The 2014 Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show is proud to announce that Emeril Lagasse, American award-winning celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality, and cookbook author will be conducting a culinary demonstration at the Show on Monday, September 8 at 1:00 pm at The Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL.  He will be joined by Chef Ryan Vargas, Chef de Cuisine at Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, located at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal® Orlando.  The chefs will come to together for an exclusive demonstration that will focus on the local and seasonal offerings from Florida.

“The theme of this year’s show is Florida Fresh and Lagasse’s Florida restaurants incorporate the bounty of fresh and local produce – with a completely unique approach to eating fresh,”said Ron Mathews, Vice President, Restaurant and Foodservice Events Portfolio.    “We thank our sponsors, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association for securing Emeril and Ryan for the Show.  The association is instrumental in bringing ‘Emeril’s Florida’ to the Cooking Channel which highlights the Sunshine State through the eyes of Emeril with a focus on food and cooking around the state.”

Emeril’s Tchoup Chop (pronounced chop-chop) is the second eatery by Emeril Lagasse at Universal Orlando. The name is a nod to New Orleans’ famous Tchoupitoulas Street, where Emeril’s flagship restaurant is located, and the word “chop” – a bold culinary term. From the stunning design to the innovative menu, Emeril’s Tchoup Chop is a unique and exotic journey through the Pacific Seas and a perfect complement for the lush surroundings of the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando.

Emeril’s Orlando is Chef Lagasse’s second Florida restaurant, located at the epicenter of Universal’s CityWalk. Emeril’s bustling eatery overlooks the park’s lagoon and all of the action of this thriving Orlando hot spot. The free standing two-story building is a high-energy, creative environment for fine food and wine, with soaring thirty-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, stone walls, and iron staircase that lends the feel of an industrial warehouse loft.

In addition to Emeril and Ryan, there will be a full line up of chefs presenting cooking demonstrations in the Culinary Theater on the show floor.  Additional highlights during the show include access to the Ferdinand Metz Foodservice Forum with 30+ complimentary sessions, Food Trends Experience, including a new Fresh From Florida Pavilion, ACF Culinary Competitions and Chefs Table Luncheons, the new Food Truck Academy, New Product Gallery, Foodservice Council for Women and more!

Thousands of restaurant and foodservice industry professionals from throughout the Southeast will gather at The 2014 Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show.  The tradeshow and conference will be held Sunday, September 7 – Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.  For more information on exhibiting or attending, visit the official Show website at www.flrestaurantandlodgingshow.com.  The Showis sponsored by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (frla.org).

The tradeshow and conference is managed and produced by Kennesaw, GA based Urban Expositions, who through a logical, hands-on approach, has become one of the fastest growing and most successful trade show companies in the United States.  Urban offers a complete roster of trade show management services, including exhibit sales and marketing, operations, exhibitor/attendee promotions and services, media relations, seminar and event coordination, database development and management.  Contact Urban Expositions at www.urban-expo.com.

# # #
For additional information, contact:

Amy Riemer, Media Relations
978-475-4441 (office)
978-502-4895 (cell)
[email protected]

Tallahassee, Fla. – Beginning July 1 the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Division of Hotels and Restaurants will implement the risk-based inspection frequency program in accordance with a law passed during the 2013 Legislative Session. The new inspection frequency program will lower the regulatory burden for businesses that have a positive compliance history with DBPR as well as allow the department to focus its regulatory efforts in locations that may pose a higher risk to public safety.

“Florida’s restaurants and food trucks not only serve the citizens of the state, but also those who are visiting on vacation, so ensuring public safety is crucial to Florida’s growing economy,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “This new inspection frequency program allows the department to hone our regulatory efforts, which makes great business sense for our licensees and for Florida’s taxpayers.”

Under the new inspection frequency requirements, food service establishments will be categorized by risk levels rated one through four. Assigned risk levels directly coincide with how many inspections establishments are required to undergo each fiscal year. For example, those assigned to level one, will be required to undergo one inspection each fiscal year, whereas those assigned to level four will be required to undergo four inspections each fiscal year. Additionally, the requirement for the department to conduct an inspection each time a complaint is received will remain the same.

An establishment’s initial classification shall be assigned upon annual inspection or upon application for a license and verified at the licensing inspection. Additionally, at the beginning of each fiscal year, DBPR will reassess each establishment’s inspection frequency classification and reclassify an establishment, if necessary. DBPR has a very robust website as well as the DBPR Mobile app where consumers can go to view an establishment’s inspection results anytime as well as an establishment’s newly-assigned risk level.

