Winner: TomCo Solutions Inc.
Finalists: Andrew Pavalis, Donegan Design
Finalists: Andrew Pavalis, Donegan Design
Goods & Services
Not all ERs are like the one on The Pitt. Opened in West St. Pete’s Crossroads area in 2023, Orlando Health’s free-standing emergency room is a shiny, bright, nicely decorated 14,000-sq-ft space on the ground floor of a building that also houses medical offices. During recent visits—maybe it was the time of day?—the atmosphere was downright serene. And the care couldn’t have been better. bayfronthealth.com—David Warner
Winner: Best Historic Building
Finalists: Best Flooring Company, Best Kids Event
Finalists: Best Flooring Company, Best Kids Event
Winner: Best Only Fans Account
Finalists: Stripper, Best CEO
Finalists: Stripper, Best CEO
Winner: Blue Collar Heating & Cooling (Blue Collar Home Services)
Finalists: Jenergy Air Services, Alligator Air Conditioning
Finalists: Jenergy Air Services, Alligator Air Conditioning
Winner: Kecia Fowler—Art of Acupuncture
Finalists: Elevate Wellness—Kim Kuhn, Dr. Hannah Winner—Art of Acupuncture
Finalists: Elevate Wellness—Kim Kuhn, Dr. Hannah Winner—Art of Acupuncture
Winner:Chelsey Smith at Bodze
Finalists: Natacha Christeler—The Garden Med Spa, Castellano Cosmetic Surgery Center
Finalists: Natacha Christeler—The Garden Med Spa, Castellano Cosmetic Surgery Center
Winner: TradeWinds Resort
Finalists: Mari Jean Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront
Finalists: Mari Jean Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront
Winner: Rescue Pets of Florida, Inc.
Finalists: Kneady Kitty Rescue, St. Francis Society Animal Rescue
Finalists: Kneady Kitty Rescue, St. Francis Society Animal Rescue
Winner: La France
Finalists: ARTpool Gallery, ZaZoo'd
Finalists: ARTpool Gallery, ZaZoo'd
Winner: Bottom of the Bin
Finalists: Blick, Sew Pinellas
Finalists: Blick, Sew Pinellas
Winner: Brian Motroni
Finalists: Kruse Law, P.A., Lindsey Sheppy
Finalists: Kruse Law, P.A., Lindsey Sheppy
Winner: Kenny Gehringer at Wrench Masters LLC
Finalists: Big John's Brake & Alignment Service, Taylor Durdan
Finalists: Big John's Brake & Alignment Service, Taylor Durdan
Winner: Wrench Masters
Finalists: Grease Monkey, Johnny's All County & Truck Repair
Finalists: Grease Monkey, Johnny's All County & Truck Repair
Winner: Riviera Bait & Tackle
Finalists: Hubbard’s Marina, Backwater Provisions Co.
Finalists: Hubbard’s Marina, Backwater Provisions Co.
Winner: Flagship Bank
Finalists: BayFirst Bank, Suncoast Credit Union
Finalists: BayFirst Bank, Suncoast Credit Union
Winner: Cameron Spiteri
Finalists: Ryan C—Seaside Barber Co., Anton Hosein
Finalists: Ryan C—Seaside Barber Co., Anton Hosein
Winner: Buzz & Brews Barbershop
Finalists: The Shave Cave, Lat & Sons Family Hair Care
Finalists: The Shave Cave, Lat & Sons Family Hair Care
Winner: Bar Method Tampa
Finalists: Barre, Pure Barre Westchase & New Tampa
Finalists: Barre, Pure Barre Westchase & New Tampa
Winner: ABC Bicycles 4th Street N
Finalists: Jake McFadden—Emobilize Bike Service, Chainwheel
Finalists: Jake McFadden—Emobilize Bike Service, Chainwheel
Winner: Astro Cycles
Finalists: The Bikery, Emobilize Bike Service
Finalists: The Bikery, Emobilize Bike Service
Winner: In Due Season Birth Center & Family Wellness
Finalists: Labor of Love Birth Center, St. Joseph’s South
Finalists: Labor of Love Birth Center, St. Joseph’s South
Winner: Whole Aveda Salon and Spa
Finalists: Sip and Dry Bar, Blo Blow Dry Bar Tampa
Finalists: Sip and Dry Bar, Blo Blow Dry Bar Tampa
Winner: Calling All Dogs & Cats
Finalists: Bay Paws Pet Resort, Your Puppy My Pad
Finalists: Bay Paws Pet Resort, Your Puppy My Pad
Winner: Captain Steve at Reel Deal Clearwater
Finalists: Captain Joe Pistone @ Salt & Mist Sea Tours, Lauren Hill of Hubbard's Marina
Finalists: Captain Joe Pistone @ Salt & Mist Sea Tours, Lauren Hill of Hubbard's Marina
Winner: Suntime Boat Club
Finalists: Freedom Boat Club, Pirate's Cove
Finalists: Freedom Boat Club, Pirate's Cove
Winner: Tombolo Books
Finalists: Portkey Books, Back in the Day Books
Finalists: Portkey Books, Back in the Day Books
Winner: Hang Ten Creative Agency
Finalists: GatorPromo.com, Grove Brands
Finalists: GatorPromo.com, Grove Brands
Winner: AB2B Boutique (All Brides2 Be)
