SEBRING, Fla. (June 2, 2026) – Tourism professionals, community leaders, and local stakeholders gathered at the historic Circle Theatre on May 12 for the annual Highlands County Tourism Insights & Awards Breakfast, a celebration of the individuals and organizations whose dedication helps make Highlands County a welcoming and memorable destination for visitors.
“This program recognizes the amazing people who help create exceptional visitor experiences every day while also exploring new ideas that can strengthen Highlands County’s tourism economy,” said Tourism Director Casey Hartt. “The passion, hospitality, and dedication demonstrated by this year’s honorees are a reflection of what makes our community such a special place to visit.”
2026 Tourism Industry Award Recipients
The following individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions to Highlands County tourism:
- Hotel Service Champion: Joey Abate, The Roanoke Hotel
- Attractions Service Champion: Cindy Garren, Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts
- Restaurant Service Champion: Arlene Wallace, Caddyshack Bar & Grill
- Sports Tourism Champion: Sebring International Raceway
- Rising Star Champion: Brandi Gose, The Roanoke Hotel
- Innovation Champion: Greg Wingo, founder of the Last Paddler Standing International SUP Endurance Race
- Volunteer Champion: Rosie Longanecker, Founders Garden Club
- Humanitarian Champion: Sebring International Raceway
Award recipients were selected from nominations submitted throughout Highlands County and evaluated by an independent panel of judges from outside the county.
Keynote Highlights Nature-Based Tourism Opportunities
Following the awards presentation, attendees heard from keynote speaker Nerissa Okiye, Tourism Director for Martin County and Chair of Destinations Florida.
Okiye shared the story behind Martin County’s award-winning Explore Natural Martin initiative, which transformed the community’s waterways, trails, parks, and open spaces into curated visitor experiences that encourage exploration while enhancing quality of life for residents. Through creative partnerships, themed eco-experiences, and a connected Eco-Trail system, the initiative has helped strengthen community engagement with natural resources while supporting a thriving visitor economy.
Her presentation challenged attendees to think creatively about how Highlands County can continue leveraging its own unique natural assets, which includes lakes, trails, conservation lands, parks, agricultural heritage, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Interaction with these assets can create memorable experiences that benefit both visitors and residents.
The Tourism Insights & Awards Breakfast serves as an annual opportunity to celebrate tourism excellence while fostering collaboration and new ideas that support the continued growth of Highlands County’s visitor economy.
For more information about Visit Sebring and tourism initiatives in Highlands County, visit VisitSebring.com.
