Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

FRLA Strengthens Local Efforts By Launching Greater Pensacola Chapter and Welcoming New Area Director
– Kickoff Meeting Scheduled for April 22^nd at McGuire’s Irish Pub –

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is strengthening its efforts in the panhandle with the launch of a Greater Pensacola Chapter. The kickoff meeting for the new chapter is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, at McGuire’s Irish Pub in Pensacola. FRLA is proud to announce John Bloodworth will lead the team. As the Chapter Director, Bloodworth will help support members, mobilize operations and bolster ongoing communications between FRLA headquarters and local offices. He will join FRLA’s four current regional directors, a regional manager and two other chapter directors who represent more than 20 chapters across the state.

“We understand that many of the battles that impact a business’s bottom line are hard fought at the local level and we are proud to help represent our members located in the Greater Pensacola area,” said Carol Dover, FRLA President and CEO. “This community is filled with some of the best in the hospitality industry and with John’s local expertise, we are excited for what’s to come.”

Bloodworth joins FRLA with more than twenty years of successful experience in sales and account management. He most recently worked as the Panhandle and North Florida Sales Executive for Coca-Cola North America, where he worked with small to medium-sized restaurant chains in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Panama City, Destin and the Pensacola area. Rooted in the community, Bloodworth teaches Business Communication, Public Speaking and Mass Communication at the University of West Florida. He holds a Master’s Degree in Communication from the University of Georgia and a law degree from Georgia State University.

During the meeting, FRLA President/CEO Carol Dover and former FRLA Chairman Bruce Craul are scheduled to share industry insights and provide a legislative update. The event is free and open to FRLA chapter members and non-members. Media is invited to attend.

WHAT:
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Greater Pensacola Kickoff Chapter Meeting

SPEAKERS:
FRLA President and CEO, Carol Dover
Legendary Hospitality COO and former FRLA Chairman, Bruce Craul

WHEN:     
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
10:15 AM – 12:00 PM
*Media is Invited to Attend

WHERE:    
McGuire’s Irish Pub
600 E. Gregory Street
Pensacola, FL
To register for the event, please email [email protected] or click here to see the event flyer.

About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and more than one million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Celebrates 41 Years of the SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo
– Attendance Expected to Soar at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport April 21-26, 2015 –

(Lakeland, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to be a presenting sponsor with VISIT FLORIDA at the 41^st Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo held on Tuesday, April 21 through Sunday, April 26 at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. The six-day event is the second largest airshow in the world, Florida’s largest convention, and includes aircraft demonstrations, exhibits, aviation workshops, and education forums. More than 200,000 guests, exhibitors, instructors, pilots, volunteers and students from 80 countries are expected to attend.

“SUN n’ FUN inspires, educates, entertains, and encourages aircraft enthusiasts from all over the world to visit the Sunshine State,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “FRLA is proud to once again be a part of this family-friendly fly-in and expo and we welcome everyone to attend. Come see first-hand the wonderful hospitality that our state has to offer.”

FRLA is committed to supporting events that promote Florida’s hospitality industry. Over the past three years, the association has proudly sponsored the SUN n’ FUN International Fly-In and Expo which does just that. In 2013, with national budget concerns looming, FRLA helped financially underpin this event so that the state and local economy would continue to benefit from the increased tourism. Last year the event attracted aviation lovers from all 50 states, two U.S. territories, the District of Columbia and an estimated 77 foreign countries. All proceeds were allocated to supporting aviation-based STEM education programs offered throughout the year at the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Center for Excellence.

Throughout the week, afternoon and evening airshows will showcase aerobatics and precision flying from the Breitling Jet Team, USAF Thunderbirds, Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron, the EAA Warbirds of America and many other performers. The event is designed to preserve and enhance the future of flight through world-class events, inspiring and educating people of all ages.

For more details about the SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo, please visit, www.SUN-n-FUN.org/FlyIn.aspx.

# # #

About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and more than one million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]
 More than 150 Songwriters Head to Southernmost Point for 20^th Annual Festival May 6-10, 2015
-Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Sponsored Event to Benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital-

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to highlight a diverse line up of more than 150 artists performing in more than 40 live shows at the Key West Songwriters Festival presented by BMI, a leader in music rights management. As a sponsor of the 20^th annual event, FRLA is thrilled to bring five days and nights of well-crafted songwriting to the idyllic island of Key West from Wednesday, May 6 through Sunday, May 10 in conjunction with VISIT FLORIDA.