Finalists: The Dressing Room, Bearer of the Bling
Finalists: The Dressing Room, Bearer of the Bling
Winner: Better Brain Project (Kelly Abanda)
Finalists: Sharon Narvaez—Transformative Career Coaching, Sandy Bean
Finalists: Sharon Narvaez—Transformative Career Coaching, Sandy Bean
Winner: McCabinet
Finalists: White Hat Construction, 727 Builds
Finalists: White Hat Construction, 727 Builds
Winner: Hyundai of Wesley Chapel
Finalists: Dayton Andrews Clearwater, Dimmitt Chevrolet
Finalists: Dayton Andrews Clearwater, Dimmitt Chevrolet
Winner: Auto Recon Detailing LLC
Finalists: Good Carma, Exceptional Detailing Inc
Finalists: Good Carma, Exceptional Detailing Inc
Winner: Auto Recon Detailing LLC
Finalists: DetailingNerdsLLC, Woodie's Wash Shack
Finalists: DetailingNerdsLLC, Woodie's Wash Shack
Winner: Exotic Gourmet Catering
Finalists: FOMO Chefs, The Stuffed Mushroom
Finalists: FOMO Chefs, The Stuffed Mushroom
Winner: Smokey Jones Smoke & Vape Shop
Finalists: Greenhouse Girls Dispensary, Bliss Wellness Market
Finalists: Greenhouse Girls Dispensary, Bliss Wellness Market
Winner: Valrico Spine and Rehab Center
Finalists: Dr. Koser—HealthSpine Chiropractic, Dr. Robert Bock
Finalists: Dr. Koser—HealthSpine Chiropractic, Dr. Robert Bock
Winner: Estate Cigars & Social
Finalists: Smokey Jones Smoke & Vape Shop, Central Cigars
Finalists: Smokey Jones Smoke & Vape Shop, Central Cigars
Winner: Atlas Body & Home
Finalists: Backwater Provisions Co., La France
Finalists: Backwater Provisions Co., La France
Winner: Boho & Boujee Boutique
Finalists: Curv Exchange Plus Size Resale, The Patent Bow Boutique
Finalists: Curv Exchange Plus Size Resale, The Patent Bow Boutique
Winner: Six Strings and Superheroes
Finalists: Nerd Out Comics, Emerald City Comics
Finalists: Nerd Out Comics, Emerald City Comics
Winner: Lee's Royal Services, LLC
Finalists: Rug Pro LLC, Boss Lady Cleaning
Finalists: Rug Pro LLC, Boss Lady Cleaning
Winner: Curv Exchange Plus Size Resale
Finalists: Stellie Bellies, Detox Designer Resale Boutique
Finalists: Stellie Bellies, Detox Designer Resale Boutique
Winner: Castellano Cosmetic Surgery Center
Finalists: Bōdze, The Garden Medical Spa, Wellness & Massage
Finalists: Bōdze, The Garden Medical Spa, Wellness & Massage
Winner: Pettay Consulting
Finalists: Snyder, Snyder & Kessenich CPA Firm, Monica's Accounting Solutions LLC
Finalists: Snyder, Snyder & Kessenich CPA Firm, Monica's Accounting Solutions LLC
Winner: Dunedin Craft Fair
Finalists: Indie Flea, Deviant Market
Finalists: Indie Flea, Deviant Market
Winner: Burg CrossFit
Finalists: Sunshine City CrossFit, Seminole Heights CrossFit
Finalists: Sunshine City CrossFit, Seminole Heights CrossFit
Danielle Ferrari of Valhalla Resale is on the dating scene again, and this time, she’s trying something new. “When my ex and I were together,” Ferrari said, “I realized that my favorite outfits were actually the ones he hated.” Now, Ferrari is using her personal styling of clothes to fully embrace who she is—especially on dates. “Cute and sexy—those are easy. My favorite outfits are the ones that show I’m bold, different, and creative,” she added. It’s like a litmus test for the people she’s going on dates with now. For the guys who are repelled or confused, she knows right away it’s not going to work. And as owner of Valhalla, the resale shop that allows members to rent endless styles and change looks “as much or as often as you want,” Ferrari continues to curate her own unique looks while encouraging others to find theirs. valhallaresale.com—Annalise Mabe
Winner: White Duck Espresso
Finalists: Erica Hernandez/ bubbaarmystore.com, Resource Property Management
Finalists: Erica Hernandez/ bubbaarmystore.com, Resource Property Management
Winner: Dr. Lindsey—Palm Tree Dentistry
Finalists: Slaybaugh Dental, Creating Smiles Dental St. Pete
Finalists: Slaybaugh Dental, Creating Smiles Dental St. Pete
Winner: All About Restoration
Finalists: Accent American Inc, Baypillar Restoration
Finalists: Accent American Inc, Baypillar Restoration
Winner: Greenhouse Girls Dispensary
Finalists: Bliss Wellness Market, Jones Genetics
Finalists: Bliss Wellness Market, Jones Genetics
Winner: Paradise Craft Distributors LLC
