Media Contact
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Press Secretary
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – Six local chapters of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) are partnering to host world renowned customer service guru and author John DiJulius in a series of seminars being held in Florida on Wednesday, April 9^th and Thursday, April 10^th, 2014. The live two hour presentation, “What’s the Secret? To Providing a World-Class Customer Experience,” is designed to create customized systems for positive customerand employee experience. This is the first time local FRLA chapters have come together to host such an event with DiJulius, whose many clients include the Ritz-Carlton, Starbucks, Marriott, Cheesecake Factory, Chick-fil-A, and others.

Attendees include everyone from CEOs and entrepreneurs to front line employees, particularly those in the hospitality and tourism industry who depend on returning patrons and guests for their continued success. Tickets are $30 for FRLA members and $40 for non-members, with sponsorship opportunities available as well.

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Chair James E. McManemon said, “John DiJulius is a proven motivator who truly captures what any company needs to execute to have a distinct competitive advantage. His presentation on creating customer service is a must attend for every leader and key influencer in your organization.”

WHAT:
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Chapter Seminar
“What’s the Secret? To Providing a World-Class Customer Experience”
Presented by John DiJulius, The DiJulius Group
Sponsored by FRLA Chapters from Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Central Florida and the Space Coast

WHEN:
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Selby Auditorium – USF Campus
8350 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34243

Wednesday, April 9, 2014
2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
2900 Bayport Drive
Tampa, FL 33607

Thursday, April 10, 2014
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Rosen Plaza Hotel
9700 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819

Thursday, April 10, 2014
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Radisson Resort at the Port
8701 Astronaut Blvd.
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920

COST:
$30 per person for FRLA members; 4 or more from same company – $25 pp

$40 per person for non-members; 4 or more from same company – $30 pp

Sponsorship opportunities available

To register for the event, or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact FRLA Regional Director Dannette Lynch at 727.642.3404 or via email at [email protected], or click on http://www.thedijuliusgroup.com/schedule/for individual event information.

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About John DiJulius
International consultant and bestselling author of two books, DiJulius works with world class companies like the Ritz-Carlton, Lexus, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Nestle, Marriott, PwC, Cheesecake Factory, Progressive Insurance, Harley Davidson, State Farm, Chick-fil-A and many more. John isn’t just talking about it, he lives it, as a very successful entrepreneur of two business; John Robert’s Spa, a chain of upscale Cleveland locations, repeatedly named one of the top 20 salons in America and The DiJulius Group, a consulting firm focused on changing the world by creating a Customer service revolution. More information may be found atwww.TheDiJuliusGroup.com.

About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA’s mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s hospitality industry – which represents a $76.1 billion industry, 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.  It is Florida’s premier non-profit, hospitality industry trade association. FRLA safeguards the needs of the hospitality industry, improves the business climate, promotes the highest levels of quality and safety for our patrons, provides legislative advocacy, and eases navigation of government regulation. The Association represents and serves more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org.

The National Restaurant Association’s Chief Economist Bruce Grindy breaks down the latest jobs report.

(Washington D.C.) More than six years after the start of the Great Recession, the number of private sector jobs finally surpassed its pre-recession peak in March, according to preliminary figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  The private sector added a net 192,000 jobs in March on a seasonally-adjusted basis, the strongest monthly gain since November.

Meanwhile, restaurants added more than 30,000 jobs in March, the 49^th consecutive monthly gain and strongest increase since October.

Overall, private sector employment now stands 110,000 jobs above its January 2008 pre-recession peak, after which the private economy lost nearly 8.8 million jobs.  In comparison, the restaurant industry surpassed its pre-recession employment peak in September 2011, and now stands nearly 900,000 jobs – or 9.2 percent – above the previous high.

Looking forward, the outlook for continued restaurant job growth remains positive.  Although a sizable portion of the overall restaurant job creation comes from growth in the number of locations, existing restaurants also contribute to cyclical employment gains and losses.

In the National Restaurant Association’s March 2014 Tracking Survey, 22 percent of restaurant operators said they expect to employ more people in six months than they did during the same period in 2013.  This represented the highest proportion of operators expecting job growth in seven months.

In comparison, only 13 percent of restaurant operators plan to cut positions in six months (compared to the same period in 2013), while the remaining 65 percent expect their staffing levels to remain about the same.  This suggests that restaurant industry job growth will continue to be broad-based in the months ahead.

