Best Garden: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota (Sarasota County) lives up to its motto "where fun is in full bloom." This not-for-profit institution specializes in the research, conservation, education and display of more than 20,000 plants. Visitors can stroll through a variety of attractions, including an orchid display house and an encounter with poison dart frogs, or take a look at Southern Colonial architecture and an exhibition of botanical art and photography in the Christy Payne Mansion. Honorable Mention: Historic Bok Sanctuary (Lake Wales), Harry P. Leu Gardens (Orlando)

Best Beach: Siesta Public Beach (Sarasota County) consists of miles of white sand, made almost entirely of quartz, which keeps the beach cool and soft on the feet. The beach is perfect for relaxing or participating in events such as beach volleyball and sand sculpture competitions. Honorable Mention: Clearwater Beach, New Smyrna Beach

Best Resort Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota (Sarasota County) is a sophisticated blend of Gulf Coast style and cosmopolitan excitement, offering spa treatments, dining, golfing and more. Honorable Mention: Gaylord Palms (Orlando), Don CeSar Beach Resort (St. Petersburg)

Best Golf Course: Ritz-Carlton Sarasota (Sarasota County) features an 18-hole championship course located on 315 acres of tropical landscape with no real estate development. Registered guests can enjoy a lesson with a PGA professional on the course, which is also a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Honorable Mention: Key West Golf Club, Falcon's Fire Golf Club (Kissimmee)

Best Spa:Canyon Ranch Spa Club at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee (Osceola County) offers a variety of services, including wild lime scalp massages, a grape seed body wrap, an aromatherapy facial and nutritional tips. Honorable Mention: Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa (Key West)

Best Golf Resort: At the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate (Polk County), guests of the Four-Diamond resort can enjoy 36 holes of championship golf, the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, and 15 acres of recreation. Honorable Mention: Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, Innisbrook Resort & Gulf Club (Palm Harbor), Mission Inn Resort & Club (Howey-in-the-Hills)

Best Main Street: Duval Street (Monroe County) in Key West is nicknamed "the longest street in the world" because it stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. This mile-long stretch includes hotels, unique local restaurants, bars, shops and Fantasy Fest, an annual all-night parade and party. Honorable Mention: Winter Park's Park Avenue, High Springs' Main Street

Best Bed & Breakfast Inn:The Grady House (Alachua County) is run by Paul and Lucie Regensdorf and their four Dalmatians, aka "The Grady Bunch." Mouth-watering recipes and beautiful gardens make this historic B&B a main draw to the community of High Springs. Honorable Mention: Historic Parker House Bed & Breakfast (Arcadia), Sweetwater Branch Inn (Gainesville)

Best Comedy Venue: The Improv is a chain of comedy clubs featuring some of the biggest names in stand-up. Locations include Hollywood (Broward County), Miami (Miami-Dade County), Palm Beach (Palm Beach County) and Ybor City in Tampa (Hillsborough County). Honorable Mention: Sak Comedy Lab (Orlando), McCurdy's Comedy Theatre (Sarasota)

Friendliest Small Town: This year it's a toss-up between Islamorada (Monroe County) and High Springs (Alachua County). With a fascinating history full of shipwrecks and sunken treasures, and a title like "Sportsfishing Capital of the World," it's no wonder visitors find Islamorada such an interesting place to explore. High Springs proves that small towns have a lot to offer, whether it's the annual Pioneer Days Festival, the Citywide Yard Sale or a stroll down historic Main Street. Honorable Mention: Arcadia, Mount Dora

Best Place to Bring Fido: Dog Beach (at Lover's Key) in Bonita Springs (Lee County) offers free parking at one of the few Southwest Florida beaches where dogs are allowed to roam the sands. It is an officially sanctioned off-leash park maintained by local volunteers called SOODA (Save Our Off-leash Dog Area). Honorable Mention: Paw Park of Historic Sanford, Happy Tails Dog Park (Bradenton), Dog Day Afternoon (Orlando)

Best Renovated Building: T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum (Escambia County) in Pensacola was originally built in the early 1900s as City Hall. The Spanish Revival-style building now serves as a museum housing a treasure trove of artifacts displaying West Florida's rich heritage. It is named after local historian and collector T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Honorable Mention: Ca D'Zan (Sarasota), Great Outdoors Restaurant (High Springs)

Best Historical Landmark: The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine (St. Johns County) is the only masonry and only existing 17th century fort in North America. Construction began in 1672 by the Spanish to protect and defend La Florida. Regular reenactments relive the significant events at the Castillo, spanning its 330-year history.

