More than 450 individuals from the regional hospitality industry gathered at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village for the 16th Annual ROSE Awards ceremony in St. Augustine. The event, organized by the Northeast Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), aimed to honor frontline hospitality workers in Northeast Florida.
The ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards celebrated over 130 nominees from more than 45 businesses, with 30 team members receiving recognition. Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA, emphasized the importance of every role within the hospitality sector, stating, “Every member of the hospitality industry plays a vital role in delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving successful businesses.”
Award recipients were acknowledged for their dedication and professionalism. Some notable achievements included saving guests from near-drowning incidents and offering personal homes during hurricanes. Nicole Chapman, NE Florida FRLA Regional Director and creator of the event, expressed her admiration: “It’s an absolute honor to celebrate Northeast Florida’s best of the best in hospitality for the 16th year of ROSE Awards.”
Winners across various categories were recognized for their contributions to enhancing guest experiences and service excellence. Among them were Christine Hampton as Administrative Assistant at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Tony Johnson spotlighted as an Allied Member from St Johns Food Service, and Joyce Dillion honored in Banquets at World Golf Village Renaissance Resort.
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is a leading non-profit trade association representing Florida’s extensive hospitality industry. With more than 10,000 members, it aims to protect, educate, and promote this vital economic sector through legislative advocacy and educational programs.