Finalists: Cavallier Distributing, 7th Sky Ventures
Finalists: Cavallier Distributing, 7th Sky Ventures
Many of us, when we reach a certain age, add a pain specialist to our (ever-expanding) list of doctors. If and when you do—and let’s hope you don’t—consider Dr. Mavretich, or as his staff calls him, Dr. Brian. He’s a superb diagnostician who then develops an evidence-based treatment plan. He has an easy-going, friendly demeanor and never seems to be in a hurry when you’re in the room. As someone with sciatic pain from wear-and-tear on my spine, I can only speak to Dr. Brian’s nerve blocks. Let’s just say he’s a wizard with a needle. He’ll give you a home-exercise plan, too. He’s on staff at Florida Medical Pain Management in St. Petersburg. fmpm.com—Eric Snider
Winner: Dr. Eric Khairalla—Bodze
Finalists: Dr. Joseph Castellano, Dr. Michael Mirmanesh, The Garden Medical Spa
Finalists: Dr. Joseph Castellano, Dr. Michael Mirmanesh, The Garden Medical Spa
Winner: Bay Paws Pet Resort
Finalists: Paws 'n' Rec, Paw Whisperer LLC, Woof Gang Bakery—Clearwater, Dunedin, South Tampa
Finalists: Paws 'n' Rec, Paw Whisperer LLC, Woof Gang Bakery—Clearwater, Dunedin, South Tampa
Winner: Total Dog Tampa
Finalists: Dog Training Club Of St. Petersburg, Paws on the Ground Dog Training
Finalists: Dog Training Club Of St. Petersburg, Paws on the Ground Dog Training
Winner: Bay Paws Pet Resort
Finalists: Paws 'n' Rec, Paw Whisperer LLC
Finalists: Paws 'n' Rec, Paw Whisperer LLC
Winner: Buddha Belly Doulas
Finalists: Doula Hive, Breathing Through Life
Finalists: Doula Hive, Breathing Through Life
Winner: Anna Faiola
Finalists: Animal House Academy LLC, Kris McKenzie
Finalists: Animal House Academy LLC, Kris McKenzie
Winner: Sacino's
Finalists: Sun Country Cleaners, Laundry Day Delivery
Finalists: Sun Country Cleaners, Laundry Day Delivery
How do we know that we actually live in Tampa now? For one thing, we have a favorite hardware store—and it’s this lovely, laid-back place with a store cat, a surprisingly good sauce section, hoses priced to move, and a whole room full of loose screws. Whereas going to Lowe’s or Home Depot tends to induce panic attacks in both of us, we’ll invent reasons to stop by Ace Bay to Bay Hardware, chat with their friendly staff, and see if that can of antique walnut polycrylic stain we need is back in stock yet. Friends, it never is. baytobayace.com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Winner: Blue Collar Electric (Blue Collar Home Services)
Finalists: M.R. Electricians, Smart Home Electric
Finalists: M.R. Electricians, Smart Home Electric
With all due respect to toy collectors, action figures don’t have to be sealed for you to enjoy them. This St. Pete spot about 10 minutes away from Largo Mall sells a plethora of loose action figures from across all fandoms (including some of the original Star Wars toys your parents probably had, or dreamed of having, as a kid). If you’re not a toy person, there are also hundreds of comic books for sale, as well as a small wall of VHS tapes and DVDs, Legos, and even a section for GameBoy Advance cartridges. Basically, if there’s one thing Retro Rat knows, it’s that you don’t have to adult every waking hour of your existence. @retrorattoys on Instagram—Josh Bradley
Winner: Truly Yours Event Planning
Finalists: The Picnic Boys, ABC Event Planning
Finalists: The Picnic Boys, ABC Event Planning
Winner: Pettay Consulting
Finalists: Priscilla Nunez, PMN Financial Associates LLC, Walser Wealth Management
Finalists: Priscilla Nunez, PMN Financial Associates LLC, Walser Wealth Management
Winner: Studio Physique
Finalists: The Bar Method Tampa, Rise Performance
Finalists: The Bar Method Tampa, Rise Performance
Winner: By the Bay Floral
Finalists: Mona's Floral Creations, Roaming Petal- Erica Holland
Finalists: Mona's Floral Creations, Roaming Petal- Erica Holland
Winner: St. Pete Free Clinic
Finalists: Daystar Life Center, Clearwater Free Clinic
Finalists: Daystar Life Center, Clearwater Free Clinic
Winner: ZaZoo'd
Finalists: Coastal Fine Furniture, Vintage Marche
Finalists: Coastal Fine Furniture, Vintage Marche
Winner: Oasis Custom Homes
Finalists: TomCo Solutions Inc., Rocks Custom Homes, Inc.
Finalists: TomCo Solutions Inc., Rocks Custom Homes, Inc.
