The finalists have been announced for the annual Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards, with voting now open to the public. This year's awards, which celebrate the people and businesses that make Key West unique, will benefit the Keys Area Health Education Center (AHEC).

Community-Driven Nominations Lead to Finalists

The Bubbas Awards rely on extensive community input, with over 10,000 nominations submitted from across the country and beyond. Readers were given a blank slate to nominate their favorite local establishments and individuals across nearly 100 categories. These categories span a wide range of services and experiences, including favorite burger, best bar bathroom, best Cuban sandwich, best margarita, best happy hour, best bank, bartender, boat captain, barber, customer service, and family-friendly destinations.

The top three nominees in each category have now advanced to become finalists. The community will decide who among these finalists will receive a 2026 Bubba Award.

Voting Details and Beneficiary Information

Voting commenced at noon on Thursday, June 25, and will continue until midnight on Sunday, July 12. Residents and visitors can cast their votes once per day by visiting keysweekly.com. A valid email address is required to vote, with no subscription or credit card necessary.

For over a decade, the Bubbas Awards have supported local charities, raising more than $250,000 for children and individuals in need within the Keys community. This year's designated beneficiary is the Keys Area Health Education Center (AHEC). AHEC is a Keyswide nonprofit organization dedicated to providing no-cost medical and low-cost dental care to school-age children in the Keys, irrespective of their families' financial situations.

Awards Ceremony and Continued Updates

The winners of the 2026 Bubbas Awards will be revealed at the annual awards show, scheduled for Saturday, July 25, at the Key West Theater. This event is traditionally a sold-out affair. Further updates, reminders, and announcements regarding the awards will be shared through keysweekly.com, the publication's daily e-blast, print editions of Key West Weekly, and social media channels.

The Bubbas Awards highlight the vital role that local individuals and businesses play in shaping the character of Key West. The process underscores the importance of community engagement in recognizing and celebrating these contributions. For more information on the voting process and to participate, readers are encouraged to visit keysweekly.com.