Best Antique Shopping: Mount Dora (Lake County) offers a plethora of antique shops and boutiques for visitors to explore year-round, as well as an annual Village Antique Fair. Honorable Mention: High Springs, Micanopy, Arcadia

Best-Looking Lighthouse: St. Augustine Lighthouse (St. Johns County). Honorable Mention: Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.

Best Place to Buy a Florida Lottery Ticket: Publix grocery stores (based in Lakeland, Polk County) are open at 679 locations in Florida. Honorable Mention: 7-11

Best Place to Spot Celebrities: South Beach (Miami-Dade County) draws tourists from far and wide, making it the perfect spot for people watching. The up-scale hotels and clubs along the beach draw many wealthy young stars to SoBe. Honorable Mention: Potter's Wax Museum (St. Augustine), Duval Street (Key West)

Best Theme Park: Magic Kingdom (Orange County) at Walt Disney World Resort makes dreams come true for kids of all ages, with attractions like Space Mountain in Tomorrowland, Peter Pan's Flight in Fantasyland, and Country Bear Jamboree in Frontierland. Honorable Mention:Busch Gardens (Tampa), Epcot (Walt Disney World Resort)

Best Florida Entertainer: Elvis impersonator Scott Ringersen is the headlining tribute artist for "Future Cruises with the King," a cruise themed for fans of the late, great singer. Ringersen also performs two shows each Thursday night at Elwood's Dixie Barbeque Restaurant in Delray Beach (Palm Beach County).

Best Attraction: Little Everglades Steeplechase (Pasco County) is much more than an annual horse race held each March. The event also includes a Jack Russell terrier race, carriage parade, party pavilion, hat contest and children's activities, including rock wall climbing and a petting zoo. Honorable Mention: Silver Springs (Ocala), Forever Florida (Orlando)

Best Natural Attraction: Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park (Wakulla County) is home to one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, nature trails and glass-bottom boat tours. It is listed on the Natural Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Natural Landmark. Honorable Mention: Everglades National Park, Silver Springs

Best Children's Attraction: Lowry Park Zoo (Hillsborough County) in Tampa is fun and educational for the whole family. The zoo is home to more than 2,200 animals, with shows and interactive exhibits. Attractions include camel rides, a log flume ride, and an eco-tour on the Hillsborough River. Honorable Mention: Green Meadows Petting Farm (Kissimmee)

Best Arts & Crafts Festival: Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival (Alachua County) in Gainesville showcases quality artwork in the historic downtown district each April. For the past 40 years, thousands of people have come to stroll among the restored homes, azaleas and variety of live music present at the event each year. Honorable Mention: Delray Affair Arts Festival, Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival

Best Dinner Show/Theater: Pirate's Dinner Adventure (Orange County) in the International Drive area draws audience members into the action of pirate battle on a ship that is 46 feet long, which sits in a 300,000-gallon lagoon. The other six "ships" make up the auditorium, where visitors cheer on their own pirate mascot in the epic battle against the evil Captain Sebastian. More than 150 guests actually participate in the show, while others enjoy their Treasure's Chicken or Pillager's Pork. Honorable Mention: Alhambra Dinner Theater (Jacksonville), Medieval Times (Kissimmee)

Best Historical Reenactment: The Battle of Olustee (Baker County) brings hundreds of reenactors together to participate in the re-creation of this famous Civil War battle. A festival also accompanies the event, along with a Blue-Grey square dance and fun run. Honorable Mention: Brooksville Raid, Fort Clinch Reenactments (Amelia Island), Dade Battlefield (Bushnell)

Best Florida Rodeo: Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo (Desoto County) is Florida's oldest rodeo organization. There are three regularly scheduled events each year, plus many others, like the Youth Rodeo series, in between. Honorable Mention: Silver Spurs (Kissimmee), Okeechobee Cattlemen's Labor Day Rodeo

