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September 11, 2026 |
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Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors |
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Remembering Those Lost and Honoring All Who Served on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 |
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Today, CFHLA hosted its annual Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Theme Park Resort. A special thank you to Managing Director Jason Lopez and his team for hosting this special event.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, when our nation experienced the tragic attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
With nearly 600 guests in attendance, including 160 first responders from across Central Florida, CFHLA remembered those we lost, honored those who served, and reflected on the lasting impact of that day. CFHLA also recognized 23 outstanding first responders and hospitality security professionals whose service and actions have gone above and beyond in the line of duty.
We'd like to extend our sincere appreciation to Honorary Chair Orange County Sheriff John Mina, keynote speaker retired NYPD Detective and 9/11 first responder Milton Rosario, and WESH 2 News anchor Nancy Alvarez, who served as emcee for the fourth consecutive year.
Additionally, we would like to thank this year’s event sponsors: our Premier Sponsor, The Walt Disney World Company, and our Corporate Sponsors, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Hyatt Regency Orlando, Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, Orlando Health, and Waste Management.
If you were unable to attend this morning, a recording of this morning's program is available HERE, courtesy of our partners at Orange TV. |
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Heroism – Law Enforcement Deputy Sheriff Mohamed Abdullah Deputy Sheriff Russell Marttila |
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Heroism – Fire Rescue / EMS Lieutenant Michael Warren Engineer Michael Williams Firefighter/Paramedic Julia Corcoran Firefighter Brandon Lurvey Firefighter Luke Sambeli |
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Lifesaving – Law Enforcement Ocoee Police Department: Officer Jonathan Contreras Officer Madison Perry Officer Jesus Rose Officer Raymond Tewari |
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Lifesaving – Fire Rescue/EMS Engineer Matthew Sauerbrun, Orange County Fire Rescue |
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Lifesaving – Hospitality Captain Justin Farr Officer Lendell Adrine Officer Carlos Barboza |
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Distinguished Service – Law Enforcement Osceola County Sheriff’s Office: Deputy Sheriff Kirk McDonald, Jr. Deputy Sherif Eddie Ramos Deputy Sheriff Xavier Rivera Deputy Sheriff Jose Quinones-Hernandez |
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Distinguished Service – Fire Rescue/EMS Longwood Fire Department: Lieutenant Gerald Evans Engineer Jason Chesteen |
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Lifetime Achievement Retired Officer David Montfort, Orlando Police Department |
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CFHLA Celebrates DT Minich’s Induction into Florida Tourism Hall of Fame |
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CFHLA is proud to congratulate our CFHLA Honorary Board Member DT Minich on his induction into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame this week!
A respected leader with more than 30 years in the tourism industry, DT has served at the helm of three different Florida destination marketing organizations (DMOs) throughout his career, including Experience Kissimmee since 2014. As the President and CEO of Experience Kissimmee, DT has been a tremendous champion for tourism and a dedicated leader in strengthening Central Florida as one of the world’s premier destinations. His commitment to collaboration, innovation, and promoting the importance of our visitor economy has helped drive continued growth while creating opportunities for small businesses, hospitality professionals, and tourism partners across the region.
CFHLA has been fortunate to work alongside DT over the past decade and greatly values his leadership, continued partnership, and unwavering commitment to our destination and hospitality industry. His induction into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to his outstanding service and dedication to Florida’s tourism industry throughout his career.
On behalf of CFHLA, congratulations to DT on this incredible and well-deserved honor. Thank you for your continued leadership, unwavering partnership, and dedication to making Central Florida and the State of Florida an exceptional place to live, work, and visit!
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CFHLA Hosts September Allied Relations Council Breakfast with Council Leaders |
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This week, CFHLA was thrilled to host our most recent Allied Relations Council Meeting and Breakfast of the year at the Courtyard by Marriott across from Universal. A special thank-you to General Manager and CFHLA Board Member Erin Arpke for graciously hosting us!
Lori Lo Duca, Representing the Housekeeping Council General Manager, Cypress Pointe Hilton Vacation Club
Jaret Della Porta, Representing the Vacation Ownership Council General Manager, Marriott’s Harbour Lake Resort
Keith Luka, Representing the Engineers Council Director of Facilities Ops & Capital Projects, Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort
Lastly, CFHLA would like to thank the September Allied Relations Council Breakfast Sponsor, VivoAquatics, and our AV partner - Encore - for their support of "Members Doing Business With Members." |
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Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Celebrates New Meeting Space Expansion |
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This week, the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin celebrated a major milestone this week with the ribbon-cutting of its newly expanded meeting space, marking a significant investment in the future of meetings and conventions in Central Florida.
