In less than a year, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—a monumental milestone in our nation’s history. Commemorations are being planned at both the federal and state levels for summer 2026.

In Florida, the Semiquincentennial Commission has been established to lead the planning and coordination of events across the Sunshine State. This is a unique opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and inspire—right in your own community.

Now is the perfect time to begin planning how your attraction will participate in honoring this historic moment. Whether through themed exhibits, special events, or educational programs, your contribution can help bring this celebration to life for your guests.

Visit the Florida 250 website and the official U.S. Semiquincentennial site for resources, inspiration, and updates on statewide and national initiatives.

Let’s make this celebration one to remember—for Florida, and for the nation.

Board Member Focus: 5 Questions - Christina Schwartzman, CEO, Sawgrass Recreation Park

1. How long have you been in the attractions industry?

I’ve been in the attractions industry for 18 years. While finishing my criminology degree at the University of Florida, I helped rebuild our family park after Hurricane Wilma. I planned to join the U.S. Marshal Academy, but while waiting, I fell in love with my dad’s vision. When the call came, I stayed. Best decision ever.

2. What is your favorite job you’ve had in the industry and why?

Over 18 years, I’ve worn many hats in our family business—sales, marketing, cleaning bathrooms, wrangling gators, and now CEO. My favorite roles are leading major capital projects and overseeing HR. Supporting our team and improving guest spaces is deeply rewarding. Sneaking away to witness a guest experiencing one of their bucket list moments? Priceless.

3. What is the most rewarding aspect of working in/for the attraction industry?

Attractions create pure magic. We’re not routine—we offer unforgettable moments. Whether it’s your toddler giggling at a splash pad, your child riding their first coaster, or holding your partner’s hand on a spring-fed float, time stands still. The memories we help create with loved ones are priceless—and truly worth more than gold.

4. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?

Like many families post-pandemic, we’ve made joy and adventure a priority! On school breaks or a long weekend, we explore Florida’s hidden gems—and occasionally escape to the quiet mountains. I’m a proud mom, Girl Scout leader, PTA member, and yearbook designer. I also lead three companies and serve on several boards, including FAA, VISIT FLORIDA, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Marketing Committee, and the Jack and Jill Foundation. Life is full—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

5. Aside from Florida, what is your dream vacation destination and why?

We’re excited to one day explore Ireland and Scotland as a family. We love hiking, nature, and places rich in history—so these destinations are a perfect fit. With family roots in both countries, the trip will be especially meaningful. My husband and I even dream of retiring there after our time at Sawgrass Recreation Park.

Global Leisure Management is an attractions management company that is dedicated to providing exceptional experiences, and achieving exceptional results. GLM’s corporate headquarters are in St. Louis, and the company was founded in 2023 by owner and CEO Mandy Sijbrandij, which was the very same year the company joined the Florida Attractions Association as a Supplier Associate member.  The company has very flexible service packages and for all levels, and types of needs and their talented team members are well equipped to custom create solutions for any type of attraction. 

GLM specializes in all aspects of attraction management including strategic planning, financial oversight, marketing, HR, guest services as well as maintenance and safety.  Under the Operations realm, they focus on all aspects of daily operations from staffing to policies and procedures, ticketing solutions, community engagement, and much more.  For Accounting, they can provide essential support for small tasks to comprehensive solutions including budgeting, financial reporting, tax compliance, and can tailor their services to fit attraction businesses of all sizes.  In the world of HR, GLM can assist with such areas as recruitment strategy, candidate interviewing, HR compliance, benefits management, as well as HR compliance training, and much more.

Dinosaur World, located in Plant City, Florida (between Tampa and Orlando) is certainly one of the FAA’s most unique attraction members.  The outdoor park blends history with adventure in a one-of-a-kind dinosaur experience that features well over 200 life-sized dinosaur sculptures that are located throughout the 22-acre park. 

There is so much to see and experience at Dinosaur World Florida from immersive activities such as Aunt Cera’s Fossil Dig where guests can sift through the soil to uncover ancient marine life fossils such as shark teeth, Mosasaurus teeth, ammonites, and crinoids to uncovering hidden treasures in Uncle Rex’s Gem Mine.  Their most recent exhibit is: Doom of the Dinosaurs, featuring 16 authentic life-sized casts of discovered dinosaur skeletons, authentic fossils, cast traces and including the full sized cast of T-Rex “Stan.”  There are so many interactive exhibits to delight and amaze children and the entire family, and one of the most popular spots is the Dino-themed playground that features slides and swings.  

Major holidays are always a very special time at Dinosaur World and the park is one of the more popular destinations in Central Florida for school field trips and birthday parties. Dinosaur World can also boast of its unique 5,000 square foot gift shop that offers so many prehistoric artifacts and toys and games.

While this great family friendly attraction is unique for Florida, and there are actually two additional Dinosaur World attraction locations in Cave City, Kentucky and Glen Rose, Texas.  If you are looking to explore in every sense of the word, be sure to visit Dinosaur World Florida for your next adventure.

The Florida Legislature adjourned Sine Die on June 16, 2025, after a contentious and extended session lasting 105 days. Tensions between House Speaker Danny Perez and Governor Ron DeSantis led to disputes over illegal immigration enforcement, tax cuts, and spending, delaying legislative progress. The Legislature failed to complete its only constitutional obligation—passing the state budget—within the regular 60-day session, prompting an extension through June 6 via House Concurrent Resolution 1631, limiting consideration to 16 key bills including the budget and tax package.

Although an initial budget agreement was reached on May 2, disagreements resurfaced after Governor DeSantis rejected the House’s proposed sales tax cuts, causing the plan to unravel. A second extension, House Concurrent Resolution 1635, prolonged the session to June 18 to avoid a government shutdown.

Contentious bills such as SB 110 (Rural Renaissance) and HB 7033 (which proposed eliminating Tourist Development Councils and overhauling local bed tax use) were excluded. However, the final tax package (HB 7031) allowed for expanded uses of Tourist Development Taxes in fiscally constrained coastal counties and lifeguard training.

Significant progress was made the week of June 9, culminating in the release of the budget conference report on June 13. The Legislature approved a $115.1 billion budget—$500 million less than the Governor’s proposal—on June 16, following the required 72-hour review period. The budget now awaits Governor DeSantis’ review and possible line-item vetoes. It includes $80 million for VISIT FLORIDA and $20.8 million for cultural and museum grants.

Click here to view the 2025 FAA Legislative Session Summary

The Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation (FASF) has awarded grants to four Florida Attractions Association (FAA) member businesses to support their internal professional development programs. These grants are part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders within Florida’s attractions industry.

Each year, FASF—an FAA-established 501(c)(3) nonprofit—reviews grant applications from member businesses seeking to enhance their internal training and leadership development initiatives. In addition to these grants, FASF provides scholarships to post-secondary students pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism-related fields.

Thanks to the continued generosity of FAA members, the Foundation has awarded more than $121,000 since its founding in 2014. This includes support for 84 student scholarship recipients and 8 FAA member businesses through professional development grants.

Grants are awarded exclusively to FAA member businesses, reinforcing the industry's investment in its people and future.

IMAG History & Science Center

The Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation has awarded a $2,500 grant to the IMAG History & Science Center in support of staff participation in the 2026 Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO) Symposium and Workshop. This vital training initiative aims to enhance workforce capacity through professional development, equipping IMAG’s aquatic operations team with advanced knowledge in life support system (LSS) technologies. The symposium offers hands-on workshops, certification opportunities, and technical presentations on cutting-edge filtration, sterilization, and water quality management techniques.

Through this experience, IMAG staff will earn AALSO Level II certifications, expand their technical expertise, and strengthen operational efficiency. The grant will help cover registration, travel, lodging, and training materials for one of three participating aquatics team members. By investing in staff education, IMAG is not only improving animal care and exhibit quality but also enriching the overall guest experience—advancing its mission and contributing to excellence within Florida’s attractions industry.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

The Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation has awarded a $2,500 grant to ZooTampa at Lowry Park to support professional development for its private events team. The funding will enable three team members to attend the 2025 Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) Annual Convention & Expo, a three-day event focused on festival production, marketing, and event logistics. As a newly formed group with less than two years of experience in event management, this opportunity will allow the team to gain vital insights, learn best practices, and refine their skills.

Attendees will explore topics such as social media marketing, event logistics, and emerging technologies—all aimed at enhancing ZooTampa’s private events. The grant will cover registration, travel, and lodging costs. By bringing back knowledge to share with the full 15-member department, the team will elevate the zoo’s event offerings, boost guest satisfaction, and support ZooTampa’s mission to deliver exceptional experiences to its visitors.

Sawgrass Recreation Park

Sawgrass Recreation Park has been awarded a $2,500 grant from the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation to support the professional development of its head animal curator. The funding will enable participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) “Creating Successful Exhibits” course in 2026. This intensive program focuses on planning, designing, and fabricating impactful and sustainable animal habitats. It includes hands-on training in exhibit development, budgeting, timeline construction, and the integration of external consultants.

While the course does not provide formal certification, it will equip Sawgrass Recreation Park with critical skills for the complete redesign of its animal exhibit area. The new exhibits will emphasize hands-on learning and inclusivity for visitors with special needs or sensory challenges. Knowledge gained will be shared with the entire animal care and engineering teams, ensuring long-term benefits. This grant helps further the park’s mission of education, conservation, and accessible, engaging experiences for all guests.

Florida Air Museum

The Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation has awarded a $1,760 grant to the Florida Air Museum to support participation in the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Educational Program. This comprehensive training initiative will empower museum staff with cutting-edge knowledge and professional development opportunities tailored to the attractions industry. Covering key topics such as cybersecurity awareness, immersive experience design, and instructional training development, the program combines online learning, on-the-job training, and in-person experiences at IAAPA expos and EDUTours.

Participants also gain access to mentorship programs and the IAAPA Common Body of Knowledge framework, ensuring alignment with industry standards. The grant fully covers program costs and will lead to IAAPA certification—a credential validating professional expertise in areas like operations, safety, marketing, and HR. This investment supports the Florida Air Museum’s mission to deliver top-tier visitor experiences and ensures continued innovation and excellence in the state's dynamic attractions industry.

The Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation (FASF) proudly announced the recipients of its 2025 Scholarship Program during the Florida Attractions Annual Conference in Ponte Vedra Beach on June 9.

Established in 2014 by the Florida Attractions Association (FAA) and its Board of Directors, the Foundation was created to support the future of Florida’s tourism workforce by providing financial assistance to post-secondary students pursuing careers in hospitality-related fields.

FASF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, also funds professional development opportunities for industry leaders and awards grants to FAA member businesses to support internal training initiatives.

Thanks to the generous support of FAA members, the Foundation has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships and grants since its inception. Scholarships are available exclusively to employees of FAA member businesses and their dependents; grants are awarded to FAA member businesses.

William (Quin) Anderson

William "Quin" Anderson has received a scholarship from the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation in recognition of his dedication to the attractions industry and academic excellence. A Business Management major with a 3.56 GPA, Quin currently works at ZooTampa and has completed over 200 credit hours in hospitality-related coursework.

His passion for guest experience and leadership is evident in his active involvement with organizations like the President’s Leadership Fellows and Collegiate Leadership Tampa Bay. Quin also serves as an IAAPA Show Ambassador, where he was honored as Ambassador of the Year.

Quin’s short-term goal is to continue building his expertise in the attractions industry and secure a full-time role upon graduation in 2025. Long-term, he aspires to launch his own attraction business and mentor future professionals. With his strong foundation and vision, Quin is poised to make a lasting impact in Florida’s tourism landscape.

Maria Dezubiria

Chad Middleton Memorial Scholarship

Maria Dezubiria has been awarded a scholarship from the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation in recognition of her outstanding academic and professional accomplishments. A graduate of Hospitality Management with Cum Laude honors, Maria is currently pursuing a Master’s in Event Leadership while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. She brings hands-on experience from two of the world’s top entertainment companies—Universal Orlando, where she works in Human Resources Operations, and The Walt Disney Company, where she serves as a professional intern and member of a Local Diversity Action Team.

Maria’s short-term goal is to step into a leadership role in event operations, where she can apply her passion for immersive storytelling and guest experience. Long-term, she aspires to become a senior leader in event strategy at Disney or Universal, crafting innovative, inclusive events that inspire and delight. Maria’s drive and dedication mark her as a rising star in Florida’s attractions and events industry.

Greer Gaspard

Greer Gaspard, an ambitious and high-achieving student, has received a Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation award. Pursuing a double major in Accounting and Biology, Greer maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA and brings a unique blend of business and science to the future of zoological management. As a dependent of a SeaWorld Orlando employee, Greer exemplifies a strong connection to Florida’s attractions industry.

Greer is a published author and active community member, serving as a figure skating coach, tutor, and student member of the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association. Her long-term vision is to become CFO and eventually CEO of a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife sanctuary, where she can combine financial leadership with a passion for conservation.

This scholarship recognizes Greer’s dedication to academic excellence and her commitment to advancing wildlife care and education. Her future promises to make a lasting impact in Florida’s zoological community.

Ashley Smith

Barbara Kenney Honorary Scholarship

Ashley Smith, a standout student at the University of Central Florida, has received a prestigious scholarship from the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation. A first-generation college student majoring in Marketing and Finance, Ashley has demonstrated exceptional dedication through her 550 internship hours at Universal Orlando Resort. Her work with the Digital & Technology team has fueled her passion for the hospitality and travel industry.

In addition to her academic achievements and 3.41 GPA, Ashley’s leadership shines through her involvement in organizations like Collegiate DECA and College of Business Ambassadors. She’s also earned accolades from Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and DECA. This summer, she will continue her growth as a Nestlé sales intern and Coca-Cola campus ambassador.

Ashley plans to pursue a full-time marketing or sales role at Universal Destinations and Experiences after graduation, with long-term goals of leadership in the attractions industry. Her story embodies the future of Florida tourism and hospitality.

Jaedyn Sobota

Arthur Hertz Memorial Scholarship

Jaedyn Sobota, a dedicated Hospitality Management student at the University of Central Florida, has received a prestigious scholarship from the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation. A valued team member at Universal Orlando Resort, Jaedyn has already made a strong impression, earning the "Rookie Caretaker of the Year" award within just five months of joining the Attractions team.

With a 3.6 GPA and consistent recognition on the Dean’s List, she exemplifies both academic and professional excellence. Jaedyn is actively involved on campus as Vice President of UCF’s Improv Academy and a member of its audition-only House and Musical Improv teams. Her short-term goals include continued academic success and refining her career path within the hospitality industry. Long-term, she aspires to a leadership role at Universal, driven by her passion for theme park operations and guest service. Jaedyn’s selection highlights her promise as a future leader in Florida’s vibrant attractions industry.

About the Three Named Scholarships

Chad Middleton Memorial Scholarship

We lost our friend Chad Michael Middleton in a tragic accident in 2018. A third-generation leader at FPIS Brochure Distribution, founded by his grandmother and one of FAA’s first associate members, Chad was known for his Christian values, love for his wife and four sons, and commitment to excellence.

Respected for his professionalism and kindness, Chad was a unifying presence and a gentle peacemaker. His legacy continues through the lasting impact he made at FPIS and the many lives he touched.

The Chad Middleton Memorial Scholarship, funded by the Rick Soverns family of Sawgrass Recreation Park, honors a cherished friend and a life lived with purpose.

Barbara Kenney Honorary Scholarship

Ten years ago, Barbara Kenney of Kenney Communications provided the seed funding that launched the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation. Her generous gift enabled the Foundation to begin awarding scholarships to students pursuing careers in attractions and tourism.

Barbara, founder and CEO of Kenney Communications based in Orlando, has over 40 years of experience in strategic communications. Her company was among the FAA’s first associate members, and she was named FAA Associate Member of the Year in 1997.

Arthur Hertz Memorial Scholarship

Arthur Hertz, born in Brooklyn, New York, became a true Miamian after moving there at age 13. He joined Wometco Enterprises in 1955, learning the tourism industry from the ground up. He played a key role in Wometco’s acquisition of the Miami Seaquarium and helped manage other Florida attractions like the Citrus Tower and Conch Tour Train.

A champion for tourism, Arthur served on the board of the Greater Miami CVB, helped create VISIT FLORIDA, and later chaired its board. Inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame in 2004, Arthur was also a generous philanthropist. In his memory, his family proudly funds the Arthur Hertz Memorial Scholarship.