“We are honored to sponsor the Key West Songwriters Festival as it celebrates its 20^th year showcasing songwriters and headlining acts in a one-of-a-kind destination,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “This event gives festival-goers the chance to hear the stories behind chart-topping hits and experience the restaurants, bars and hotels in Florida’s southernmost paradise.”

A majority of the shows during the festival are free including “in-the-round” sessions with writers, the kick-off party presented by SunTrust Bank at Ocean Key Sunset Pier, and a concert in the heart of Duval Street featuring Grammy-nominated vocalist Chris Young. Additionally this year, the impressive list of artists performing at some of the island’s most popular beaches, boats, bars, resorts and historic theatres consists of Rhett Akins, Robert Earl Keen, Dean Dillon, Jeffrey Steele, Guthrie Trapp and The Mule Kickers, Aaron Watson, and many more.

Proceeds from the Key West Songwriters Festival benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a pediatric treatment and research facility leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Please go to www.KeyWestSongwritersFestival.com for the festival schedule and a full list of songwriters who will be performing.

 # # #

About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and more than one million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube. 

About the Key West Songwriters Festival
The Key West Songwriters Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the world. The event’s 1995 debut was small but memorable, featuring Mickey Newbury and Shel Silverstein. BMI stepped in as a partner and sponsor in 1996 and has helped it grow into both a tourist attraction and favorite of island locals. The festival revolves around five days and nights of free shows staged at an array of the island’s most popular drinking holes and hot spots, where live music introduces crowds to the faces, voices and stories behind the songs. Diverse lineups featuring more than 100 top songwriters deliver rare, “Key West-only” moments. More info available at www.KeyWestSongwritersFestival.com.

About BMI
Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) is a global leader in music rights management, serving as an advocate for the value of music. BMI represents the public performance rights in more than 8.5 million musical works created and owned by more than 600,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers. The Company negotiates music license agreements and distributes the fees it generates as royalties to its affiliated writers and publishers when their songs are performed in public. In 1939, BMI created a groundbreaking open-door policy becoming the only performing rights organization to welcome and represent the creators of blues, jazz, country, and American roots music. Today, the musical compositions in BMI’s repertoire, from chart toppers to perennial favorites span all genres of music and are consistently among the most-performed hits of the year. For additional information and the latest BMI news, visit bmi.com, follow us on Twitter @BMI or stay connected through Broadcast Music Inc.’s Facebook page.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]
Nashville’s Top Songwriters to Help Raise Money for Children’s Charities at South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival
-Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Proudly Sponsors 3^rdAnnual Event-

(Miramar Beach, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to highlight nationally renowned songwriters at the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival. As a founding partner, FRLA is thrilled to participate in the third annual charity event scheduled for Thursday, April 23 through Sunday, April 26 in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. During the four days of lively tastings, seminars, winemaker dinners and musical performances, the festival will showcase more than 800 flavors. The FRLA will sponsor the songwriters as a continuation of the Endless Summer Music Series in conjunction with BMI, a leader in music rights management representing more than 8.5 million works of more than 65,000 copyright owners.

“These Nashville songwriters help to create the ideal environment in which to sip and savor some of the world’s finest food and wines in an exceptional beach location while supporting local children in need,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are thrilled to continue our participation in this event, and encourage both residents and visitors alike to join us as we enjoy an incredible destination that helps make our state a wonderful place to live, work and play.”

Last year, 4,000 wine and food lovers participated in the event, and raised more than $2.1 million for the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) at an auction held during the festival. Proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to DCWAF, which has affected the lives of over 60,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse.

Throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, the songwriters will perform and tell stories about their biggest hits written for the stars of the music business, including Tim McGraw, George Strait, Kenny Chesney and many others.  The featured songwriters include nationally renowned BMI artists: Sherrié Austin, Aaron Barker, Steve Bogard, Brent Cobb, Jon Mabe, Kendell Marvel, Will Rambeaux and Tyler Reeve. The songs written by the songwriters include the current Love & Theft single, “Whiskey On My Breath,” “Baby Blue” made popular by George Strait, “The Climb” written for Miley Cyrus and Faith Hill’s “Wild One” to name a few.

Please go to www.sowalwine.com for the festival schedule and a full list of songwriters who will be performing.

# # #

About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and more than one million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube. 

