As this paper hits driveways across Marathon, nominations are officially open for the 2024 Best of Marathon Awards.
For the 15th time, the team at the Keys Weekly Newspapers is thrilled to honor the standout businesses, individuals and places that make Marathon the treasured heart of the Keys. And to do it right, we made sure to take a close look at the ballot, taking your suggestions into account to add multiple new categories for our awards show on September 21.
In our Food and Drink awards, we’ll pay tribute to the amazing Cuban food in Marathon by adding a Best Cuban Sandwich category. And since we have so many excellent restaurants, it’s only right that we give a nod to the best place to satisfy your sweet tooth after a savory meal – enter the Best Dessert Spot category.
Our Best Alternative Health Care Provider category, new in 2023, has been re-named in 2024 to Best Health and Wellness Service. This category is to spotlight services outside of a traditional primary care provider – it could be your favorite chiropractor, acupuncturist, physical therapist and much more.
Since we had considerable overlap in our nominees and votes, the Best Water Sports and Best Leisure Cruise categories will now compete for one Best Water Sports/Best Leisure Cruise award.
We’ve had several requests to include cleaners and detailers in the Best of Marathon, so we took the plunge this year, adding Best Marine Detailing, Best Car Wash/Detailing and Best Pool Service to our categories.
And finally, just for fun, we added Best Hugs. Let’s admit it: We all know someone in town who gives amazing hugs. Let’s crown an official Best Hugger in Marathon.
To nominate your favorites, visit keysweekly.com from Thursday, Aug. 1 at noon until Aug. 18 at midnight. Voters can vote once per day for all categories, and must fill out 75% of each ballot to cast a valid submission. So visit often, or daily, throughout the nomination process to propose your favorite finalists. The top three vote-getters will become finalists for the Best of Marathon, plain and simple.
