The Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards will wrap 13 years of voting when the awards ceremony concludes at the Key West Theater on Saturday evening, July 19.
To date, over $300,000 has been raised for local charities, with this year’s Bubbas supporting Florida Keys AHEC. We remain proud and honored to conduct this friendly contest in the town we love and serve. And the growing popularity and votes across the globe never cease to amaze us.
This year we ended with over half a million individual votes from across the world. And while we are still seeking our first vote to be cast from Antarctica, we continue to see participation from six continents and dozens of nations. Not surprisingly, more than 90% of the votes are generated from the U.S. and Canada. But we saw an uptick of activity in Australia, Brazil and the southern portions of Africa. Europe and Eastern Europe remain a hotbed of international voting for the Bubbas.
“Seeing all of the votes and nations involved is one the most exciting stats involved with the Bubbas and the voting,” said Keys Weekly’s Britt Myers. “The popularity is a testament to Key West, our businesses, our diverse way of life and the unique experience Key West offers to the world. The Bubbas just gives our residents and our tourists a chance to highlight the amazing businesses and people they love to be a part of here in the Florida Keys.”
Florida produced the most votes within the United States, with heavy concentrations in New York and metro areas around the Northeast — with impressive showings from Alaska and Hawaii. Germany led the international votes, followed by Australia and Ukraine. Northern Africa and the Middle East were regular voters, represented by nations like Saudi Arabia, Syria and Israel.
Some of the most remote and unique votes were cast from areas like Christchurch (New Zealand), Hobart (Tasmania), Kathmandu (Nepal), Amnat Charoen (Thailand) and eight different regions of Malaysia. One of the most remote votes of note was delivered from the Andreanof Islands in the Bering Sea.
Someone near the Burnham Golf Club in Rolleston, New Zealand has claimed the southernmost Bubbas vote, with the northernmost votes coming from Fairbanks, Alaska and Lulea, Sweden. Finland and Norway provided participation from around cities and towns stretching from the Gulf of Bothnia and throughout the Baltic Sea.
“It’s mind-blowing to see the international appeal and popularity of Key West,” said Myers. “But I’m always proud to see all 50 states participate. This is truly a testament to the people of Key West. We at the Keys Weekly are just a driver for this contest. But what we are really doing is showcasing the hard work and pride our businesses and residents take to make this one of the most sought after destinations on the planet.”
To all of the winners, nominees and those who call Key West home, we thank you for taking part in this with us. We are not just hosts of this contest, we are local supporters and contributors as well. And we are proud to be a part of this island community with each and every one of you. Here’s to all of you – and the world. Thanks for voting and supporting our local community.
