It’s time to decide the best of the best – and maybe settle some arguments.
Back in July, we asked you, our readers, to send us your favorite people, places and businesses that make Marathon amazing. Now, the field is narrowed. And as much fun as primary election season was, our ballot is WAY more fun.
That’s right: The finalists for the 2026 Best of Marathon Awards are here.
We’ve whittled each category down to the top three vote-getters, submitted by 1,605 voters across 57,292 nominations. It proves, once again, that if you pour the strongest drinks, tell the best stories, make a mean Cuban sandwich and more, our town remembers.
We’re lucky that in many cases, picking the winner from any group of three is a tall task. We say this every year because we mean it: Just making it onto the ballot as a finalist is a big deal. Every name on this year’s ballot represents a person, business or organization that made enough of an impression on this town for Marathon to say, “Yep. Them.” Voters had to spell it correctly (sometimes) and type it in the right box, even after plenty of happy-hour drinks. That’s huge.
Voting goes live at keysweekly.com/BOM26 at noon on Thursday, Aug. 20 and runs through midnight on Sept. 6. Vote once per day, per person.
Once the votes are counted, friendships have healed and everyone has accepted the results with grace and maturity — right? — the 2026 Best of Marathon Awards show takes over Hawks Cay Resort on Saturday, Sept. 19.
The gala has become one of the most anticipated nights of the year, and tickets are limited and generally aren’t available to the public. Winners, nominees and dignitaries receive invitations, with additional attendees selected from a first-come, first-served waiting list. To get on the list, email patti@keysweekly.com. Bribing Patti has not been officially endorsed by Keys Weekly. It also won’t get you extra votes – no matter how many times people ask us.
So congratulations, finalists. Enjoy the moment – you have the green light to pester your friends, social media and your mom to vote every day.