The expansion is part of a $300 million transformation of the resort and adds more than 100,000 square feet of new meeting and event space of the Dolphin’s Peninsula Ballroom. This is in addition to the renovation of all 756 guest rooms and suites in the Swan and includes a new 38,000-square-foot ballroom, 40,000 square feet of multi-purpose space, and expansive pre-function areas. Once complete, the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve complex will offer more than 450,000 square feet of meeting space. |
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CFHLA proudly recognizes Sean Verney, Area Managing Director and CFHLA Second Vice Chair of the Board, along with the entire Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin team for reaching this tremendous achievement. Their continued investment into our community will strengthen Central Florida’s position as a world-class destination for meetings, conventions, and hospitality. |
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CFHLA Security & Safety Council Honors Sven Zickermann with Lifesaving Service Award |
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Recently, CFHLA presented the 2026 Second Quarter Security & Safety Council Lifesaving Service Award to Sven Zickermann, Security Officer at Orange Lake Resort, recognizing his quick thinking and life-saving actions following a serious vehicle accident at the resort.
Sven responded to a serious vehicle accident that occurred in the resort’s parking lot, involving a van and a rental golf cart occupied by a family of five, including a newborn. While assigned to dispatch duties, Sven immediately recognized the severity of the incident and took decisive action. He delegated dispatch responsibilities to a secondary operator and responded directly to the scene, where he quickly assessed the situation, triaged the victims, and identified the most critically injured individual. Drawing on his training, composure, and sound judgment under pressure, Sven made the critical decision to apply a tourniquet to control the victim’s severe bleeding. His timely intervention helped stabilize the critically injured victim while he continued assisting other victims and coordinating care until emergency responders arrived.
Sven’s actions are a powerful reminder of the difference that preparation, training, and the willingness to step forward can make when every second matters.
Congratulations to Sven Zickermann on this well-deserved recognition and for going above and beyond when it mattered most! |
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CFHLA Congratulates Michelle Anderson on New General Manager Role at KPMG Lakehouse |
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Please join us in congratulating Michelle Anderson on her promotion to General Manager of the KPMG Lakehouse!
Michelle began her hospitality career in 2012 at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress and has since built an impressive track record of leadership across operations, food and beverage, and human resources. She most recently served as Hotel Manager at Hyatt Regency Orlando, following her role as Director of Operations at Hyatt Centric Key West.
A UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management alumna and current member of CFHLA’s NexGen Council, Michelle is recognized for her inclusive leadership style, commitment to excellence, and dedication to developing strong teams. Her passion for hospitality and proven ability to lead and inspire others have made her a respected member of Central Florida’s hospitality community.
CFHLA congratulates Michelle on this well-deserved achievement and wishes her continued success as she begins this exciting new chapter at KPMG Lakehouse! |
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Bringing our Partners Together to Advance the Hospitality Workforce of the Future |
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This week, CFHLA proudly hosted a hospitality workforce development roundtable that included industry professionals, educational partners, and workforce development leaders. The discussion brought together our hospitality partners to review workforce needs, analyze industry data, and identify priority areas for strengthening Central Florida’s hospitality talent pipeline. |
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Tourism Partners Recognized as Winners of the |
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Congratulations to our CFHLA Members and tourism partners who were recognized as the winners of the 2026 Flagler Awards, presented by VISIT FLORIDA during the annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism this week!
The Flagler Awards recognize outstanding tourism marketing initiatives from organizations across Florida, with nearly 300 entries submitted for the 2026 awards.
We are proud to celebrate these Central Florida organizations for their outstanding work and continued commitment to excellence in tourism marketing including:
Experience Kissimmee – Henry Award, Public Relations & Earned Media, for the Global Influencer FAM & Summit
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – Bronze Award, Public Relations & Earned Media, for The Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center, supported by AdventHealth
Visit Orlando – Silver Award, Consumer-Facing Promotional Materials, for Orlando’s Kitchens: Official Destination Cookbook
Discover Lake County – Henry Award, Out-of-Home Advertising, for the Miami Target Market Campaign
Congratulations again to our tourism partners on this well-deserved statewide recognition! We are proud to see our CFHLA Members continuing to showcase their creativity, innovation, and excellence of Central Florida’s hospitality and tourism community! |
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Big News! There's A New Hospitality Program at |
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Big things are happening at St. Cloud High School as the school launches its new Hospitality Program, welcoming an impressive 162 students in grades 9–12.
