After two weeks of online polling, the field of finalists is set for the third annual Best of Upper Keys. Voting officially begins at noon on Thursday, Oct. 3.
Nominations officially opened to the community on Sept. 5. With nominations closing Sept. 22, the top three — and in some instances four due to ties or close tallies — now seek to grab bragging rights and a beautiful plaque.
Residents from the Keys and people throughout the world nominated their favorites in the food and drink, community and business divisions. Now, they’ll decide who wins in each of the 85 categories. The winners will be announced Nov. 1 at Playa Largo Resort in Key Largo.
Around 51,638 nominations were cast during the 2024 Best of Upper Keys — up from 25,000 the previous year.
“Landing on the ballot is a big deal,” said Keys Weekly publisher Jason Koler. “To be nominated as one of the best in your industry by your community is an accomplishment of its own.”
Finalist voting ends Sunday, Oct. 20 at 11:59 p.m. During this stage, voters can submit one ballot per day. People must place votes for 75% of the categories to cast a valid ballot.
“A majority of the votes came from the Florida Keys, including more than a quarter from Key Largo,” Koler said. “We’re excited to have a global audience voicing their say on the contest, as this shows how our community is appreciated and celebrated around the world.”
Visit keysweekly.com/buk24 or check out the back page of this paper to view the finalists and submit your votes for the best in town. Updates and reminders will be provided at keysweekly.com, in our daily e-blast, Upper Keys Weekly print editions and social media.
In the last two years, more than $45,000 raised from the Best of Upper Keys supported the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter. With extensive programs to help and counsel children and families in a time of need, the shelter will again be the beneficiary of the Best of Upper Keys.
Tickets to attend the Best of Upper Keys awards ceremony aren’t generally made available to the public due to demand. Winners, nominees and dignitaries are invited to attend and additional attendees are selected from a first-come, first-served waiting list. Email Jill@keysweekly.com to be placed on the list.
Event sponsors include Baptist Health Mariners Hospital, Going Aire, Dr. Michelle, audiologist, HNO Productions, First Horizon Bank, Playa Largo Resort and Hotwire Communications.