About South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival
This year’s annual South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival will be held April 23-26, 2015 throughout the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. The festival features a stunning showcase of the best wines the world has to offer. Celebrity wine producers and chefs present fine wine and food pairings from the world’s most famous appellations. The Savor South Walton Culinary Village offers a sumptuous array of foods to taste, wines to pair, as well as wine and food tasting seminars and live entertainment. The event is a major fundraiser for Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, which benefits children in need in Northwest Florida. For more information, including a list of attending winemakers and to purchase tickets, visit www.SoWalWine.com.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

FRLA’s Palm Beach Chapter Partnering with Established Artists, Chefs and Musicians to Raise Scholarship Funds for Local Hospitality High School Students
– Pottery & Palms Event Scheduled for May 7^th in Palm Beach Gardens –

(Palm Beach, FL) – The Palm Beach Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is thrilled to host its first ever Pottery & Palms event to raise scholarship funds for local hospitality high school students. The event, which will pair students with professionals in their respective fields of study, is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 7, 2015 from 6:00 – 8:30 PM at Palm Beach Gardens Community High School.

“This is an exciting new event that’s designed to showcase the incredibly talented students in Palm Beach, who are sure to be Florida’s future best and brightest in the business,” said FRLA President and CEO Carol Dover. “We are proud to help cultivate their skills by raising money to support their education and are especially grateful that the entire community is lending a hand in support. Aside from a great cause, attendees are sure to have a fantastic time at this event filled with remarkable food, artists and entertainment.”

At the event, students will have the opportunity to work alongside established artists, chefs and musicians. Art students will work to create art and pottery, which will be showcased and sold in a silent auction, alongside hotel stays, dining opportunities, and golf outings. ProStart and HTMP (Hospitality Tourism and Management Program) students will assist food and beverage professionals with the creation of appetizers, refreshments and service. The night’s entertainment will be provided by music students and Palm Beach Symphony musicians. A portion of the proceeds for the event will be used to support the Palm Beach Educational Foundation.

This event is open to the community, parents, students and the media. Students must wear business attire to attend.  Admission is a suggested $10 donation.

WHAT:
FRLA Palm Beach Chapter’s Pottery & Palms

WHEN:
Thursday, May 7, 2015
6:00 – 8:30 PM

WHERE:
Palm Beach Gardens Community High School
4245 Holly Drive
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
*Media invited to attend.

COST:
$10 Suggested Donation
RSVP Required

Please click here to view the event registration information. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact Palm Beach Chapter Director, Lois Croft at [email protected] or 561-410-0035.

###

About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and more than one million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

FRLA’s Palm Beach Chapter Partnering with Established Artists, Chefs and Musicians to Raise Scholarship Funds for Local Hospitality High School Students

– Pottery & Palms Event Scheduled for May 7^th in Palm Beach Gardens –

(Palm Beach, FL) – The Palm Beach Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is thrilled to host its first ever Pottery & Palms event to raise scholarship funds for local hospitality high school students. The event, which will pair students with professionals in their respective fields of study, is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 7, 2015 from 6:00-8:30 PM at Palm Beach Gardens Community High School.

“This is an exciting new event that’s designed to showcase the incredibly talented students in Palm Beach, who are sure to be Florida’s future best and brightest in the business,” said FRLA President and CEO Carol Dover. “We are proud to help cultivate their skills by raising money to support their education and are especially grateful that the entire community is lending a hand of support. Aside from a great cause, attendees are sure to have a great time at this event filled with fantastic food, artists and entertainment.”

At the event, students will have the opportunity to work alongside established artists, chefs and musicians. Art students will work to create art and pottery, which will be showcased and sold in a silent auction, along with hotel stays, dining opportunities, and golf. ProStart and HTMP (Hospitality Tourism and Management Program) students will work with food and beverage professionals to assist with the creation of appetizers, refreshments and service. The night’s entertainment will be provided by music students and Palm Beach Symphony artists. All proceeds for the event will be used to support the Palm Beach Educational Foundation.

This event is open to the community, parents, students and the media. Students must wear business attire to attend. Admission is a suggest $10 donation.

WHAT:
FRLA’s Pottery & Palms

WHEN:
Thursday, May 7, 2015
6:00 – 8:30 PM

WHERE:
Palm Beach Gardens Community High School
4245 Holly Drive
Palm Beach Gardens, Fl 33410
*Media invited to attend.

COST:
$10 Suggested Donation

Please click here to view the event registration information. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact Palm Beach Chapter Director, Lois Croft at [email protected] or 561-410-0035.