The program is designed to equip students with practical workplace skills, professionalism, and confidence while introducing them to the wide range of career opportunities available across the hospitality and tourism industry. Students are already gaining hands-on experience, working with the Digital Media class to develop program logos, preparing polos for upcoming field trips, and setting up a new banquet room for experiential learning. The program is also exploring opportunities to participate in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) state and national competitions, giving students additional opportunities to showcase their skills and gain industry exposure.
Hospitality industry partners will play an important role through guest presentations, property visits, competitions, networking, and potential employment opportunities.
With strong student interest and exciting plans ahead, St. Cloud High School is helping prepare the next generation of hospitality professionals and leaders. |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SEPTEMBER MEMBERS OF THE MONTH |
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CFHLA is thrilled to recognize Clint Sode of Hilton Grand Vacations Aqua Sol Orlando as our Lodging Member of the Month for September 2026! Clint’s recognition reflects his outstanding engagement with CFHLA and his consistent willingness to contribute his time and leadership to support our association and the broader hospitality industry.
As a dedicated member of our Security & Safety Council, Clint regularly lends his expertise wherever it is needed including providing security support during the 2026 CFHLA Hospitality Tradeshow, and continuing to show up and contribute at CFHLA’s signature events. Additionally, Clint's involvement has also included serving on our CFHLA PAC and participating in our recent candidate interviews.
Furthermore, Clint’s commitment to building relationships, championing CFHLA’s advocacy efforts, and his willingness to step forward, get involved, and support his fellow hospitality professionals is why we are proud to recognize him as our Lodging Member of the Month!
CFHLA is also excited to recognize Joe Argyle of Busy Bean Coffee of Central Florida as our Allied Member of the Month for September 2026! Joe has been a longtime supporter of CFHLA and has become a familiar and welcome presence throughout our association. His generosity has even helped keep the CFHLA team fueled, providing complimentary Busy Bean Coffee for our staff and office guests each day.
In 2026, Joe further demonstrated his commitment to CFHLA by increasing his involvement as a new Silver Partner Member and continuing to support our community-wide initiatives. Beyond his generous contributions, Joe also consistently shows up for CFHLA, by participating in our annual signature events and finding meaningful ways to stay connected to our hospitality community. All in all, we are truly grateful for Joe’s continued partnership, enthusiasm, and dedication to CFHLA!
Once again, we are honored to recognize and celebrate Clint and Joe as our September Members of the Month! |
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Meet Our Silver Partners: 1st Class Parking & Vortex Network Solutions |
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At 1st Class Parking, we proudly support CFHLA because of its commitment to strengthening Central Florida’s hospitality community and creating meaningful connections among industry leaders. As we expand our presence across the region, we value being part of an organization that champions service excellence, collaboration, and continuous growth. We are especially passionate about initiatives that elevate the guest experience while supporting the people behind it, from front-line teams to hospitality leaders.
1st Class Parking is a hospitality-driven valet and parking operator focused on delivering seamless, guest-first arrival and departure experiences. The company partners with hotels, resorts, venues, condominiums, healthcare facilities, and golf courses throughout Florida. Its white-glove service, operational expertise, and commitment to hospitality allow 1st Class Parking to serve as a true extension of each property’s front-of-house team. Through exceptional service and strong partnerships, 1st Class Parking helps properties create memorable first and lasting impressions for their guests. |
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Vortex Network Solutions is proud to support CFHLA because we believe in the strength of the hospitality industry and the importance of organizations that advocate for its continued success. CFHLA creates valuable connections among hotels, vendors, and community leaders while helping drive growth throughout Central Florida. We especially value initiatives that support the success of local hotels and resorts because when hospitality properties thrive, the businesses that serve them thrive as well.
Vortex Network Solutions is a Central Florida-based technology company specializing in structured cabling, Wi-Fi systems, low-voltage infrastructure, security cameras, A/V installations, and technology support for hotels, resorts, and commercial properties. The company delivers dependable service, responsive support, and tailored technology solutions designed to help clients operate efficiently and enhance the guest experience. By combining technical expertise with a hospitality-focused approach, Vortex Network Solutions helps properties build reliable technology infrastructure while providing the responsive support needed to keep operations running smoothly. |
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CONNECT WITH CFHLA |
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About CFHLA
The mission of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association is to represent the Central Florida Hospitality Industry, by setting the standard of excellence through advocacy, collaboration, education, recognition, and service. |