The complete guidelines surrounding risk-based inspection frequency can be found in rule 61C-1.002 F.A.C. Consumers or licensees with questions regarding the new inspection frequency may also call DBPR at 850.487.1395 or visit the department’s website athttp://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/hr/inspections/Frequency.html.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The Department licenses and regulates more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from hotels and restaurants, real estate agents and certified public accountants to veterinarians, contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com.

# # #

More information about DBPR is available online at www.MyFloridaLicense.com. Also, follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Facebook for updates about license cycles, events and other important news.

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

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is strengthening its efforts in South Florida with the addition of a new Palm Beach Chapter Director. FRLA is proud to announce Lois Croft will help lead the team in Palm Beach. As the Chapter Director, Croft will help support members, mobilize operations and bolster ongoing communications between FRLA headquarters and local offices. She will join FRLA’s four current regional directors, a regional manager and another chapter director who represent more than 20 chapters across the state.

“Already a knowledgeable member of our FRLA team, I am thrilled that Lois Croft is taking on this new position to enhance our membership in Palm Beach County,” said FRLA President/CEO Carol Dover. “For years she has worked to promote and educate those in the hospitality industry and this new role will showcase her skills in a new light.”

Prior to becoming a Chapter Director, Lois served as a Regional Sales Director for FRLA’s Regulatory Compliance Services (RCS). Before working for FRLA, Croft worked as an event planning consultant in Key West.  Additionally, she has more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and business development.

# # #

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.

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

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is honored to showcase world-class hospitality industry executives at its annual Marketing/Operations Summit scheduled for Tuesday, July 29 through Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown. During the event that is designed to explore new business trends, an executive panel of leaders from fast-growing concepts will share their secrets of success and steer an interactive discussion that will provide valuable insight to attendees.

“This is an exclusive chance to learn from some of the best in the business right in our backyard,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “The knowledge to be gained from these industry leaders is truly priceless and attendees at this two day event will benefit from both the wisdom shared and the invaluable networking opportunities. It is a must-see event for hoteliers, restaurateurs and suppliers.”

The executives featured during the “Secrets of Success” panel on Wednesday include: Brad Kaemmer, CEO of Tijuana Flats, Paul Hineman, CFO of First Watch, Steve Lieber, Director of Franchise Sales for Burger FI, Steve Erickson, President of PDQ, Don Fox, CEO of Firehouse Subs and Eric Waltz, General Manager of the Sandpearl Resort. The Q&A discussion will range from choosing the right location or franchise partner to hiring the right people, plus the best way to grow your concept.

The event will also feature nationally renowned television personalities Chef Robert Irvine, Host of the Food Network’s “Restaurant: Impossible,” and Anthony Melchiorri, Host of the Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible.” 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 $110.00
Non-FRLA Members is $130.00
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.

# # #

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.organd find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.

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

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is thrilled to host Don Fox, Chief Executive Officer of Firehouse of America, LLC at its next Tallahassee Chapter meeting. Fox leads the strategic growth of Firehouse Subs, one of America’s leading fast casual restaurant brands and is scheduled to give a presentation titled, “Seven Keys for Building a High Performing Brand” on Tuesday, July 22^nd at the Aloft Tallahassee Downtown. Drawing on 40 years of experience, Fox will offer insight on developing and leading a high performance brand.

“This presentation is truly inspiring and is an invaluable opportunity for our friends in the hospitality industry to gain first-hand knowledge from an incredibly successful veteran in the business,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Don Fox helped lead the growth of the Firehouse Subs brand – one of the top franchises in the country – and is an engaging speaker that will motivate area businesses to take their brand to the next level.”

Under Fox’s leadership, the Firehouse Subs brand has grown to more than 750 restaurants in 41 states and Puerto Rico. Fox sits on various boards of influence in the restaurant community, and is a respected speaker, commentator and published author. He was recognized by Nation’s Restaurant News as 2011’s Operator of the Year. In 2013, he received the prestigious Silver Plate Award from the International Food Manufacturers Association (IFMA), and was recognized by FastCasual.com as the No.1 Executive in the fast casual restaurant community.

WHAT:
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Tallahassee Chapter Meeting
“Seven Keys for Building a High Performing Brand”
Presented by Don Fox, Chief Executive Officer, Firehouse of America, LLC

WHEN:     
Tuesday, July 22 2014
3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Aloft Tallahassee Downtown
200 N Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301

To register for the event, please email at [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 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.

