting workforce, Johnson Jackson has been our calm and stabilizing counsel through it all. Congratulations to our 2022 Supplier 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.

“On behalf of our whole team of attorneys, it is truly an honor to receive this award and work with such an outstanding organization,” said Kevin Johnson, Johnson Jackson Shareholder. “Partnering with FRLA helps us to build healthy networks within the restaurant business. Becoming intimately familiar with trends in the restaurant and lodging industry helps us better advise our hospitality clients, and providing support to hospitality employers allows us to give back to a community that has meant so much to our success.”

Kevin D. Johnson is a founding shareholder of Johnson Jackson PLLC, where he defends employers in employment-law matters. He graduated from the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law in 1994. He became board certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar in 2007. Kevin currently serves as the chair of the Standing Committee on Technology for The Florida Bar and is a past chair of both the Civil Procedure Rules Committee and the Solo and Small Firm Section. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America, has been named in Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, and has been listed by SuperLawyers on their list of the Top 100 attorneys in Florida for ten of the past eleven years. He is a native of Gainesville, Florida. To learn more about Kevin Johnson and Johnson Jackson, please watch his FRLA Hall of Fame Video here.

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

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About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association providing excellent service for more than 75 years. 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.

About Johnson Jackson: Johnson Jackson PLLC is a labor and employment law firm based in Tampa, Florida.  The firm serves clients throughout the state of Florida and across the country, providing trusted advice and strategic defense on a wide range of matters including labor and employment litigation; developing and revising policies; auditing employment practices; and advising on how to conduct internal investigations.  Clients range from large restaurant chains to independent restaurants; multi-state retail chains to construction contractors and suppliers; large hospital  systems to privately-held physicians’ offices; and statewide agencies to local governments.  Additional information can be found online at www.johnsonjackson.com, as well as on LinkedIn and Facebook.

~Hawks Cay VP Managing Director Honored at FRLA Stars of the Industry Gala~

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) recently recognized the commitment and service of Hawks Cay VP Managing Director Sheldon Suga during its annual Stars of the Industry Gala at the Caribe Royal Resort in Orlando. During the ceremony, Suga was inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame as Hotelier of the Year.

“There is no one more deserving of the recognition of Hotelier of the Year than Sheldon Suga,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “He has devoted more than 40 years to the hospitality industry and is known for his passion, integrity, and commitment to excellence. Sheldon has made such positive and lasting impacts, and we are proud to name him into the FRLA Hall of Fame.”

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’m honored to be inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame as the 2022 Hotelier of the Year,” said Sheldon Suga, VP Managing Director for Hawks Cay Resort. “To join my deserving peers in this recognition means so much to me and my family, and I want to thank my entire team at Hawks Cay for their hard work each and every day and their commitment to excellence. I look forward to continuing our great work to keep our resort and Florida’s hospitality industry the best in the world.”

Suga began his career as a room clerk in Niagara Falls Canada for summer employment, which led him to pursue a degree in Hospitality Management at Ryerson University in Toronto. Upon graduation, Sheldon was accepted into ITT Sheraton’s General Management Training program. During his time with ITT Sheraton, he attained the ITT Ring of Quality Worldwide Team Award and served as general manager at properties in West Harford, New York City, Halifax, La Jolla, and Los Angeles. He also worked in Tokyo and was Country Manager for ITT Sheraton. He also worked for Wyndham hotels and resorts as an area director in Atlanta and Puerto Rico. He worked in Orlando at the Gaylord Palms as the VP Hotel Manager and was the SVP and General Manager of the Gaylord National Resort. Suga currently serves as a Past Chair of the FRLA State Executive Committee, a member of the District III Advisory Committee of the Monroe County TDC, and a board member of VISIT FLORIDA. Additionally, he is on the Board of Trustees for The College of the Florida Keys. He previously served on the board of Tourism Halifax, Maryland Hotel and Motel Association and on the Maryland Tourism Development Council. An avid fly fisherman and runner, Sheldon and his wife Laura have lived in the Florida Keys for more than 13 years. To learn more about Sheldon, please watch his FRLA Hall of Fame Video here.

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

~Honored Industry Veterans Collectively Represent More Than 115 Years in Hospitality~

ORLANDO, FL – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced its Stars of the Industry Hall of Fame Winners at an evening gala at the Caribe Royale Resort and Conference Center this week.

“The Hall of Fame recognition is one of FRLA’s highest honors, recognizing industry leaders for their exceptional service and outstanding hospitality that spans decades,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “These awards honor proven leaders who have left a lasting impact on Florida’s hospitality industry, and we are incredibly proud of this year’s honorees.”

