We’ve got you covered. Here are answers to a few of the most common questions following this year’s celebration.
What if I won but couldn’t attend the ceremony?
Your recognition still stands! Winners are officially listed on the Orlando’s Best website and can use their winner graphics to promote their achievement throughout the year.
I didn’t attend. Can I still get a certificate?
Certificates are only provided to businesses that attended the awards ceremony in person.
How do I access my winner graphics?
Log into your Orlando’s Best dashboard to download complimentary winner graphics for your website, social media, and other marketing materials. We encourage you to use them! Your Orlando’s Best recognition is a great way to build credibility, stand out from competitors, and show customers what your community thinks of your business.
Can I still purchase a plaque?
Yes! Official Orlando’s Best plaques are available through your dashboard. Displaying your award in your business is a great way to showcase your recognition to customers and celebrate your team’s accomplishment year-round.
When does the next season begin?
Nominations are open year-round. Any nominations submitted now will be considered for the 2027 Orlando’s Best program, so it’s never too early to start preparing for next year.
Thank you again to everyone who participated in the 2026 Orlando’s Best program. Congratulations to this year’s winners, and we can’t wait to see what 2027 brings!
What an incredible night! Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2026 Orlando’s Best Awards. The energy in the room and the support for local businesses made it a truly memorable celebration.
It was an honor to recognize so many outstanding businesses, teams, sponsors, and supporters who help make the Orlando community such a great place to live, work, and shop.
Take a look and see which businesses earned Gold, Silver, and Bronze honors across the Orlando area this year.
Thank you to our finalists, winners, sponsors, and everyone who nominated, voted, attended, and supported local businesses throughout the 2026 Orlando’s Best program.
We’re grateful to have you as part of Orlando’s Best, and we’re already looking forward to celebrating with you again next year!
We’re so excited to celebrate with you at the 2026 Orlando’s Best Awards Ceremony! Whether you’ve attended before or this is your first time, you’re in for a fun evening celebrating some of the best businesses in the Orlando area.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
When is it?
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
7:30 p.m. — Doors open for red carpet photos, drinks, dessert, live entertainment and the awards presentation
9:30 p.m. — Approximate end time
The entire event is designed to move quickly, with plenty of time to celebrate, connect with other local businesses and find out who takes home Gold, Silver and Bronze in each category.
Where is it?
NEW VENUE!
DoubleTree Orlando Theme Park Resort 10100 International Dr Orlando, FL 32821
Please make sure you take note of our new location before heading to the ceremony.
What’s included?
Your ticket includes a full evening of celebration, including:
• Red carpet photo opportunities • Live entertainment • Awards presentation • Door prizes • Delicious dessert • On-stage photo opportunity when receiving an award • Cash bar available throughout the evening
VIP ticket holders also receive:
• Priority entry • Seating in the front sections • An exclusive Orlando’s Best gift • Two door prize entries
Annual Sponsors receive unlimited beer, wine and cocktails during the event.
Who should attend?
This night is all about our finalists and the people who helped them get here. Bring your team, family members, partners or anyone else who has been part of your success.
It’s also a great opportunity to meet and support other standout businesses from throughout the Orlando community.
What should I wear?
Dress up and have fun with it! Most guests choose cocktail or formal attire, so dresses, suits and other elevated evening looks are all great choices.
How long is the event?
About two hours. It’s a high-energy evening packed with entertainment, awards and plenty of opportunities to celebrate your accomplishments.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you on Tuesday, September 8 at the 2026 Orlando’s Best Awards Ceremony. See you at the DoubleTree Orlando Theme Park Resort!
As Orlando’s Best has grown, we’ve seen more nominations, more votes, and more incredible businesses competing across the Orlando area than ever before. Because of that growth, we made a small update to the way winners are recognized for the 2026 program.
In previous years, each category included three finalists, with one overall winner and two additional “Top Three” placements. While we loved being able to recognize multiple businesses, we felt the structure could be clearer and more meaningful for both winners and customers.
Beginning in 2026, Orlando’s Best categories will now recognize Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners.
The number of finalists has not changed. We’re simply refining the way placements are presented to better highlight the businesses that earned top support from the community.
We believe this updated format creates stronger marketing opportunities for winners, especially for small and locally owned businesses. Gold, Silver, and Bronze placements are easier for customers to understand at a glance, more recognizable in advertising and social media, and give businesses a clearer way to promote their achievement throughout the year.
As the program has become more competitive, we also wanted to create a format that better reflects the level of accomplishment involved in placing among the top businesses in the Orlando area. Finalists will continue to represent the top contenders in their category, with Gold, Silver, and Bronze placements announced at the Orlando’s Best Awards Ceremony.
Our goal with this update is simple. We want to continue recognizing the businesses that are making a real impact throughout the Orlando community while giving winners awards they can more effectively use to build trust, credibility, and visibility.
We’re incredibly grateful to the thousands of people who nominate and vote for their favorite local businesses each year, and we can’t wait to celebrate this year’s finalists and winners at the 2026 Orlando’s Best Awards Ceremony.
For many people searching for a family law firm in Orlando, that call comes after weeks or even years of emotional strain. It comes when a parent fears losing time with their child, when a marriage reaches a breaking point, or when the future feels uncertain and overwhelming. It is often the moment people realize they cannot navigate what comes next on their own.
At Conti Moore Law, those moments are met with compassion and clarity. Each call represents a family at a crossroads looking for guidance, stability, and someone willing to stand in their corner. The firm was built on the belief that family law should feel supportive rather than intimidating. People deserve advocacy that respects both their legal rights and their emotional reality.
Whether preserving a precious heirloom, commemorating a milestone, or creating a new family tradition, Let Us Frame It reminds us that memories are meant to be displayed, shared, and cherished. Every custom frame tells a story that connects past and present, art and emotion, family and future. These stories will continue to hang proudly on walls for generations to come.
Are you as excited as we are for the nights of August 20-21? Whether or not this is a new event for you, we want share with you what to expect.
Please quickly read through the items below. If you have any questions, please contact us and we’ll try to get right back to you.
Timeline
Doors open at 7:30pm and we expect to end around 9:30pm.
IMPORTANT: Take note of your night to attend! We are announcing some categories on Wednesday and others on Thursday.
Ticket Info
Tickets are required to be purchased in advance. Note, we will not be selling tickets at the event or allowing entry without a ticket. As of the moment we’re publishing this article, there are a few tickets available for sale.
Tickets will be emailed/texted directly to each guest by the evening before the assigned event.
IMPORTANT: In the dashboard, make sure each of your tickets are assigned and include UNIQUE contact information for each guest. Unassigned tickets or tickets with duplicate contact details are not eligible to win door prizes.
What to Wear
Dress in the best you have! At the awards ceremony you’ll see fancy gowns and dapper tuxedos. This is a night to celebrate you, Orlando’s Best, so dress like it!
Location and Parking
Our event is at the ParghEvent Center (formerly known as Rosen Event Center) at 11184 S Apopka Vineland Rd in Orlando. However, don’t confuse it with the Rosen Centre hotel. That is not the same place!
Parking is free but very limited! Please try to carpool or use a ride share app if possible.
Upon arrival look for the sigh that says Rosen JCC. Parking is FREE and right next to the entrance of the building.
Door Prizes
If you signed up to bring an approved door prize, please bring it with you to the event and hand it in at the registration table.
If you’d like to sponsor a door prize, submit your door prize here. Only bring the prize if we have approved it by email first.
Red Carpet
After registration you’ll walk the red carpet. We’ve hired two experienced photographers to capture the moment for your entire team. Please, no selfie’s on the red carpet before the event starts. You’ll be able to do that after the program is over.
