In the News - April 2025

Advocating at the State Capitol for Florida Tourism Day

In late March, more than 25 of our CFHLA members and industry partners had the opportunity to advocate and engage with our legislative leaders during Florida Tourism Day!

Thank you to all of our members, partners and elected officials who joined us for this important advocacy trip, as we partnered with so many other industry leaders and professionals from across the state to discuss our priorities, educate policymakers on the issues that can directly impact your business, and share the incredible value of tourism to Florida's economy, our team members and its residents.

In addition to educating nearly two dozen legislators, we had the opportunity to hear from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, VISIT FLORIDA's Interim President/CEO Craig Thomas, and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie Griffin.

It was an extremely productive couple of days advocating on behalf of the hospitality and tourism industry, along with educating our Legislators on the significant economic impacts that the industry continues to have on our state. Thank you again to each of the legislators who met with us and we appreciate them for taking the time to listen to our industry leaders.

St. Patrick's Day Golf Open

On March 13th, the Irish eyes were smiling as CFHLA hosted our annual St. Patrick's Day Golf Open at Mission Resort + Club (Thank you, Cindy Staley).

Taking advantage of a terrific spring day, we had an incredible day of fun, golf and networking, as well as the luck of the Irish regarding the weather!

Thank you to all of our members, sponsors and the 144 golfers who came out to support this signature CFHLA golf event and congratulations to Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers for taking home the signature CFHLA Shamrock Cup this year!

Congratulations to the following winners:

Best Decorated Hole / Costume
A&E Hospitality Solutions

Best Food
PG Service Group

Best Beverage
Restore Now

First Place Team
Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers

Second Place Team
GFL Environmental

Third Place Team
SeaWorld Orlando

Women's Longest Drive
Amy Hart
Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando I-Drive Theme Parks

Men's Longest Drive
John Lyons
Crowne Plaza Orlando Downtown

Women's Closest to the Pin
Amy Hart
Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando I-Drive Theme Parks

Men's Closest to the Pin
Brad Hines
NextEra Energy Services

CFHLA Honors Exceptional Hospitality Front Line Professionals at the Golden Pineapple Awards

On Thursday, February 27th, CFHLA hosted our annual Golden Pineapple Awards dinner and celebration at the Orlando World Center Marriott (Thank you Robert Bray, General Manager).

This year, CFHLA recognized 263 “front line” employees from 67 different Central Florida lodging properties, that were nominated for each of the thirteen categories for their exemplary service and outstanding customer satisfaction throughout 2024. Thank you to Ybeth Bruzual of Spectrum News 13, who served as our guest emcee for the second year in a row for the event which attracted over 950 attendees.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR NOMINEES AND 2025 GOLDEN PINEAPPLE AWARD WINNERS!

Outstanding Food & Beverage Service Employee of the Year

Xzavier Salazar

Holiday Inn Orlando International Airport

Outstanding Front Office Employee of the Year

Catherine Davis

Hyatt Regency Orlando

Outstanding Housekeeping Employee of the Year

Gilaine Pierre

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Outstanding Laundry Employee of the Year

Charming Perez