The 6th annual Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards are in full swing as the nominee voting period enters the second week. Voters have through June 24 to nominate their favorites in more than 90 categories. From there, the top three in each category will compete for your votes leading up to the big night.
And while the winners will be named on July 20 at the awards banquet, the excitement around winning a Bubba, along with the red carpet festivities, has become the essence of this remarkable community event. Here is a look back at some of 2018’s winners. And remember, make your votes count at: www.keysweekly.com
You never know what to expect at the Bubbas, but the celebrity lip sync battles have become epic. In 2018 the stage belonged to Bill Lay and Nick Doll, who mastered their own rendition of Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball.” Doll also took home the Bubba for best photographer, while Lay took home honors for “Best Martini” (Virgilo’s) and several nominations for La Trattoria Oceanside.
This year will mark the first Bubba Awards ceremony where Craig Cates will not be mayor of Key West. In five years, Cates has won “Best Elected Official” every single time — meaning this year marks the first time for a new public servant to step up and take the prize. Seen here is his buddy Howard Livingston, who has taken home “Best Local Celebrity” each and every year.
Speaking of “Best Local Celebrity,” we never miss an opportunity to pick on our favorite bridesmaid. Bill Hoebee (seen here accepting an award for his pal Wyland) has finished second to Howard Livingstion for five straight years. Will this be the year Hoebee dethrones the king?
The Bubbas are a Key West event, but when you receive as many votes (each and every year) as Lynn Bell and her Square Grouper empire receive each year, we are always happy to spread the love to the Lower Keys. Bell has grabbed the Bubba for “Best Seafood” for many years running.