For more National Restaurant Association research, visit Restaurant.org/Research.

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About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association 
Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises 980,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of more than 13 million employees. We represent the industry in Washington, D.C., and advocate on its behalf. We operate the industry’s largest trade show (NRA Show May 17-20, 2014, in Chicago); leading food safety training and certification program (ServSafe); unique career-building high school program (the NRAEF’s ProStart); as well as the Kids LiveWell program promoting healthful kids’ menu options. For more information, visitwww.restaurant.org and find us on Twitter @WeRRestaurants, Facebook and YouTube.

(Washington D.C.) As part of its efforts to support sustainability practices in the foodservice industry,The National Restaurant Association today announced it has joined Share the Gulf, a coalition of chefs, restaurateurs, restaurant associations, seafood suppliers, fishermen, consumers and environmentalists working to protect their access to fish in the Gulf States.

“The fresh, local seafood of the Gulf States is essential to the growth of the region’s economy and its varied foodservice businesses,” said Scott DeFife, Executive Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs for the National Restaurant Association. “We are committed to helping ensure this seafood is not only fished sustainably so its population continues to grow, but that the voices of small businesses, their employees and customers, also are heard.”

The initiative, launched in 2013, aims to ensure the region’s restaurants and grocery businesses maintain an equitable share of the Gulf States’ red snapper catch.

“Our goal is to make sure Gulf seafood continues to be shared fairly and sustainably so that all of us can enjoy it for generations to come,” said Stephen Stryjewski, executive chef at New Orleans-based Link Restaurant Group and Share the Gulf co-chair. “We believe – and science shows ‑ that if Gulf fisheries are well managed, there will be a growing population with plenty of snapper, grouper and other fish to go around. We are committed to sitting down and working together to find a productive, fair and reasonable solution about how to share the Gulf.”

In addition to the NRA, the Louisiana Restaurant Association, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Texas Restaurant Association, Mississippi Restaurant and Hospitality Association and the Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance, as well as dozens of restaurants and seafood companies, are supporting the initiative, which is fighting proposed changes to regulations that would take a portion of the red snapper reserved for restaurant and foodservice use and make it available for recreational fishing instead.

To join Share the Gulf, go here. Visit the NRA’s Conserve program to learn more about sustainable practices for the restaurant industry.

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Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises 980,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of more than 13 million employees. We represent the industry in Washington, D.C., and advocate on its behalf. We operate the industry’s largest trade show (NRA Show May 17-20, 2014, in Chicago); leading food safety training and certification program (ServSafe); unique career-building high school program (the NRAEF’sProStart); as well as the Kids LiveWell program promoting healthful kids’ menu options. For more information, visit www.restaurant.org and find us on Twitter @WeRRestaurants, Facebook and YouTube.

View this release online: http://www.restaurant.org/Pressroom/Press-Releases/National-Restaurant-Association-Joins-%E2%80%98Share-the-G

More news and information from the National Restaurant Association: http://www.restaurant.org/Pressroom

By Carol B. Dover
Published by the Ocala Star-Banner, April 13, 2014

With the “season” starting to wind down, Florida’s hospitality industry can’t forget the many blessings that come with Florida being THE place to be if you are an equestrian. From Wellington to Ocala, Jacksonville to Pensacola, the horse industry makes a dramatic impact on the local economies hosting various multi-week events.

Arriving in December and staying through the middle of April, thousands of horses each year are shipped to Florida to participate in some of the toughest competitions in the world. Along with all of these horses, an entourage of riders, grooms, trainers, friends and family make the trip as well. And where do these visitors stay, eat and drink? In our restaurants and hotels.

Let’s face it, it is tough to ride a horse in sleet, ice and snow. The climates of Florida, Texas and California provide an opportunity to equestrians of every discipline to hone their skills and horse show in a warmer, snow- and ice-free environment.

Not only does the hospitality industry reap the benefits of being a warm-weather riding destination, but the rest of Florida’s economy is touched as well. Horse people are the guests, clients and shoppers that any business owner dreams of. They spend money — a lot of money. They pay their bills. They are generally repeat customers because they come back every year for a lifetime. They go to the beach and enjoy Florida’s cultural heritage. They hit the theme parks and concerts held across the state. They eat in our restaurants and drink in our bars. They stay in our lodging establishments; and very often, many settle down in Florida typically choosing Palm Beach or Ocala.

