E Awards celebrate hospitality industry and top tourism professionals
Tourism stars took center stage today as the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau hosted the 25th Annual Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Awards (E Awards) honoring those who deliver unforgettable guest experiences.
Presented by the VCB and The News-Press Media Group, the E Awards shine a spotlight on hospitality professionals who go above and beyond to wow our visitors.
This year’s “Greatest Show on Earth”-themed celebration at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers honored 712 nominees, selected from 1,320 nominations submitted by residents, visitors and colleagues.
Awards were presented in seven categories and an honor of distinction award went to the overall nominee who best represents the spirit of hospitality in Lee County.
Categories:
• Accommodations
• Attractions
• Best Tourism Boss
• Good Samaritan
• Other Services/Businesses
• Restaurants
• Transportation
Selected for their exemplary service, here are the top winners and excerpts from their nominations:
Honor of Distinction:
Gail Carl, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
From the nomination: Since joining the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in 2001, Carl has welcomed guests with warmth, anticipated their needs, built lasting relationships and turned visitors into family.
Her compassion shone during Hurricane Milton in 2024, when she opened her home to shelter guests, provided comfort and home-cooked meals and even decorated for a 21st birthday. These extraordinary acts, driven by empathy and generosity, embody the spirit of hospitality and make her a shining example for our hospitality industry.
Accommodations:
Mickie Roerty, The Inns of Sanibel
From the nomination: Known for going the extra mile — whether helping travelers navigate challenges, remembering special occasions or personally walking guests to their rooms — her warm smile instantly puts people at ease.
One guest, a seasoned traveler, said that in 70+ years he’d never experienced service like hers. Another recalled arriving late at night with a payment issue; she calmly resolved it with compassion, assuring, “Everything will be OK,” and preserving his dignity. That guest later said she restored his faith in humanity.
More than a front desk professional, she’s a vacation maker, problem solver and a true ambassador of hospitality who turns each stay into an unforgettable experience.
Attractions:
Clare Harris, Billy’s Bike Rentals
From the nomination: Year after year, Harris has been nominated for her kindness, compassion and dedication to both the community and visitors.
Before Hurricane Milton, she sprang into action to help a resident safely remove an electric trike from Sanibel Island, arranging transport without hesitation. Months earlier, she’d come to the same person’s aid with a flat tire near the lighthouse — proof that her willingness to help extends far beyond her role.
Visitors praise her generosity, quick thinking and local knowledge, whether she’s lending a hand after hours or sharing insider tips with a warm smile.
Best Tourism Boss: Bryant Olson, Courtyard by Marriott Fort Myers/Cape Coral From the nomination: In just three months at Courtyard by Marriott Fort Myers/Cape Coral, Olson helped move the property’s brand performance score out of the red zone for the first time in over a decade and is now solidly in yellow and just steps from green, the top tier. That turnaround takes more than skill, it takes heart.
Bryant puts people first, from buying yellow shirts for staff so no one missed the “red-to-yellow” celebration, to greeting guests in the lobby, dancing with housekeeping and making sure employees eat before he does.
He doesn’t just manage a hotel, he inspires a troupe where everyone feels empowered to dream bigger.
Good Samaritan:
Joshua Kerekes, Lee County Port Authority Police
From the nomination: When a distressed mother called to say her son had lost his beloved stuffed animal “Toot” at the airport, Kerekes knew it was more than just a misplaced toy — it was the child’s emotional lifeline.
Gathering every detail, he searched Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) tirelessly and even after his shift ended, he kept looking. The next morning, with new location data, he found Toot and began planning a magical reunion. Staging an “Adventure of Toot” photo tour around the airport, he documented the stuffed animal’s travels, then packaged the pictures, small gifts and Toot himself for a heartfelt homecoming.
The family said the day Toot returned brought immeasurable joy — not just for the toy’s safe return, but for the comfort and peace it restored. As the mother shared, “This officer’s efforts were not required or expected, but they went far beyond standard service. His genuine care made a lasting impact and I am so grateful.”
Other Services/Businesses:
Brandy Jordan, Freeway Isaiah 58:12 Corp.
From the nomination: Jordan is a true force of generosity and compassion in her community. She keeps many plates spinning to support families in need. She offers everything from free haircuts and holiday meals to school supply giveaways and toy drives. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, back-to-school help or emergency aid during a crisis, she always shows up ready to serve.
Nominators describe her as “a beacon of hope,” giving her time, energy and love without hesitation. One shared how she provided Christmas gifts and food during a time of personal hardship; proof that her impact is both personal and profound.
Her efforts are tireless, consistent and always from the heart, with kindness felt across Dunbar and beyond.
Restaurants:
Maytee Zorrilla, The Luminary Hotel & Co
From the nomination: Zorrilla is an extraordinary banquet captain and is so good she’s not just requested — she’s re-requested — thanks to her meticulous attention to detail and pride in delivering flawless events.
When a recent celebration was nearly disrupted by a sudden downpour, she didn’t wait behind the curtain. She jumped into her own car and personally shuttled guests from the hotel to the venue, keeping them dry and comfortable. That kind of guest-first thinking turns potential frustrations into moments of unexpected care.
For over five years she’s been the driving force behind large-scale events, including an annual celebration for more than 800 guests, managing every detail from start to finish.
From high-wire acts, like last-minute dietary adjustments, to culinary collaborations that reflect cultural tastes, she turns every occasion into a hospitality spectacle.
As one nominator put it: “My nominee is a trusted partner and a true professional who elevates every experience she’s a part of.”
Transportation:
Derek O’Sullivan & John Schaefer, Lee County Port Authority Police
From the nomination: Without a second thought, these two nominees stepped up to assist a man and his dog with empathy, action and heart. During Hurricane Helene, a boater and his dog were rescued from the sailboat they called home and brought to PrivateSky for shelter.
Our first nominee transported the boater and his dog to the RSW Terminal to ensure they received the support they needed. Meanwhile, the second nominee evaluated the dog’s condition and personally provided enough dog food to last several days.
But their care didn’t stop there.
The first nominee then located and arranged a pet-friendly hotel for the night — ensuring the man and his dog had a safe, warm place to stay — and even drove them there himself.
These small, heartfelt acts during a time of great uncertainty were nothing short of show-stopping. Their compassion and dedication turned what could have been a disaster into a moment of grace.
For more information, go to visitfortmyers.com.