Winner: Kush Patel
Finalists: Jeannette Figueroa-Gordian, MD, Docs Outside of the Box
Finalists: Jeannette Figueroa-Gordian, MD, Docs Outside of the Box
Winner: The Bar Method Tampa
Finalists: Pulse, MMFitness
Finalists: Pulse, MMFitness
Winner: Whole Aveda Salon and Spa
Finalists: Salon Blond, Black Amethyst
Finalists: Salon Blond, Black Amethyst
Winner: Tristan Fox (Whole Aveda)
Finalists: Sasha Ahles—J.Con Salon, Laura Blankenship Salon Blond
Finalists: Sasha Ahles—J.Con Salon, Laura Blankenship Salon Blond
Best Hairstylist For Introverts Or People Who Are Burned Out: Melanie Shadday, Color Hair Collective
Melanie Shadday, owner of Color Collective Hair Studio in South Tampa, didn’t invent silent appointments, but adopted them after noticing the trend offered by a few progressive hairstylists. “In a world where we’re constantly connected and processing nonstop information, it’s no surprise that many of us feel mentally drained. And I want my services to be the opposite of draining!” Shadday said. When she’s sitting in the chair herself, she’s always appreciated the option of a silent service, so now, she offers her guests just that—an opportunity to relax while receiving their service without any pressure to chat or yap. As a mom, she knows how it feels to be overstimulated, and just how meaningful a little bit of peace and tranquility can be. @colorbymelanie on Instagram—Annalise Mabe
Winner: Amy Jean Designs
Finalists: ARTpool Gallery, Hello Myrrh—Murlene Joseph
Finalists: ARTpool Gallery, Hello Myrrh—Murlene Joseph
Winner: EG Home Solutions
Finalists: Johnny's Restorations, Big Red/BTLS Show
Finalists: Johnny's Restorations, Big Red/BTLS Show
Winner: ZaZoo'd
Finalists: Pour & Decor, Casa Di Mazzaro
Finalists: Pour & Decor, Casa Di Mazzaro
Winner: Tampa General
Finalists: Morton Plant, St. Anthony's
Finalists: Morton Plant, St. Anthony's
Winner: The Fenway
Finalists: Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
Finalists: Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
Winner: Mari Jean Hotel
Finalists: The Birchwood, TradeWinds Resort
Finalists: The Birchwood, TradeWinds Resort
Winner: Hotel Haya
Finalists: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point
Finalists: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point
Winner: Crystal Clear Insurance
Finalists: Gulf Water Title, Magruder Agency
Finalists: Gulf Water Title, Magruder Agency
Winner: Crystal Croteau
Finalists: Sherri Matheney, Pat Magruder
Finalists: Sherri Matheney, Pat Magruder
Winner: Lisa Alban- Cloud 9 Feng Shui
Finalists: David Fischer at ZaZoo'd, Kristina Pearson, Haus of Lola
Finalists: David Fischer at ZaZoo'd, Kristina Pearson, Haus of Lola
Winner: InVigorate IV
Finalists: St. Pete Wellness and Med Spa, Variations of Beauty Aesthetics & Wellness
Finalists: St. Pete Wellness and Med Spa, Variations of Beauty Aesthetics & Wellness
Winner: Diamonds Direct Fine Jewelers
Finalists: Arnold Jewelers (Largo), Gold and Diamond Source
Finalists: Arnold Jewelers (Largo), Gold and Diamond Source
Winner: Wandering Adventures
Finalists: Ecomersion, Good Vibes Kayak Rentals
Finalists: Ecomersion, Good Vibes Kayak Rentals
Winner: Campus Landscape
Finalists: Insignia Landscape, Dreams Into Reality
Finalists: Insignia Landscape, Dreams Into Reality
Winner: Perfectly Bare Laser
Finalists: St. Pete Wellness and Med Spa, Castellano Cosmetic Surgery
Finalists: St. Pete Wellness and Med Spa, Castellano Cosmetic Surgery
Winner: Blush & Blade
Finalists: Whole Aveda Salon and Spa, Touch of Beauty by Melissa
Finalists: Whole Aveda Salon and Spa, Touch of Beauty by Melissa
Winner: Diaco Law
Finalists: Neal & Solevilla Personal Injury Lawyers, Tanney, Griffith & Bresler, P.A.
Finalists: Neal & Solevilla Personal Injury Lawyers, Tanney, Griffith & Bresler, P.A.
Winner: Proper Irrigation Services
Finalists: Sunrise Irrigation & Sprinklers, Mango Nut Group Landscape and Lawn Care
Finalists: Sunrise Irrigation & Sprinklers, Mango Nut Group Landscape and Lawn Care
With gay rights on the line more than ever, there is no time more important than now to support LGBTQ+ owned businesses. And there’s more to this hidden gem on Tampa’s 40th Street than just being a gay-owned business. Polar, opened by Jared Montgomery in 2021, has a small but incredibly mighty team, with at least one artist able to specialize in whatever design you’re dreaming of. Obviously, you should take your artist’s advice about potential changes into consideration, but the artists at Polar will reprint and replace your stencil as many times as you need without making you feel annoying. The studio (dressed with a handful of gay icons) is incredibly spacious with a warm, welcoming environment, whether it’s your first tat, or your 100th. Oh, and don’t forget your free pack of fruit snacks when you’re done getting inked. polartattoo.com—Josh Bradley
Winner: City Lights Beauty Agency—Paula Heckenast
Finalists: Adore Bridal Hair and Makeup, Art By Izzy Hair and Makeup
Finalists: Adore Bridal Hair and Makeup, Art By Izzy Hair and Makeup
Winner: Fancy Nails South Tampa
Finalists: Rochelle at Maddy Spa, Maddy Spa
Finalists: Rochelle at Maddy Spa, Maddy Spa
Winner: Bayshore Marketing Group
Finalists: RockawayMore, Hoover Digital
Finalists: RockawayMore, Hoover Digital
Winner: Chris Welbon Karate
