Florida Management Students Place Second at National ProStart Invitational
The FRLA’s Educational Foundation is thrilled to announce Gainesville’s Eastside High School placed second in the National ProStart Invitational held in Dallas, TX, last week, earning them scholarships to the college or university of their choice. The school’s management team developed a business proposal for opening and operating a restaurant, and were asked to solve the types of daily challenges faced by restaurant managers. Learn more.

FRLA Hosts Nashville Songwriters at SoWalWine
Last week, FRLA was thrilled to highlight nationally renowned songwriters at the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival. The songwriters performed and told stories about their biggest hits written for the stars of the music business. The FRLA sponsored the songwriters in conjunction with BMI, a leader in music rights management, as part of its Great Florida Events program which is designed to boost local tourism across the state. Check out future Great Florida Events by clicking here. Also, if you haven’t seen our Savor the EDGE video, watch it here.

Independent Operators Workshop Drives Attendees Toward Success

Our first-ever Independent Operators Workshop was a success! More than 100 restaurateurs, hoteliers, and allied businesses attended the event. Featured keynote speakers, Jim Knight and Kathleen Wood, provided key steps and strategic solutions to accelerate business growth. Thank you to all the speakers and attendees for your participation. A special thank you to our sponsors: The Zenith, Heartland, United Healthcare, Sysco, Coca-Cola, Florida Power & Light, First Watch, PeopleForward, VISIT FLORIDA, Gratuity Solutions, Sarasota Originals, Seabreeze Coffee & Tea, Atlas Insurance, The Franchise Edge and LoSalt. If you attended this event, please let us know what you thought by clicking here. Check out photos from the event here.
Firehouse Subs Honored with Restaurant Neighbor Award

FRLA is incredibly proud of Florida’s own Firehouse Subs. They were selected to receive this year’s Restaurant Neighbor Award by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Firehouse is dedicated to improving the life-saving capabilities and the lives of local heroes and their communities. You must watch this amazing video that highlights their wonderful efforts.

FRLA Lauds Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer for Recognizing Women Leaders: FRLA commended Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Orlando City Council for recognizing exceptional women leaders. On Monday, Commissioner Regina Hill presented a proclamation announcing March as “Women’s History Month” in Orlando to recognize the many accomplishments and contributions made by American women and to encourage all residents to learn more about the generations of women who have played such an important role in our history. Read more from the Orlando Political Observer.

FRLA’s Marketing + Operations Summit Moves to South Florida: It just keeps getting better, so don’t miss out on this year’s conference July 27-28 at the luxurious Boca Raton & Resort. Early Bird ticket sales will end soon, so save 20% and REGISTER NOW! Some of the biggest names in the Industry will be there: Coca-Cola, Marriott, Disney, Tony Roma’s, Loews Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, Tijuana Flats, and Bloomin’ Brands! Get your hotel reservations, view FAQ and see what you missed last year.

Chef Emeril Lagasse Tours Member Restaurants Across Florida

FRLA is proud to present this week’s episode of Emeril’s Florida airing Sunday, March 27, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. EST on the Cooking Channel. In Sunday’s episode, “The One with Classy Restaurants,” celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse tours three amazing restaurants: Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, Cuvee 30A, and Bizou at Le Méridien. Watch the preview.

Nominations Open for the Historic Hotels of America  2016 Awards of Excellence

Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide recognize and celebrate the finest historic hotels across the globe annually by presenting awards in various categories. Submit your nominations for the 2016 Awards of Excellence by July 31, 2016. To be nominated, the hotel must be a member of Historic Hotels of America or Historic Hotels Worldwide and be an industry leader in the designated award category. Learn more.

This week, members headed to Tallahassee to voice concern over the use of Tourist Development Tax dollars to support activities outside the scope of marketing. Plus, we heard several proposed bills that could directly impact our industry.

Click here to watch FRLA Chairman Lino Maldonado deliver the latest Capital Update.

Government Affairs

Bills We Are Tracking: Week Three

Tourist Development Tax (TDT)
A bill that allows the use of up to 10% of TDT revenue for public safety services in coastal counties with at least three municipalities and an estimated population of less than 225,000, SB 1203, sponsored by Rep. Brad Drake, (R – Eucheeanna) was voted favorably by the Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee on Monday. It is now headed to the House Finance & Tax Committee. Its companion bill in the Senate, SB 1520, sponsored by Sen. Don Gaetz, (R – Destin) has been referred to three committees.

