2026 Best of the Islands winners recognized
By MEGHAN BRADBURY
mbradbury@breezenewspapers.com
Last week local businesses, organizations and first responders gathered at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa to celebrate the 2026 Best of the Islands winners.
“The Best of the Islands is one of the most loved events that the Island Reporter puts on each year. After a three-year hiatus, we came back in 2025 to a rousing number of votes. This year, for the 2026 contest we had almost double the number of voters and votes,” Breeze Newspapers Advertising Director Laurie Ragle said. “We capped off the voting with an event at the beautiful Sundial Resort to celebrate the winners. It’s a wonderful time for the winners to network and have photos taken with their awards. We are very proud to bring this contest to the island.”
The community voted in more than 100 categories ranging from destinations, services, restaurants, shops, sweet treats and the best mascot on the island.
The first to be recognized was Sanibel Fire & Rescue District Assistant Chief Chris Jackson. He has been with the district since 2003 and in the profession for 30 years. He said receiving the Best Firefighter of the Islands was very cool.
“It’s nice to get appreciated, and recognized — all of us — for the hard work and our dedication to the island,” Jackson said.
He wanted to thank the community.
Rachel Pierce took home two awards this year — Best Furniture of the Islands and Best Pet Store of the Islands.
“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized,” she said, as the voting means the community values them. “I don’t take it for granted.”
Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream added three more awards to their more than 40 awards over the years. This year they received Best Dessert Cafe, Best Gelato and Best Ice Cream.
Donna Puma, owner of Pinnocchio’s, who attended with her husband, said to receive the awards is something very special for her family.
“It validates our relationship with the community,” she said.
The full photo gallery and list of the 2026 Best of the Islands winners can be found at www.captivasanibel.com.