2025 Tourism Winners and Nominees 

Celebrating Excellence in Tourism 

In celebration of National Travel & Tourism Week, we proudly present the Annual Tourism Awards—honoring the individuals who bring the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach experience to life.

Whether greeting guests with a warm smile or working tirelessly behind the scenes, these outstanding employees are the heartbeat of our destination. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence have helped Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach achieve a remarkable 99% satisfaction rate and a 95% return intent among visitors.*

Join us in celebrating the winners and nominees who go above and beyond to make every visitor feel welcome and make our destination shine! 

Our 2025 Tourism Hall of Fame Honoree:

Our 2025 Partner of the Year:

Our 2025 Lodging Front of House Nominees:

Winner: Gerri Moore - The Suites at Fishermen's Village

• Casey Dudley - Comfort Inn & Suites Port Charlotte-Punta Gorda
• Colleen Brown - Comfort Inn & Suites Port Charlotte-Punta Gorda
• Phylis Moll - Days Inn by Wyndham Port Charlotte

Our 2025 Lodging Back of House Nominees:

Winner: Surmailys Morgado - Days Inn by Wyndham Port Charlotte

• Celina Rios - The Suites at Fishermen's Village
• Chrislande Dupra - The Suites at Fishermen's Village
• Edith Lopez - Comfort Inn & Suites Port Charlotte-Punta Gorda
• Juana Andablo - Comfort Inn & Suites Port Charlotte-Punta Gorda
• Khalid Khalil - Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor 
• Manasota Key Resort Team - Manasota Key Resort

Our 2025 Vacation Rental Nominees:

Winner: Stephinie Futch - Tarpon Real Estate

• Joe Klein - Manasota Key Condos
• Toby Klein - Manasota Key Condos

Our 2025 Front of House Restaurant Nominees:

Winner: Theda Porter - Farlow's On The Water

• Alex Lang - Downtown Kava
• Billy Marsella - TT's Tiki Bar

Our 2025 Back of House Restaurant Nominees:

Winner: Chloe Hollander - Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor 

• Rachel Kilmer - Half Cracked Tiki Shack
• Richard Akers - End Zone Sports Grille

Our 2025 Attraction Nominees: 

Winner: Cole Kelly - Punta Gorda Adventures

• Barbara Arthur-Devlin - Charlotte Players, Inc.
• Deb Nutting - Military Heritage Museum
• Robert Warren - Peace River Wildlife Center
• Tara Dane - Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens Inc.

*Downs & St. Germain, 2024 Economic Impact & Visitor Tracking Report