###

About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and nearly 1.1 million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
850.224.2250 x255
Day of Event: 813.469.3311

Florida Tourism to be Celebrated on Wednesday, March 11, 2015
– The Partnership for Florida’s Tourism Holds Annual Tourism Day in Tallahassee –

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Partnership for Florida Tourism is proud to present Florida Tourism Day on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 in Tallahassee. The event is designed to educate the legislature, media and Floridians on the significant role tourism plays in the success of our state’s economy. According to preliminary estimates, 97.3 million visitors came to Florida in 2014. This is the fourth consecutive record year for visitation to Florida, exceeding the previous high of 93.7 million in 2013. Ten statewide associations are participating in the effort and will be hosting a downtown celebration that evening.

Media interested in attending Florida Tourism Day are asked to contact Elizabeth Ray at 850.224.2250 x255 or via email at [email protected] prior to the event, and at 813.469.3311 on the day of the event.

WHAT:         
2015 Florida Tourism Day

WHEN/WHERE:
Wednesday, March 11, 2015

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. / CEO Briefings, Speakers

Turnbull Conference Center
555 W. Pensacola Street, Tallahassee
Media invited to attend.

5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Street Festival

Downtown Tallahassee, corner of Adams Street and Jefferson Street
Media invited to attend. Welcome Remarks at 5:30 p.m.

CEO BRIEFING/SPEAKERS: 

Florida Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi

Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Ken Lawson

State Representative Ritch Workman (R – Melbourne)

TOURISM DAY PARTICIPANTS:

Carol Dover, President/CEO, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
Will Seccombe, President/CEO, VISIT FLORIDA
Bill Lupfer, President/CEO, Florida Attractions Association

Robert Skrob, Executive Director, Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations
Bobby Cornwell, Executive Director, Florida Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds
John Webb, President, Florida Sports Foundation
Malinda Horton, Executive Director, Florida Association of Museums

Michelle Hillery, President, Film Florida

Henry Kempfer, President, Florida Cattlemen’s Association

For more information, please visit http://tourismworksforflorida.org/florida-tourism-day/.

# # #

The Partnership for Florida’s Tourism is a grassroots coalition which began in 2006 designed to raise awareness of the importance of tourism and to increase public funding of tourism marketing.  Key stakeholders in the tourism industry have joined in this effort. The Partnership is comprised of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Florida Attractions Association, Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, Florida Association of Destination Management Organizations and VISIT FLORIDA.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Educational Foundation Announces Winners of Hospitality and Tourism Management Program Competition

– Orlando, Miami and Gainesville Schools Win Scholarships at Hospitality Event –

(Tallahassee, Fla.)—The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) announced the winners of the 12^th Annual Hospitality and Tourism Management Program (HTMP) Competition which was held Sunday, March 1 and Monday, March 2, 2015 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando.

Thirty-two students from across the state participated in the day’s events and won more than $30,000 in scholarships. All winners and participants are a part of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program (HTMP) which was developed by industry experts and is the official industry-recognized curriculum to prepare students for roles in the hotel industry and beyond. The program is delivered with graphic-rich textbooks and workbooks, and incorporates the best of modern technology with a selection of online coursework. This year, there were three different competitive categories: Hotel Operations, Hospitality Project and the Knowledge Bowl.

Miami Beach Senior High School won first place in the overall competition. Mid Florida Technical in Orlando took home second place in the overall competition, with Gainesville High School placing third.

“The competition was fierce, but these students showed they were up for a challenge. Congratulations to all of our winners and participants who are passionate about the hospitality industry. We look forward to their continued success as they move forward with careers and educational opportunities. They are the future of Florida and we are thrilled to help train them as HTMP students right here in the Sunshine State,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Overall Competition Winners

First Place
Miami Beach Senior High School
Instructor: Patricia Gregory

Second Place
Mid Florida Technical
Instructor: Pat Novalis

Third Place
Gainesville High School
Instructor: Dawn Bekaert

Hotel Operations Competition Winners
Students competing in the hotel operations competition performed a night audit, analyzed three case studies, and performed a room inspection.

First Place
Mid Florida Technical
Instructor: Pat Novalis

Second Place
Colonial High School
Instructor: Richard Grace

Third Place
Oakridge High School
Instructor: Joanne Goodman

Hospitality Project Competition Winners
Students participating in the hospitality project competition demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities required in planning an event, which included a proposal to the client, BEO (Banquet Event Order), menu and floor plan.