Drinks
The caterer is providing a bar that serves beer and wine. If you’re a VIP ticket holder, we’ll give you wristband at the registration table. This will entitle you to free, unlimited drinks.
Dessert
We’re bringing in a local caterer to treat us with some delicious desserts. Please, keep it to no more than two per person unless there are some leftover at the end of the evening.
Entertainment
The program will begin with a welcome by Brodie Tyler and then live comedy entertainment by Dan Altano. We’re flying him in from New Jersey to entertain us for the evening. Get ready to laugh!
Awards Presentation
Although we have over 300 categories in this year’s awards, at the awards ceremony we will only be announcing the results for a few dozen of them. Basically, those who purchased tickets will hear their category’s results.
NOTE: If you’re bringing a guest who represents a different candidate, or you’re employed with a candidate for which tickets were not purchased, please let us know right away. That way we can make sure all represented categories are announced. If you don’t tell us with enough notice, we will not announce the category (unless another finalist in the category is attending) and we will not have a printed certificate for you.
Once your category is announced, please make your way to the stage for another photo opportunity with Brodie handing you a certificate. Bring the entire team, if you like! Don’t worry though… you are not expected to give a speech. It’s just a photo opp.
Announcing Winners
If you’re unable to make it to our awards ceremony, that’s unfortunate because it’s going to be a fun evening! That said, we will be announcing the winners for all categories on our website the very next day, so stay tuned.
The Silverthornes’ life changed one afternoon after returning home from a relaxing family beach vacation. Their front door hadn’t survived a high-wind storm that had blown through their Florida neighborhood the night before—a common occurrence in their area. The storm left behind splintered wood panels, broken glass, and an unsettling, strange sense of exposure to the busy street. The lock had been broken, and the door was pulled off its flimsy, rusted hinges, tilting at an odd angle and refusing to close properly.
Jordan, the father, was able to temporarily reattach the door. With three small children to protect, his wife, Maria, insisted they needed a more secure replacement. Their home, less than 30 years old, seemed too new for such a failure. Jordan decided that the replacement had to offer more than a quick fix—it needed to provide lasting security and protection.
After some research, Jordan discovered ARMORVUE Window & Door Company. With over 125 years of experience, they seemed like the perfect solution. The next day, ARMORVUE sent Rick to assess the damage and provide a detailed estimate. Rick brought along sample cutaways and a full range of print and digital materials, allowing Jordan and Maria to evaluate their options thoroughly.
Rick went through the entire process, and patiently answered Jordan’s many questions, ensuring complete transparency. He even extended their consultation to make Jordan feel confident in the process. Rick was transparent about the process, and Jordan felt sure he wanted to move forward with ARMORVUE. Maria and Jordan spent some time discussing, and with so many options, they knew they’d find the right one.
Now, the only question was: Would they get a custom door to match the outside of their home or French doors to give their home that elegant style his wife had always wanted?
After much debate, Jordan and Maria selected the impact door. These doors provide enhanced security, thanks to their reinforced frames, robust construction, and enhanced security from wind and potential storm damage. That also means extra protection from any possible burglaries. Because hurricanes and storms are powerful, the doors at ARMORVUE are made to withstand these strong winds and are tested thoroughly. Not only do they have wind resistance, but air infiltration as well. They’re also rated highly energy-efficient, as they’re conducted with innovative technology to help reduce energy bills and lessen the impact on the HVAC system.
The ARMORVUE team promptly began work, leveraging their knowledge of HOA regulations. Rick helped Jordan secure the necessary HOA approvals and permits, ordering the new door to ensure it was ready upon permit approval. The entire process took just under two months, in accordance with Florida’s permitting requirements. Throughout, the Silverthornes received excellent communication and transparency from the team. The installers arrived on time and worked efficiently, ensuring a smooth installation. Afterward, the team conducted a thorough inspection to confirm everything was secure.