Finalists: Tampa Wing Chun Kung Fu, UFC Gym Clearwater
Finalists: Tampa Wing Chun Kung Fu, UFC Gym Clearwater
Winner: Anita Pfeifer—Whole Aveda
Finalists: Lauren Cederstrom Linear Bodywork & Massage, Jason Newman—Bay Area Massage
Finalists: Lauren Cederstrom Linear Bodywork & Massage, Jason Newman—Bay Area Massage
Winner: Castellano Cosmetic Surgery Center
Finalists: Bōdze St. Pete Wellness and Med Spa, Variations of Beauty Aesthetics & Wellness
Finalists: Bōdze St. Pete Wellness and Med Spa, Variations of Beauty Aesthetics & Wellness
Winner: St. Pete MRI
Finalists: Garden of Love 3D 4D Imaging, Bay Care Imaging
Finalists: Garden of Love 3D 4D Imaging, Bay Care Imaging
Winner: Inclusive Care Group
Finalists: Dr. Eugene Delucia, Liberate Physician Centers
Finalists: Dr. Eugene Delucia, Liberate Physician Centers
Winner: Innovative Research
Finalists: Tampa Bay Medical Research, TrueBlue Clinical Research
Finalists: Tampa Bay Medical Research, TrueBlue Clinical Research
Winner: South Tampa Therapy and Meditation
Finalists: Dr. Angel's Development, Bionic Bloom
Finalists: Dr. Angel's Development, Bionic Bloom
Winner: Dr. Angela Fisher
Finalists: Dr. Elizabeth Mahaney, South Tampa Therapy, Dr. Angel Falzone, Rachel DeStefano, McNulty Counseling and Wellness
Finalists: Dr. Elizabeth Mahaney, South Tampa Therapy, Dr. Angel Falzone, Rachel DeStefano, McNulty Counseling and Wellness
Winner: Sarah Waugh—Barefoot Birth
Finalists: Elizabeth Plumley, Mary Catherine Hamelin, Licensed Midwife LM
Finalists: Elizabeth Plumley, Mary Catherine Hamelin, Licensed Midwife LM
Winner: Bar Artistry Bartending Services
Finalists: The Setup Squad, The Mimosa Club
Finalists: The Setup Squad, The Mimosa Club
Winner: Dena Glassco—Nexa Mortgage
Finalists: Storch Mortgage Team—The Mortgage Firm Tampa, Green Oak Lending Group
Finalists: Storch Mortgage Team—The Mortgage Firm Tampa, Green Oak Lending Group
Winner: Big Boys Moving & Storage
Finalists: Big Man's Moving Company, MUVR
Finalists: Big Man's Moving Company, MUVR
Winner: Slayed by Ari
Finalists: Taylor Lance, Lan Doan
Finalists: Taylor Lance, Lan Doan
Winner: SoHo Sitters
Finalists: Bayshore Nannies, Westchase Sitters
Finalists: Bayshore Nannies, Westchase Sitters
Winner: Nuviva Medical Weight Loss Clinic of Tampa
Finalists: Wendy Wesley Nutrition, Bernie Anderson—More Than Macros Coaching
Finalists: Wendy Wesley Nutrition, Bernie Anderson—More Than Macros Coaching
Winner: Dr. Alyssa Ta, OBGYN
Finalists: Helena Reichman MD, Gulfcoast OBGYN
Finalists: Helena Reichman MD, Gulfcoast OBGYN
Winner: Dane Kuplicki
Finalists: Gulfcoast Eye Care, Dr. Updegraff
Finalists: Gulfcoast Eye Care, Dr. Updegraff
Winner: Seasons Best Painting & Contracting
Finalists: Certa Pro St. Pete, Hunter Painting Enterprises LLC
Finalists: Certa Pro St. Pete, Hunter Painting Enterprises LLC
Winner: Stella Rose Events
Finalists: Posy Exchange, The Picnic Boys
Finalists: Posy Exchange, The Picnic Boys
Winner: Pour & Decor
Finalists: Party Planet, The Write Stuff Tampa
Finalists: Party Planet, The Write Stuff Tampa
Winner: Dr. Lori McAuliffe
Finalists: Jonathan Keenan, Holy Family Health, Dr. Karges
Finalists: Jonathan Keenan, Holy Family Health, Dr. Karges
Winner: Blush & Blade
Finalists: Kayla Beck -Spa Casa, Pierce Gillette- Barefaced Beauty Studio
Finalists: Kayla Beck -Spa Casa, Pierce Gillette- Barefaced Beauty Studio
Winner: Dom Vaccani—Studio Physique
Finalists: Coach Abby Clapper, Audrey Tindale—Studio Physique
Finalists: Coach Abby Clapper, Audrey Tindale—Studio Physique
Winner: Natural Born Killers
Finalists: Green Environmental Services (GES), Prohealth Pest Control
Finalists: Green Environmental Services (GES), Prohealth Pest Control
Winner: Woof Gang Bakery—Clearwater, Dunedin, South Tampa
Finalists: Bark Avenue Dunedin, ZaZoo'd
Finalists: Bark Avenue Dunedin, ZaZoo'd
Winner: Paw Whisperer LLC
Finalists: Westchase Sitters, Calling All Dogs & Cats, Your Puppy My Pad
Finalists: Westchase Sitters, Calling All Dogs & Cats, Your Puppy My Pad
Winner: Bella’s Booth
Finalists: Party Flixers , Fishy Face Photography
Finalists: Party Flixers , Fishy Face Photography
Winner: Dr. Rachel Waugh
Finalists: Beach Baby Pediatric Therapy, LLC, Dr. Sarah Santowski—Purpose Physical Therapy
Finalists: Beach Baby Pediatric Therapy, LLC, Dr. Sarah Santowski—Purpose Physical Therapy
Winner: Purpose Physical Therapy
Finalists: RW Physical Therapy & Performance, Beach Baby Pediatric Therapy, LLC
Finalists: RW Physical Therapy & Performance, Beach Baby Pediatric Therapy, LLC
Winner: Benjamin Henderson
Finalists: Corey Godoy—StabGawd—Forbidden Images, PoutyPiercings
Finalists: Corey Godoy—StabGawd—Forbidden Images, PoutyPiercings
Winner: Blend Sweat Social
Finalists: Studio Physique, Rare Body Pilates
Finalists: Studio Physique, Rare Body Pilates
No state has better dive bars than Florida—Wisconsin admittedly comes close—and no bar we’ve visited here over the past 12 months is dive-ier than the Knockin’ Boots Saloon in Largo, a broken-down-looking smoking bar that’s open from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.. every day. We bought a used merchandising fridge from the owner last September, and stuck around to share a couple beers with the jovial day-drinkers who helped us get the fridge into the U-Haul. You couldn’t hope to meet a nicer group of lowlifes—and isn’t that the lure of the dive bar experience, after all? knocknbootssaloon.com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