Media Contact:

Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

(Tampa, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) today announced its endorsement of Florida Governor Rick Scott and Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera for re-election in November 2014. The endorsement was unveiled during the FRLA’s Marketing and Operations Summit held at the Hilton Tampa Downtown.  Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) and FRLA President and CEO Carol Dover spoke at the morning meeting, with Governor Scott addressing FRLA members and conference attendees via conference call.

“There is no question this Governor understands the importance of tourism and the vital role the hospitality industry plays in job creation and economic development,” said Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association President and CEO Carol Dover. “On behalf of our more than 10,000 members representing hoteliers, restaurateurs and suppliers, we are thrilled to give our strongest of endorsements to Governor Rick Scott and Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera this election cycle.”

“Governor Scott led the charge in securing $75 million for VISIT FLORIDA tourism marketing, and $700,000 for our Hospitality Education Program (HEP) which helps train the next generation of industry professionals,” said James E. McManemon, 2014 Chairman of the FRLA.  “His goal in attracting 100 million visitors to our state is one that FRLA not only supports, but is working together in providing both residents and tourists the best possible experience in our hotels, our restaurants and all that Florida has to offer,” continued McManemon, General Manger of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

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, is the state’s number one industry.

# # #

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.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that according to VISIT FLORIDA’s preliminary estimates* 24.0 million visitors came to Florida in the second quarter of 2014 (April-June), an increase of 3.0 percent over the same period in 2013.  This represents the largest second quarter for visitation Florida has ever experienced, exceeding the previous high of 23.3 million in Q2 2013.  Visitor spending is up 7.4 percent in January through May 2014, at $35.7 billion, which is more than the same time period in 2013.

Governor Scott said, “A thriving tourism industry is vital to growing jobs, and today’s report that Florida has experienced another record quarter for visitation is great news for Florida families. This year we invested $74 million into VISIT FLORIDA, and set a goal to have 100 million visitors visit the Sunshine State, which we are well on our way to reaching. Together we are creating an opportunity economy, and continuing to grow more jobs for Floridians with more than 1.1 million individuals employed in the growing tourism industry.”

The average number of direct travel-related jobs in Q2 2014 was also a record high, with 1,151,400 Floridians employed in the tourism industry – an increase of 3.9 percent or 43,600 jobs from the same period in 2013.

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that 2.8 million overseas visitors and 1.0 million Canadians came to Florida in Q2 2014, both of which are record highs and represent 6.2 percent and 1.6 percent increases over Q2 2013 respectively.  Estimates reflect a 2.6 percent increase in domestic visitors to Florida in Q2 2014 and show that Floridians took just over 3.7 million in-state pleasure trips during the second quarter.

“Experiencing the largest second quarter for tourism in our state’s history, including a record number of tourism-related jobs, proves that this industry continues to be a vital force in Florida,” said Andrew Hertz, Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors.  “These records also emphasize the power of tourism as a way to sustain Florida’s economic growth.”

Tourism and recreation taxable sales for Florida grew year-over-year for January-May 2014 (last reported month), representing a 7.4 percent increase over the same period in 2013.  Bed Tax also increased year-over-year for January-April 2014 (last reported month), representing a 10.1 percent jump over the same period last year.  Other indicators were up for Q2 2014 as well, with the average daily room rate (ADR) rising 7.0 percent, the occupancy rate for Florida hotels increasing 4.8 percent and the demand in rooms sold growing 5.5 percent compared to quarter two 2013.

“Florida tourism is maintaining strong momentum with all indicators up across the board for the quarter,” said Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.  “With occupancy, rooms sold, average daily room rate and tourism and recreation taxable sales all continuing to climb, we are well on our way to making Florida the No. 1 travel destination in the world.”

To view additional Florida visitor data, please go to the Research page on VISIT FLORIDA’s media website.

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

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

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) in conjunction with Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) is thrilled to present a FREE concert series on Friday, September 26 through Sunday, September 28, 2014, at HarborWalk Village in Destin, Florida.  The fifth annual event will showcase a dozen BMI songwriters who will sing country’s biggest hits and share the stories behind the songs. The FRLA is the prime sponsor of these concert performances through its Endless Summer Music Seriesprogram designed to promote the local tourism and hospitality industry throughout the year.

“This event reveals exactly what it takes to write some of the biggest hits on the radio and allows these top songwriters to bare their hearts by sharing their inspirational stories,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.  “We are eager to have festival goers take advantage of this rare opportunity to see so many talented people in such a beautiful location that is home to many of Florida’s best hotels and restaurants.”

