Give them their Flowers

2025 Best of the Emerald Coast event celebrates community winners from annual readers’ poll

5 hours ago

Paige Aigret,

The annual Best of the Emerald Coast event has always been about community.

It’s about the businesses we love, the providers we trust, and the services we choose time and time again. At the core of all of that are the people who make it happen. That’s why we gather each year for Best of the Emerald Coast—to celebrate those people.

The 2025 Winners’ Soirée was no exception. In fact, this year’s event celebrated the Emerald Coast people like no other. More than 180 winners were recognized, and attendance reached an all-time high of 900-plus community members.

“The event really showcases everything that makes this area so special—the talent, the creativity, and the people behind the scenes who make it all happen,” says Jacob Watkins, co-owner of Christie’s International Real Estate Emerald Coast, a sponsor of the 2025 event.

As a two-time presenting sponsor for Best of the Emerald Coast 2024 and 2025, Watkins says that participating in the event gives him and his real estate team a chance to connect with the community.

“We love being part of this event,” Watkins says. “Our team was honored to help support the event and work alongside the magazine to make it come to life. We wanted to make sure it was something the community could really enjoy and be proud of. It’s always rewarding to see everyone come together and celebrate the best of what the Emerald Coast has to offer.”

Local writer and event attendee Evgeniya Stetsenko says that celebrating the successes of local businesses is crucial to maintaining a thriving community.

“First, it recognizes the hard work and dedication of these businesses—after all, they are the backbone of our community,” Stetsenko says. “Second, it makes people proud of the winners, encouraging them to support local establishments. Finally, by showcasing these successful businesses, we attract visitors and potential investors to our region. It ultimately strengthens our community and contributes to the ongoing success of this area.”

The night started with opening musical act Jay Liles, an artistic eclectic of many trades, including song and instrument. Liles performed beachy hits on the mic and guitar and got the party going. Headlining band Duchess took to the stage following Liles to keep the vibes alive with a transition into rock ’n’ roll classics.

“The band was incredible—the energy and music really set the tone for the night,” says Watkins.

“The energy Duchess brings cannot be beat,” Stetsenko says. “I absolutely love them!”

Matt Christopher of MaxImpact Photography

The locally based band of five is known to deliver sing-along hits like “Carry on my Wayward Son” by Kansas, “Dream On” by Aerosmith, and medleys of Queen classics, all of which are among the band’s favorites to perform.

“Duchess sticks to a strict formula for song selection—the song has to be a classic rock hit and present interesting musical challenges,” says Duchess guitarist Chuck Tidwell. “Fans should know all the words to everything we play!”

The band stayed busy on stage but managed a brief break during announcements to check out the event scene.

“We were able to snatch some delicious sushi from Harbor Docks and dessert from Seagar’s in the VIP tent,” says Duchess drummer Tony Gorrell.

“We are very spoiled along the Emerald Coast, with the finest of just about everything,” says Tidwell. “To rise to the ‘Best of’ in light of the level of competition is extra special.”

Some standout vendors for attendee Stetsenko included drinks from Palm Folly and Tipsy Mule Bar and small bites from Renaissance French Restaurant and Aja 30A. But, she says, the live dessert demonstration from Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood was perhaps the cherry on top. Executive Chef Fleetwood Covington recruited Best Artist winner Wes Hinds to help him and the Seagar’s team create an immersive and decadent tableside chocolate experience that wowed the crowd in the VIP tent.

Matt Christopher of MaxImpact Photography

Beyond cuisine, Stetsenko was impressed with hat vendors 30A Hat Bar and Dozer Custom Trucker Hats. But her favorite booth to linger in was Hinds’, who created the “Best of EC” issue cover art and the welcome photo mural backdrop and had old and new work for sale on-site.

“Cover artist Wes Hinds is one of the most creative artists in the area, and it was great to see his art on the cover,” Stetsenko says. “I enjoyed visiting his booth and seeing new pieces.”

Several attendees noted how grateful they were to find a respite in the comfortable seating and well-decorated tablescapes throughout the venue, thanks to lounge area sponsor Fishers Flowers.

While Duchess was a top highlight for Watkins, he says that connection reigned supreme for his 2025 Best of the Emerald Coast experience.

“I loved having the chance to catch up with so many business owners and friends from around the community,” Watkins says. “It’s just one of those events where you look around and realize how many amazing people and businesses we have right here at home.”

Matt Christopher of MaxImpact Photography

Among some of the most notable recognitions of the night were the check presentations awarded to benefiting charities Sinfonia Gulf Coast and Best Nonprofit/Charity winner Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. After a heartfelt message from sponsor Watkins, Emerald Coast Magazine publisher McKenzie Burleigh took to the microphone to recognize the deserving organizations, the night’s winners, and the people who helped pull off the impressive event.

“Huge congratulations to all of this year’s award winners—every one of you makes our community stronger,” says Watkins. “And a big thank you to Emerald Coast Magazine for everything they do to highlight the people and places that make the Emerald Coast so special. We’re proud to be part of it.”

For all the flowers Burleigh gives to those around her, the truth remains that the Best of the Emerald Coast event would not be possible without her. But always, she turns the focus back on the community she loves to celebrate.

After all, that’s what it’s all about—community.