If you have lived in Key West for any amount of time, chances are you have heard someone mention the Bubba Awards.

And if you have ever attended?

You already know.

It is one of the most fun, quirky, community driven nights of the year.

Think of it as the People’s Choice Awards of Key West, where locals vote for their favorite businesses, restaurants, bartenders, musicians, artists, nonprofits, and yes… even Realtors.

But what makes the Bubbas so special is that they are about much more than winning.

They are about celebrating the people and businesses that make this little island feel like home.

What Are the Bubba Awards?

Hosted by Keys Weekly, the Bubba Awards are an annual celebration recognizing the best of the Florida Keys, voted on by the people who live here and love this community.

• Best restaurant.
• Best happy hour.
• Best local band.
• Best nonprofit.
• Best local personality.
• Best Realtor.

You name it.

If it makes Key West better, there is probably a category for it.

And honestly, that is what makes it so fun.

The Bubbas shine a spotlight on the local people, businesses, and personalities that shape island life every day.

Because in Key West, community matters.

It Is More Than Just Awards

Here is something many people do not realize.

The Bubbas are also tied to something bigger.

Last year’s event helped raise more than $40,000 for Keys AHEC, a nonprofit organization that supports healthcare education and medical access throughout the Keys.

So while everyone is having fun celebrating local favorites, the event is also giving back to the community at the same time.

That feels very Key West to me.

Celebrate. Support. Repeat.

Why The Bubbas Are Actually a Blast

If you have never been, imagine this:

• Island personalities.
• Friends cheering each other on.
• Lots of laughs.
• Lots of stories.
• People dressed up.
• People dressed down.

And everyone celebrating the weird, wonderful, slightly chaotic magic that somehow makes Key West… Key West.

Honestly, it feels more like a giant island reunion than an awards show.

And whether your favorite local business wins or not, it is just fun seeing the people who make this community special get recognized.

A Small Personal Ask

This year, I would genuinely be honored if you would consider nominating me for Best Realtor.

Not because I care about titles.

But because building Key West Ted has always been about something bigger than real estate.

• It has been about community.
• Sharing local stories.
• Supporting small businesses.
• Helping people fall in love with this island.

And hopefully making Key West feel a little smaller, friendlier, and easier to understand along the way.

Whether it is real estate advice, local recommendations, community involvement, or just random rooster content… I truly appreciate every person who follows along.

Your support means more than you know.

How to Nominate

Nominations are open now and close on June 21, 2026.

If you think I have earned it, I would be incredibly grateful for your nomination in:

🏡 Best Realtor
🐓 Ted Stewart “Key West Ted”

And while you are there, support some of your favorite local businesses too. This island is full of incredible people doing incredible things.

👉 Nominate Here:
www.keysweekly.com/bubbas26

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the Bubba Awards are one of those things that perfectly captures the spirit of Key West.

• Community first.
• Celebrate the people around you.
• Have fun while doing it.
• And never take yourself too seriously.

Whether you nominate me or not, thank you for being part of this wild little Key West Ted journey!

I appreciate you more than you know.

You Should Be Here,
🐓KWT🐓 with The Spottswood Team
Truman & Co. Real Estate