The Upper Keys Weekly's Best of Islamorada at Whale Harbor Saturday, November 11, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger
Many new names were announced as winners in this year’s Best of Upper Keys awards ceremony on Nov. 11 at Whale Harbor Restaurants & Marina. The first-time awardees jumped out of their seats as the crowd of 180-plus erupted in cheers. It’s a moment they won’t forget for years to come. The second running of the premiere people’s choice awards welcomed 15 new categories to the list.
Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
First-time Winners
Ashley Arrabal – Best Volunteer Capt. Slate’s Scuba Adventures – Best Dive Shop Dillon’s Pub & Grill – Best Bar & Best Wings Keys Pet Nanny – Best Business Klara McGarry – Best Bartender Koty James & The Keybillies – Best Musician/Band LaRhonda “LaLa” Oloizia – Best Server Pinfish Entertainment – Best New Business SouthState Bank – Best Bank
Taylor Hale Studio & Gallery in Islamorada wins Best Art Gallery.
The Upper Keys Weekly’s Best of Islamorada at Whale Harbor Saturday, November 11, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger
The Upper Keys Weekly’s Best of Islamorada at Whale Harbor Saturday, November 11, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger
The Upper Keys Weekly’s Best of Islamorada at Whale Harbor Saturday, November 11, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger
The Upper Keys Weekly’s Best of Islamorada at Whale Harbor Saturday, November 11, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger
Pinfish Entertainment in Tavernier won Best Place to Take the Kids and Best New Business. Owner Matt Struhs holds the plaque next to his wife, April.
The Upper Keys Weekly’s Best of Islamorada at Whale Harbor Saturday, November 11, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger
The Upper Keys Weekly’s Best of Islamorada at Whale Harbor Saturday, November 11, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger
The Upper Keys Weekly’s Best of Islamorada at Whale Harbor Saturday, November 11, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger
The Catch’s LaRonda “LaLa” Oloizia wins Best Server.
The Upper Keys Weekly’s Best of Islamorada at Whale Harbor Saturday, November 11, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger
The Upper Keys Weekly’s Best of Islamorada at Whale Harbor Saturday, November 11, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger
Best Musician/Band went to Koty James & the Keybillies.
The Upper Keys Weekly’s Best of Islamorada at Whale Harbor Saturday, November 11, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger
Best Business went to Keys Pet Nanny and owner Sarah Taylor. She’s pictured with family.
The Upper Keys Weekly’s Best of Islamorada at Whale Harbor Saturday, November 11, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger
Tavernier’s Froggy’s Fitness takes the Best Place to Work Out plaque.
The Upper Keys Weekly’s Best of Islamorada at Whale Harbor Saturday, November 11, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger
The Upper Keys Weekly’s Best of Islamorada at Whale Harbor Saturday, November 11, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger
Kit Carson Mobley, of Islamorada’s DirtyBoat Charters, takes Best Fishing Guide. Manuela Carrillo Mobley, sales director with Keys Weekly Newspapers and Overseas Media Group, is also pictured.
Ashley Arrabal, Key Largo Rotary club president, pictured here with husband Bryan, comes away with Best Volunteer.
Winners in New Categories
Ziggie & Mad Dog’s – Best Steak Capt. Kit Carson Mobley – Best Fishing Guide Chef Michael’s – Best Seafood Islander Girl Snorkel & Tours – Best Watersports Froggy’s Fitness – Best Place to Workout Keys Chocolates & Ice Cream – Best Dessert LeBouef’s Marine – Best Marine Services Miss Monroe Boutique – Best Clothing Store Natalie Shea, Shen Health – Best Alternative Healthcare Provider Puerto Vallarta Mexican Bar & Grill – Best Margarita Pasta Pantaleo – Best Artist Pinfish Entertainment – Best Place to Take the Kids Regan Roth Insurance Agency – Best Insurance Agency Shell World – Best Gift Boutique The Hale Gallery – Best Art Gallery
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