THESE BEST OF UPPER KEYS FINALISTS HELD THE CROWN FOR A SECOND YEAR

By
Jim McCarthy
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Best General Contractor went to CBT Construction, Best Local Celebrity was Reef the fox, and Best Tourist Attraction was awarded to Islamorada’s Theater of the Sea. Pictured from left are Joe Babino, of CBT Construction; Nicole Navarro, Pawsitive Beginnings Inc. founder; and Lindsay Babino, of Theater of the Sea.

What’s better than one Best of Upper Keys plaque hanging on the wall? Well, two. Thirty-five finalists in this year’s Best of Upper Keys successfully defended their crown after coming away winners in their respective categories in last year’s inaugural event. Prized plaques were up for grabs in the food and drink, business and community divisions. Winners can be found here.

Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

  • Bud N’ Marys – Best Marina
  • Mike and Jill Atwell, of C&C Wood Fire Eats – Best Happy Hour
  • Mike and Jill Atwell, of C&C Wood Fire Eats – Best Pizza
  • Pierre-Marc and Alex Bellion, of Tavernier’s Cafe Moka – Best Coffee
  • Capt. Craig’s and Craig Belcher – Best Fish Sandwich
  • Caribbean Club – Best Sunset
  • CBT Construction – Best General Contractor
  • Best General Contractor went to CBT Construction, Best Local Celebrity was Reef the fox, and Best Tourist Attraction was awarded to Islamorada’s Theater of the Sea. Pictured from left are Joe Babino, of CBT Construction; Nicole Navarro, Pawsitive Beginnings Inc. founder; and Lindsay Babino, of Theater of the Sea.
  • DePaula’s Jewelers – Best Jewelry Store
  • Key Largo’s Doc’s Diner – Best Breakfast
  • Florida Keys Brewing Co. – Best Live Music Venue
  • Gigantical Nautical Flea Market – Best Event
  • Rob Stober, of Hershoff Lupino & Yagel – Best Law Firm
  • Hog Heaven – Best Late Night Spot
  • Holly Merrill Raschein – Best Elected Official
  • Island Hammock Pet Hospital – Best Veterinary Clinic
  • Lazy Days Restaurant – Best Waterfront Dining
  • MarrVelous Pet Rescues – Best Nonprofit
  • Key Largo’s Mrs. Mac’s – Best Key Lime Pie
  • Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty – Best Real Estate Office
  • Plantation Key Colony – Best Neighborhood
  • Price Automotive – Best Auto Service
  • Nicole Navarro, of Pawsitive Beginnings Inc, with pillow Reef. Reef won Best Celebrity
  • Islamorada Mayor Buddy Pinder holds the Best Bloody Mary plaque, which went to Robbie’s in Islamorada.
  • Silvestri Team – Best Realtor/Team
  • Square Grouper Islamorada – Best Lunch
  • Square Grouper Islamorada – Best Overall Restaurant
  • Theater of the Sea – Best Tourist Attraction
  • Key Largo School’s Tiffany Zepeda – Best Educator
  • Tolley & Hill CPA – Best Accounting Firm

Jim McCarthy
https://twitter.com/keysweekly?lang=en
Jim McCarthy is one of the many Western New Yorkers who escaped the snow and frigid temperatures for warm living by the water. A former crime & court reporter and city editor for two Western New York newspapers, Jim has been honing his craft since he graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 2014. In his 4-plus years in the Keys, Jim has enjoyed connecting with the community. “One of my college professors would always preach to be curious,” he said. “Behind every person is a story that’s unique to them, and one worth telling. As writers, we are the ones who paint the pictures in the readers minds of the emotions, the struggles and the triumphs.” Jim is past president of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, which is composed of energetic members who serve the community’s youth and older populations. Jim is a sports fanatic who loves to watch football, hockey, mixed martial arts and golf. He also enjoys time with family and his new baby boy, Lucas, who arrived Oct. 4, 2022.
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