US1 Radio’s Ron Saunders, right, greets Coldwell Banker real estate magnate Brian Schmitt before the evening’s ceremonies.
OK … so maybe it was a bit hot.
Even still, there’s nothing like bringing more than 300 of Marathon’s business leaders, restaurateurs, volunteers and dignitaries together for an evening of pure celebration. We recognized the restaurants whose dishes draw tourists from all over the country, and keep locals coming back for more week after week. We honored the businesses whose standards set the town’s benchmarks for performance and customer service. We spotlighted the individuals whose contributions have made Marathon a better place to live and visit for everyone. And most importantly, we did it all in partnership with the Rotary Club of Marathon to support scholarships and humanitarian aid all year-round.
Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers and guests for making the 2023 Best of Marathon Awards an unforgettable night. We had a blast, and the best part was sharing it with our community.
Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly. See more event photos at keysweekly.com
Keys Weekly’s Marathon editor Alex Rickert, left, pairs with 30-year professional vocalist Jaimie Roberts for an original parody, ‘Marathon State of Mind.’More than 300 guests filled Million Air’s hangar to pack the house for the 2023 Best of Marathon.Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co. took home its fifth win as Marathon’s Best Real Estate Office. Pictured, from left: Nicole Nored, Jessica Borraccino, Teri Hiller, Bruce Schmitt, Sam Williams, Kelly Williams, Josh Mothner, Wendy Sweeney.For the fourth time, Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House ended the night as Marathon’s Best Overall Restaurant. Pictured, from left: Brennan Bye, Cara O’Neill, Maria Ely, Bianca Ceja, XXX. Keys All Area Roofing’s Dion Watson, right, and Deb Shirley, center, celebrate their Best General Contractor win with Tom Gill.Best Local Celebrity and lionfish killer extraordinaire Rachel Bowman, left, takes a photo op with Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach. The Turtle Hospital was named 2023’s Best Tourist Attraction.Fresh off a Best Bar win, the Overseas Pub and Grill crew didn’t have to leave the stage as Cheddar earned his sixth nod for Marathon’s Best Bartender.Fresh off a Best Bar win, the Overseas Pub and Grill crew didn’t have to leave the stage as Cheddar earned his sixth nod for Marathon’s Best Bartender.Fresh off a Best Bar win, the Overseas Pub and Grill crew didn’t have to leave the stage as Cheddar earned his sixth nod for Marathon’s Best Bartender.Thanks to the generosity of Million Air for the second straight year, the 2023 Best of Marathon Awards were shielded from any inclement weather with a sunset backdrop.The ladies of Coldwell Banker. From left: Wendy Sweeney, Teri Hiller, Jessica Borraccino, Nicole Nored, Rein Krumenacker.Give MCSO station commander Donny Barrios a foam finger, and watch what happens.Donations from more than a dozen local restaurants kept attendees well-fed.US1 Radio’s Ron Saunders, right, greets Coldwell Banker real estate magnate Brian Schmitt before the evening’s ceremonies. Known for his ability to bust resource violators throughout Monroe County, marine deputy Willie Guerra earned the Robin Tanner Public Service Award … and a custom trident for future patrols.Fresh off his (alleged) involvement in the Keys’ lionfish invasion, John Mirabella’s Castaway Restaurant & Sushi Bar took home wins for Best Sushi and Best Bloody Mary.Judge James Morgan was one of very few public officials to escape ridicule on the night. But as we said … he’s a judge and a Marine. We’re not that stupid.Monroe County Mayor Craig Cates, left, and Commissioner Michelle Lincoln, right, present Weekly publishers Britt Myers, second from left, and Jason Koler with surprise Honorary Conch declarations.Marathon Mayor Luis Gonzalez, left, opens the evening with the Pledge of Allegiance, charging Mike Puto with flag duty.Marathon Fire Inspector Mike Card slings drinks with the finest apron in town.US1 Radio’s Ron Saunders, right, greets Coldwell Banker real estate magnate Brian Schmitt before the evening’s ceremonies.Centennial Bank’s Jessica Bowles, Janny Oliva and Precious Holmes.
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