Best Aquarium: Tampa's Florida Aquarium (Hillsborough County) is home to 20,000 aquatic plants and animals featuring exhibits like "swim with the fishes" and "dive with the sharks." Honorable Mention: SeaWorld Adventure Park (Orlando), Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium (Sarasota)

Best Museum: Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House (Monroe County) was once the post office, court house and government center for Key West, but it fell into disrepair with the rest of the island during the 1930s. The restored red-brick building now holds exhibits like Ernest Hemingway's writings and WWI uniform, plus local history and art. Honorable Mention: The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (Sarasota), National Naval Aviation Museum (Pensacola)

Best Nightspot: Pleasure Island (Orange County) has been Downtown Disney's answer to adults looking for a vacation. The island, which contains clubs for dancing, comedy and music, will close forever on September 28, 2008. Honorable Mention: Seville Quarter (Pensacola), CityWalk at Universal Studios (Orlando) 

Best Sign or Billboard: Ron Jon Surf Shop put Cocoa Beach on the map as one of the most well-known surf shops in the country. There are also locations in Orlando, Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers and Panama City Beach.

Best Performing Arts Center: Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center has welcomed 10 million guests since opening 20 years ago. It boasts one of the nation's leading Broadway series and is nationally respected for producing grand opera. Honorable Mention: Philharmonic Center for the Arts (Naples), Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (Sarasota)

Best Professional Theater: Hippodrome State Theatre (Alachua County) in Gainesville serves as a playhouse and cinema for foreign and independent films. Since its humble beginnings in an old hardwood store, the Hippodrome has showcased challenging, contemporary theater. Honorable Mention: Seaside Music Theater (Daytona Beach), John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (Orlando)

Best Cinema: Enzian Theater (Orange County) of Winter Park allows guests to watch the latest in foreign and independent films from couches or tables and chairs, where servers offer food and beverages. It features many film festivals, including the Florida Film Festival. Honorable Mention: Tropic Cinema (Key West)

Best Live Music Venue: House of Blues (Orange County) in Downtown Disney hosts an eclectic mix of musicians, from local bands to major national acts. The smaller venue creates an intimate atmosphere for performances. Honorable Mention: Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (Live Oak), Ford Amphitheatre (Tampa)

Best Port: Port Canaveral (Brevard County) offers cruise lines, cargo lines and shippers, businesses and vacationers the capabilities of a first-class deepwater port with the benefits of a uncongested setting and relaxed attitude. Honorable Mention: Port of Miami, Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)

Best Art Gallery: Quayside Art Gallery (Escambia County) in Pensacola's historic district is one of the oldest and largest member-owned art galleries in the country. Honorable Mention: Wyland Art Gallery (Key West), Lake Wales Art Center

Best Florida Website: Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau's site, www.visitpensacola.com. Honorable Mention: www.myflorida.com.

Best Public University: The University of Florida (Alachua County) in Gainesville is the state's oldest, largest and most comprehensive university. It is one of only 17 public land-grant universities belonging to the Association of American Universities. Honorable Mention: University of South Florida (Tampa), University of Central Florida (Orlando)

Best Community College: This one is a tie between Santa Fe Community College (Alachua County) in Gainesville and Valencia Community College (Orange County). Santa Fe Community College, which houses a planetarium and zoo, has branches in Starke, Archer and Keystone Heights. Valencia has five locations in Orlando, one in Winter Park (Orange County) and one in Kissimmee (Osceola County). Honorable Mention: Manatee Community College (Bradenton), St. Petersburg College

Best Public Honors College: New College of Florida (Sarasota County) focuses on independent learning for the world's best and brightest. Producing more than 36 Fulbright Scholars over the last 14 years, New College ranks among the nation's Top 10 liberal arts colleges in terms of per capita Fulbright production-higher than Harvard, Stanford and Yale.

