TALLAHASSEE (FNN) – Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced the installation of its 2023 Board of Directors Executive Committee, which includes veteran industry leaders with nearly 230 years of combined experience in hospitality. As Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality trade association, FRLA has provided unmatched service to the industry and its members for more than 75 years. The mission of FRLA is to protect, educate, and promote Florida’s hospitality industry – a nearly $112 billion industry with more than one million employees.

FRLA’s 2023 Board of Directors Executive Committee is comprised of the following:

Chair: John Horne, Owner of Anna Maria Oyster Bars, Bradenton region, and Café L’Europe, Sarasota

Vice Chair: Roger Amidon, General Manager for Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa

Secretary/Treasurer and Restaurant Director: Nick Sarra, Chief Operating Officer, Saltwater Restaurants, Inc., Destin

Lodging Director: Barbara Bowden, Area Managing Director for Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando

Restaurant Director: Henry Delgado, Managing Partner, Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, Miami Beach

Lodging Director: Lisa Lombardo, Chief Culture and Strategy Officer, HDG Hotels, Ocala

Immediate Past Chair: Olivia Hoblit, Regional Manager for Innisfree Hotels, Amelia Island

“The 2023 FRLA Board of Directors Executive Committee is one of our strongest ever,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). “With more than two centuries’ worth of combined experience, we value the wisdom and guidance of these industry icons as we work to build on our industry’s incredible growth this year. In the face of uncertain economic times, historic food prices, and labor challenges, we need dedicated and passionate industry leaders who are innovative thinkers to get engaged. John Horne is a true visionary with such a warm and big personality who thrives in this wonderful ‘people business’ we all love, and we are thrilled to have him as our new Chair.”

“It’s an incredible honor to lead the FRLA Board of Directors, and I am looking forward to an outstanding year,” said John Horne, Board Chair for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). “Hospitality is the greatest industry in Florida, and it is our collective priority to keep it that way through our statewide and federal advocacy, as well as our commitment to make a difference in our local communities. We’re in the business of helping our guests have memorable experiences and ensuring that Florida remains the greatest place to live, work, and have FUN!”

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association recognized leaders in the hotel and hospitality industry during its annual Hospitality Awards gala at Disney Coronado Springs Resort Saturday.

The event not only honored industry leaders, but also provided legislative updates, including $50 million in the state budget to ensure Visit Florida and Enterprise Florida continue running until 2028, which was co-sponsored by former State Representative Daisy Morales, who was present Saturday.

The 2022 CFHLA Hospitality Award Winners

2022 Lodging Member of the Year
Jesse Martinez
General Manager, The Alfond Inn at Rollins

Jesse Martinez, General Manager of The Alfond Inn at Rollins received the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2022 Lodging Member of the Year award during the 2022 CFHLA Hospitality Gala at Disney Coronado Springs Resort Saturday, December 17, 2022. Photo: J. Willie David, III/Florida National News.

2022 Engineer of the Year
Ryan Garro
Global Engineering/Resort Operations, Marriott Vacations Worldwide

Ryan Garro, who works in Global Engineering/Resort Operations for Marriott Vacations Worldwide, wins CFHLA’s 2022 Engineer of the Year award during the 2022 CFHLA Hospitality Gala at Disney Coronado Springs Resort Saturday, December 17, 2022. Photo: J. Willie David, III/Florida National News

2022 PAC Member of the Year
Erin Sims, CEO of Landform of Central Florida, Inc.

FILE – Erin Sims receives her award during the CFHLA Hospitality Gala at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Saturday, December 18, 2021. Photo courtesy of the CFHLA.

2022 Allied Member of the Year
Lou Rocco, President & CEO, Global Sourcing International, LLC

Lou Rocco, President & CEO of Global Sourcing International, LLC
wins CFHLA’s 2022 Allied Member of the Year award during the 2022 CFHLA Hospitality Gala at Disney Coronado Resort Saturday, December 17, 2022. Photo: J. Willie David, III/Florida National News.

2022 Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award
Jason Siegel, President & Chief Executive Officer, Greater Orlando Sports Commission

Jason Siegel, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, wins CFHLA’s 2022 Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award during the 2022 CFHLA Hospitality Gala at Disney Coronado Springs Resort Saturday, December 17, 2022. Photo: J. Willie David, III/Florida National News.

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Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 14, 2022) – The FIFA World Cup is the most-watched sporting event in the world and Orlando residents don’t have to travel to Qatar to watch this year’s tournament. Dezerland Action Park Orlando on International Drive can be your hub for the 2022 FIFA World Cup matches.

During regular park hours from Nov. 20 to Dec. 18, Dezerland will be showing the games of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on televisions throughout the complex. The indoor attraction will be decorated with flags representing the different countries participating in the tournament to celebrate the international competition.

To get into the spirit for the global event, guests can enjoy cuisines from a variety of cultures in Dezerland’s food hall. If you’re cheering for the UK, visit Fish and Chips for a taste of the classic British comfort food with crispy cod or golden fried shrimp served with chips that can be customized with a variety of seasonings or toppings. Amigo Burrito serves Latin favorites like yucca fries, empanadas and churros for fans of Latin America’s teams.

Dezerland’s custom Volkswagen beer bus will be serving up fan’s favorite draft beers for guests to enjoy during the games. Celebrate your team’s win with a pint or a martini from the full-service 007 Fuego Bar or relax with a sweet treat from Glida where guests can create their own soft serve ice cream or frozen yogurt masterpiece.

Once the games are over, visitors can explore Dezerland’s Orlando Auto Museum, which features more than 2,000 vehicles from around the world and take selfies with many vehicles made famous by television shows and movies like Scooby Doo, Batman, Spiderman, Ghostbusters, The Fast and the Furious, Mad Max, and James Bond. Guests can also take part in their own friendly competition at over 20 indoor attractions, including Dezerland’s boutique bowling alleys, the NERF Thunderfoam Arena, or on Florida’s longest indoor karting track with three skill and speed levels.

To learn more, visit https://dezerlandpark.com.