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August 14, 2026 |
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Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors |
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Register Now: Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast |
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Registration is now open for our Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast, taking place on Friday, September 11, 2026.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. During this year’s event, CFHLA will pay tribute to our local law enforcement, fire rescue, EMS, and hospitality security personnel who have gone above and beyond in the line of duty. The program will feature WESH 2 News Anchor Nancy Alvarez as the Event Emcee and former NYPD Detective Milton Rosario as the keynote speaker.
*Please consider donating a seat/table for our local first responders.*
Secure your spot today and join us as we remember, honor, and recognize those who serve and protect our community. |
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Hilton Orlando Housekeeping Team Earns Bronze on ESPN’s Ocho Day |
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Congratulations to Hilton Orlando and its Housekeeping Team for an outstanding performance during ESPN’s Ocho Day Housekeeping Olympics at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World!
Competing against talented housekeeping teams from Philadelphia, Chicago, Tampa, and Orlando, the Hilton Orlando team earned an impressive third-place finish and bronze medal.
The team also led the competition in bed making, showcasing the skill, precision, teamwork, and pride that hospitality professionals bring to their work every day.
This achievement reflects Hilton Orlando’s ongoing commitment to excellence. Under the leadership of Anna James, the property’s Housekeeping Team has achieved 14 consecutive months of cleanliness Stay Scores above 90%.
CFHLA is proud to recognize the Hilton Orlando Housekeeping Team for representing Central Florida hospitality on a national stage and demonstrating the professionalism, dedication, and pride of the people who power our industry. |
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Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer's State of the City Address |
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Today, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer delivered his 2026 State of the City Address, highlighting progress in public safety, housing, transportation, and the continued growth of Orlando.
Dyer reported a 19% reduction in citywide crime last year, including just 10 homicides - the fewest in Orlando in 50 years. He also highlighted the addition of nearly 24,000 residential units over the past six years, along with initiatives designed to streamline development and expand affordable housing.
Transportation safety was also another focus, with more than 100 Vision Zero projects contributing to a 40% reduction in deadly and serious-injury crashes since 2020, representing an estimated 60 lives saved.
Lastly, the Mayor spotlighted Orlando's thriving tourism and culinary scene, noting that several Michelin-recognized restaurants can now be found throughout are region.
For Central Florida's hospitality industry, these investments are important to maintaining a safe, vibrant, and welcoming destination for residents, workers, and visitors. CFHLA remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen Central Florida as the best place to live, work and visit . |
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Stone & Current at River Island Celebrates Grand Opening |
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Earlier this week, CFHLA was pleased to celebrate the grand opening of Stone & Current, the newest steak and seafood destination at River Island within the Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort!
Located in the heart of River Island, Stone & Current combines elevated dining with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Guests can enjoy expertly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and attentive service in a vibrant setting designed to make every visit memorable. |
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The grand opening celebration featured an official ribbon-cutting and remarks from Holiday Inn Club Vacations leaders, including President & CEO Jim Mikolaichik, VP of Resort Operations Jorge Reyes, and SVP of Sales Mario Hernandez, along with a special guest from the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), SVP of Public Relations, Marketing, and Communications.
If you are looking to experience Stone & Current for yourself, there is great news. The restaurant is also participating in Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, offering a specially curated $40 prix-fixe menu and giving you an opportunity to experience a selection of the restaurant’s offerings as part of this popular Central Florida dining program.
Congratulations to Jorge and the entire Stone & Current team on this exciting milestone! |
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SimpleFire Helps Bring Inspirational Mural to Roberto Clemente Middle School |
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Through CFHLA’s Adopt-A-School Program, SimpleFire recently helped transform the campus of Roberto Clemente Middle School by supporting the creation of a vibrant new mural designed to inspire students and celebrate their school community.
