SRQ MEDIA’s Best of SRQ Local Readers Competition celebrates the region’s best locally owned establishments. Each year, we invite our astute readers to nominate and vote for their favorites across local eats, shopping, arts, luminaries and can't-miss spots. The celebration culminates in the highly anticipated “Best of SRQ Local” awards feature, published in the April edition of SRQ Magazine—a vibrant showcase of the locally owned businesses, organizations and experiences that make our hometown so special. Best of SRQ Local is more than just a list of winners; it’s a way of honoring the people and places that bring our community to life and supporting the local establishments that shape Sarasota.
Share the love and vote for your favorite restaurants, businesses, people and places.
- The top vote-getters from the Nominations Round made it to the Official 2026 Best of SRQ Local Ballot.
- Vote Often to Move Your Favorites Up in the rankings.
- We encourage readers to submit votes in at least 15 categories.
How many times can I vote?
You can vote once every day per category.
How many ballots do I set up?
In the spirit of the competition, only one ballot is allowed per person.
What are the minimum categories I need to vote in for my ballot to be verified?
Make sure you have voted in at least 15 different categories.
Are there official marketing materials I can utilize to promote voting for my business?
Scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on the ToolKit link below to download creative assets.
How can I update my address?
Reach out to Robinson Valverde at SRQ Magazine at
robinson.valverde@srqme.com to update your address.
Step 1: Nominations Round—October 8 to November 12, 2025—Over 5 weeks
Nominations Open: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Share the love and nominate your favorite restaurants, businesses, people and places.
The top vote-getters will be included on the final voting ballot and move on to the Voting Round.
Nominate often—only nominations receiving the most submissions move on to the Official Ballot.
We encourage readers to submit nominations in at least 5 categories.
Step 2: Voting Round—January 7-February 4, 2026—Over 4 weeks
Voting Opens: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Once you create your account, you can vote for your favorites at any time once a day during the four weeks of each round.
You will be required to vote in at least 15 different categories for your ballot to be validated.
Step 3: The Winners!
We announce the placement of our readers' winners in a special Readers Guide to the Winners.
Published in the April 2026 edition of SRQ Magazine.
Also published online on our website for you to access throughout the year.
Note: Ensuring the Integrity of the Program
In the spirit of the competition, only one email address per person will be allowed.
We are working with the platform provide SecondStreet/Upland to introduce new measures in
monitoring ballots to avoid practices that are not in the spirit of this readers competition.
Any person using multiple email addresses may be subject to ballot rejection.
2026 Best of SRQ Local Marketing Toolkit for Nominations
Download Complimentary Marketing Tools to Encourage Votes for Your Business
Click here to browse the 2026 Vote Toolkit
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For enhanced listing and banner visibility within the Best of SRQ Local Online Platform,
contact SRQ MEDIA at growmybusiness@srqme.com for options.
SRQ MEDIA
SAVE THE DATE
TGIF Best of SRQ Local Party
Friday, April 3, 2026 — 6:30-9PM
Sarasota Art Museum
1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
Showcasing Best of SRQ Local restaurants, performances, boutiques and the arts.
Tickets Go on Sale February 1, 2026
Best of SRQ Local Program Inquiries
Contact: Robinson Valverde
Accounts + Client Services Director
robinson.valverde@srqme.com
Best of SRQ Local Event Inquiries
Contact: Lauren Sutter
Marketing and Events Manager
lauren.sutter@srqme.com
For all other inquiries
Contact Us
Celebrate the sprit of our hometown with SRQ Magazine. Published 10x a year, SRQ Magazine captures the people, tastes, culture, boutiques and philanthropic hearts of Sarasota, Bradenton Area and the Barrier Islands on the West Coast of Florida. We invite you to experience living and loving local - in print and online. Welcome to the SRQ family!
SUBSCRIBESRQ Media transforms what it means to live and love local through its portfolio of hyper-local print and online publications including its flagship city regional SRQ Magazine, its documentary, and video production division Moving Stories and non-profit development division Story Project. The SRQ Media team leverages its strong audience footprint to catalyze visionary community programs such as SB2: Regional Symposia Series, Women in Business, SMARTgirl, SkillSHARE and ProjecThinkby engaging individuals to positively impact their hometown of Sarasota and the Bradenton Area situated on the vibrant West Coast of Florida.
SRQ Media supports regional charitable, cultural and education organizations and not-profits throughout the year with custom programs and sponsorships.
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