Best Private University: Stetson University (Volusia County) in DeLand attracts more than 2,260 undergraduate students from 44 states and 42 countries to study at its historic campus. Honorable Mention: Barry University (Miami Shores), University of Miami (Coral Gables)

Best Private College: Rollins College (Orange County) in Winter Park prides itself as "Florida's Most Prestigious MBA," as consistently ranked by national publications. Honorable Mention: Flagler College (St. Augustine), Florida Southern College (Lakeland)

Best Weekend Getaway: Key West (Monroe County) and St. Augustine (St. Johns County) tied this year for the best spot to visit on a quick trip. Both are full of fascinating historic sites and prominently display Florida's natural beauty. Numerous inns and hotels in both locations make them perfect for weekend escapes. Honorable Mention: Sanibel and Captiva islands

Best Airport: Preliminary rankings for 2007 show Orlando International Airport (Orange County) is the 10th-busiest airport in the nation and 20th-busiest in the world. Honorable Mention: Tampa International, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International

Best Airline: Southwest Airlines, which flies to Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers/Naples. Honorable Mention: Delta, Jet Blue

Best Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, based in Miami, sails to more than 170 destinations worldwide. Honorable Mention: Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Lines

Best Campground: Bahia Honda State Park (Monroe County) is one of Florida's southernmost state parks, known for beautiful beaches, magnificent sunsets and excellent snorkeling. Visitors can picnic on the beach, swim, or simply relax and enjoy the balmy sea breezes. Honorable Mention: Myakka River State Park (Sarasota), Manatee Springs State Park (Chiefland)

Best Nature Center: At Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Collier County) visitors can stroll along the 2.25-mile raised boardwalk through a pine upland, wet prairie, cypress forest and marsh. Field guide, children's activity books and knowledgable volunteer guides are available. Honorable Mention: Crane Point Museum, Nature Center & Historic Site (Marathon)

Best Greenway/Trail: The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail (Pinellas County) was created along an abandoned railroad corridor and stretches from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. It provides a unique, green space for walking, jogging, bicycle riding and skating.

Best State Park: Myakka River State Park (Sarasota County) is one of the oldest and largest state parks, covering 58 miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands. Visitors can hike, swim, fish or take a tour on one of the world's largest air boats. Honorable Mention: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo), Anastasia State Park (St. Augustine)

Best River/Lake for Canoeing: Spanish explorers deemed the slow-moving river Rio de la Paz, or river of peace. Peace River Canoe Trail (Desoto, Hardee and Polk counties) gives paddlers a chance to enjoy Florida's natural, serene beauty at their own pace. Honorable Mention: Wekiva & Hillsborough rivers

Best Fishing Spot: Mosquito Lagoon's (Volusia County) tidal flows, oyster bars mangroves and grass flats create optimal conditions for hooking a big one. Redfish and spotted sea trout are the most common catches when site-fishing, while snook, tarpon, grouper, tripletail, black drum and ladyfish are prevalent in the faster-flowing passes. Honorable Mention: Islamorada Hump, Pensacola Pier, Lake Tohopekaliga (Kissimmee)

Best Manatee Observation Spot: Blue Spring State Park (Volusia County) holds the largest spring on the St. Johns River and is a designated manatee refuge. The Orange City spring is the winter home to a growing population of West Indian Manatees.

Best Place to Find Shark Teeth: Venice (Sarasota County) is touted as the "shark tooth capital of the world."

Best Shelling Location: Visitors to Sanibel Island (Lee County) inevitably assume the "Sanibel stoop" position, scouring the beach for treasures. The east-west torque of Sanibel's south end acts like a shovel, scooping up seashells from the gulf.

Best Sunsets: Key West is the perfect frame for one of nature's most beautiful moments. Those looking for entertainment can attend Mallory Square's nightly Sunset Celebration.

Best Place to Watch Alligators: Everglades National Park (Miami-Dade County) is the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. Sightseers can take a foot, tram or boat tour in hopes of glimpsing a gator. Honorable Mention: Lake Jesup (Seminole County), Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (Micanopy)

Best Place to Watch Birds: Bird enthusiasts cannot decide between J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Lee County) and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (Alachua County). Ding Darling Refuge provides important habitat for more than 220 species of birds. Paynes Park was Florida’s first state preserve in 1971 and is a National Natural Landmark.

Best Cultural Festival: Calle Ocho (Miami-Dade County), Miami’s version of Carnaval, celebrated its 30th anniversary this March. The annual festival spans 23 blocks in Little Havana, with hundreds of stands offering international cuisine and free samples of local products. Honorable Mention: Cedar Key Seafood Festival, Florida International Festival (Daytona Beach

Best Florida Band: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s formed from Florida boys in Jacksonville, where a high school gym teacher supposedly provided inspiration for the band’s name.

