Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors
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CFHLA Engineers Council Prepares for
Hurricane Season
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With the 2026 hurricane season beginning on June 1, the CFHLA Engineers Council hosted its annual Hurricane Preparedness Seminar this week at the CoCo Key Hotel & Water Resort Orlando. Special thanks to CFHLA Board Member and General Manager Frank Dolley, along with his team for hosting this important industry event.
We are also grateful to Marquise Meda and Victoria Wisniewski with WESH 2 News for providing our members with a 2026 Hurricane Season Outlook and for sharing valuable preparedness strategies for before, during, and after a storm.
Additionally, thank you to our outstanding best practices panelists who shared their expertise and real-world experiences. The discussion was moderated by Engineers Council Chair Mike Jueds of Hilton Orlando and it featured:
Finally, thank you to our table sponsors for their support in this year’s event, as well as the CFHLA members who attended and contributed to the seminar's success. CLICK HERE to view this year's list of table sponsors.
Together, we are helping ensure Central Florida's hospitality industry remains prepared, resilient, and ready for the upcoming hurricane season.
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Mayor Demings Delivers Final
State of Orange County Address
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Today, CFHLA was proud to once again be a host sponsor for the 2026 State of Orange County Address presented by Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings.
During Mayor Demings final State of the County address, we were thrilled to hear the positive news that the Central Florida hospitality and tourism industry drew 76.7 million visitors last year and generated $94.5 billion in economic impact. This is in addition to the nearly 468,000 local jobs that are now supported by the industry. Furthermore, Mayor Demings shared an overview of the accomplishments that we've faced here in Orange County, as well as provided a shared vision on how we are "Reflecting back, looking forward.”
Additionally, Mayor Demings addressed several other community priorities, including the proper investment into transportation and infrastructure, the continued support of our tourism and hospitality industry, public safety, workforce housing and more.
Thank you again to all of the sponsors, CFHLA Members and elected officials who joined us this morning at the Orange County Convention Center, as well as those who joined us virtually on Orange TV's streaming broadcast.
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CFHLA Hob Nob and Distinguished
Leaders Photo Albums Now Available
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Thank you again to our sponsors and everyone who attended and supported our Hob Nob on May 21 and the Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality Awards reception on May 28. Your participation, enthusiasm, and commitment helped make both signature CFHLA events a tremendous success.
Both of these signature CFHLA events provided valuable opportunities for our members to connect, celebrate achievements, recognize our outstanding industry professionals, and help strengthen the Central Florida hospitality industry.
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Once again, congratulations to all our Distinguished Leaders Award recipients. Your leadership, dedication, and service continues to make a lasting impact on our industry and our region.
We invite you to revisit these memorable moments through the photo gallery links below, and enjoy the video recap with testimonies from our members from the most recent Hob Nob. If you missed this Hob Nob, you won't want to miss out on our second one in November.
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CLICK HERE to view the full Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality Awards photo album.
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CFHLA Recognizes Lyanne Hernandez with
Security & Safety Council Quarterly Service Award
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CFHLA recently recognized the second Security & Safety Council Lifesaving Quarterly Service Award winner of 2026 to Lyanne Hernandez, Security Officer at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort.
Extraordinary courage and a steadfast commitment to guest safety earned Lyanne the Lifesaving Service Award following her response to a critical medical emergency involving an unresponsive guest. As the first responder on the scene, Lyanne immediately began administering CPR, remaining calm, focused, and professional under intense pressure. Her quick thinking and decisive actions were instrumental during a life-threatening situation.
Even after emergency personnel arrived, Lyanne continued to support the response by assisting first responders, maintaining scene safety, and helping with critical communication and documentation. Her actions exemplify the highest standards of hospitality, service, and leadership, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to the well-being of others when every second matters. We proudly recognize Lyanne for her outstanding service, exceptional professionalism, and heroic actions. CLICK HERE to read more about Lyanne’s honor and previous awards. Congratulations, Lyanne!
