OCALA, FL (352today.com) – North Central Florida Media (NCFM), parent company of 352today as well as radio stations 93.7 K-Country and 92.5/95.5 Wind-FM, is thrilled to celebrate local businesses through the Best of the 352 program.

Best of the 352 invites those who live and shop in the 352 to share their love for local businesses, stores, and restaurants by nominating and voting for their favorites.

This year marked the program’s third anniversary, and it was its biggest yet. Over 3,100 businesses were nominated in 208 categories. The winners were decided by 265,000 votes from customers, fans, and supporters. Community engagement is the heart of the contest.

On Thursday, June 6, NCFM celebrated the 2024 winners with an event hosted at the Reilly Arts Center. Winning businesses were welcomed to collect their certificates, receive copies of the Best of the 352 magazines, enjoy photo opportunities, and mingle with NCFM DJs, staff, and fellow winners. Beyond the reception, the awards boost morale for business owners and employees and increase exposure for local places.

Over 130 local businesses participated in the celebration and were recognized for the honors bestowed upon them by the voters.

Happy Hearts Preschool employees pose for a picture with their award. Courtesy: Whitney Zarder/352today
Graze and Prosper provided refreshments for the reception. Courtesy: Whitney Zarder/352today
SynergySoftwash owner Trey Patterson shows his “2024 Winner” badges. Courtesy: Whitney Zarder/352today
92.5/95.5 DJs Hunter and Dupree mingled with winners at the reception. Courtesy: Whitney Zarder/352today
Salon Jaylee and TENAJ Salon Institute show their gold and silver awards. Courtesy: Whitney Zarder/352today
30 Minute Legal Documents won silver for “Best Legal Document Services.” Courtesy: Whitney Zarder/352today

Among the winners, Big Lee’s Barbecue, awarded in the Barbecue and Food Trucks categories, expressed gratitude to their loyal customers in a heartfelt Facebook post: “Your support motivates us to keep working harder to give you our very best.”

Similarly, Best Distribution Center winner Team Cone extended their appreciation, stating “a huge thank you to our amazing community for your support and trust. Our team’s unwavering dedication to excellence shines through daily, and we’re honored to have it recognized.”

NCFM takes pride in showcasing the hard work and dedication of local businesses each year. The Best of the 352 program, as well as the businesses that it celebrates, would not be able to succeed without the steadfast support that the North Central Florida community provides.

For a comprehensive list of winners, be sure to check out the Best of the 352 magazine. Complimentary physical copies are available at NCFM, located at 1901 E. Fort King St. in Ocala, or the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, located at 1051 Main Street in The Villages.