Best Performing Artist Group:Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando (Orange County), a unique theatrical production complete with GRAMMY-nominated live music, outrageous performances, and colorful paint, is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Honorable Mention: Toxic Audio (Off-Broadway show)

Best Mini Golf: A visit to Smuggler’s Cove means a round of golf amid rushing waters, mysterious caves and mountainous terrain where the brave can feed live alligators. Locations are open in Bradenton (Manatee County), Fort Myers (Lee County), Indian Shores (Pinellas County), Madeira Beach (Pinellas County) and Sarasota (Sarasota County). Honorable Mention: Congo River, Pirate’s Cove

Best Citrus Attraction: Bradenton’s Mixon Fruit Farms (Manatee County) offers tours and samples, even when oranges and grapefruit are out of season. Visitors can ride the Orange Blossom Express Tram through the groves and a wildlife rescue, then end with a cup of famous orange swirl ice cream. Honorable Mention: Harvey’s Groves (Rockledge)

Best Civil Servant: Charlie Crist, serving as Florida’s 44th governor, has vowed to work as “The People’s Governor” and has served in Florida government for more than a decade.

Best Florida Book: A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith is a work of historical fiction, depicting the hard road Florida’s first settlers faced to survive and thrive. Smith has received numerous honors for his work, including multiple nominations for a Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize for Literature. For more information, visit patricksmithonline.com.

Best Newspaper Columnist: Miami citizen Dave Barry wrote a syndicated humor column for 25 years, as well as 30 books—two of which inspired a CBS sitcom. His quick wit and unusual outlook on everyday situations made his column a favorite with readers nation-wide.

Best Florida Artist: The Highwaymen artists, a collection of African American artists from Fort Pierce (Saint Lucie County), painted vivid landscapes and Florida scenes. They painted from the 1950s to the 1970s, and their works were sold commercially in galleries but mostly from the trunks of cars to passing motorists. Their paintings often showed the vivid colors of the royal Poinciana tree and colorful skies with the Indian River in the background.

Best Florida Newspaper: Although it started as a country weekly publication, the St. Petersburg Times (Pinellas County) has become a well-known and respected publication nationally. The paper has earned many accolades from some of the country’s best writers, including multiple Pulitzer Prize awards.

Best Weekly/Biweekly Paper: Marathon’s Florida Keys Keynoter (Monroe County) began in 1953 and has continued to earn praise and Florida Press Association accolades. Honorable Mention: The Apopka Chief

Best Hospital: Florida Hospital has hospitals in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Celebration, East Orlando, Kissimmee, Winter Park, Sebring, Lake Placid, Wauchula, Tavares, DeLand, Orange City, Palm Coast, Ormond Beach and Zephyrhills, plus 15 Centra Care Walk-in clinics.

Best Cosmetic Surgery Center: One of the most advanced cosmetic surgical facilities of its kind, the Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center (Sarasota County) is one of the best-of-technology facilities dedicated to plastic surgery in the region. Honorable Mention: Institute of Aesthetic Surgery (Altamonte Springs)

Best Cardiology Center: Shands Cardiovascular Center uses the most sophisticated equipment available and offers state-of-the-art diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative cardiac services. Many leading-edge interventional therapies are offered in Northeast Florida only at the Shands Jacksonville Cardiovascular Center.

Best HMO/PPO: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. is focused on advancing the well-being of Floridians through education, health and community development programs, such as BlueCommunity Champions.

Best Cancer Center: H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute (Hillsborough County) is a not-for-profit institution. It includes private patient rooms, the Southeast’s largest blood and marrow transplant program, outpatient treatment programs, the Moffitt Research Center, The Moffitt Clinic at Tampa General Hospital, and the Lifetime Cancer Screening & Prevention Center.

Best Pharmacy: CVS is a nationwide chain of pharmacies, with 672 Florida stores.

Best Professional Baseball Team: After years of struggling for recognition in the baseball world, the Tampa Bay Rays have become true contenders. Early in the 2008 season, their record put them in first place in the American League.