The 2022 FRLA Hall of Fame winners are:

Supplier of the Year – Kevin Johnson, Founding Shareholder, Johnson Jackson PLLC

Kevin Johnson is a founding shareholder of Johnson Jackson PLLC, a top firm for employment law, and has been working with the hospitality industry for nearly three decades. The Johnson Jackson team is well-known for their trusted counsel to clients and their ability to fully understand the culture and needs of those they represent. He graduated from the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law in 1994. He became board certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar in 2007. Kevin currently serves as the chair of the Standing Committee on Technology for The Florida Bar and is a past chair of both the Civil Procedure Rules Committee and the Solo and Small Firm Section. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America, has been named in Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, and has been listed by SuperLawyers on their list of the Top 100 attorneys in Florida for ten of the past eleven years. He is a native of Gainesville, Florida.

Frank Eucalitto – Restaurateur of the Year, President, Café Chardonnay

Frank Eucalitto has dedicated his life to the hospitality and has been a staple of the Palm Beach County community offering the best in food for locals since 1982. Chef Eucalitto and his wife Gigi have successfully created seven restaurants and an off-premise catering company. Graduating from the prestigious Johnston and Wales in Providence, Rhode Island, he holds degrees in both culinary arts and hotel/restaurant management. Frank is a respected businessmen in the local community and created No Anchovies! during the pandemic as a successful take-out concept. He has been named Businessman of the Year by the local Chamber of Commerce, was a past president and current board member and treasurer of the FRLA Palm Beach Chapter, and has been involved in numerous charitable events – including Share our Strength “Taste of the Nation” event and “Chef’s Helping Heroes.”

 Sheldon Suga – Hotelier of the Year, VP Managing Director at Hawks Cay Resort

A recent Chairman of the FRLA Board of Directors, Sheldon Suga has served more than 50 years in the U.S. and international hospitality industry and is well-known for his integrity, passion, and commitment to excellence, as well as his outstanding leadership of teams. Sheldon graduated from Ryerson University in Toronto with a degree in Hospitality Management and was accepted into the ITT Sheraton’s General Management Training program. During his time with ITT Sheraton, he attained the ITT Ring of Quality Worldwide Team Award and served as general manager at properties in West Hartford, New York City, Halifax, La Jolla, and Los Angeles. He also worked in Tokyo and was country manager for ITT Sheraton. Sheldon has also worked for Wyndham hotels and resorts as an area director in Atlanta and Puerto Rico. He also previously worked in Orlando at the Gaylord Palms as the VP Hotel Manager and was the opening SVP and general manager of the Gaylord National Resort.  Sheldon is a member of the District III Advisory Committee of the Monroe County TDC and a board member of Visit Florida. Additionally, he is on the Board of Trustees for The College of the Florida Keys and has served on the board of Tourism Halifax, Maryland Hotel and Motel Association, and on the Maryland Tourism Development Council.

WASHINGTON (October 17, 2022) – U.S. hotel leisure travel revenue is projected to end 2022 14% above 2019 levels, while hotel business travel revenue is expected to come within 1% of 2019 levels, according to a new analysis released today by the American Hotel & Lodging Association and Kalibri Labs.

The projections are not adjusted for inflation, and real hotel revenue recovery will likely take several more years.

Post-pandemic recovery remains uneven, particularly in many major cities and destinations where business travel continues to lag. Among the top 50 U.S. markets, 80% are projected to see hotel leisure travel revenue exceed 2019 levels, but just 40% are expected reach that milestone for business travel revenue. Many urban markets, which rely heavily on business from events and group meetings, are still on the road to recovery.

Click here to view data for the top 50 markets.

The uptick in revenue is leading to historic career opportunities for hotel employees, with more than 115,000 hotel jobs currently open across the nation. Hotels are offering potential hires a host of incentives to fill vacancies—81% have increased wages, 64% are offering greater flexibility with hours, and 35% have expanded benefits, according to a September 2022 AHLA member survey.

“The hotel industry continues its march toward recovery, but we still have a way to go before we fully get there,” said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. “That’s why AHLA remains focused on working with members, lawmakers and stakeholders in markets that are rebounding more slowly to ensure the full return of meetings, conferences, and group travel in addition to leisure and business travel. At the same time, we are continuing to grow the industry’s talent pipeline by highlighting the unprecedented career opportunities hotels are offering. Thanks to higher wages, better benefits, and more flexibility and opportunities for advancement, there has never been a better time to work at a hotel.”