On Wednesday, the Finance & Tax Committee, chaired by Rep. Matt Gaetz, (R – Shalimar) discussed the use of tourist development tax dollars. Lino Maldonado (FRLA Chairman), Bruce Craul (2012 FRLA Chairman), Captain Gary Jarvis, and Sherry Edwards testified in Tallahassee opposing changes in the use of tourist development tax dollars.

Relating to Labor Regulations
A bill that would require all state or local government agencies and all private employers to provide employees 1 hour of sick and safe leave per every 30 hours worked, SB 294, sponsored by Sen. Geraldine Thompson, (D – Orlando) was voted unfavorably by the Commerce and Tourism Committee on Monday.

Alcoholic Beverages
A bill that permits distributors that are licensed to sell wine or distilled spirits to purchase from a licensed vendor and permits licensed vendors to sell alcoholic beverages to distributors for further distribution to other vendors, HB 623, sponsored by Rep. John Tobia, (R – Melbourne), was voted favorably by the House Business & Professions Subcommittee on Tuesday.

A bill that permits the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco to issue a temporary permit authorizing a municipality or county to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises of an event only, for a period not to exceed three days and permits the Division to issue a vendor’s license to operators of railroad transit stations, HB 645, sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Peters, (R – St. Petersburg) was voted favorably by the Business & Professions Subcommittee on Tuesday.

Polystyrene Products
An amendment that preempts to the state the regulation of polystyrene products by entities regulated under chapter 500 was added to HB 7007, sponsored by Rep. Jake Raburn, (R – Valrico). HB 7007 was passed favorable by its final committee on Thursday, January 28.

For a full list of bills we are tracking, please click here.

Chef Emeril Lagasse Tours Eccentric Florida Restaurants on National TV

FRLA is proud to present this week’s episode of Emeril’s Florida airing Sunday, January 10, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. EST on the Cooking Channel. In Sunday’s episode, “Tattoos, Rebels and a Rooster,” celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse visits three unique restaurants in St. Petersburg, Tampa and Boca Raton. Emeril rounds out the episode cooking Char Sui BBQ. Read more. Watch the preview.

2015 Dietary Guidelines Released

Federal officials issued the eighth version of Dietary Guidelines for Americans today, altering some longstanding advice about what constitutes a nutritious meal and maintaining some food warnings. Most notable among the changes, the government dropped its warning about avoiding cholesterol in the diet. Read more. View the new guidelines.

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association wishes you a wonderful holiday season! As we celebrate and prepare to ring in the New Year, we are proud to reflect on all that we have accomplished together in 2015.

WATCH this video to see some of our favorite moments from the past year.

FRLA President & CEO Named a “Top Influence” in Florida Politics

Influence Magazine recently selected FRLA President and CEO, Carol Dover, as a “top influence” in Florida politics. The article notes that “Carol has been pivotal in the success of Florida’s hospitality industry and through her leadership across the country serving on boards, commission and associations.” Read more.

Zenith Insurance Company Selected as FRLA’s Endorsed Workers’ Compensation Carrier

FRLA is proud to announce the selection of Zenith Insurance Company as its endorsed workers’ compensation carrier. As a result of the partnership, Zenith is committed to workplace safety and health and will provide FRLA members superior service including: quality medical care, management of claim costs, returning employees to work and fighting fraud and abuse.Read more.

Florida Continues All-Time Tourism Record

Governor Rick Scott recently announced Florida set another record in tourism by welcoming the highest amount of visitors of any nine months in the state’s history with 79.1 million visitors, according to VISIT FLORIDA. This record amount of visitors represents a 5.5% increase over the previous year. Read more.
Participate in Small Business Saturday

FRLA is proud to participate in this year’s Small Business Saturday, taking place on November 28, 2015. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to strengthening the community by supporting local small businesses. Read more.

Plus, learn more about how you can participate in the program here.

FRLA Attends Seafood Reception for the Florida Congressional Delegation

Southeastern Fisheries Association members and the FRLA recently took a trip to Washington D.C. to discuss seafood legislation with the Florida Congressional Delegation. Learn more.

Participate in Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is almost here! Last year, more than 88 million people chose to #ShopSmall. Don’t miss out, learn how to join the movement here: http://amex.co/1JdleC6.