News Summary
The Ledger’s Best of Central Florida Community Choice Awards celebrated local excellence as residents recognized their favorite businesses across various categories. With over 600 attendees and more than 390 businesses acknowledged, the event showcased the vibrancy of the region. From beauty and health to entertainment and sports, the ceremony highlighted the contributions of local establishments and emphasized community involvement in supporting these businesses. Emceed by local leaders, the evening also featured glamorous presentations that reinforced local pride and engagement.
Lakeland, Florida – The Ledger’s Best of Central Florida Community Choice Awards 2025 took place on the evening of June 15 at the RP Funding Center, recognizing the region’s top businesses as voted on by local residents. This annual event brought together around 600 attendees to celebrate the diverse establishments that contribute to the vibrancy of Central Florida.
The awards program featured more than 130 categories encompassing everything from beauty and health to entertainment, pets, shopping, sports, fitness, and beyond. The competition aimed at showcasing favorite companies and organizations, defining what makes Central Florida unique.
Nominations for the “Best of” contest were conducted throughout April, where residents had the chance to nominate their preferred local businesses. Following this, public voting took place in June, allowing community members to select their favorite nominees in each category.
In total, over 390 businesses and organizations were acknowledged during this year’s awards ceremony, highlighting the best in various sectors. The event was organized by Guide to Florida, a website dedicated to promoting Florida’s culture, businesses, and events, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in recognizing local excellence.
The ceremony began at 6 PM in a lavish banquet hall setting, with a lively atmosphere as guests awaited the announcement of winners. The event was emceed by Jim Fogler, the regional president of Florida for the USA Today Network, who conveyed enthusiasm for the honorees and underscored the positive impact of such recognitions on local economies.
Among the attendees was Paris Richardson, Miss Florida 2025, who presented the awards to the various winners, adding a touch of glamour to the proceedings. The combination of community engagement and local pride was evident throughout the night.
Categories were expansive, reflecting the lifestyle of Central Florida residents. Awards were presented to businesses across multiple sectors, including beauty & health, entertainment & leisure, pets, services, shopping, sports and fitness, auto accessories, and spirits. Each category aimed to acknowledge the distinctive contributions of various companies that serve and enhance the local community.
The Best of Central Florida Community Choice Awards not only serves as a guide for residents seeking top-notch services and products in their area but also reinforces the importance of community support for local businesses. The event highlights that despite challenges faced by businesses, local engagement and recognition can play a crucial role in their success.
A complete list of the winners, along with detailed information about the participating businesses, is available on The Ledger’s dedicated contest website, enabling residents to explore the various recognized establishments and the offerings that make Central Florida a desirable place to live and work.
As the awards program continues to grow and evolve, it remains a key event on the Central Florida calendar, drawing participants eager to support and celebrate the exemplary local businesses that shape their communities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Ledger: Best of Central Florida Community Choice Awards 2025
- GlobeNewswire: Winners of the 2025 Florida ORBIE Awards
- Lakeland Now: United Way Awards 2025
- Wikipedia: Community Awards
- Google Search: Central Florida businesses
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
