The excitement of the Best of Marathon reached its crescendo this past Saturday night when the winners of the 2021 people’s choice awards were announced at the Marathon Community Park.
For the first time ever, the Best of Marathon was held al fresco – under bistro lighting where a crowd of more than 200 business leaders, elected officials and Marathon Rotarians celebrated the recent accomplishments of our community.
Since 2013, the Best of Marathon has served as a fundraiser for the Marathon Rotary Club, where 100% of sponsorships, tickets, drink and raffle sales goes directly to the club to support scholarships for local youth and other community projects.
This year’s haul for the Marathon Rotary Club looks to be north of $12,000.
“The BOM was so much more than an event to raise money for scholarships,” said Marathon Rotary Club president Duane Webster. “It helped the mental getzonedup.com/best-sleep-aids health and well-being of our community with smiling faces and laughter. I can’t wait to see it again!”
Sponsored by Centennial Bank, Promotions Guy, the Florida Keys Electric Co-op and Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate stepped in at the last minute to help offset the additional costs of moving the venue outdoors.
In addition, the food was catered by an array of local restaurants including Irie Island Eats, Sparky’s Landing, Sweet Savannah’s, Driftwood Pizza, La Isla Tacos, Overseas Pub, Brutus Seafood and the Marathon Grille & Ale House.
Coca Cola, Marathon Liquor and Deli, Florida Keys Brewing and Bongos Beer Garden provided a full bar and locally brewed beer while the 79th Street Band donated their time and talents to get the crowd warmed up and added a new dimension to the event.
Later in the evening they won “Best Band” for their first win at the Best of Marathon.
The evening included jabs at notables in the audience and recognition of several Marathon residents for their contributions and dedication to the community. Among the notables were Jim Rifkin and Jane Packard, who were honored as Philanthropists of the Year for their work on the new Fishermen’s Hospital. Crane Point, Design Center, Coldwell Banker Schmitt, Matt Sexton, George Garrett and Suzie Curry were also recognized for their work. (Read more on page 20.)
After Marathon Mayor Luis Gonzalez spoke about the resilience of the Marathon business community, those in attendance witnessed some familiar faces such as Matt & Carolyn Anthony with Sparky’s Landing, Dr. Mike Dunn’s cardboard cut-out and the Chamber CEO Daniel Samess representing the Seafood Festival — the only three nominees who have kept their win streak going consecutively for 14 years.
New winners included Ally Kelley for Best Realtor, La Isla Taco for Best Taco, and All Area Roofing for Best Contractor. (See page 9 for a complete list of the winners.)
“It was a great night for everyone,” added Webster. “Marathon is not only a great place to run a business and raise a family. The Best of Marathon is a great example of what makes a small town great – the people.”
Best of Marathon sponsor Fishermen’s Community Hospital provided take-home goodie bags 
Kristina Helms, left, and Marathon Rotary Club President Duane Webster man the bar 
Though Best Vet Dr. Mike Dunn could not attend in person, his staff made sure that both he and his celebrity look alike Doogie Howser were there in cardboard cutout form 
Though Best Vet Dr. Mike Dunn could not attend in person, his staff made sure that both he and his celebrity look alike Doogie Howser were there in cardboard cutout form 
From left, Jim Zimmerman, Joanne Zimmerman, Diane Dashevsky, and City Council candidate Greg Coldiron enjoy drinks before the evening’s awards 
City Council candidate Lynny Del Gaizo takes in the event with friends 
Crane Point’s Charlotte Quinn helps attendees check in and find their tables 
City Council Member John Bartus slings drinks behind the bar 
Best Bartender nominee “The Jenerator” 
The sun sets on Marathon Community Park as the 79th Street Band entertains the crowd 
Clockwise from left, Sandy Robinson, Liz Samess, Kate Koler, Missy Richards, Jason Richards, Toni Piscetello, Caitrin Piscetello 
Partygoers indulged in some pre-ceremony selfies 
The lawn is set for the 2021 Best of Marathon Awards 
Decorations supplied by the Rotary Club and Bongo’s Botanical Beer Garden dressed up the Community Park stage for the awards ceremony 
Gary Centoze, Kate DeLoach, and John DeLoach 
The ladies of Sea Level Spa enjoy drinks 
Keys Weekly’s Patti Childress, left, and Monroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron enjoy the sunset 
Marathon Chamber of Commerce CEO Daniel Samess, left, and Marathon City Council member John Bartus keep the drinks flowing. 
Even with a last minute venue change, the Marathon Community park provided a picturesque venue 
Jordan Dewhirst, left, and 2021 Best Realtor Ally Kelley enjoy the night 
Marathon Mayor Luis Gonzalez, left, and Robin Tanner Public Service Award winner Captain Don Hiller chat with guests ahead of the awards ceremony 
From left, Liz Samess, Destin Barkley, Michelle Sauer, and Lisa Silva 
From left, Alicia and Arthur Hrytzay, Detective Tyler Blanton, and Marie Blanton enjoy drinks before the event 
Melody Dodamead, Lorenia Diaz, Arlene Haessler, Trish Hintze, Eric Anderson, and Lynny Del Gaizo 
The stage is set and waiting for guests to arrive 
The 79th Street Band entertains before the awards ceremony 
Leandra Hutchinson, left, and Kelly Vaughn 
Stanley Switlik’s vice principal Sarah Adams, left, and principal Christine Paul were on hand to celebrate the occasion. 
Monroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron with Sheriff Rick Ramsay and Key West’s Gary Centonze. 
“Chef Flavor” Stanton and his wife Simone prior to the event. Chef Flavor was nominated as “Best Sports Coach,” which ultimately went to Mac Childress. 
Kate Chapman, Leslie Christensen and Allison Sayer discuss important city matters. 
Guests included, from left: Andy Niedenthal, Kim Gregory, Jessie Vandervoort, Ryan Schraffenberger and Lindsey & Mike Leonard and Karen Thurman. 
Keys Weekly publisher Jason Koler continues the evening’s celebration after the sun sets. 
Keys Weekly’s Alex Rickert, left, and Patti Childress serve as the welcoming committee and help usher guests to their tables. 
Moose Vandervoort of the 79th Street Band entertains the crowd during the cocktail hour.