The artwork was designed and painted by Abstract Dissent, with the final design approved by Principal Dr. Nicole Villaverde. Featuring the school’s leopard mascot, the mural brings color and energy to the campus while delivering a powerful message for resilience and hope. The artist donated all labor for the project, while SimpleFire generously covered the cost of materials, making the project possible. The artwork encourages students to overcome challenges, pursue what brings them happiness, and use their passions to positively impact their communities.
CFHLA is proud to see our 100+ Adopt-A-School partnerships extend beyond the classroom, as they continue to create lasting, meaningful experiences for students. SimpleFire’s generosity has helped Roberto Clemente Middle School create a beautiful space that will inspire students for years to come. |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AUGUST MEMBERS OF THE MONTH |
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CFHLA is thrilled to recognize Martin Bonventre of Rosen Shingle Creek as our August Lodging Member of the Month! Martin's partnership and support of CFHLA has been nothing short of exceptional. Over the past two years, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership through his service on the CFHLA Board of Directors and the Membership Committee, while graciously hosting numerous meetings and signature events, including the 2026 CFHLA Hospitality Tradeshow earlier this month.
Martin has also been a familiar face at many other CFHLA events, consistently taking the time to connect with fellow members, support our mission, and strengthen our hospitality community. We are truly grateful for his leadership, partnership, and unwavering support, and we are proud to recognize him for his outstanding contributions to CFHLA and the Central Florida hospitality industry!
Additionally, CFHLA is also honored to recognize David Saczawa of JR Hobbs Co. as our August Allied Member of the Month! We are incredibly grateful for David's outstanding involvement as a new VIP Member of CFHLA and for his continued participation in our signature events. David is a dedicated supporter of our association and the Central Florida hospitality industry, consistently attending events, actively participating in our programs, and enthusiastically engaging with fellow members.
David's commitment to building relationships, supporting our mission, and investing his time and expertise in CFHLA has made a meaningful impact. We sincerely appreciate his continued involvement, enthusiasm, and partnership, and we are proud to recognize him as our August Allied Member of the Month. |
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Meet Our Silver Partners: Withum & Orlando North, Seminole County Tourism |
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At Withum, we support CFHLA because of its vital role in strengthening Central Florida’s hospitality industry and the broader community. CFHLA’s leadership in advocacy, education, workforce development, and industry collaboration helps keep our region a premier destination while creating opportunities for businesses and hospitality professionals.
The initiative that resonates most with us is CFHLA’s commitment to expanding career pathways, education, and support for hospitality employees and emerging professionals. Through scholarships, workforce development programs, and community initiatives, CFHLA strengthens the talent pipeline and supports the people who drive the industry forward. Investing in future leaders aligns closely with our commitment to mentorship, opportunity, and community growth.
Withum is a forward-thinking advisory, tax, and assurance firm serving organizations in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Our Hospitality Services Team works with hotels, resorts, management companies, and travel organizations to improve operations, enhance financial performance, and support sustainable growth. We combine industry expertise, innovative technology, and a collaborative, people-first approach to deliver clarity, confidence, and strategic insight. |
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Seminole County is proud to partner with CFHLA in strengthening and advancing the region’s hospitality and tourism industry. CFHLA has played an important role in supporting tourism growth throughout Seminole County through advocacy, collaboration, education, and workforce development.
Our partnership has helped advance initiatives that benefit both the tourism industry and the broader community, including supporting local education and workforce opportunities and collaborating on the development of the Tourism Improvement District. These efforts help strengthen our visitor economy while contributing to the exceptional quality of life enjoyed by Seminole County residents.
As the home of Orlando North, Seminole County Tourism is committed to promoting our destination’s unique combination of outdoor recreation, sports, dining, attractions, and hospitality experiences. CFHLA is an important partner in that effort, helping connect our tourism community and strengthen the businesses and professionals who welcome visitors to our region.
Seminole County looks forward to continuing our strong partnership with CFHLA and working together to build a thriving future for tourism and our community. |
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JOB OPENINGS |
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Check out the latest hospitality employment opportunities in Central Florida. |
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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. |