First Place
Miami Beach Senior High School
Instructor: Patricia Gregory

Second Place
Colonial High School
Instructor: Richard Grace

Third Place
Miami Sunset High School
Instructor: Milagros Perez

Knowledge Bowl Competition Winners
Students participating in the knowledge bowl competition, participated in a “Jeopardy style” question and answer session.

First Place
Miami Beach Senior High School
Instructor: Patricia Gregory

Second Place
Gainesville High School
Instructor: Dawn Bekaert

Third Place
Miami Sunset High School
Instructor: Milagros Perez

###

About FRLA Educational Foundation (FRLAEF)
The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association created the Educational Foundation in 1994. FRLAEF administers and executes two high school curriculums ‐ the National Restaurants Association’s (NRA) ProStart and the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AH&LA) Lodging Management Program – in more than 240 Florida high schools and provides resources to nearly 25,000 students in these culinary arts and hospitality management programs. Scholarships, Teacher Training Institutes, Industry Certifications, Equipment Mini‐Grants and Industry Internships are just a few of the products and services the FRLAEF provides to these classrooms. For more information, please go to www.FRLA.org.

Media Contacts:
Elizabeth Ray, [email protected], 850.224.2250 x255
Christina Johnson, [email protected], 850.391.5040

Chef Emeril Lagasse Tours Family Owned and Operated Restaurants on Latest Episode of Emeril’s Florida

  – The Cooking Channel will feature establishments in Key Largo, Daytona Beach and Homestead –

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to present this week’s episode of Emeril’s Florida airing Sunday, March 8, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. EST on the Cooking Channel. In Sunday’s episode, celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse travels to Key Largo, Daytona Beach and Homestead to visit two restaurants and a farm that are all family-owned and -operated.

“Family run restaurants create flavors that are unique to Florida and play a vital role in our state’s economy,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “FRLA is thrilled that this week’s episode of Emeril’s Florida features establishments that have become cuisine landmarks in the state through the support and loyalty of their local communities.”

Emeril’s first stop on the “Family Owned & Operated” episode is Key Largo where he visits the Conch House owned by the Dreaver Family. Ted and Laura Dreaver moved to Florida and opened a restaurant with no prior experience, and it paid off. Family is a big part of their business. All their family members work, or have worked, for the successful restaurant.  Over time, the restaurant has become known for great food. The menu is classic Florida Keys cuisine, but with their own family twist. They serve plenty of conch as well as other favorites such as hogfish, yellowtail, and even the newly popular lionfish when available.

Emeril then heads to Daytona Beach to visit The Cellar, one of the best Italian restaurants in Northeast Florida.  Sam and Lina Moggio purchased the historic home of President Warren G. Harding and, seeing a need for fine dining in the Daytona Beach area, transformed the basement into a beautiful cellar restaurant.  It opened to the public 11 years ago. Sam, a CIA trained chef and a 31-year veteran of the industry, oversees the restaurant’s kitchen and ensures everything served at The Cellar is authentic and made from scratch. Lina manages the hand-selected wine lists and the front-of-house operations. Emeril sits down with the couple and samples some of their signature dishes including Polenta con Salsiccia e Porcini, Ravioli di Carne alla Montepertuso, and Filetto al Barolo e Porcini.

The third stop for Emeril is Teena’s Pride in Homestead. Teena Borek owns the farm and works alongside her two sons. Teena came to South Florida in the 1970s and met Steven, a Homestead vegetable farmer. The couple married and had two sons, Michael and Steven Jr. After her husband’s untimely death, she ran the 500-acre vegetable farm knowing very little about farming or farm management. For the last 35 years, Teena has been an active member of the Dade farming community, and at one time, was the only female farmer in the area. The farm grows heirloom tomatoes, arugula, spring lettuce, herbs, heritage eggplant and peppers that are supplied to area restaurants as well as more than 350 families throughout the year via their Community Supported Agriculture organization. Emeril spends time with Teena to hear their story and see the farm.

The show reruns on Monday, March 9 at 9:30 a.m. EST and Thursday, March 12 at 10:30 a.m. EST.  Please check local listings.

Emeril’s Florida Season Three is a 13-episode series highlighting the Sunshine State through the eyes of Emeril on-location with a focus on food, cooking, events and activities around the state. Throughout the third season, Emeril will be visiting Florida’s top restaurants and resorts. He will also prepare some of his favorite recipes which often will feature some of the best seafood Florida has to offer. The FRLA and VISIT FLORIDA sponsor the series. For additional information on the series, including links to previous episodes, please go to the Cooking Channel website here. For a preview of Sunday’s episode, click here.

