2022 BEST OF MARATHON RETURNS IN RECORD-SETTING FASHION

By
The Weekly Staff
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Blue Magic Charters’ contingent of Ronnie Ashley, left, Stacy Caba, Alex Bell, Quinlyn Haddon, Sandra Prendiville and Steve Steenstra would soon take home a “Best Fishing Guide” win.

A last-minute venue change necessitated by weather couldn’t derail one of Marathon’s finest events as the Best of Marathon awards transformed the generously donated Million Air hangar. The 2022 event was our biggest yet, with nearly 300 local business leaders and dignitaries on hand to pay tribute to more standout individuals, organizations and businesses than ever before. As always, proceeds raised directly benefited the deserving Marathon Rotary Club as it continues its charitable work and support of Marathon’s students. Congratulations to all our winners and nominees on a phenomenal evening of well-earned praise and friendly competition.

It wouldn’t be the Best of Marathon without shenanigans from Mike Puto, left, and Keys Weekly’s fearless leader Jason Koler.
Tony Piscetello, not pictured, makes it rain on Best Local Celebrity Cheddar. Both were exempt from cleanup duty – sorry, Mike Puto. (inset with 0370: Mike Puto)
Centerpieces courtesy of Flowers by J&J provide beautiful table decorations.
The 79th Street Band’s Dave Dipre, left, and Chad Neller pre-game their ‘Best Band’ win.
Shady Palm’s photographic wizard Barry Gaukel, right, gets in a test shot with Henry Menendez.
Jo Anne Cook, left, and Mike Puto.
Volunteer bartenders like Erika Goodman, left, John Bartus, Erin Arnett and Kiki McIntyre had the all-important task of the night: keep the drinks flowing.
Michael and Jo-Anne Cunningham pose with the new Pigeon Key Express.
Food generously donated by Brutus Seafood, Coca Cola, Dockside Boot Key Harbor, Driftwood Pizza, Pasta & Subs, Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House, Irie Island Eats, Marathon Liquors and Deli, Sparky’s Landing, S.S. Wreck and Sweet Savannah’s kept attendees well-fed.
Food generously donated by Brutus Seafood, Coca Cola, Dockside Boot Key Harbor, Driftwood Pizza, Pasta & Subs, Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House, Irie Island Eats, Marathon Liquors and Deli, Sparky’s Landing, S.S. Wreck and Sweet Savannah’s kept attendees well-fed.
Food generously donated by Brutus Seafood, Coca Cola, Dockside Boot Key Harbor, Driftwood Pizza, Pasta & Subs, Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House, Irie Island Eats, Marathon Liquors and Deli, Sparky’s Landing, S.S. Wreck and Sweet Savannah’s kept attendees well-fed.
Food generously donated by Brutus Seafood, Coca Cola, Dockside Boot Key Harbor, Driftwood Pizza, Pasta & Subs, Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House, Irie Island Eats, Marathon Liquors and Deli, Sparky’s Landing, S.S. Wreck and Sweet Savannah’s kept attendees well-fed.
Chris Campbell jams with Abstract Radio to provide the evening’s musical backdrop.
Even with a change in the 11th hour, by 7 p.m. the Million Air hangar was primed and ready to welcome nearly 300 guests for the Best of Marathon. SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/Contributed
Key Colony Beach was well-represented by commissioner Beth Ramsay-Vickrey, left, city administrator David Turner and Monroe County Director of Strategic Planning & Libraries Kimberly Matthews.

Photos by Sandra Lee Photography and Barry Gaukel. See more event photos at keysweekly.com, shadypalmphotography.com and sandraleephotographystudio.com.

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