Walton County Tourism, in partnership with the Northwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), was proud to recognize the men and women who have made a significant impact on the local hospitality industry at the 2025 Hospitality Hero Awards.
This annual event, held at Henderson Beach Resort in February, celebrates and honors outstanding frontline hospitality workers. Of the 40 nominations, four Walton County men and women were selected as a Hospitality Heroes in recognition of their service and commitment to providing exceptional experiences for guests: Dwayne Barnett with The Great Southern Cafe was awarded Best Restaurant Back of House Employee.
“What an honor to recognize and celebrate the heart of our industry with the Hospitality Heroes Awards. Their contributions continue to set Florida apart as a leading destination for tourism and leisure travel.”
Deb Esling with Embassy Suites by Hilton Miramar Beach was awarded Best Hotel/Resort Front of House Employee.
Liz Larneard with Gibson Beach Rentals was awarded Best Hotel Resort Manager.
Peggy Moravec with Embassy Suites by Hilton Miramar Beach was awarded Best Director of Sales/Marketing.
“What an honor to recognize and celebrate the heart of our industry with the Hospitality Heroes Awards,” said Marissa Bonham, Northwest Florida regional director for FRLA. “Their contributions continue to set Florida apart as a leading destination for tourism and leisure travel.”
Category winners are selected from nominations submitted by industry peers. In his nomination, Barnett was recognized as having already proven himself to be an incredible asset to The Great Southern Cafe, as evidenced by the respect his team has shown for him. Recently, he was promoted to a supervisory position and “is already leading his team head on.”
Deb Esling, with Embassy Suites in Miramar Beach, is considered a key player in ensuring a smooth flow in the check in/check out process. She greets guests with a smile and is knowledgeable with the hotel policies and procedures. Esling also is the hotel’s Make a Difference committee leader, which is an associate program tasked with creating a positive impact on each guest’s stay.
In her nomination, Liz Larneard of Gibson Beach Rentals is recognized as someone who “embodies the essence of excellence in the short-term vacation rental industry.” Demonstrating exceptional knowledge of the hospitality industry, Larneard’s contributions have included strong collaboration with property owners, crucial improvements leading to enhanced property values, leadership in operations and growth in the vacation rental market.
Peggy Moravec, sales and marketing director for Embassy Suites by Hilton Miramar Beach, exhibits the leadership that drives the hotel’s success and also ensures guests and employees feel welcome and valued, according to her nomination. Moravec has not only created an “atmosphere of kindness and excellence,” but also developed profitable and personal relationships over her 13 year-tenure that continues to draw repeat customers back to the hotel.
The FLRA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers.