County Commissioners Christine Robinson and Carolyn Mason smile and laugh as they surrounded a teary Norman Schimmel after he was surprised during the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony and given the “Voice of Tourism†Award.
Greg Spring of Lakewood Ranch Communities holds up his award for Guest Service Excellence Front of the House - Vistor Services while posing by The Bird at the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony Thursday, May 12, at Ed Smith Stadium.
Cesar Ruiz of Ritz Carlton-Sarasota accepts the award for Guest Service Excellence - Back of House - Lodging at the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony Thursday, May 12, at Ed Smith Stadium.
Rufugio Gomez of Marina Jack Restaurant, accepts the award for Guest Service Excellence - Back of the House - Dining from Virginia Haley at the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony Thursday, May 12, at Ed Smith Stadium.
Sherri Spanos, of Lakewood Ranch Communities, holds her award for Guest Service Excellence - Back of House - Visitor Services at the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony Thursday, May 12, at Ed Smith Stadium.
Virginia Haley presents Martha Wells, of Mote Aquarium, with the award for Guest Service Excellence - Management at the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony Thursday, May 12, at Ed Smith Stadium.
Sharon and Steve Dickman, of Mote Aquarium, accept the award for Guest Service Excellence - Volunteer from Virginia Haley at the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony Thursday, May 12, at Ed Smith Stadium.
...
...
Virginia Haley presents Courtney Cook of Tropical Breeze Resort with the award for Guest Service Excellence - Lodging at the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony Thursday, May 12, at Ed Smith Stadium.
Virginia Haley presents Sal Picerno, of TooJay's Restaurant, with the award for Guest Service Excellence - Front Line Dining at the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony Thursday, May 12, at Ed Smith Stadium.
Stephanie Grosskreutz and Mark Yates pose with The Bird at the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony Thursday, May 12, at Ed Smith Stadium.
Cesar Ruiz, Scott Gentile and Robert Graham pose together at the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony Thursday, May 12, at Ed Smith Stadium.
A watermelon was sculpted into a bird with fruit shish kabobs as the feathers at the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony Thursday, May 12, at Ed Smith Stadium.
County Commissioner Christine Robinson, Bill Werdell and County Commissioner Carolyn Mason
Jen Bartolone, Shauna Ruby and Brieann Daw pose together at the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony Thursday, May 12, at Ed Smith Stadium.
The billboard at Ed Smith Stadium.
The nominees sit in the visitor's dugout prior to the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony Thursday, May 12, at Ed Smith Stadium.
The record number of nominees pose on the field with The Bird at the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony Thursday, May 12, at Ed Smith Stadium.
The winners of the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards pose with The Bird on the field Thursday, May 12, at Ed Smith Stadium.
