While Irma’s damage remains front page news across much of the nation, VISIT FLORIDA is launching a month-long ad campaign to let the world know the Sunshine State is still open for business. FRLA’s Geoff Luebkemann spoke with the Capitol News Service on the campaign’s goals. Watch the video. Read more about the campaign’s strategy on Florida Politics…

FRLA Provides Hurricane Resources for Businesses, Visitors and Residents: Hurricane Irma has strengthened into a Category 5 storm with winds reaching more than 185 mph. While the exact path of this storm is not yet known our industry must be prepared for the worst and we must stand ready to assist Florida’s visitors and residents. FRLA members are encouraged to begin disaster preparation and contribute to emergency efforts. View FRLA’s Hurricane Resources page for more info.

FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover Honored with Beacon Award: Congratulations to FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover, who will be honored with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show Beacon Award celebrating women industry leaders on September 10. This award was created to recognize a woman leader who has truly served as a beacon for our industry through her leadership, contributions, and inspiration. Learn more.

FRLA’s Marketing + Operations Summit Drives Innovation in Fort Lauderdale: FRLA’s 2017 Marketing + Operations Summit was a huge success. On August 2-3 at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, experienced speakers showcased innovative techniques & best practices for our attendees to bring back to their businesses. Restaurateurs, hoteliers and suppliers networked and bonded over the hilarious antics of our host, servant leader Heiko Dobrikow. Thank you to our speakers and everyone who attended to make this Summit better than ever! View the album.

FRLA’s Marketing + Operations Summit: Know Before You Go We can’t wait to see you at FRLA’s 2017 Marketing + Operations Summit next week, August 2-3 at the luxurious Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. Know before you go with our helpful FAQ. This year, you can also text FRLA to 43506 for useful updates sent to your phone throughout the Summit. See the agenda, make dinner plans and more here.

Online Registration Closing Soon for FRLA’s Marketing + Operations Summit Join Florida’s most influential hospitality power players at FRLA’s 2017 Marketing + Operations Summit on August 2-3 at the luxurious Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa…

Longstanding FRLA Member Jimmy Patronis Appointed as Florida’s CFO Governor Rick Scott recently appointed Jimmy Patronis, Partner of Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market, as Florida’s next Chief Financial Officer. Patronis will be officially sworn in June 30 to replace CFO Jeff Atwater who is leaving to pursue a position at Florida Atlantic University. FRLA is proud to recognize the Patronis family’s restaurant as an active and dedicated member of the association for 47 years!

VISIT FLORIDA Fully Funded at $76 Million The Florida Legislature has approved HB 1A Economic Programs, bringing a remarkable conclusion to our industry’s tenacious fight for VISIT FLORIDA funding. This legislation will fully fund VISIT FLORIDA at $76 million for Fiscal Year 2017-18 and includes transparency and accountability reforms. The bill was amended as it relates to one-to-one match calculations, creating four private match categories and removing limitations for destination marketing organizations to allow tourist development tax dollars to be used as matching funds.

Thank you to Governor Rick Scott, Senator Jack Latvala, the whole Florida Legislature and our dedicated members & industry advocates who made their voice heard in support of VISIT FLORIDA funding. Take a moment to thank your legislators for this great victory.

Board Members Plan the Future of the FRLA: At Sanibel Marriott Harbour Resort & Spa Last week FRLA met at the Sanibel Marriott Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers for the 2017 Summer Board Meeting. For three days our amazing team discussed how we can continue to protect, educate and promote Florida’s hospitality industry. We heard from Governor Rick Scott about the importance of tourism to the state economy. Plus, we had wonderful guest speakers including Rep. Kathleen Peters (R-St. Petersburg) and Adam Goodman of The Victory Group, Inc. Thank you to all of our wonderful board members for attending, and to our amazing sponsors for helping us host this event. View the full photo album here.

Florida Tourism Industry Sets New Record FRLA is thrilled at Governor Rick Scott’s announcement this week that 31.1 million people visited the state during the first three months of the year. Compared with the same period last year, this is a 2.5% increase. Watch the video.