In fact, according to the Equine Alliance of Marion County, activities in that county alone impact our state’s economy by more than $900 million a year.

So, why don’t we give our visiting equestrians one more reason to choose Florida over Texas or California. The Florida Horse Park, located in Ocala, is developing a world-class international equine facility that encompasses all breeds and disciplines, placing the advancement of agriculture and equine education as a top priority.

In fact, Gov. Rick Scott and Florida legislators are leading the way in helping to provide this exciting international venue for our “equi-tourists” by supporting the Florida Horse Park through the legislative budgeting process this session.

Currently the FHP is constructing a 2-acre, 79,500-square-foot covered arena estimated to be completed in May 2014. This covered arena will host a multitude of events and will be an important draw to the FHP.

While the budget for the Florida Horse Park is uncertain for 2014-15, future projects include eight 40-stall barns with restroom and wash areas and 38 premier RV parking spaces with infrastructure.

Florida offers many opportunities to equestrians and equi-tourism. The Florida Horse Park, much like the Kentucky Horse Park, will be a venue that can be home to all disciplines.

The Florida Legislature and Scott play an important role in allowing the tourism industry to grow in every way possible. Let’s keep on moving toward achieving the goal of Florida welcoming 100 million visitors.

The growth and further development of the Florida Horse Park will positively impact Florida’s hospitality industry, advance agriculture and equine education, and will provide a state-of-the-art venue hosting equestrian and nonequestrian events.

Carol B. Dover of Tallahassee is president/CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. She also serves on the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park Authority Board of Directors.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Press Secretary
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

(Tallahassee, Fla.)  – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is thrilled to congratulate Mid-Florida Tech for winning second place in the Hospitality Tourism and Management Competition (HTMP) International Competition hosted bytheAmerican Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. The team won more than $20,000 in scholarships to various colleges, including San Diego University, Johnson & Wales University, and Sullivan University at the event held at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa in the Walt Disney World® Resort  on April 9^th through 11^th.  The competition challenged student teams to display their hospitality knowledge and skills through a variety of competitive events including a night audit, room inspection, banquet planning, case studies, and knowledge bowl quiz.

“We are so proud of the students from Mid-Florida Tech for representing our state in this international competition and showing the world what Florida hospitality is all about,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “These students are the future of our industryand worked hard to earn scholarships that will allow them to continue their education. They are truly a testament to the success of our statewide educational programs that provide school-to-career training that increases the employability of graduates.”

In addition to their second place finish overall, Mid-Florida Tech won first place in the Knowledge Bowl competition, granting an additional $1,000 Sullivan University scholarship to each team member. Team members include: Angie Grunskyte, Sasha Gatti, Deja Miller, Autumn Butler and their instructor, Pat Novalis.

Scholarships were provided by leading hospitality management schools, including Johnson & Wales, San Diego State University, Sullivan University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Florida International University, as well as AH&LEF. For more information about the competition please click here.

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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 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, September 7-9, 2014 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 American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
Established in 1953 as a nonprofit educational foundation of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Educational Institute’s mission is to continue being the preferred provider to the lodging industry, hospitality schools, and related hospitality industries by developing and providing quality resources to train, educate, and certify hospitality professionals worldwide.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Press Secretary
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

(Miramar Beach, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to showcase nationally renowned songwriters at the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival. As a founding partner, FRLA is thrilled to participate in the second annual charity event that will be held Thursday, April 24th through Sunday, April 27th in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. As top winemakers showcase more than 800 flavors at the event, the FRLA will feature songwriters as a continuation of the Endless Summer Music Series in conjunction with BMI, a leader in music rights management.

“These songwriters create a wonderful atmosphere at a picturesque location and give festival-goers an opportunity to support children in need,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are glad to continue our participation in this event, which is the perfect venue for thousands of visitors to enjoy a glass of wine, relax on Northwest Florida beaches, and support a community that helps make our state a wonderful place to live, work and play.”

Last year, the event donated $30,000 to Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) to help 14 children’s charities in Northwest Florida. Additionally, the Destin Charity Wine Auction was held during the wine and food festival and raised nearly $1.4 million for the charitable organizations to address hunger, homelessness, abuse, and physical and mental disorders for thousands of children in Northwest Florida communities. Proceeds from this year’s event will also be donated to DCWAF.