 To help hotels fill open jobs and raise awareness of the hotel industry’s 200+ career pathways, the AHLA Foundation’s “A Place to Stay” multi-channel advertising campaign is now active in 14 cities, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego, and Tampa. For more info on the campaign, visit thehotelindustry.com.

AHLA recently completed a series of “Hospitality is Working” events in major cities across the country. The campaign has sought to increase business and leisure travel while highlighting the hotel industry’s strong commitment to investing in its workforce, protecting employees and guests, and supporting local communities.

 About AHLA

 The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.

TALLAHASSEE – As Florida and its residents continue to recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) today issued a stern message for the hospitality industry: there is absolutely no tolerance for price gouging.

“Florida is known for having such a wonderful and accommodating hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of FRLA. “It is absolutely unacceptable for anyone in this industry to take advantage of this historic emergency event for profit. That is not who we are as an industry or state, and price gouging will not be tolerated.”

 Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Florida’s price gouging laws remain in effect and cover commodities related to post-storm recovery – including essentials such as lodging for displaced Floridians and first responders who traveled from across the state to live amid the destruction and help survivors as they rebuild. We will aggressively investigate allegations of extreme price increases to protect Floridians and first responders doing everything they can to help us recover from this devastating storm.”

For anyone who suspects price gouging, report it to the Office of the Attorney General by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226), filing online at MyFloridaLegal.com. Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period. In addition to the civil penalties for price gouging, state law criminalizes the sale of goods and services to the public without possession of a business tax receipt.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Director Kevin Guthrie announced that the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program has been activated by the State of Florida, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), for impacted residents in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

Impacted residents from eligible counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to shelter in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA. They may be eligible for TSA if they cannot return to their home and their housing needs cannot be met by insurance, shelters or rental assistance provided by FEMA or another agency (federal, state or nonprofit).

Eligible individuals can apply for FEMA assistance by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362, or using the FEMA mobile app

Individuals will be notified of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected when they applied for assistance. Continued eligibility is determined on an individual basis. When eligibility ends, survivors will be notified by FEMA seven days prior to checkout date. TSA is limited to participating lodging properties in Florida, Alabama and Georgia.

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) have also opened in Charlotte, Collier, Lee and Sarasota counties and are collocated with more than 10 agencies to provide a one-stop shop for individuals or businesses that need help recovering from the storm. The following DRCs are open daily, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.:

Charlotte County

Home Depot (Mobile DRC)

• 12621 S. McCall Rd.
  Port Charlotte, FL 33981

Collier County

Veterans Community Park

• 1895 Veterans Park Dr
  Naples, FL 34109

Lee County 

Joseph P.D Alessandro Office Complex

• 2295 Victoria Ave.
  Fort Myers, FL 33901
• Lakes Regional Library
  • 15290 Bass Road
    Fort Myers, FL 33919

  Sarasota County

  Shannon Staub Library

  • 4675 Career Lane
    North Port, FL 34289

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Following Hurricane Ian, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has activated Operation Blue Roof to provide temporary blue tarp-like covering to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made. This service is free to homeowners, and the initial sign-up period is set for 21 days, ending on October 23. Five counties are currently eligible:

• Lee
• Charlotte
• Sarasota
• Collier
• DeSoto

Operation Blue Roof protects property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm. Homes eligible for Operation Blue Roof include primary residences or a permanently occupied rental property with less than 50% structural damage, excluding vacation rental properties. All storm debris must be removed for the roof to qualify. Roofs that are flat, metal, clay, slate, or asbestos tile do not qualify.

For more information, call 1-888-ROOF-BLU or visit this site.

Governor Ron DeSantis Activates the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, Making $50 Million Available – At Least $10 Million of Which Must Go to Assist Agricultural Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Ian

Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia counties are eligible to apply

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $50 million available — at least $10 million of which must go to small businesses that are agricultural producers impacted by Hurricane Ian in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia counties. Small businesses in the most impacted counties — Charlotte, Collier, Lee, and Sarasota — will be escalated and prioritized as they are received.

The program, administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Ian. Interested applicants can apply now through December 2, 2022, or until all available funds are expended.

“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ strong, decisive leadership, we will ensure that communities across the state are able to recover quickly from Hurricane Ian’s devastation,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “Florida’s small business owners in need of assistance can now apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program at www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL.”

Loans approved through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources. Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program.

Loans made under this program are short-term, zero-interest, personal loans using State of Florida funds. They are not grants and loans must be repaid by the approved applicant.

DEO administers the Emergency Bridge Loan Program alongside its fiscal administrator, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation.

Visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more about the program, as well as to view the lending guidelines and required documentation and to complete an application by the December 2, 2022, deadline. Business owners who need further program information may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

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