Courtesy of Gigi Cohen
Key Points
- The Apopka Chief launched the voting period for its 2026 Best of Apopka Reader’s Choice Awards on Monday, inviting public participation.
- This year introduced a nomination phase from July 31 to Aug. 23 before voting opened, enhancing contest management.
- Voting continues through Sept. 28, with most winners announced Nov. 6 and leadership awards revealed at a Dec. 1 gala.
The Apopka Chief launched the voting period for its 2026 Best of Apopka Reader’s Choice Awards on Monday, inviting readers to celebrate local businesses and leaders.
“We’re excited to enter the voting stage of this annual tradition,” said Chief publisher J.C. Derrick. “It’s time to let everyone know about those doing great work in Apopka.”
For many years under the Chief’s prior ownership, Best of Apopka gave residents the opportunity to determine Apopka’s finest in categories such as home and garden, retail, and more. After COVID-19 suspended the contest for four years, the Chief brought the tradition back in 2025, allowing readers to submit their votes online using the Second Street platform by Upland Software.
This year, the Chief continued to innovate the contest. Instead of nominations and votes arriving at once, the Chief encouraged readers to add candidates to the ballot from July 31 to Aug. 23, before voting opened.
“This year, we added a nomination phase to improve the management of the contest,” said Gigi Cohen, digital solutions manager for the Chief’s parent company, MARC Media. “We are excited that the initial phase brought back some of our most cherished businesses and thrilled to see some fresh names on the list.”
Readers may cast their votes at theapopkachief.com/best-of-apopka/#// through Sept. 28. Most winners will be announced in the Chief’s Nov. 6 edition, with those in the “Leadership with The Apopka Chamber” category to be announced at the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce’s Dec. 1 gala.
“Whether you are fiercely loyal to a defending champion or eager to crown a rising star, it is up to the community and the readers of The Apopka Chief to decide who is outstanding and worthy of their ‘Best of’ votes,” Cohen said.
Questions about Best of Apopka voting may be sent to bestofapopka@theapopkachief.com.