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, Jason Aldean and many others.  The featured songwriters include nationally renowned BMI artists: Dylan Altman, Sherrié Austin,  Aaron Barker, Steve Bogard, Jon Mabe, Kendell Marvel, Bridgette Tatum, and Will Rambeaux. The hit songs written by the songwriters include “She’s Country,” a #1 hit performed by Jason Aldean, “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.

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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 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, September 7-9, 2014 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
South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is an annual charity event held the last weekend of April. The festival features a stunning showcase of the best wines the world has to offer. Celebrity wine producers and chefs will present fine wine and food pairings from the world’s most famous appellations. The Culinary Village presents the Savor South Walton Culinary Pavilion showcasing a sumptuous array of foods to taste, wines to pair, as well as wine and food seminars and cooking demonstrations. 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.

Action Alert: Emergency Support Function 18 has activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey website in response to the “Spring 2014 Flooding Event:”  http://flvbeoc.org/index.php?action=bda. The completed surveys will help the State Emergency Response Team in determining the needs and level of assistance for impacted businesses.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) urges residents and visitors in north Florida affected by this week’s severe weather and subsequent flooding to remain vigilant and to take precautions to ensure their continued safety.

“The storms will continue to affect north Florida as river levels continue to rise,” said State Coordinating Officer Bryan W. Koon. “Monitor your NOAA weather radio or local media for instructions from local emergency management officials, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. The SERT will continue to provide assistance to counties who request it.”

Flood Warnings are in effect for the following counties: Calhoun, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla, Walton, Washington.
This weather event has already caused flooding in 26 Florida counties. The tips below can help you and your family or business stay safe:

• Turn Around, Don’t Drown. If you see a flooded roadway, turn around and take another route. Take your time when traveling.

• Avoid Standing Water. Avoid contact with flood waters, especially if you have open cuts.

• Wash Your Hands. Stay as clean as possible by washing your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected.

• Don’t Wait to Evacuate. Follow instructions from local officials by staying tuned to local media for evacuation or sheltering and take action immediately.

• Use Flashlights, Not Candles. Ensure your family has enough flashlights and batteries in the case of a power outage. Candles create a fire hazard and should be avoided.

• Avoid Downed Power Lines. If you see a downed power line, assume it is live and contact the utility. Do not try to handle it yourself. If you have gas utilities and smell gas in your home, do not turn on any appliances or lights, leave your home, and contact your utility company immediately.

• Follow Beach Warning Flags. If you go to the beach, pay attention to the warning flags and do not swim if beaches are closed. Tropical storms, including Debby, increase the risk of dangerous rip currents.

• Prevent Food-Borne Illness. Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with contaminated water from floods or tidal surges.

• Animal Safety. Ensure that your pets have proper identification. If separated from your pet contact local animal control or veterinarian offices. For livestock issues, contact local extension office or animal control.

For additional information about severe weather in Florida, and to Get A Plan, visitwww.FloridaDisaster.org, follow FDEM on social media on Twitter at @FLSERT, Instagram @FloridaSERT, Vine @FloridaSERT, Pinterest FloridaSERT and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and www.Facebook.com/KidsGetAPlan.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Press Secretary
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

(Tallahassee, FL) — The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to showcase more than 100 performers at the Key West Songwriter’s Festival. As a sponsor of the 19^th annual event, FRLA is thrilled to bring five days of well-crafted songwriting to the idyllic island of Key West from Wednesday, May 7^th through Sunday, May 11^th in conjunction with BMI, a leader in music rights management.

“This is a one of kind festival that takes place in one of the most unique locations in the world and brings together some of the best songwriters in the business,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are thrilled to be a part of this event that gives festival-goers the chance to hear chart-topping writers and experience the restaurants, bars and hotels located in Key West.”

Most of the shows during the festival are completely free, including more than 50 in-the-round sessions with multiple writers, a kick-off concert at Ocean Key Sunset Pier featuringAnders Osborne, and a free Sara Evans show in the heart of Duval Street. Additionally, top-tier writers and GRAMMY nominees such as Kacey Musgraves, Robert Earl Keen,Kree Harrison, Matraca Berg, Tony Joe White, and Dean Dillon will perform some of their original, award-winning songs and tell the stories behind them.

Proceeds from the Key West Songwriters Festival benefit the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center, a comprehensive rehabilitation program that focuses on assessment and treatment for service men and women who have sustained a mild to moderate traumatic brain injury and PTSD from the Afghanistan and Iraqi conflicts.

Please go to http://www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com/ for the festival schedule and afull list of songwriters who will be performing.

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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 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, September 7-9, 2014 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 towww.FRLA.organd 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 more than 30 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.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott announced today that the State of Florida received a Presidential Declaration to provide federal assistance to counties impacted by the severe storms and flooding April 28 – May 6, 2014. The declaration for Individual Assistance provides federal assistance to individuals and families who were affected in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

“The declaration for federal assistance in these counties will help Floridians as they begin to recover and rebuild,” said State Coordinating Officer Bryan W. Koon. “As more damage assessments are finalized we will work to expand the declaration request so that all Florida’s communities impacted by this storm are provided assistance.”

Residents in the declared counties can expect Disaster Recovery Centers to open in their community in the coming days. Disaster Recovery Centers are temporary facilities located in or near the impacted area where survivors can go to obtain disaster related information. Centers are staffed with specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and a variety of disaster-recovery representatives from local and voluntary agencies.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance starting today by registering online athttp://www.disasterassistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Individuals should register using DR-4177.

Governor Scott’s initial request is based on Preliminary Damage Assessments, and may be amended to include additional counties as assessments are finalized. State officials, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local county emergency management agencies, will continue to conduct damage assessments.

From April 28 through May 2, a severe weather system brought torrential rains to the Northern Florida Gulf Coast. Governor Scott signed Executive Order 14-144, declaring a State of Emergency for 26 Florida Counties on April 30. Two Florida rivers, the Santa Fe and Choctawhatchee, reached major flood stage, while three additional rivers reached moderate flood stage and 14 reached minor flood stage.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 – November 30. For the latest information on the 2014 Hurricane Season and to Get A Plan!, visitwww.FloridaDisaster.org, follow FDEM on social media on Twitter at @FLSERT, Instagram @FloridaSERT, Vine @FloridaSERT, Pinterest FloridaSERT and Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and www.Facebook.com/KidsGetAPlan.

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Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Press Secretary
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]
(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is thrilled to bring nationally renowned television personalities to its annual Marketing/Operations Summit scheduled for Tuesday, July 29 through Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown. The event, designed to assist the hospitality industry in exploring new business trends, will be headlined by Chef Robert Irvine, Host of the Food Network’s “Restaurant: Impossible,” and Anthony Melchiorri, Host of the Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible.”

“This year’s celebrity presenters offer unique insight into the world of hospitality by sharing their hard earned hands-on experience,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “In an ever-evolving industry, it is imperative our members stay current on best practices and FRLA’s Marketing/Operations Summit is truly an experience that hoteliers, restaurateurs and suppliers can’t afford to miss!”

With more than 40 years of combined experience, Melchiorri and Irvine will showcase exceptional expertise in their fields. Melchiorri has an unmatched ability to break down problems and find solutions that generate profits. In addition to being the host and lead in Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible,” he also runs his own company, Argeo Hospitality, consulting on hotel projects for private owners and investors. Chef Irvine has cooked his way through Europe, the Far East, the Caribbean and the Americas, in hotels and on the high seas. As the host of “Restaurant: Impossible,” Irvine attempts to save America’s most desperate restaurants from impending failure in just two days with only $10,000.

The event will also feature world-class presenters from Coca-Cola, Firehouse Subs, Bloomin’ Brands, Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Tijuana Flats and more. Media is invited to attend portions of the two day event and asked to contact Elizabeth Ray at[email protected] or 850.224.2250 x255 for information.

WHAT:
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Marketing/Operations Summit

WHEN:
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
12:30 – 5:15 PM
Registration opens at 11:30 AM
*MEDIA INVITED TO ATTEND PROGRAM FROM 1:00 – 3:00 PM*

Wednesday, July 30, 2014
8:00 AM  – 12:00 PM
Registration opens at 7:30 AM
*MEDIA INVITED TO ATTEND PROGRAM FROM 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM*

WHERE:              
Hilton Tampa Downtown
211 North Tampa Street
Tampa, FL 33602
813-204-3000

COST:          
FRLA Members is $99.00
Non-FRLA Members is $109.00
Hotel accommodations not included

Seating is limited. For a full agenda, registration and additional information, please visit http://frla.org/events/marketing-operations-summit. To see photos from last year’s event please click here.

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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 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, September 7-9, 2014 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 towww.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.