SARASOTA – Wednesday evening at The Westin Sarasota, dozens from across Florida’s Suncoast regional hospitality industry gathered for the inaugural Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) Suncoast ROSE Awards ceremony to recognize superstars from across Sarasota and Manatee counties.
The ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards honor frontline hospitality team members across the region. This premiere event boasted nearly 40 nominees from 17 different businesses, and six outstanding team members were honored with the coveted ROSE Award. From administrative assistants to chefs, housekeeping to transportation, and front desk staff to valet and bellmen, every single position in hospitality is critical to the success of the business in achieving superior guest experiences. The winners each received their award, the coveted ROSE Award pin, and recognition from industry peers and leadership. Among the winners detailed below, Luis Valenzuela won the “Above and Beyond” award for his heroic efforts to resuscitate and save the life of a six-year-old girl following an emergency in the hotel’s pool.
“What an amazing night we had honoring those hospitality stars who create special experiences for our guests that keep them coming back,” said Dannette Lynch, FRLA Regional Director and Director of Membership. “It was our privilege to recognize these hard-working individuals who represent our region so well. Congratulations to our nominees and winners!”
The 2023 Suncoast ROSE Award winners are:
Danielle Berry, Bartender, Gecko’s Hospitality Group
David Gunn, Cook, The Westin Sarasota
Raymond Alexander, Wine Sales, Michael’s Wine Cellar
Marvin Palacios, Front Desk Agent, Resort at Longboat Key Club
Molly Glenn, Bartender, Anna Maria Oyster Bar Landside
*Above and Beyond Winner, Luis Valenzuela, Embassy Suites Sarasota
“We are so proud to bring the ROSE Awards to Florida’s Suncoast for the first time to recognize these amazing hospitality champions,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “For these team members to serve with such excellence is a testament to their determination and professionalism and shows that they truly love what they do. Ours is the best industry in the state, and the FRLA Suncoast ROSE Awards is a wonderful opportunity to shine the light on these outstanding individuals.”
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 1.3 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.
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