Best College Football Team: University of Florida Gators in Gainesville (Alachua County) are a dominating force in college football and have won two NCAA championships. Honorable Mention: Florida State University, University of South Florida

Best College Basketball Team: The University of Florida Gators men’s team has a lot to brag about, including winning the national championship in 2006 and 2007. As for the women’s team, former player DeLisha Milton-Jones was on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team. Honorable Mention: University of Miami, Florida State University

Best College Baseball Team: University of Florida Gators have made several appearances at the College World Series. Former first baseman Matt LaPorta was on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team. Brad Wilkerson, another alumnus, earned a gold medal in Sydney. Honorable Mention: Florida State University, University of Miami

Best Pro Basketball Team: Since the DeVos family purchased the Orlando Magic in September 1991, the franchise has made 10 trips to the playoffs, won two Atlantic Division Championships (1995, 1996), won a Southeast Division Championship (2008) and captured one Eastern Conference title (1995). 

Best Professional Football Team: In 2003, after 28 seasons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Hillsborough County) won Super Bowl XXXVII. 

Best Annual Sporting Event: The 51st annual Daytona 500 (Volusia County) races at Daytona International Speedway. The event is one of NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious races. Honorable Mention: University of Florida vs. University of Georgia football game in Jacksonville

Best High School Athletic Program: St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Broward County) in Fort Lauderdale is a private, co-ed Catholic school. Its athletic program has won many awards, including Broward County All-Sports Trophy (for almost 30 consecutive years), Florida Athletic Coaches All-Sports Trophy, Florida High School Activities Association All-Sports Trophy and the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel All-Sports Award. Honorable Mention: Chiefland High School (Levy County), Riverview High School (Sarasota)

Best Motorsport Event: Daytona 500. Honorable Mention: NHRA Gatornationals (Gainesville), 12 Hours of Sebring

Best New Restaurant: The Great Outdoors Restaurant (Alachua County) of High Springs is located in a restored opera house, built in 1895. The second floor is used for event space, and the lower level holds the restaurant and Springhouse Tavern, a distinctive bar full of local micro-brews. Honorable Mention: Sora (Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee)

Best Place for Brunch: Headquartered in Bradenton, First Watch (statewide) is the largest daytime-only restaurant company in the country. Food is made fresh daily, with special menu items that vary by region, such as the Key West Crepe.
Honorable Mention: Villa de Flora (Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee), Hyatt Key West Resort

Best Restaurant: At the Old Hickory Steakhouse (Osceola County) in the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, visitors can enjoy retro cocktails and the highest-quality Premium Black Angus aged cuts. At the Island Room at Cedar Cove (Cedar Key, Levy County), renowned chef Peter Stefani creates remarkable cuisine using the freshest local ingredients. Honorable Mention: Jackson’s Restaurant (Pensacola), Vernona at Ritz Carlton Sarasota.

Best Seafood Restaurant: Since 1947, A & B Lobster House (Monroe County) has served up a unique combination of elegant atmosphere, attentive service and inspired cuisine in Key West. Honorable Mention: Joe’s Stone Crab (Miami), The Fish House (Key Largo)

Best Hometown Diner/Café: Floyd’s Diner (Alachua County) is decorated in 1950s style with bright-red booths and stools, a checkerboard floor, and a jukebox. This High Springs eatery offers friendly service and affordable meals. Honorable Mention: Hob Nob Drive In (Sarasota), Brenda Lee’s Downtown Deli (Arcadia)

Best Coffee Shop: Starbucks (statewide) Honorable Mention: DaSilva’s Coffee & Roastery (Lithia and Riverview, soon in Tampa)

Best Place to Have a Picnic: At Bahia Honda State Park (Monroe County) on Big Pine Key, visitors can pack their own lunch or visit the snack stand, where pizza, deli sandwiches, salads and more are available. Honorable Mention: Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (Gainesville), Fort De Soto Park (Tierra Verde)

Best Outdoor Café: Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café (Seminole County) in historic downtown Sanford offers traditional American and German cuisine, more than 50 German beers and, occasionally, live accordion music. Honorable Mention: Dharma Blue (Pensacola)

Best Restaurant with a View: Rusty Pelican, with locations at Key Biscayne (Miami-Dade County) and Tampa (Hillsborough County), serves fresh, tasty seafood in a casual-elegant atmosphere among breathtaking oceanfront views. Honorable Mention: Conch House (St. Augustine)

Best Microbrewery: River City Brewing Company (Duval County) offers elegant dining surroundings, with a view of the St. Johns River and the Jacksonville skyline from the main dining room. Diners can observe the beer-making process in the Brewhouse Lounge.

