Winners Pose After the Awards Ceremony at Henderson Beach Resort
DESTIN – Last night, more than 150 hospitality professionals and industry leaders gathered at the Henderson Beach Resort for the inaugural Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) Northwest Florida Chapter ROSE Awards ceremony, which honored exceptional individuals whose dedication and service help shape the region’s hospitality industry.
The ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards honor frontline hospitality team members across the region. This year’s event boasted more than 70 nominees across 13 categories, and more than a dozen team members were honored with the coveted ROSE Award or other special award category. From housekeeping and front desk staff to valets and chefs, every single position in hospitality is critical to the success of the business in providing superior guest experiences.
“Launching the FRLA ROSE Awards in Northwest Florida is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people who make the Emerald Coast such a special place to visit,” said Marissa Bonham, FRLA Northwest Florida Regional Director and the event’s organizer. “Our region is known for its beautiful beaches and unforgettable experiences, but it is the people working behind the scenes and welcoming guests every day who truly bring the Emerald Coast to life. We are proud to recognize this year’s nominees and winners and celebrate the dedication they bring to work. We look forward to making the ROSE Awards a lasting tradition in Northwest Florida.”
“Every corner of Florida’s hospitality industry is powered by people who are committed to creating welcoming, memorable experiences for our guests,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA. “The inaugural ROSE Awards in Northwest Florida give us an opportunity to recognize those individuals who bring that commitment to life every day. From the frontlines to behind the scenes, their contributions are essential to the success of our industry and to Florida’s reputation as a world-class destination. We are proud to celebrate these outstanding professionals and the important role they play in our state’s thriving tourism economy.”
The 2026 FRLA Northwest Award Winners are:
Back of the House – Hotel/Resort: Javier Pocasangre, Henderson Beach Resort
Back of the House – Restaurant: Enyer Guedez, Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi
Culinary Service, Chef/Cook – Hotel/Resort: Daniel Peters, Beach Walk Café / Henderson Park Inn
Culinary Service, Chef/Cook – Restaurant: Christian Griffith, The Surf Hut
Event Service – Banquets/Events: Jon Lovett, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Front of the House – Hotel/Resort: Josh Bailey, SpringHill Suites Navarre Oceanfront/ Peregrine Hospitality
Front of the House – Restaurant: Jay Jsames, The Bay
Front of the House Manager – Restaurant: Jack Martin, McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin
Sales/Marketing – Hotel/Resort: Maggie Weaver, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Sales/Marketing – Restaurant: Taylor Williams, Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
Spirit of Hospitality: Jaxon Mitchell, Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
Veteran Excellence in Hospitality Award: Casey Moser, Chef Jim Shirley Enterprises
Golden Pineapple Award: Frank Flautt & Fred Alias, Sandcastle Resorts, LLC
Allied Member of the Year: The Southern Agency
About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.