The category list for the Best of Marathon awards is an ever-evolving work in progress, one that we revisit every year in order to come up with the most well-rounded representation of our businesses and community — and ensure plenty of friendly competition. The 2024 awards saw eight new and revamped categories, starting off with La Niña Restaurant’s win in the Best Cuban Sandwich category. With several new places popping up over the past few years, we also added a Best Dessert Spot category – and a perennial favorite in Sweet Savannah’s took home the win.
In our expanded Best Health and Wellness Service category, designed to include all services outside of a primary care provider, Keys Strength trainer Cara O’Neill claimed her prize. And even with added competition, Solé Watersports came out on top in the Best Water Sports/Best Leisure Cruise category.
We had plenty of requests to recognize the people who keep our cars, boats and pools in tip top shape, so we honored Tyrone’s Mobile Car Wash as the Best Car Wash, Cool Runnings Marine Spa as the Best Marine Detailing and Spotless Pool Cleaning as the Best Pool Service – props to Spotless for being the only award winner to show up with a gold-plated prop at the ceremony.
Finally, Catherine Dunn is the definitive Best Hugger in Marathon.
Have a new category idea for 2025? Email alex@keysweekly.com before you forget!
Best Dessert Spot – Sweet Savannah’s
Best Health and Wellness Service – Cara O’Neill
Best Water Sports/Best Leisure Cruise – Solé Watersports
Best Marine Detailing – Cool Runnings Marine Spa
Best Car Wash/Detailing – Tyrone’s Mobile Car Wash
Best Pool Service – Spotless Pool Cleaning
Best Hugs – Catherine Dunn
(Not Pictured) Best Cuban Sandwich – La Niña Restaurant
Photos by ROSS SMITH/IslandExposureCo