Best Steakhouse: This one is split between the Old Hickory Steakhouse and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Ruth’s Chris has 15 locations in Florida and is the world’s largest fine dining company.

Best Barbecue: Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q was founded in Gainesville in 1968 and has grown to more than 150 locations in the Southeast. Honorable Mention: Bubbalou’s Bodacious BBQ (Orlando, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs)

Best Wine Store: The original ABC Fine Wine & Spirits opened in Orlando in 1936. It is now the largest privately owned fine wine and spirits merchant, with locations statewide. Honorable Mention: Cork & Olive (Tampa, Lake Mary, Lakeland, Ocoee, Palm Harbor, Sarasota, Trinity, Valrico, Winter Garden)

Best Pub: McGuire’s Irish Pub serves up good food and fun in a lively atmosphere in its the Pensacola and Destin locations. Since it opened in 1977, the tradition of sticking dollar bills to the walls has left more than $500,000 on the ceiling. Honorable Mention: Meg O’Malley’s Irish Pub & Restaurant (Melbourne)

Best Hamburger: Five Guys Burgers & Fries has 41 Florida locations, offering made-to-order, fresh ground beef burgers and lots of fries cooked in pure, no-cholesterol peanut oil. Honorable Mention: Johnny’s Fillin’ Station (Orlando), Johnny Rockets (24 locations in Florida)

Best Sub/Sandwich Shop: Subway. Honorable Mention: Firehouse Subs (based in Jacksonville, available statewide), Publix (statewide)

Best Key Lime Pie: Blond Giraffe (Monroe and Miami-Dade counties) started on Duval Street in 1999. Business grew rapidly after the Brazilian owners won the Key West Key Lime Pie Contest. Seven locations are now open throughout Key West, Marathon and South Miami, where customers can sip cappuccino and watch fresh pie being made. Honorable Mention: Sunset Sam’s Fish Camp (Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee)

Best Conch Fritters: Alabama Jacks (Monroe County) in Key Largo floats on two roadside barges in an old fishing community. The restaurant has been family owned and operated since 1947. Honorable Mention: Conch House (St. Augustine), Conch Republic Seafood Company (Key West)

Best Gator Tail: Sanford’s Gators Riverside Grille (Seminole County) is a family restaurant and bar located on the St. Johns River with indoor and outdoor seating available. Honorable Mention: J.B.’s Fish Camp (New Smyrna Beach)

Best Margarita: Margaritaville, one of singer Jimmy Buffett’s many claims to fame, is a casual island-style restaurant chain open in Orlando (Orange County), Key West (Monroe County) and Panama City (Bay County). Honorable Mention: Sloppy Joe’s (Key West), Bahama Breeze (seven Florida locations)

Best Place for a Hot Dog: The Hob Nob Drive In (Sarasota County) is an original 1950s outdoor diner serving hamburgers, hotdogs, handmade milkshakes and daily specials. The Sarasota establishment is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Honorable Mention: Hot Dog Heaven (Orlando)

Best Grocery Store: Publix. Honorable Mention: Whole Foods

Best Roller Coaster: The Incredible Hulk (Orange County) at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure launches riders 150 feet into the air and reaches top speeds of 67 miles per hour. The ride is located in Super Hero Island, dedicated to Marvel comic book characters in constant battles of good versus evil. Honorable Mention: Sheikra (Busch Gardens), Kraken (SeaWorld)

Best Mall: Mall at Millennia (Orange County) in Orlando uses breathtaking architecture to create a distinct environment that exceeds all expectations. The latest runway fashions are broadcast on LED screens atop 35-foot-high masts. Valet parking, multi-lingual guest services personnel, currency exchange and global shipping are offered to enhance the shopping experience. Honorable Mention: International Plaza (Tampa), Dadeland Mall (Miami)

Best Department Store: Macy’s

Best Home Store: Home Depot is the fastest growing retailer in U.S. history, with many locations throughout Florida.

Best Interior Design Center: D'Asign Source in Marathon (Monroe County) evolved from an ornamental cement product company five decades ago and is now a nationally award-winning architectural, interior and landscape design firm and one of the largest employers in the Florida Keys.

