CFHLA Honors Exceptional Hospitality Front Line Professionals at the Golden Pineapple Awards
|
This week, CFHLA was proud to host our annual Golden Pineapple Awards Dinner and celebration at the Orlando World Center Marriott (Thank you, Robert Bray, General Manager).
This year’s celebration attracted over 950 attendees and recognized 261 “front line” employees from 68 different CFHLA Member lodging properties across the Central Florida region. Each of these incredible professionals was nominated in one of thirteen categories for their exemplary hospitality service and outstanding dedication in 2025.
Once again, thank you to Ybeth Bruzual of Spectrum News 13, who served as our guest emcee for the third year in a row.
|
Congratulations to all our Nominees and 2026 Golden Pineapple Award Winners!
|
Outstanding Back Office Employee
Kat Maldonado
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Outstanding Bell Person/Concierge Employee
Alexa Perez
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Outstanding Community Service Employee
La Creashia Blash
Westgate Resort Vacation Villas & Town Center
Outstanding Convention Center / Banquet Employee
Jose Mendoza
Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort & Conference Center
Outstanding Culinary Employee
Amanda Kenyon
Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Outstanding Engineering Employee
John Martinez
Holiday Inn Orlando International Airport
Outstanding Food & Beverage Service Employee
Russ Robers
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Outstanding Front Office Employee
Susan Connelly
Orlando World Center Marriott
Outstanding Housekeeping Employee
Ivelliss Alvarez
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
Outstanding Laundry Employee
Libia Mendenhall
Holiday Inn Club Vacations – Orange Lake Resort
Outstanding Recreational Employee
Kathy Alexis
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
Outstanding Security / Loss Prevention Employee
Prakash Chowti
Hyatt Regency Orlando
Outstanding Steward / Dishwasher Employee
Pierre Ernest Dor
Caribe Royale Orlando
To learn more about each of our 2026 Golden Pineapple Award winners and their stories, please CLICK HERE.
Additionally, through generous donations from CFHLA Members, each honoree received a gift basket filled with attraction and entertainment tickets, gift cards, and more. Thank you to the following companies who contributed to these honoree baskets, including: Able Construction Group, Advent Health Orlando, Artisan Window Fashions, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Encore, Experience Kissimmee, Fun Spot America, Global Sourcing International, Orlando City Soccer, Orlando Health, SeaWorld Orlando Resort, The Service Companies and Universal Orlando Resort.
|
CFHLA would also like to thank our Golden Pineapple Award Presenting Sponsor:
|
Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors:
|
And thank you to our in-kind donors:
|
Check back in next week’s Back of the House, that will include a photo gallery of the evening.
|
Turn up the heat at the Seminole County Chili Cookoff
|
Last week, CFHLA was also proud to support the 3rd annual Seminole County Public Schools Chili Cookoff. This competition was the perfect blend of learning experiences, featuring hands-on preparation, guest services and communication, teamwork, and the opportunity for students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they’ve learned in class while presenting their culinary visions.
|
Congratulations to the Tailgate Titans of Lake Howell High School who won People’s Choice and the Bearettes plus the Cub from Winter Springs High School for winning Judge’s Choice this year! We also want to thank the Seminole County's EPathways team for organizing this important educational opportunity, along with the judges and the 10 teams who competed this year.
|
Congratulations to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes on Earning the Prestigious Forbes Five-Star Distinction
|
We are proud to celebrate an extraordinary achievement within our Central Florida hospitality community. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes has been awarded the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star distinction - becoming the first property in Central Florida to receive this recognition and one of only nine hotels in Florida to hold this elite honor.
Reserved for the world’s most exceptional hotels, the Five-Star designation reflects the unwavering dedication, craftsmanship, and personalized service delivered daily by the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton.
In addition, Knife & Spoon and The Ritz-Carlton Spa each earned Four-Star distinctions, further elevating the resort’s legacy of excellence. This milestone is not only a remarkable accomplishment for their team, but also a proud moment for our entire region. Achievements like this reinforce Central Florida’s reputation as a destination defined by service, leadership, and hospitality at the highest level.
Please join us in congratulating our 2026 CFHLA Chair of the Board Jon McGavin and his outstanding team at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes on this well-deserved recognition!
|
Ribbon Cutting celebrates AdventHealth's new
Sand Lake ER
|
CFHLA was grateful to support the grand opening of AdventHealth Sand Lake ER, a new freestanding emergency room expanding access to high-quality, whole-person emergency care in south Orange County. Rooted in AdventHealth’s mission, the new facility brings trusted, compassionate care closer to where residents and visitors live, work, and vacation.
|
Located near one of Central Florida’s busiest corridors, the ER features advanced diagnostic imaging, 12 private patient rooms, and a full-service clinical team. Congratulations again to our CFHLA VIP Member AdventHealth for continuing to invest in the health and well-being of our community.
|
Elevate your 2026 CFHLA Membership with these Sponsorship Opportunities
|
As a valued CFHLA member, we invite you to elevate your visibility and impact by becoming a 2026 CFHLA publications sponsor. Many newsletter and website advertising opportunities remain for 2026. Sponsorships for all three of our newsletters are still available and range from weekly, monthly and quarterly opportunities. See the complete list in the flyer below.
|
Seven Years Strong: Staybridge Suites - Orlando Royale Parc Suites Continues Commitment to Deerwood Elementary
|
CFHLA is proud to recognize Staybridge Suites – Orlando Royale Parc Suites for their continued generosity and partnership with Deerwood Elementary School of Innovation through our Adopt-A-School program.
Recently, the Staybridge team supported the school’s annual Turkey Trot for the seventh year, helping provide turkeys and support for students and families in need. Their consistent support showcases the heart of hospitality and a strong passion for community engagement.
Thank you to Staybridge Suites – Orlando Royale Parc Suites for making a meaningful impact and helping strengthen the Deerwood Elementary community!
|
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
|
Please join us in congratulating Ray Miller, General Manager, Las Palmeras by Hilton Grand Vacations, on being recognized as our February Lodging Member of the Month. Over the past year, Ray has gone above and beyond – by demonstrating his leadership and service on the Vacation Ownership Council and continued participation at all of CFHLA’s signature events. Additionally, we are very excited to now have his wealth of knowledge and professional experience on our CFHLA Board of Directors.
We also proudly recognize Hailey Bladek, Communications & Marketing Coordinator, Greenery Productions, Inc., as our February Allied Member of the Month. Hailey's outstanding involvement as a 2025 VIP Member, active participation in numerous CFHLA signature events, and dedicated time on several CFHLA committees has supported many of CFHLA’s community-wide initiatives. These contributions reflect her strong commitment to strengthening Central Florida’s hospitality industry and the work of our association.
|
Meet the VIP: Greenery Productions
|
Greenery Productions is a full-service interior landscaping and décor company specializing in live plants, maintenance programs, seasonal décor, event floral and foliage rentals, and custom installations. We partner with hospitality, commercial, and healthcare spaces to enhance environments through biophilic design, exceptional service, and long-term care.
|
Check out the latest hospitality employment opportunities in Central Florida.
|
About CFHLA
6675 Westwood Blvd #210, Orlando, FL 32821
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.
|
|