There’s a class of people who love to rack open logs to find beetles, millepedes, and roaches. The college-aged ones are members of the University of South Florida Entomology Society. Founded in 2022, the club meets every other Monday on the third floor of the Marshall Center. Its first meeting this semester found president Taylor Rand leading a heavy presentation on the evolution of bugs that was informational and emotional at the same time(how many mass extinctions can bugs go through, man??). Surprisingly, the society is open to budding entomologists, and casual bug-lovers, too—just ask my five-year-old who was offered roaches to take home on his very first day with the group. @usf.entomologysociety on Instagram—Ray Roa
Close your eyes, and imagine you’re in Brooklyn. “Ooh, look at me, I’m in Brooklyn, a magical land where grown men wear propeller beanies, every goddamn menu item is ‘elevated,’ and vintage stores sell old lawn chairs for $285 apiece.” Now keep those eyes closed, and imagine a version of Brooklyn that’s neither insufferable nor prohibitively expensive. The place that you’re imagining probably looks a lot like The Far Forest, an authentically hip vintage store/bookstore/music venue on Florida Avenue in Seminole Heights. This endearingly ragged shop has everything you didn’t know you needed—vintage dresses, mid-century furniture, vinyl records, and an excellent selection of books—all at prices that’ll make you think you’ve been transported back to the Bedford L stop circa 2003. thefarforest.com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Winner: U Break I Fix—Palm Harbor
Finalists: RYT Tech, Electronic Fix
Finalists: RYT Tech, Electronic Fix
Winner: Nature's Food Patch Market and Cafe
Finalists: Produce PAC, Rollin' Oats
Finalists: Produce PAC, Rollin' Oats
Look, don’t get us wrong, the lobby of the Hotel Haya is a great place to post up and answer emails—but sometimes you need a workspace that isn’t chock full of loud dentists networking at the annual endodontics convention. Enter Hive: a sleek, brand-new co-working spot and community space founded by our friend Stephanie Harrison Bailey. You can feel the casual buzz of productivity as soon as you walk through the doors, and the kind, creative people there are almost enough to make you enjoy the fact that you’ve still got a day job. Almost. yborhive.com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Winner: William Anderson Plaster and Stucco Repair Company
Finalists: Above All Caulking and Waterproofing
Finalists: Above All Caulking and Waterproofing
Winner: Johnny Doan Plumbing
Finalists: Plumbing by Paul, Gulf Coast Plumbing Clearwater
Finalists: Plumbing by Paul, Gulf Coast Plumbing Clearwater
Winner: PCS Pools
Finalists: Tampa Pool Pro, Oasis Pavers and Pools
Finalists: Tampa Pool Pro, Oasis Pavers and Pools
Winner: Neikens Pool and Spa
Finalists: Aqua Vibez Pool Specialist, Glisten Pool Service
Finalists: Aqua Vibez Pool Specialist, Glisten Pool Service
Winner: The Global Organizer
Finalists: Suncoast Organizing Solutions, Simply Refreshing Organizing Solutions
Finalists: Suncoast Organizing Solutions, Simply Refreshing Organizing Solutions
Winner: Largo Public Library
Finalists: New Port Richey, Hudson Regional Library FL
Finalists: New Port Richey, Hudson Regional Library FL
Winner: NextHome South Pointe
Finalists: Dicus Harrison Realty, Smith & Associates Real Estate
Finalists: Dicus Harrison Realty, Smith & Associates Real Estate
Winner: NextHome South Pointe
Finalists: Dicus Harrison Realty, Brophy Real Estate
Finalists: Dicus Harrison Realty, Brophy Real Estate
Winner: The Probeyahn Group
Finalists: Scaglione Rutemiller Group, NextHome South Pointe, Synergy Home, Group-Pineywoods Realty
Finalists: Scaglione Rutemiller Group, NextHome South Pointe, Synergy Home, Group-Pineywoods Realty
Winner: Kent Rodahaver
Finalists: Janna Cantero, Sabrina Nemec
Finalists: Janna Cantero, Sabrina Nemec
Winner: Daddy Kool Records
Finalists: ARTpool Gallery, Bananas Records
Finalists: ARTpool Gallery, Bananas Records
Winner: Maid to Order FL
Finalists: Lee's Royal Services, LLC, Mad Clean LLC
Finalists: Lee's Royal Services, LLC, Mad Clean LLC
If you discover that you have joined the ranks of the 35-plus million Americans with Type 2 diabetes, you may at first think, “Goody! Now I can go on Ozempic and my insurance will cover it! Weight loss, here I come!” But if your doctor suggests you start by adjusting your diet and exercise habits before depending on a drug, you’ll have questions, such as: “What can I eat? How many grams of sugar is too many? What the heck is my A1C?” For answers, you will find no better resource than Baycare Diabetes Services’ Lori Chong. Patient, thorough, and caring, she’ll give you plenty of info to clear up any confusion about diets, carbs, and glucose. She also asks great questions so that her advice is tailored to your needs. baycare.org—David Warner
Trent Alyse was often told to find a “real job”—plenty of which she had before stepping fully into herself as an artist creating jewelry and sculptures from what animals have left behind: their skulls, their teeth, their bodies.