The following concert schedule  features acoustic performances by Nashville Songwriters including Bobby Tomberlin,  Bridgette Tatum, Bill LaBounty, Alissa Moreno, Will Rambeaux, Sherrie Austin, Colin Lake, Shane Minor, Tim James,Kendell Marvel, Aaron Barker, and Trent Summar whose songwriter resumes boast songs for chart-topping artists such as Jimmy Buffett, George Strait, Jason Aldean, Faith Hill and many more. The public is invited to attend these free performances. Food and drinks will be made available for purchase.
*All times are CDST
Friday, Sept. 26^th
5:15– 6:15 PM – Bobby Tomberlin,  Bridgette Tatum, Bill LaBounty
6:30 – 7:30 PM – Alissa Moreno, Will Rambeaux, Sherrie Austin
7:45 – 8:45 PM – Colin Lake, Shane Minor, Tim James
9:00 – 10:00 PM – Kendell Marvel, Aaron Barker, Trent Summar

Saturday, Sept. 27^th

5:15 – 6:15 PM – Will Rambeaux, Sherrie Austin, Bobby Tomberlin, Alissa Moreno
6:30 – 7:30 PM – Aaron Barker, Bridgette Tatum, Bill LaBounty, Trent Summar
7:45 – 8:45 PM – Shane Minor, Colin Lake, Kendell Marvel, Tim James
9:00 – 10:00 PM – Songwriters JAM

Sunday, Sept. 28^th
4:15 – 5:15 PM – Will Rambeaux, Sherrie Austin, Bridgette Tatum Bobby Tomberlin
5:30 – 6:30 PM – Shane Minor, Alissa Moreno, Tim James
6:45 – 7:45 PM – Trent Summar, Bill LaBounty, Bobby Tomberlin
8:00 – 9:00 PM – Aaron Barker, Colin Lake, Kendell Marvel

In addition to the Endless Summer Music Series, visitors and residents alike will also have the opportunity to experience the Destin Beer Fest which takes place on September 27th at nearby Chan’s Wine World in Destin.

# # #

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 towww.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.

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

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is thrilled to be a featured sponsor of the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest that continues this week in Ft. Myers Beach from October 2 to October 5, 2014. In its inaugural year, the festival is designed to showcase hit songwriters in intimate island settings. The FRLA is a sponsor of the concert performances through its Endless Summer Music Series program designed to promote the local tourism and hospitality industry throughout the year.

“This is a chance for visitors to experience Florida’s picturesque islands while listening to some of the best songwriters in the music business,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “It is truly a unique opportunity and gives our restaurateurs and hoteliers another occasion to highlight why Florida’s hospitality industry is the best in the nation.”

The event kicked off last weekend in Captiva Island with dozens of songwriter performances. This weekend, Sugarland’s Kristian Bush is slated to headline the event on Friday at 9 PM and country duo Thompson Square will conclude the event Sunday at 4 PM. All shows that take place this weekend are FREE except Sunday Brunches at ‘Tween Waters Inn and Pink Shell.

Please visit the following links for the full event schedule, artist bios, lodging and venue information.

# # #

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
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to sponsor two festivals featuring celebrated musicians in Northwest Florida: Blast on the Bay in Florida’s Forgotten Coast, and the Panama City Beach Seafood and Music Festival. Both events are scheduled on Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18 withBlast on the Bay continuing through Sunday, October 19, 2014.

Celebrating its 6th anniversary in 2014, Blast on the Bay will play host to a group of talented musicians and songwriters straight from the streets of Nashville. Festival performances will consist of 30+ musicians who have collectively written hundreds of hit songs for chart topping artists like Faith Hill, George Strait, Jason Aldean and Garth Brooks. Click the following links for a full schedule of events, list of artists and suggested lodging.

The Panama City Beach Seafood and Music Festival will mark its second year at the new Aaron Bessant Park and outdoor amphitheater—the area’s premier outdoor concert venue. The event will feature an all-star lineup including: The Band Perry, Blues Traveler, and iconic rock-n-roll legends The Outlaws and Foghat. These headlining acts will be accompanied by more than a half dozen regional and local recording artists, making this year’s event one of the biggest, and best, yet. You can find the full schedule of events and purchase tickets online here.

“These are must-see events that give the Northwest Florida hospitality community an opportunity to shine as a stellar destination,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Whether you’re looking for an intimate storytelling experience or a rocking good show there will be something for everyone to enjoy featuring a picturesque background along Florida’s Gulf Coast.”

The FRLA is a prime sponsor of these local concert performances through its Endless Summer Music Series program designed to promote the local tourism and hospitality industry throughout the year. The public is invited and encouraged to attend these can’t miss events.

# # #

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 towww.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.