BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Watermark Grille (Naples)

Finalists: Kelly's Fish House (Naples); Swan River Seafood (Naples)

Southwest Floridians expect the best the in fish and shellfish. Watermark Grille meets-and often exceeds-those expectations with impeccably fresh, expertly prepared dishes that take advantage of the area's rich bounty, such as grouper sautéed with fresh basil, garlic, tomato and wine.

BEST SUSHI BAR

DaRuMa (Naples)

Finalists: Origami (Fort Myers and Naples); Syrah (Naples)

Boasting its second win in as many years, this place is on a roll: California roll, shrimp tempura roll, spicy tuna roll, spicy salmon roll, and unagi eel roll, that is.

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

P.F. Chang's (Naples)

Finalists: China Pavilion Restaurant (Naples); Panda Pavilion Chinese Restaurant (Naples)

This Arizona-based chain has been packing diners in at its year-old outpost in north Naples with Celestial delights like Soothing Lettuce Wraps, Oolong Marinated Sea Bass, Sichuan Chicken Chow Fun, Moo Goo Gai Pan and other Far Eastern ecstasies.

BEST FRENCH RESTAURANT

Chardonnay (Naples)

Finalists: Bleu Provence (Naples); Marie Michelle (Naples)

A mainstay on Naples' dining scene for 15 years, Chardonnay represents the finest of French cuisine served in an atmosphere of uncompromising concern for detail. From escargot to soufflé, expect a magniifique experience.

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Campiello Ristorante (Naples)

Finalists: Bravissimo (Naples); Noodles Italian Café (Bonita Springs)

With its elegant indoor dining room and buzzing courtyard, Campiello Ristorante draws the in crowd. If the beautiful people don't keep you engrossed, the entrées from an oak-fired oven will.

BEST BARBECUE RESTAURANT

Michelbob's (Naples)

Finalists: Porky's Last Stand (Naples and Bonita Springs); Rib City Grill (Lee and Collier counties)

Any place with the name "bob" in it has got to have good 'cue. And Michelbob's is undeniably bobelicious (even though the owners brewed up the name 25 years ago by playing with the name of Michelob beer). Meaty pork ribs imported from Denmark and swathed in sweet or tangy sauce get most of the attention here, although barbecued chicken, beef and pork platters also are hot items. Check out the freshwater fish pix on the wall, taken at the owners' summertime Kesagami Wilderness Lodge Canada.

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Flaco's (Naples)

Finalists: Iguana Mia (Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Bonita Springs); La Casita (Fort Myers)

Sí, senor, Flaco's rhymes with tacos. But this cozy casa on the Tamiami Trail also cooks up some awfully bueno burritos and especial enchiladas. And the pollo mole is almost holy.

BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT

DaRuMa (Naples)

Finalists: Fujiyama Steak House of Japan (Naples); Origami (Fort Myers and Naples)

Readers' ballots fell like falling sakura blossoms in the spring for this roomy restaurant near Vanderbilt Beach. An extensive menu of sushi and sashimi, along with hibachi tableside cooking, draws bows, along with entrees like the intriguing Emperor's Feast (lobster, shrimp, scallops, fish, filet mignon, New York strip, duck breast and chicken) and the yummy teppan yaki steak.

BEST PIZZA RESTAURANT (Non-Chain)

Aurelio's (Naples)

Finalists: Frankie and Johnny's Pizza (Bonita Springs); Mama Mia's Pizza, Sub and Italian Food (Naples)

It's dinner only, and only from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, so it's no wonder that cars start filling the lot as early as 4 p.m. And even on steamy summer days, they hover by the locked door, pacing in anticipation of that tasty, round pie that unusually enough is cut into squares. That's Chicago-style for ya.

BEST STEAKHOUSE

Andre's Steak House (Fort Myers, Naples and Marco Island)

Finalists: Sanibel Steakhouse (Sanibel Island, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Naples); Shula's Steakhouse (Naples)

Andre's once again staked out the top place as a great meating place in a region that boasts more than its share of good steak houses. The place's rare cuts of beef, including a prime porterhouse, win plaudits, although its dazzling wine list of some 200 varietals may have tippled the outcome.

BEST GROUPER SANDWICH

Grouper & Chips (Bonita Springs, Naples)

Finalists: Baleen at LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort (Naples); Matanzas (Fort Myers Beach)

Everyone seems to gravitate toward grouper when it comes to local fish, and the grouper sandwich is a Gulfshore classic-simple, satisfying and full of the essence of Florida. Grouper & Chips knows how to do it right-simply and inexpensively.

BEST APPETIZERS

Chop's City Grill (Bonita Springs, Naples)

Finalists: Roy's (Bonita Springs); Stonewood (Naples, Fort Myers)

Sophisticated in atmosphere and dazzling in the kitchen, Chop's offers a broad selection of small plates and sushi starters. Roasted-duck pot stickers, anyone?

BEST DESSERTS

Naples Cheesecake Company (Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers)

Finalists: Bubble Room (Captiva Island); Tony's Off Third (Naples)

"Put a slice of heaven in your life," advises the Naples Cheesecake Company slogan, and for 20 years, that's what local dessert lovers have done. Heaven comes in flavors ranging from subtle amaretto to flashy strawberry-Key lime swirl.

BEST KEY LIME PIE

Naples Cheesecake Company (Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers)

Finalists: Rhodes (Bonita Springs); Parrot Key Caribbean Grill (Fort Myers Beach)

Nothing says Southwest Florida like key lime pie, and these experts say it best.

BEST ICE CREAM SHOP

Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream (Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs)

Finalists: Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream (Bonita Springs); Brusters (Bonita Springs)

"Vermont's Finest"-ice cream with a scoop of political attitude-has long had a home in Naples, its first local outlet, and now it's all over the Gulfshore Innovative flavors like Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey keep us stopping and sampling in every city.

BEST BRUNCH

Tie: The Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples and Café Chablis at The Registry Resort, Naples

Finalists: Tie: Bacchus (Fort Myers) and First Watch (Fort Myers, Naples)

Brunch takes on new meaning at two of Naples' finest hotels. The Dining Room's Sunday Jazz Brunch and Chablis' Sunday Champagne Brunch represent the epitome of upscale early dining.

BEST BREAKFAST

First Watch (Fort Myers, Naples)

Finalists: Cracker Barrel (Fort Myers, Naples); Mel's Diner (Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples and San Carlos Park)

Now that there are two in Naples, one would expect the crowds to be more manageable. Wrong. But no matter what the wait, it's worth it for those cheesy skillets, overstuffed omelets and spicy creations.

BEST MARGARITAS

Flaco's (Naples)

Finalists: Iguana Mia (Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Bonita Springs); Parrot Key Caribbean Grill (Fort Myers Beach)

There's a lot of competition even when tasting away in Margaritaville, but frosty glasses brimming with triple sec, lime juice, salt and Jose Cuervo Gold tequila won big olés for Flaco's. Weekday evening happy hours, with margaritas at $2.50 a pop, may have garnered a few extra votes for this particular frozen concoction.

BEST WINE LIST

Tie: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples

Finalists: Bacchus (Fort Myers); Syrah (Naples)

The Ritz's wine list features bottles from less than $100 to several thousand. Small wonder it's earned AAA's Five Diamond award.

BEST MARTINIS

Chop's City Grill (Bonita Springs and Naples)

Finalists: Campiello (Naples); Shannon's (Fort Myers)

"Shaken, not stirred," is how Dana Wilson, corporate wine and spirits director for Chop's parent company, describes the big $8.95, 7.5-ounce martinis here. Drinkers pick from 21 types of gin or vodka mixed with a splash of dry vermouth and anchored with a colossal green olive. The 11-drink "Choptails" list ranges from Kosmopolitans (chilled Kremlynovskaya Limonnaya from Russia with Cointreau, fresh lime juice and a touch of cranberry juice) to Silk Panties (Grey Goose Vodka and Peach Schnapps).

BEST COFFEE HOUSE

Starbucks (Naples, Bonita Springs)

Finalists: Coffee Beanery (Naples); Blackhawk Café (Fort Myers)

The Seattle slew of coffeehouses has heated up Southwest Florida's once-tepid coffee market with 30 kinds of basic blends, from Ethiopia Sidamo to Komodo Dragon Blend, and a host of creamier concoctions including Toffee Nut Latte and Caramel Macchiato.

BEST WATERFRONT DINING

Maxwell's on the Bay (Naples)

Finalists: Baleen at LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort (Naples); Turtle Club (Naples)

Maxwell's offers the best of two worlds: a charming view of Venetian Bay and a location amid the Mediterranean splendor of The Village on Venetian Bay. It's seaside dining with a sophisticated urban twist.

BEST RESTAURANT FOR A ROMANTIC MEAL

Tie: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples and Roy's (Bonita Springs)

Finalist: Verandah (Fort Myers)

The two Rs-Ritz and Roy's-offer two dazzlingly different settings for lovers-and lovers of fine food. Just decide which fans your flame more: the serene surroundings of a stellar hotel or a hip and frenzied fusion scene. Both have their place in Cupid's arsenal.

BEST RESTAURANT FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH

Shula's Steakhouse (Naples)

Finalists: Café Chablis at The Registry Resort (Naples); University Grill (Fort Myers)

No need to ask 'where's the beef?' at this restaurant, particularly with a 48-ounce porterhouse on the menu. That cut is probably too indulgent for a business lunch, but there's plenty at Shula's to suit noontime appetites, including a menu of more than just steak, a classy dining room that serves as a shrine to Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula, and two elegant private banquet rooms.

BEST DEAL ON A MEAL

Mel's Diner (Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples and San Carlos Park)

Finalists: Tropic Chill (Naples); Carrabba's Italian Grill (Naples, Bonita Springs)

Give your wallet a break. Mel's serves up tasty meals for under $10, and that includes soup, salad, potato, vegetable and bread. Expect burgers, sandwiches, omelets and hot platters smothered in cheese, chili or gravy, and lots of it all in a fun, take-you-back-to-the-'60s atmosphere.

BEST IRISH/ENGLISH PUB

McCabe's Irish Pub (Naples)

Finalists: British Open Pub (Bonita Springs); Paddy Murphy's (Naples)

No blarney: At lunch, 'tis a good place to go for a bowl of Irish stew swimming with pearl onions and practically bleating with juicy chunks of lamb. Wash it down with a mug of creamy Guinness Stout. Come back in the evening, when it is lively and loud o' a weekend night.

BEST HAPPY HOUR

Stonewood (Naples, Fort Myers)

Finalists: Carrabba's Italian Grill (Naples, Bonita Springs); Vergina (Naples)

Handsome bars set within Stonewood's namesake fieldstone-and-wood interiors provide a classy setting for the sophisticated set at cocktail hour.

BEST SPORTS BAR

Spectators (Naples, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers)

Finalists: Stevie Tomatoes Sportspage (Fort Myers and Naples); Pelican Larry's Raw Bar and Grill (Naples)

You need not be a jock or jockette to relax at the bar and take in a wide world of spectator sports and good grub at these fun pubs. TV and Game Boy consoles at most booths, and big screens at the bar, keep patrons super stimulated, and they can pick from a 100-item menu that includes New England clam chowder, turkey tips, quesadillas and a host of other entrees cooked according to recipes from co-owner Al Colarusso's late grandmother, Caroline Colarusso.

BEST CATERER

Matthews & Gardner (Naples)

Finalists: Rosemary Lane Café (Naples); Wynn's (Naples)

Classical French technique meets modern ingredients when Matthews & Gardner is in charge of the festivities.

BEST FISH MARKET

Captain Jerry's Seafood (Naples)

Finalists: The Fresh Market (Naples); Swan River Seafood (Naples)

The landlubbers who now run Captain Jerry's have amply filled that salty shrimper's ten-league sea boots, netting first place in this fishy category for the second year in a row. Catch perennial local favorites like grouper, snapper or stone crab claws, or cast farther out for exotic species like Boston scrod and Chilean salmon.

BEST FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MARKET

Oakes Farms (Naples)

Finalists: The Fresh Market (Naples); Wynn's (Naples)

Don't be fooled by this unassuming market that sits back off Davis Boulevard. Oakes is overflowing inside with vegetables and fruit, even deli meat and seafood. Over the years it has evolved into a one-stop shop, offering organic varieties, spices and herbs, hot sauces and dips. Oakes has more than just the old reliables. Next time reach for an extraordinary purple potato or white asparagus.

BEST WINE SHOP

Bacchus (Naples)

Finalists: Haskell's Wine and Spirits (Naples); The Wine Merchant (Naples)

Bacchus-to-Bacchus wins for one of the grape shops on Fifth Avenue South. Readers reveled in its sound selection, tasteful tastings, perfect prices and artful arrangements.

BEST SPECIALTY FOOD SHOP

The Fresh Market (Naples)

Finalists: Wynn's (Naples); Blue Pepper (Fort Myers)

Though it's based in Greensboro, N.C., the Fresh Market chain has brought something of an international flair to the once very Americano Naples during its five years here. The place hits a high point for fresh, hard-to-find produce, fine wines, Dean and DeLuca-like deli and baked goods, and a host of other gustatory grub.

BEST BAKERY

Publix

Finalists: Mikkelsen's (Naples); Wynn's (Naples)

You know your fresh, mouth-watering delights-doughnuts, apple turnovers, carrot cake, muffins and pies, and breads that beg to be dipped in seasoned olive oil-and you know where to find the largest selection. What can top Publix's aisles of tempting treats? Walking through when a batch of chocolate chip cookies are baking. Talk about heaven.

BEST DELI

Publix

Finalists: The Fresh Market (Naples); Wynn's (Naples)

Publix's deli is much more than just lunchmeat and cheese. Need a quick bite? Try one of its made-to-order subs or salads. Or for something hot and on-the-go, there's chicken tenders and whole rotisserie chickens. The deli even makes its own peanut butter. What more needs to be said.

2 -- BEST OF THE OUTDOORS

BEST PLACE TO VIEW WILDLIFE

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Naples)

Finalists: Caribbean Gardens (Naples); J.N. "Ding" Darling (Sanibel Island)

At Corkscrew, the scenery alone is amazing-grand stands of old cypress, expanses of marsh, an open wet prairie. But it's the wildlife that provides the entertainment. Alligators sun, raccoons scurry, blue herons balance on narrow branches and woodpeckers furiously peck. It's rare to stroll the more than two-mile winding boardwalk and not cross some animal working away in its natural habitat. And if you take binoculars, you can see even more.

BEST PLACE TO SEE AND BE SEEN

Fifth Avenue South (Naples)

Finalists: Campiello (Naples); Philharmonic Center for the Arts (Naples)

Pull up a chair at a café or pub to people-watch, or pound the pavement to be watched by people, all along Naples' revitalized route. Parading or perusing, checking out or being checked out, you'll join a fine flock of peacocks and peahens flaunting their fantasies in one of the gaudiest displays south of the Big Apple's Fifth Avenue-though you'll likely see a lot more short pants and blindingly white legs here.

BEST BEACHSIDE BAR

Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club

Finalist: Beach Pierside Grill (Fort Myers Beach)

Drink in nature's daily color show at the Naples Beach Hotel's Sunset Beach Bar. A bar menu offers grilled items to nosh beside the pool or on the shore's sugary sands.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS

Beach

Finalists: Caribbean Gardens, the Zoo in Naples; Sun Splash Family Waterpark (Cape Coral)

It's what most folks come here for-and it's free. What could please kids more than splashing along the shore, bodysurfing waves and poking sticks at weird washed-up flotsam?

BEST PARK

Cambier (Naples)

Finalists: Lowdermilk (Naples); Lakes Park (Fort Myers)

Park yourself in this green urban oasis a few blocks south of Fifth Avenue South, but be forewarned: It's no walk in the park. Neapolitans ever on the lookout for good clean fun and self-improvement like its sporting life, which includes tennis, racquetball, basketball, baseball fields, horseshoes, shuffleboard, a stage for big-band events and meeting rooms.

3 -- BEST GOODS AND SERVICES

BEST PLACE TO SERVICE YOUR CAR

Rick Johnson Auto and Tire (Naples, Bonita Springs)

Finalists: Voigt's (Naples) and Germain (Naples)

Fairness and honesty are the hallmarks of Rick Johnson, where certified mechanics utilize state-of-the-art diagnostics and specialize in front-end work, emissions, tune-ups and engine work.

BEST DRY CLEANER

Jerry's (Naples)

Finalists: Pristine (Naples); Fashion Fresh (Naples)

Dry-cleaning is one of the largest industry sectors still recognized as a "mom-and-pop" business, according to the International Fabricare Institute. With two Naples locations, Jerry's holds the keys to success: service and proximity to the customer base.

BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP

Nearly New (Naples)

Finalists: Abused Woman's Shelter (Naples) and The Conservancy of Southwest Florida Upscale Resale (Naples, Bonita Springs)

Bargain hunters know Nearly New specializes in fine-quality living room, dining room, bedroom and patio furniture as well as decorative accessories, silver, china, crystal and jewelry. And it's all for a good cause: Proceeds go to the nonprofit Sunrise Children's Foundation.

BEST FLORIST

Gene's Fifth Avenue Florist (Naples)

Finalists: Flower Lane (Naples); Flower Spot (Naples)

Serving the Naples area since 1974, Gene's is family owned and operated with two locations serving the Naples and Marco Island areas You can find everything there from simple arrangement or plants to $ more showier arrangements like the Mille de Fleurs, featuring ginger, birds of paradise and lilies for $335.

BEST BARBERSHOP

Moorings (Naples)

Finalists: Frank's Barber Shop (Naples); Joe Cool Hair Cuts (Naples); Rice's (Naples)

As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression-and a good haircut can go a long way toward presenting the right image.

BEST HAIR SALON

Robert of Philadelphia (Naples, Bonita Springs)

Finalists: South Beach Hair and Suntanners (Marco Island); Top It Off (Fort Myers)

Robert of Philadelphia Hair Design has built a reputation for excellence since opening its first salon in Naples more than 20 years ago. With four luxury salons, a teaching academy and its own hair-care line, it continues to set the standard for style.

BEST SPA

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples

Finalists: Danielle Spa for Beauty and Wellness (Bonita Springs); Spa Terre at La Playa Beach and Golf Resort (Naples)

Like everything else it does, the Ritz puts a personal spin on spa services, starting with a concierge who helps guide guests through the 30 treatment rooms, fitness center and mineral pool. Indulge in treatments such as a warm citrus oil wrap, freeze-dried sea water massage bath and Asian stone massage.

BEST NAIL AND PEDICURE SALON

Tie: Danielle Spa for Beauty and Wellness (Bonita Springs) and Robert of Philadelphia (Naples, Bonita Springs)

Finalists: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples; Innovations Salon (Cape Coral)

A manicure or pedicure puts the finishing touch on full-body pampering. With Southwest Florida's mild climate encouraging year-round sandal wearing, can you really afford not to put your best feet forward?

BEST INSHORE/BACKCOUNTRY FISHING GUIDE

Capt. Will Geraghty, Grand Slam Charters (Naples)

Finalist: A 1 Fishing (Naples)

In the charter business since 1996, Naples native Capt. Will Geraghty has been fishing for fun since he was just a lad dropping a hopeful line from the Naples Pier. Whether you want to reel in a redfish, try for tarpon or search for snook, Will knows mangroves, and works the waters between Naples and Marco Island.

BEST OFFSHORE CHARTER BOAT/CAPTAIN

A & B Charter Fishing/Capt. Allen Walburn (Naples)

Finalist: Sea Legs/Capt. Tom Robinson (Naples)

These great grouper grabbers also search for snapper, king mackerel, cobia, permit and barracuda eight to 40 miles offshore during half- and full-day trips. Two fast, comfortable boats, the A & B and the Alabama, lead the way offshore for this 25-year-old Naples operation. "We try to treat every customer as we'd treat our family," Capt. Walburn says.

BEST PLACE TO BUY PLANTS

Driftwood Garden Center (Naples, Estero)

Finalists: Home Depot; Szabo Nursery Garden Center (Naples)

With more than 1,000 varieties of plants in stock, it's easy to see why you selected Driftwood as the best. The service is great, the selection even better, and more importantly the staff is knowledgeable, even about things that aren't in stock.

4 -- BEST ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS AND MEDIA

BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINER

Keith Raygor/Watermark Grille (Naples)

Finalists: Tim Poindexter/Pippin's Restaurant (Naples); Chris Foster/Tommy Bahama's Tropical Café (Naples); Jim Badger/Ridgway Bar and Grill (Naples)

The resident entertainer at Watermark Grille since 1999, Raygor engages audiences with sleight of hand and a sense of humor that has earned raves from corporate clients and casual diners. "He intrigues the audience with unbelievable magic," said Parent & Child Magazine.

BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE

Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club

Finalists: Lely Resort Golf and Country Club (Naples); Valencia Golf Course (Naples); Legends (Fort Myers)

Prized by locals and touring professionals alike, the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club's course reigns as the oldest in Naples. Its original nine holes opened in the 1920s near what's now the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Third Street. In the 1950s, the course was relocated to Gulf Shore Boulevard, where it has hosted Women's U.S. Open qualifiers as well as Florida PGA and Florida Seniors Open play.

BEST PRIVATE GOLF COURSE

Tiburón at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples Golf Resort

Finalists: LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort (Naples); Quail Creek Country Club (Naples); The Sanctuary (Naples)

Two 18-hole courses set in 800 acres of native foliage, Tiburón was designed by Greg Norman to play like a British Open links course-firm and fast, according to the Ritz . It's home to the annual Franklin Templeton Shootout, which has featured PGA tour pros Brad Faxon, Fred Couples, Mark O'Meara and Norman. The total purse for last November's event: $2.25 million, with proceeds benefiting the National Childhood Cancer Foundation.

BEST PRIVATE TENNIS COURTS

Naples Bath and Tennis

Finalists: Quail Creek Country Club (Naples); Pelican Bay (Naples)

One of the largest tennis resorts in the United States, the club hosts more events in a month than most clubs do in a year, according to Tennis Magazine.

BEST PUBLIC TENNIS COURTS

Cambier Park (Naples)

Finalist: Veteran's Park (Naples)

Awarded a perfect 10 for the zen of tennis, this city-sponsored project can be a ball. Just a couple of aces from Fifth Avenue South, it scores high with its dozen well-kept courts, and pro shop, tennis lessons and tournaments.

BEST LOCAL SPORTING EVENT

Swamp Buggy Races (Naples)

Finalists: Ace Golf Tournament (Naples); Hockey (Estero)

Delaware has Pumpkin Chunkin', Georgia has the Redneck Games and Naples has Swamp Buggy Races. Sure it's bizarre, but it's so much fun. And these towering, cagey vehicles with names like The Intimidator, Plum Crazy and The Outlaw bring the fans to their feet as they tackle the Mile 'O Mud to win cash and the right to give the Swamp Buggy Queen her annual mudbath.

BEST LOCAL TV NEWS STATION

CBS-5/WINK

Finalists: NBC-2/WBBH; ABC-7/WZVN

With longtime news staffers like Patrick Comer, Jim McLaughlin and Lois Thome, WINK continues to rate highly with readers.

BEST FITNESS CLUB

Gold's Gym (Naples, Fort Myers)

Finalists: Naples Wellness Center; Naples Fitness Center

With 3 million members worldwide and four locations in Southwest Florida, Gold's Gym sets the bar high for fitness facilities.

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

Karen at Naples Fitness Center

Finalists: Victoria at Hammerhead Beach Gym (Fort Myers Beach); DJ at Asylum Fitness (Fort Myers)

When it comes to fitness, personal attention rates high with readers. You crowned Karen queen of the Naples Fitness Center, the upscale health, fitness and racquetball facility.

BEST PERFORMING ARTS GROUP

Naples Philharmonic Orchestra

Finalists: Florida Repertory (Fort Myers); Naples Players, Sugden Theatre (Naples)

Established in 1983, the NPO performs classical, pops and chamber concerts and has accompanied such renowned artists as Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Kiri Te Kanawa and Frederica von Stade.

5 -- BEST OF THE REST

BEST BLACK-TIE EVENT

Angel Ball, The Community School (Naples)

Finalists: Heart Ball, American Heart Association (Lee and Collier counties); Emerald Ball, Catholic Charities

It's one of the oldest balls in Naples, entertaining its patrons now for 18 years running. Even more rewarding is knowing that all of the monies raised go to the school's financial aid program, allowing more than just the wealthy to attend this independent, college preparatory school. This year a record $640,000 was raised.

BEST PLACE TO HAVE A WEDDING

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples

Finalists: The Beach; Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club

In addition to a romantic beach-front backdrop and opulent indoor settings, the finest linens, candelabras and cuisine are on tap for couples who tie the knot at the Ritz. In-house staff will help provide the perfect photographer, floral designer and entertainment.

BEST ANNUAL OUTDOOR EVENT

Downtown Naples Festival of the Arts

Finalists: Taste of Collier (Naples); Taste of the Town (Fort Myers)

This annual outdoor art fest has been attracting art lovers to Fifth Avenue South for 15 years now. This year, more than 300 nationally-known artists lured 50,000 people to the two-day event hosted by the Fifth Avenue South Association.

BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION

Caribbean Gardens, the Zoo in Naples

Finalists: Fifth Avenue South (Naples); the Everglades

Beat your chest and holler for the former Jungle Larry's, one of Naples' oldest yet most up-to-date attractions. Larry's sons (David and Tim Tetzlaff) and a dedicated staff keep giving visitors and locals something to roar about: a wondrous, noisy menagerie of exotic and native animals, including gangs of primates, reptiles and big cats, set off against a beautiful botanical backdrop of 52 acres.