Nominees and winners gather for the 16th Annual ROSE Awards
ST. AUGUSTINE – Last night, more than 450 people from across the regional hospitality industry gathered at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village for the sold-out 16th Annual ROSE Awards ceremony to honor the stars of the Northeast Florida hospitality community.
A premier event of the Northeast Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), the ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards honor frontline hospitality workers across the region. This year’s event boasted more than 130 nominees from over 45 different businesses, and 30 outstanding team members were honored with the coveted ROSE Award.
“Every member of the hospitality industry plays a vital role in delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving successful businesses,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA). “From administrative assistants to chefs, housekeeping to transportation, and front desk staff to valets and bellmen, each position is essential to the team’s success. The dedication and excellence of these ROSE Award nominees and winners are a testament to their professionalism and passion for hospitality. Congratulations to these outstanding individuals! Our industry is second to none because of you.”
Last night’s ROSE Award winners each received an award, the coveted ROSE Award pin, and recognition from industry peers and leadership. Middle managers were also recognized for their commitment and hard work throughout the ceremony. This year’s winners include individuals who saved guests from near-drowning experiences, one incredibly selfless concierge who offered up her own home during a hurricane, and countless hospitality professionals who have gone the extra mile to provide exceptional service behind the scenes, to name a few.
“It’s an absolute honor to celebrate Northeast Florida’s best of the best in hospitality for the 16th year of ROSE Awards,” said Nicole Chapman, NE Florida FRLA Regional Director and the event’s creator and organizer. “These dedicated individuals consistently go the extra mile, serving as true ambassadors for our region and industry. Their passion and hard work make a lasting impact on our guests, and we are thrilled to recognize their excellence.”
The 2025 ROSE Award Winners Are:
Administrative Assistant: Christine Hampton, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Allied Member Spotlight: Tony Johnson, St Johns Food Service
Banquets: Joyce Dillion, World Golf Village Renaissance Resort, St. Augustine
Bartender – Hotel: Mark Turner, Residence Inn Jacksonville – Mayo Clinic Area
Bartender – Restaurant: Lindsay Pittman, The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach
Behind The Scenes: Nicholas Smith, DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront
Beyond the Call of Duty: Chase Ledsworth, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Beyond the Call of Duty: Kathryn Galpin, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa
Beyond the Call of Duty: Michael Gozar, The Lodge & Club
Beyond the Call of Duty: Tanisha Edwards, Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
Beyond the Call of Duty: Toledo Crego, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Culinary Service – Chef/Cook Hotel: Maria Panichi, Residence Inn Jacksonville – Mayo Clinic Area
Culinary Service – Chef/Cook Restaurant: Brandon George, Mesa Restaurant
Customer Service: Concierge, Recreation, Spa: Bebi Rahaman, The Lodge & Club
Customer Service: Event Services: Lance Cutlar, Visit Jacksonville
Food & Beverage: Support: Aliona Telford, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Guest Service – Front Desk Full-Service Hotel: Latoya King, DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport
Guest Service – Front Desk-Select Service Hotel: Kimberly Nixon, Home2 Suites by Hilton – St. John’s Town Center
Guest Service – Housekeeping Full-Service Hotel: Rene Blanco, World Golf Village Renaissance Resort, St. Augustine
Guest Service – Housekeeping-Select Service Hotel: Zurija Medic, Residence Inn Jacksonville – Mayo Clinic Area
Guest Service – Laundry: Deyvid Layton, One Ocean Resort and Spa
Guest Service – Maintenance/Engineer: Kelvin Garland, Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
Guest Service – Security: Diane Cawley, Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
Guest Service – Valet/Bell Attendant: Bobby Ross, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville
Server: Hotel-Breakfast Attendant: Yasmine Rivera, Hampton Inn & Suites Middleburg
Server: Restaurant- Casual Dining: Amanda Bales, Salt Life Food Shack
Server: Restaurant- Fine Dining: Patty Garvey, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Server: Restaurant- Hotel: Anasymone Tadrous, Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront
Server: Restaurant- Quick Service: Stephen Ward, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa
Transportation: Airport, Ground, & Water: Brien Homminga, Jax Black Car
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 nearly 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.
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