Walton County Tourism, in partnership with the Northwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, was proud to recognize the best of the best in the hospitality community at the 2024 Hospitality Hero Awards held at Henderson Beach Resort in February.
This annual event honors those in the hospitality industry across northwest Florida who are passionate about excellent service. As part of the awards, the following Walton County winners were honored.
Sintia Flores with Great Southern Café was awarded Restaurant Back of House Employee of the Year.
Kevin Rosa with Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa was awarded Sales & Marketing Director of the Year.
Melissa Hattaway with Gibson Beach Rentals was awarded Hotel Back of House Employee of the Year.
“We are here to celebrate the backbone of our communities’ growth, development and success — our hospitality workers,” said Madison Shirley, vice-president of the Northwest Florida Chapter of the FRLA, at the ceremony. “I may be preaching to the choir, but the panhandle hospitality workers are some of the most resilient, passionate and driven folks you can find.”
Category winners are selected from nominations submitted by industry peers. In her nomination, Flores was recognized as “without a doubt, truly the Great Southern Café’s G.O.A.T.”
“The panhandle hospitality workers are some of the most
resilient, passionate and driven folks you can find.”
– Madison Shirley, Vice President of the Northwest Florida Chapter of the FRLA
She is known for successfully taking on every challenge regardless of circumstance, her detailed knowledge of kitchen operations and pushing her teammates to perform at the highest level.
Kevin Rosa, director of sales and marketing at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, has used his 30-plus years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing to cultivate a network of mutual connections — playfully known among peers as the six degrees of Kevin Rosa. He is recognized as the “quintessential relationship builder, which is paramount in hospitality sales.”
Rosa’s nomination also calls out his “unwavering passion for people combined with his love and knowledge of hospitality sales and marketing.” These make him an invaluable asset to Walton County and the hospitality industry. He is a huge advocate for the destination and currently serves as chair of Walton County Tourism’s Marketing and Communications Committee.
Melissa Hattaway, director of housekeeping at Gibson Beach Rentals, “exemplifies unparalleled dedication and work ethic in the vacation rental industry,” according to her nomination. She goes above and beyond to create exceptional experiences for both guests and owners, and consistently exhibits high standards of performance.
“Melissa is an indispensable force in the vacation rental industry, tirelessly dedicating herself to her role. Her commitment to excellence shines through in her meticulous approach, ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience is flawless.”
The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association is the state’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel & Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers.