OCALA, FL (352today.com) – More than 360,000 ballots were cast during the voting phase for this year’s edition of Best of the 352, which ran from Feb. 18-March 4, 2026. as residents clicked to celebrate their favorite restaurants, businesses, things to do and more from across the region.
On Wednesday, June 3, the results were released online and in print, as members of the community representing all that’s great, fun, and unique about the 352 dropped by the Best of the 352 Winner’s Open House at Reilly Arts Center in Ocala to pick up their certificates, pose for a photo and hang out with DJs from K-Country 93.7 FM and WIND-FM.
The annual Best of the 352 awards program, presented by JB Golf Carts and produced by North Central Florida Media Group (parent company of K-Country, WIND-FM and 352Today), has grown into one of the region’s largest community-driven recognition initiatives. This year’s iteration drew nearly 3,000 nominations of local businesses and services across hundreds of categories, and a total of 376 winners emerged.
The winners were finally announced online June 3, and the winners were invited to celebrate, pick up their awards, be photographed and socialize at the Winner’s Open House at the Reilly.
Here are the photos from the Winner’s Open House
The 2026 Best of the 352 Awards mark the competition’s fifth year, and it’s quickly become both a coveted and credible benchmark of popularity for local enterprises and an avenue for community engagement, inspiring and sharing public opinion and support regarding a wide variety of the institutions and upstarts that help shape North Central Florida’s cultural character.
The annual contest has become a major marketing and visibility opportunity for businesses of all sizes, while also serving as a guide for residents looking to discover trusted local favorites, from restaurants and boutiques to medical professionals, nonprofits and entertainment venues.