“In college I was hanging around on some train tracks and found a raccoon jawbone and thought it looked cool. I tied it to a leather cord and wore it as a necklace for a long time. After that I started to notice dead things more,” Alyse told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. At Florida State University, Alyse studied sculpture where she and her classmates were required to experiment with various materials, crafting armatures out of wire, using cardboard to build mockups, learning the basics of wood joints and power tools. This all came in handy as those skills she learned in sculpture translate to what she does now at Kitty Bomb Curios. Read more about why Alyse doesn’t just make any old jewelry in this longer profile. @kittybombcurios on Instagram—Annalise Mabe
“In college I was hanging around on some train tracks and found a raccoon jawbone and thought it looked cool. I tied it to a leather cord and wore it as a necklace for a long time. After that I started to notice dead things more,” Alyse told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. At Florida State University, Alyse studied sculpture where she and her classmates were required to experiment with various materials, crafting armatures out of wire, using cardboard to build mockups, learning the basics of wood joints and power tools. This all came in handy as those skills she learned in sculpture translate to what she does now at Kitty Bomb Curios. Read more about why Alyse doesn’t just make any old jewelry in this longer profile. @kittybombcurios on Instagram—Annalise Mabe
If you discover that you have joined the ranks of the 35-plus million Americans with Type 2 diabetes, you may at first think, “Goody! Now I can go on Ozempic and my insurance will cover it! Weight loss, here I come!” But if your doctor suggests you start by adjusting your diet and exercise habits before depending on a drug, you’ll have questions, such as: “What can I eat? How many grams of sugar is too many? What the heck is my A1C?” For answers, you will find no better resource than Baycare Diabetes Services’ Lori Chong. Patient, thorough, and caring, she’ll give you plenty of info to clear up any confusion about diets, carbs, and glucose. She also asks great questions so that her advice is tailored to your needs. baycare.org—David Warner
You need thick skin to shop at any trendy secondhand resale store. Sizes are a joke and the selling experience has become a meme for a reason. But at Revolve, whether you’re buying or selling, you’re a fucking asshole for daring to walk in. That’s according to the attitude of most employees. They greet you with a blank look and half-hearted hello that says, “Really? Coming in four hours before closing?” And they’re always pulling off some edgy, trendy outfit you couldn’t even think about. If you’re selling, your shit better fit into one of their standard laundry baskets and don’t even think about trying to make them sort through more. But damn, they’ve got gems. I know if I’m going to Revolve, I’m going to walk in wishing I hadn’t been born and walk out with at least one of my new favorite pieces of clothing. @revolvestpete on Instagram—Selene San Felice
Just beyond Interstate 275 and 22nd Avenue N in St. Petersburg, not far from the hum of nonstop traffic, sits Greens N Things Urban Farm. It’s just one of several farms that local farmer Eric Law developed on unused plots of land. A little over five years ago, Law saw an opportunity to turn his front lawn into a farm. He’d had success with raised beds gardening and had done some volunteer work at local farms. His idea worked, so kept looking for pieces of land he could grow on, even if a few miles apart. Today, he’s got roughly 9,000 square feet of farms spaced out across the city. That number is likely to grow, as explained in this profile of Law's contribution to the community. greensnthingsurbanfarm.com—Arielle Stevenson
Winner: Mitchell Roofing Company LLC
Finalists: Roofing.co, SB Pro Roofing
Finalists: Roofing.co, SB Pro Roofing
Winner: St. Pete Runfest
Finalists: Turkey Trot, Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic
Finalists: Turkey Trot, Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic
Winner: Rescreen Rescue
Finalists: Tampa Screens & Aluminum, Inc., Bug Out Screens LLC
Finalists: Tampa Screens & Aluminum, Inc., Bug Out Screens LLC
Winner: Todd Couples Superstore
Finalists: The Back Room by ZaZoo'd, Jack & Jill St. Pete
Finalists: The Back Room by ZaZoo'd, Jack & Jill St. Pete
Have you ever listened to the Brit-pop band Pulp? You know how many of their songs contain this bleak undercurrent of aggressive working-class despair? This might be a weird thing to say, but stepping inside London Pride British Shop is like stepping inside a Pulp song. The lights are too bright, the clerk is dour, and the Thatcherite rage builds with every bar of Dairy Milk you see. Pick up a packet or two of imported crisps, and then head up to Ybor City to “dance, and drink, and screw, because there’s nothing else to do.” londonpride.com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Winner: Faith Sunter—Bodze
Finalists: St. Pete Wellness and Med Spa, Alana Pupello—Apello Skin, Laurie Champagne
Finalists: St. Pete Wellness and Med Spa, Alana Pupello—Apello Skin, Laurie Champagne
Winner: Smokey Jones Smoke & Vape Shop
Finalists: Greenhouse Girls Dispensary, Smoke Promos
Finalists: Greenhouse Girls Dispensary, Smoke Promos
Winner: Mitchell Solar Solutions
Finalists: SunForge Energy, SB Pro Solar
Finalists: SunForge Energy, SB Pro Solar
