Attractions

ICON Park to Host Veterans Day Celebration

Published

2 years ago

November 11, 2022

The Big Wheel at ICON Park will be lit in red, white and blue in honor of Veterans Day. Photo: ICON Park.

ORLANDO, Fla. – ICON Park and its tenants are celebrating the brave men and women who protect our country this Veterans Day with a variety of discounts and a special event with the U.S. Army.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 11, ICON Park’s partners at the U.S. Army will be onsite at the entertainment destination with several large military vehicles to take pictures and interact with guests in support of Veterans Day. When the sun sets, guests can see all of The Wheel’s 64,000 LED lights create the American flag.

To commemorate their great sacrifice, all retired military veterans and first responders can receive a free ticket to The Wheel and 50 percent off for one guest ticket. Active military can receive up to four complimentary tickets to The Wheel.

In addition to ICON Park’s year-round military discount, a variety of tenants are offering specials over Veterans Day weekend and throughout the year.

Museum of Illusions Orlando – Military members can receive $21.99 admission, a $5 discount
Madame Tussauds Orlando – Offers a 10 percent military discount all year long
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium – Offers a 10 percent military discount all year long
Brother Jimmy’s – Offers 10 percent off for military members year round
Sloppy Joe’s – Veterans can receive 20 percent off their final bill Nov. 11 to 13
Buffalo Wild Wings – All veterans and active military members can redeem 10 free boneless wings and fries on Nov. 11 and a 10 percent military discount year round
Ole Red – Offers 10 percent off for veterans and active military throughout the year (excludes alcoholic purchases)
Tapa Toro – Military personnel receive 10 percent off food and beverage
Tin Roof – Offers a 15 percent military discount all year long
Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips – Offers 10 percent off for veterans and active military throughout the year (excludes alcoholic purchases)
iCafe De Paris – BOGO alcoholic beverages and 15 percent discount on menu items for military personnel Nov. 11 to 13
Shake Shack – Offers a 10 percent military discount
Build-A-Bear Workshop – Veterans and active military receive 10 percent off purchases

In order to receive any of the military discounts listed above, you must present a valid military ID at time of purchase.

ICON Park is at the center of the new Orlando Entertainment District. With free parking and conveniently located near I-4, Universal Boulevard and the Beachline, this premiere entertainment complex is easy to access for any Central Florida resident or Orlando tourist.

To learn more about ICON Park, visit https://iconparkorlando.com.

Attractions

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) Announces 2023 Board of Directors Executive Committee

Published

2 years ago

January 17, 2023

FNN NEWS

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!”

Attractions

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens adds New Year’s Eve celebration

Published

2 years ago

December 21, 2022

FNN NEWS

When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with entry times at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022

Where: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens | 3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771

What: Families in Central Florida can send 2022 out on a WILD note at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.

The Zoo has added a night at its popular Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix—New Year’s Eve. Families can stroll through dozens of larger-than-life, handcrafted lanterns around the Zoo, plus enjoy a DJ and an hourly countdown and celebration.

The perfect way to start off a date night or celebrate with the family and get the kids home at a reasonable time. The family-friendly fun lasts from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with two entry times at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Select tickets are available here, and more information is available at https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/lanterns/.

The Asian Lantern Festival runs on select nights through January 15.

Attractions

PHOTOS: The Complete List of Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2022 Hospitality Gala Winners

Published

2 years ago

December 18, 2022

Mellissa Thomas

The winners of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA)'s 2022 Hospitality Awards (l-r): Lou Rocco, ; Ray Garro, Global Engineering/ Resort Operations at Marriott Vacations Worldwide; Jason Siegel, President & CEO, Greater Orlando Sports Commission; and Jesse Martinez, General Manager, The Alfond Inn at Rollins. Photo: Hidekel Griffin/FNN News en Español.

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