In Jordan’s opinion, one of the best parts about ARMORVUE’s products is that they provide a Lifetime Limited Transferable Warranty. If another nasty gust of wind blows through their neighborhood, the Silverthorne’s don’t have to worry about another mishap, budget for more expenses, or use their savings to fix their home again.
The new door brought unexpected benefits. Not only does it withstand Florida’s severe weather, but it also significantly reduces noise from the busy street outside. Once their front door is shut, their house gets quiet. No more honking horns or traffic sounds coming from the street outside. They feel protected, safe, and secure from whatever comes their way. Maria also noticed that the door’s energy-efficient design helped keep their home cooler, reducing strain on their HVAC system during Florida’s sweltering summer months. It was a small but impactful difference that made their home feel even more comfortable.
Thanks to ARMORVUE, the Silverthornes have peace of mind knowing they’re protected from storms, intrusions, and whatever life throws their way. The experience gave Jordan and Maria a newfound appreciation for the importance of high-quality home improvements. For the Silverthornes, what started as a chaotic homecoming turned into a story of security, comfort, and lasting confidence in their home.
When Don and Sharon Murillo walked into Francesco’s Ristorante for their first wedding anniversary, they had no idea it would become a favorite. Their neighbor had recommended the restaurant, and though Don was particular about Italian food, he decided to take a chance.
With a reservation in place, they were promptly seated and handed drink menus. The warm lighting, exposed brick walls, and soft music transported them straight to Italy. At their waiter’s suggestion, they started with a Caprese salad. Sharon marveled at the freshness of the tomatoes—comparable to those from their last trip to Italy.
Because they were both ravenous and curious about the food, they ordered a second appetizer of Calamari Fritti paired with two glasses of Pinot Grigio. The calamari was fresh, and the remoulade sauce was bursting with flavor.
“If the appetizers are this delicious, I can’t imagine what the entrées will be like,” Sharon said, squeezing the last bit of lemon over the calamari. “This is the freshest food I’ve had in a long time.”
It didn’t take long for their entrées to arrive, thanks to a serenading food runner who sang sweet, soft lyrics to the Murillos as he placed their food on their table. They ordered one pizza and pasta dish to share, the Romana pizza and Rigatoni Calabrese. Sharon couldn’t believe how something as simple as a pizza could be so tasty—the prosciutto was flavorful, the crust was crispy, and it was topped with the perfect amount of tomato sauce. Don, who prefers pasta over pizza, ate the Rigatoni Calabrese after a couple of small slices of pizza. The dish had seasoned sausage with a sweet and savory flavor, clearly made with whole, fresh ingredients that rivaled an actual dish from Italy.
“Turns out the entrées are better than we could imagine,” Don smiled. “I’m more than impressed with the food here. I’m speechless!”
The Murillos knew their meal wouldn’t be complete without a slice of tiramisú. As they waited, they spotted the head chef and owner, Francesco, delivering a plate of steaming food to a nearby table, a massive smile on his face.
Chef Francesco Aiello, whose roots are Sicilian, developed his passion for cooking as a child. Growing up in Italy, his family prepared a feast every Sunday. Though nobody in his family was a professional chef, his grandmother, mother, and father were all excellent cooks, which played a key role in developing his love for food. Francesco pursued formal culinary training in Italy, specializing in fish, seafood, and risotto. His mission is simple: to uphold time-honored Italian traditions by using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available.
“I think this is better than any tiramisú we’ve had in Italy,” Sharon said, breaking off another bite. “The texture and flavors are exploding in my mouth!”
“We might have to order another slice,” Don said, taking the second-to-last piece.
“Why don’t we try something else?” Sharon picked up the menu. “Let’s get the Italian wedding cake for our anniversary.”
Francesco brought the cake himself after learning about their celebration. His warm, friendly energy immediately revealed his passion for the restaurant.
“I hear it is a very special occasion today,” Francesco said, placing a generous slice between them. “We feel honored you chose our restaurant.”