Best Boutique: Studio B (Escambia County) a Pensacola boutique, features an eclectic mix of dresses, skirts, tops and bags from national and international labels, plus custom clothing by designer-owner Jeni Bailey. Honorable Mention: Willow Boutique (St. Augustine)

Best Music Store: Best Buy

Best Toy Store: Toys “R” Us

Best Book Store: Barnes & Noble. Honorable Mention: Haslam’s (St. Petersburg)

Best Dive Shop: Silent World Dive Center in Key Largo (Monroe County) takes adventurous visitors to scuba dive and snorkel in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. It offers an extensive range that covers the pristine virgin reefs in the north end of the park and the unmarked wrecks that are out of reach of many dive operators. Honorable Mention: Ocean Divers (Key Largo)

Best Financial Institution: TIB Bank of the Keys (Monroe County) was established in 1974 as The Islamorada Bank. As the bank expanded throughout the Florida Keys, the name was changed to TIB Bank of the Keys. Today, TIB Bank has 17 full-service banking centers serving the Florida Keys, Homestead, Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers and Sebring.

Best Travel Agency: AAA, best known for its maps and emergency road service, offers much more—travel and lodging; auto buying, leasing, renting and repair; financial services, such as loans and credit cards; and insurance solutions.

Best Guided Tour: Billie Swamp Safari on Big Cypress Reserve gives visitors the chance to see wetlands and hardwood hammocks where wildlife such as deer, water buffalo, wild hogs and eagles have all been sighted. Tours are given on swamp buggies, airboat rides and on foot. Honorable Mention: Ghost Tours of St. Augustine, Gulf Islands National Seashore Guided Tour (Pensacola area)

Best Car: The 2009 Ford Mustang marks 45 years since the car was created. Ford has taken under consideration the necessary power, performance, design and technology to continue this classic American legacy.

Best Truck: The Ford F150 has a maximum towing capacity of 11,000 pounds, a cabin engineered to be quieter for driver and passengers, and environmentally friendlier options regarding fuel choices.

Best SUV: The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee allows buyers to choose from five different engines and four four-wheel drive systems. Advanced safety features and many other options make it stand out amongst competition.

Best Radio Station: KEY 93.5 FM (Monroe County) is an adult contemporary station in Key West. Honorable Mention: Z88.3 FM (Orlando)

Best Radio Morning Show: MJ Morning Show (Hillsborough County) based in Tampa, airs on 93.3 FLZ Tampa, 97.9 Kiss FM Jacksonville, Kiss 95.1 FM Melbourne, The Beach 98.9 Punta Gorda, and Star 94.7 Vero Beach.

Best Talk Radio Station: 970-WFLA AM (Hillsborough County) in Tampa covers local and national news, featuring hosts such as Glenn Beck. Honorable Mention: WDBO 580 AM (Orlando), WTKS 104.1 FM (Cocoa Beach)

Best Public Radio Station: Florida State University’s WFSU 88.9 FM (Leon County) in Tallahassee offers NPR, jazz and classical music, news, and statewide and community outreach.

Best Local News Team: The WESH Channel 2 (Orange County) team includes anchors, reporters, web staff and many more, bringing daily local and national news to Central Florida homes. Honorable Mention: WFLA (Tampa), Brighthouse’s Bay News 9 (Tampa)

Best Local Station: WESH Channel 2 in Orlando first broadcast in 1956 and still covers the latest in news, sports
and entertainment. Honorable Mention: Bay News 9 (Tampa), WINK News (Fort Myers)

Best Local Meteorologist: Paul Dellegatto, on Fox 13, has been with WTVT in Tampa since 1990 and became chief meteorologist in 1997. He is AMS Certified and one of the five certified broadcast meteorologists at the WTVT weather department. Honorable Mention: Tom Terry (WFTV Channel 9, Orlando)

Best Local TV Anchor: This year it was a tie. Wendy Chioji of WESH Channel 2, Orlando recently made news as she celebrated 20 years at WESH and announced a major change in her life, ending her career in Florida and beginning a new one in Park City, Utah, launching Vision Quest, a new cycling center. Gayle Sierens of Tampa co-anchors News Channel 8's Live at 5, 6 and 11PM newscasts. Sierens joined the Channel 8 staff in 1977 as a weekend sports anchor and reporter. She has won an Emmy for news reporting.