For some, walking to the podium at the Best of Marathon Awards is an annual ritual. But there’s nothing that can replace the first time you hear your name called to thunderous applause – and quite frankly, for us as hosts, it’s one of the best parts of our night.
The 2026 ceremony at Hawks Cay had a whopping 19 first-time award winners, meaning about a quarter of our categories saw new honorees earning the spotlight. Congratulations to all.
Not pictured: Island Pilates wins Best Health & Wellness Service.
Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
Twin brothers David and Chris Campbell earn their first Best Band win with their homegrown group Abstract Radio. 
Robyn Still earns her first-ever Best Elected Official award – accompanied by ‘First Dude’ Chris Still. The couple’s business, the Tackle Box, also earned the Best Bait & Tackle Shop and Best Customer Service awards. 
The Rhum House gang earns their first Best Fine Dining win. 
Looking for the best place to take a date? Head on over to Marathon Community Theatre. 
JC Mora is the 2026 Best Volunteer in Marathon. 
The Island Fish Co. wins the first-ever Best Family-Friendly Restaurant award. 
Sisters Sara, left, and Natalie Strama earn Best Leisure Cruise with their company Island Girls Excursions. 
Golden Road earns the 2026 Best New Business award. 
Georgie’s Coffee Shop brings the Best Cup of Coffee to Grassy Key. 
Fred the Tree is your Best Local Celebrity – nestled on the Old Seven Mile Bridge (Best Sunset). 
Fish Tales Market & Eatery cleans house, earning Best Fish Sandwich, Best Lunch, Best Seafood and Best Family-Owned Business. 
Gregory Kiefer earns Best Medical Professional. 
The Cowardly Lion himself, Dale Coburn, takes Best Thespian. 
Bryk Electric Co. is your 2026 Best Specialty Contractor. 
Bayshore Clothing takes home one of the most prestigious categories as Best Business. 
He’s no stranger to the podium, but Andy Sharf’s beard has never won an award – until now.