Editor’s Note:
For photo and video requests of Emeril Lagasse with local chefs, photos of dishes prepared, and recipes of featured dishes, please contact Elizabeth Ray at [email protected] or 850.224.2250 x255, or Christina Johnson at [email protected] or 850.391.5040.

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About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and more than one million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.

Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Educational Foundation Announces Winners of 15th Annual ProStart Culinary Team Competition

49 Florida High Schools Participated in Hospitality Event in Orlando

(TALLAHASSEE, FL)—The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) announced the winners of the 15th Annual ProStart Culinary Team Competition which was held Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28, 2015 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando.

A total of 49 schools participated in the competition with 16 schools winning top awards throughout the day’s events. More than $800,000 in scholarships was distributed to the winning schools. All winners and participants are a part of Florida’s ProStart program which is 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 Cracker Barrel Management Competition, the Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition, the Keiser University Edible Centerpiece Competition, and the Coca-Cola Company Waiters Relay Competition.

Tarpon Springs High School won first place in the overall competition. Eastside High School in Gainesville took home second place in the overall competition, with Leto High School in Tampa placing third.  For photos of the event, please click here.

“We wish heartfelt congratulations to all of our winners and participants in this year’s competition. We were truly impressed with the incredible caliber of talent, which included young hospitality industry all-stars from across our great state. FRLAEF is the only organization in Florida that offers the ProStart program and we are proud to help bolster the quality and employability of today’s high school graduates by providing them with school-to-career training. We look forward to their successes and are thrilled to provide them more opportunities for foodservice and lodging careers, and higher education,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Overall Competition Winners

First Place
Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan

Second Place
Eastside High School
Instructor: Billie DeNunzio

Third Place
Leto High School
Instructor: Debra Hladky

Fourth Place *tie*
J.P. Taravella High School
Instructor: Scott Goodman

East Ridge High School
Instructors: Lucressie McGriff and Ken Pitts

Fifth Place
Seabreeze High School
Instructor: Samantha Crouch

Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition
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.

First Place
Leto High School
Instructor: Debra Hladky

Second Place
West Boca Raton High School
Instructor: Nancy Hall

Third Place
Eastside High School
Instructor: Billie DeNunzio

Fourth Place
Nassau County Career Ed
Instructor: Bill Castleberry

Fifth Place
Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan

Cracker Barrel Management Competition
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.

First Place
Eastside High School
Instructor: Billie DeNunzio

Second Place *tie*
J.P. Taravella High School
Instructor: Scott Goodman

East Ridge High School
Instructors: Lucressie McGriff and Ken Pitts

Third Place
Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan

Fourth Place*tie*
Estero High School
Instructor: Jan Doten

South Lake High School
Instructors: John Thunberg and Candace Huxhold

Fifth Place
John A. Ferguson School
Instructor: Janett Toledo

Keiser University Edible Centerpiece Competition
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.

First Place
Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan

Second Place *tie*
Steinbrenner High School
Instructor: Philip Meola

Jefferson High School
Instructor: David Hillard

Third Place
Columbia High School
Instructor: Cheryl Bender

Fourth Place
Bayside High School
Instructor: Stuart Gray

Fifth Place
Northeast High School
Instructor: John Beck

Coca-Cola Company Waiters Relay Competition
Participating teams demonstrated their ability to duplicate a table setting while racing against the clock.

First Place
Seabreeeze High School
Instructor: Samantha Crouch

Second Place
North Port High School
Instructors: Witold Bielak and Becky Halbert

Third Place
Cypress Creek High School
Instructor: Cynda Aron

Fourth Place
Winter Springs
High School Instructors: Adam Efland and Elizabeth Leh

Fifth Place
Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan

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About FRLA Educational Foundation (FRLAEF)
The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association created the Educational Foundation in 1994. FRLAEF administers and executes two high school curriculums ‐ the National Restaurants Association’s (NRA) ProStart and the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AH&LA) Lodging Management Program – in more than 240 Florida high schools and provides resources to nearly 25,000 students in these culinary arts and hospitality management programs. Scholarships, Teacher Training Institutes, Industry Certifications, Equipment Mini‐Grants and Industry Internships are just a few of the products and services the FRLAEF provides to these classrooms. For more information, please go to www.FRLA.org.