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CFHLA Supports Orange County
Public Schools at State of the Schools
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CFHLA was excited to attend and sponsor this year’s State of the Schools event, which brought together community and business leaders to learn about the latest achievements and future priorities of Orange County Public Schools. Thank you to Superintendent Maria Vazquez and School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs for sharing an inspiring update on the district’s continued success, including a 97.2% graduation rate, academic gains in English Language Arts and Math, recognition as an “A” rated school district, and the accomplishments of nearly 400 seniors graduating with an associate degree. The update also provided a great opportunity to learn more about the district’s ongoing investments in student success, teacher recognition, school safety initiatives, and the many opportunities public education provides for learners of all backgrounds and interests.
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CFHLA is proud to continue our support for Orange County Public Schools and the important work being done to prepare the future workforce of our region.
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Members Doing Business with Members:
GSI Supports Hyatt House Orlando Airport
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This collaboration highlights the strength of the hospitality community and the value of supporting fellow CFHLA allied members. CFHLA is grateful for partners like Global Sourcing International who continue to step up and support our industry with professionalism, teamwork, and generosity.
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CFHLA Members Earn Recognition
in the 2026 Florida MICHELIN Guide
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Congratulations to CFHLA Member Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on retaining its prestigious One MICHELIN Star status. This continued recognition reflects the restaurant’s exceptional culinary artistry, elevated guest experience, and commitment to excellence.
We are also proud to recognize nine additional CFHLA Members that were named MICHELIN Guide Recommended Restaurants including:
These honors reflect the continued excellence, creativity and service that defines the Central Florida’s culinary and hospitality community. CFHLA proudly celebrated each honored chef and team whose talent and dedication help elevate our region as a world-class destination.
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GSI Helps Keep Palmetto Elementary Students
Safe and Dry During Campus Renovations
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As the school prepares for a major renovation project, many students and staff will need to navigate uncovered outdoor areas while traveling between buildings and portable classrooms throughout the upcoming school year. Recognizing this need, GSI stepped in to help ensure students can stay safe and dry during Florida’s frequent rainstorms.
This thoughtful donation reflects the spirit of partnership that makes the Adopt-A-School program so impactful. By identifying a practical need and providing a meaningful solution, GSI is helping create a more comfortable learning environment for Palmetto Elementary students and staff during this exciting period of transformation. Thank you to the GSI team for making a difference in the lives of local students!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR JUNE
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
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CFHLA is proud to recognize our June Lodging Member of the Month, Steven Hollis of Vacation Villas at Fantasy World. This recognition reflects his exceptional leadership, dedication, passion, and ongoing support that he has demonstrated for CFHLA and the Central Florida Hospitality industry. Steven’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he has actively supported and participated in several CFHLA signature events, shown outstanding leadership through his service on the CFHLA Board of Directors, and served on several of CFHLA committees and councils including the Vacation Ownership Council and the newly formed Talent and Learning Council. Furthermore, his engagement, insight, and willingness to contribute his time and expertise has played an important role in helping move our organization and industry forward.
We are equally proud to recognize our June Allied Member of the Month, Greg Wiley of GX Solutions. We are extremely grateful for Greg’s outstanding involvement as a Silver Partner Member of CFHLA! We also appreciate Greg’s continued participation in our annual CFHLA signature events, his leadership on the Allied Relations Council Board, and for his incredible support as a mentor in both Class IV and Class V of the Leadership Mentoring Program. Lastly, Greg’s ongoing support of our community-wide initiatives has been tremendous help to the association and to the broader Central Florida Hospitality Industry.
It’s because of these positive contributions and his continued partnership, that we are excited to recognize and celebrate both Steven and Greg as our Members of the Month!
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Headquartered in Orlando, Xpodigital is committed to making positive contributions to our local community. For over a decade, we have proudly sponsored the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association.
Xpodigital remains an active member, regularly participating in CFHLA's key community gatherings, including the annual Hospitality Tradeshow, quarterly Board Member Meetings, PAC Meetings, the annual Hospitality Gala, Adopt-A-Station, and Tee it Up for Tourism fundraisers.
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Check out the latest hospitality employment opportunities in Central Florida.
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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.
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