Approximately 500 people from the hospitality industry in Northeast Florida attended the 17th Annual ROSE Awards at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. The event, organized by the Northeast Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), recognizes frontline workers for their contributions to the region’s hospitality sector.
This year saw record participation, with over 149 nominees representing nearly 45 businesses. A total of 33 individuals were honored with ROSE Awards across various categories.
Nicole Chapman, NE Florida FRLA Regional Director and creator of the event, stated: “At its heart, hospitality is about people taking care of people, and the ROSE Awards give us a chance to shine a light on the individuals who make that happen every single day. These honorees represent the warmth, professionalism, and pride that define our region’s visitor experience and keep guests returning year after year.”
Winners received an award, a ROSE Award pin, and recognition from peers and industry leaders. Middle managers were also acknowledged during the ceremony for their dedication.
Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA, commented: “Seeing hundreds of industry partners come together to celebrate frontline team members sends a powerful message – service excellence matters, and it deserves recognition. The ROSE Awards not only applaud outstanding performance, they also inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals to build meaningful, lifelong careers in this dynamic industry.”
The list of winners includes Beatriz Aten (Marriott Jacksonville Downtown) for Administrative Assistant; Teri Scott (St. Johns Food Service) as Allied Member Spotlight; Trace McCrory (Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village) for Banquets; Heather Davis (The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island) as Hotel Bartender; Marc Hartley (Colonial Quarter) as Restaurant Bartender; Laurel Howell (The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island) for Behind The Scenes; Latoya Harden (Hyatt Regency Jacksonville) as Hotel Chef/Cook; Andrew Shierling (Meehan’s Irish Pub) as Restaurant Chef/Cook; Lauren Murkerson (One Ocean Resort & Spa) for Concierge/Recreation/Spa Customer Service; Kerry Weatherhead (Visit Jacksonville) for Event Services Customer Service; Pamela Harris (Marriott Jacksonville Downtown) for Food & Beverage Support.
Other categories included guest services roles such as front desk staff at full-service hotels—Deidra Facey from Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa—and select service hotels—Tashay Ingram from Holiday Inn Express St Augustine-Historic—as well as housekeeping staff like Rachel Pascua from Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. Several individuals were recognized in “Beyond the Call of Duty” categories including Jacky Crandall (DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport), Debbie Wasloski (Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club), Jonathan Bryan along with Cassio Dal Mas & Brianna Del Negro (The Lodge & Club), Andrew Mason and Diamond Bouyer among others from The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.
Founded in 1946 and later merged with another association in 2006, FRLA represents more than 10,000 members across Florida’s hospitality sector. Its mission is to protect and promote an industry valued at nearly $112 billion statewide while supporting two million employees through advocacy efforts and educational programs.