Winner: Greenhouse Girls Dispensary
Finalists: Smokey Jones Smoke & Vape Shop, Bliss Wellness Market, Erica Hernandez
Finalists: Smokey Jones Smoke & Vape Shop, Bliss Wellness Market, Erica Hernandez
Winner: Mazzaro's Italian Market
Finalists: Publix, Nature's Food Patch Market and Cafe
Finalists: Publix, Nature's Food Patch Market and Cafe
Winner: Skatepark of Tampa
Finalists: Suncoast Surf Shop, Blacktop
Finalists: Suncoast Surf Shop, Blacktop
Winner: On The Fly Creations
Finalists: 5801 Print House, Wide Sky
Finalists: 5801 Print House, Wide Sky
Winner: Rayz Tanning
Finalists: You Glow Spray Tan, The Sunless Ritual
Finalists: You Glow Spray Tan, The Sunless Ritual
Winner: Lora Hypnosis
Finalists: The Florida Witch, Joe—The Misfit Lion
Finalists: The Florida Witch, Joe—The Misfit Lion
Winner: Doom Club Tattoo Collective
Finalists: ResQ Ink Tattooing, FORBIDDEN IMAGES TATTOO STUDIO
Finalists: ResQ Ink Tattooing, FORBIDDEN IMAGES TATTOO STUDIO
Tampa is changing faster than you can say “gentrification,” and news that the old Florida Drive-In had new owners could’ve spelled disaster for folks that’ve grown tired of watching familiar buildings demolished to make room for condos and townhomes that look like thumb drives. Turns out change can mean more of the same sometimes. Realtor Frank Albert—more handsome than the guy on the bus benches, actually—and his business partner Chris Brown acquired a 10-year lease to take over the convenience store run by the previous tenant who was there for almost 40 years. Heights Drive-Thru still sells the junk you love (think Doritos, Arizona iced tea, Swisher Sweets), but now it all lives alongside a plethora of local products from the usual suspects (all the craft beer and seltzer) to hypebeast snacks (fried chicken-lookin’ ice cream, Rotten gummies), milk from around here (Dakin Dairy from Myakka City), and neighborhood favorites like Spaddy’s coffee, Sea Maids ice cream, or King of the Coop boiled peanuts. There are even Juuls, but the best part might be how Albert & co. have also expanded the selection to pretty much make Heights Drive-Thru an almost-one-stop-shop for people who need to pick up hair ties, batteries, motor oil, medicine, dry goods, hygiene products, or any other essential. heightsdrivethru.company.site—Ray Roa
Winner: Sunshine Thrift
Finalists: HEP Thrift Store, CASA Thrift Store
Finalists: HEP Thrift Store, CASA Thrift Store
Winner: Compass Land & Title
Finalists: Crimmins Title, Gulf Water Title
Finalists: Crimmins Title, Gulf Water Title
Winner: Lauren Dykes with SPC
Finalists: AP History Help, The Urban Cottage Educational Collaborative
Finalists: AP History Help, The Urban Cottage Educational Collaborative
Ybor City is more than loud clubs, sidewalk pukers, and unpopular improv festivals. As anyone who steps into the visitor center soon learns, Ybor City has a rich history of art, political organizing, the creation of literal billions of cigars, and so much more. If you missed our friend Joe King Carter’s walking tour, either because you overslept or just didn’t feel like being outside, stop in here and either catch him regaling visitors with true tales of Ybor’s rich history, or watch the legitimately well-made and extremely interesting mini-documentary. Pick up a cigar box to remember your trip by while you’re at it. ybor.org/vic—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Winner: Smokey Jones Smoke & Vape Shop
Finalists: Greenhouse Girls Dispensary, Bliss Wellness Market
Finalists: Greenhouse Girls Dispensary, Bliss Wellness Market
Winner: Tampa Girls Who Walk
Finalists: St. Pete Girls Who Walk, Hot Girl Walking Club
Finalists: St. Pete Girls Who Walk, Hot Girl Walking Club
Winner: RooSites Web Development, LLC
Finalists: Grove Brands, Hashtag Creative
Finalists: Grove Brands, Hashtag Creative
Winner: Truly Yours Event Planning
Finalists: Wilder Mind Events, Confetti Events & Weddings
Finalists: Wilder Mind Events, Confetti Events & Weddings
Winner: Jordan Torelli Photography
Finalists: Lifelong Photography Studio, Dewitt For Love Photography
Finalists: Lifelong Photography Studio, Dewitt For Love Photography
Winner: St. Pete Wellness and Med Spa
Finalists: Bōdze, Living Young Center, Axe Holistic Medicine
Finalists: Bōdze, Living Young Center, Axe Holistic Medicine
Winner: Mitchell Windows & Doors LLC
Finalists: Zager Windows Doors and Shutters, Weather Tite Windows
Finalists: Zager Windows Doors and Shutters, Weather Tite Windows
Winner: Yoga Loft Tampa
Finalists: Lotus Pond Center for Yoga and Health, Beach Town Yoga
Finalists: Lotus Pond Center for Yoga and Health, Beach Town Yoga
Winner: Rosie's Dunedin
Finalists: St. Pete Running Company , Pinellas Run Club
Finalists: St. Pete Running Company , Pinellas Run Club
Winner: St. Pete Wellness and Med Spa
Finalists: Bonita Skin, Whole Aveda Salon and Spa
Finalists: Bonita Skin, Whole Aveda Salon and Spa
Winner: Rush Cycle—St. Pete
Finalists: Ride On, Central Cycling St. Pete
Finalists: Ride On, Central Cycling St. Pete
Winner: Bella Spray Tanning
Finalists: You Glow Spray Tan, The Sunless Ritual
Finalists: You Glow Spray Tan, The Sunless Ritual
Winner: Harmony Vet Care
Finalists: Paws Vet Care Center, Palm Harbor Animal Hospital
Finalists: Paws Vet Care Center, Palm Harbor Animal Hospital
Winner: Anna Faiola
Finalists: Franklin Rivera—ARP Visuals, Alex Auguste (MRVL WRLD)
Finalists: Franklin Rivera—ARP Visuals, Alex Auguste (MRVL WRLD)
Winner: Whole Aveda Salon and Spa
Finalists: Bonita Skin, Innovitale Spa
Finalists: Bonita Skin, Innovitale Spa