“This is incredible,” Don said, taking the first bite. “We’re impressed with everything—the atmosphere, the food, the drinks, and the dessert.” Don then asked Francesco about his experience growing up in Italy and opening a successful restaurant in Florida, inspired by his father and grandfather’s cooking—his skill runs in the family.
As Don and Sharon savored the last bites of their Italian wedding cake, they knew Francesco’s Ristorante had become more than just a restaurant—it was a place where memories were made. From the authentic flavors to the heartfelt hospitality, every detail of their anniversary dinner transported them straight to Italy. With full hearts and satisfied appetites, they promised themselves they would return soon. After all, a restaurant that feels like home—and tastes like Italy—is worth revisiting time and time again.
James and Katie finally arrived at their long-anticipated destination, Clearwater Beach. After a tiresome week, it was time to relax and celebrate their ten-year anniversary. They had meticulously planned this trip, longing to revisit the spot where James proposed to Katie at Pier 60 during a breathtaking sunrise. Vacation time together was rare due to their busy schedules, making this moment all the more special. With less than an hour before sunrise, they packed breakfast and coffee, eager to recreate the magic of that unforgettable day.
As they walked to Pier 60, James felt a dry irritation in his right eye and realized he’d forgotten to replace his contacts in the rush to leave. A quick search of his pack revealed no glasses. At the pier, the rising sun painted the sky with brilliant hues, but James’ blurred vision dulled the magic. Another search confirmed his glasses were left in the car’s center console. Disappointed, James couldn’t help but feel that such a special moment was overshadowed by this frustrating oversight.
Millions of people worldwide are affected by vision impairments. While contacts and glasses are valuable tools, they come with persistent costs and inconveniences. Contacts can dry out or become uncomfortable, and glasses are prone to being misplaced or damaged. Altered vision impacts daily tasks and diminishes the ability to fully experience life’s special moments. LASIK has emerged as a popular and transformative option for millions, offering life-changing vision correction without the hassle of glasses or contacts.
Dr. T. Christopher McCurry, a dedicated and accomplished member of the LasikPlus team, has devoted his career to transforming lives through improved vision. Fascinated by the interplay of biology and physics in vision, Dr. McCurry’s passion has driven him to become a leading expert in refractive surgery. Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, he joined LasikPlus in 2019, bringing extensive experience as a surgeon since 2013.
At LasikPlus, where Dr. McCurry plays an integral role, patients are at the heart of everything they do. Many arrive after being told by other practitioners that they weren’t candidates for LASIK. Despite initial setbacks, these patients hold onto hope and seek second opinions. LasikPlus is proud to help over 90% of those who walk through their doors, including individuals previously deemed ineligible elsewhere. Witnessing patients’ tears of joy when they learn they can undergo the procedure fuels Dr. McCurry’s dedication to delivering exceptional care and reinforces his commitment to improving lives through advanced vision correction.
What sets LasikPlus apart is their commitment to accessibility. They offer extended hours, including late nights and weekends, and are willing to schedule procedures on days they’re officially “closed” to accommodate patients’ busy lives. This flexibility ensures that everyone has the opportunity to experience the life-changing benefits of LASIK.
LasikPlus also makes getting started as easy as possible by offering both in-center and virtual consultations. Whether someone has a packed schedule or is eager to have LASIK as soon as possible, they can accommodate same-day in-center testing and treatment, provided it is medically safe. This streamlined process allows patients to move forward with confidence, knowing that clear vision is within reach on their terms.
Beyond accessibility, LasikPlus is committed to educating patients about their options. They provide extensive resources on their website and offer one-on-one consultations to answer any questions or concerns. From understanding candidacy requirements to exploring financing options, their team is dedicated to making the LASIK journey as smooth and transparent as possible.
The team at LasikPlus understands the profound impact of clear vision and strives to make their services affordable and convenient for all. As more people choose LASIK to improve their quality of life, LasikPlus remains dedicated to providing unparalleled care and transforming the way their patients see the world.
