By Ali Moreland
Five businesses serving Washington County have been recognized in the 2026 Best of Florida awards, an annual program that highlights businesses and organizations across the state.
According to Guide to Florida, the Best of Florida program combines reader voting with editorial and compliance review. Businesses are grouped into tiers based on voting results, with Best of Florida representing the program’s highest designation, followed by Regional Winner and Honorable Mention. The program works to recognize businesses providing products and services to their communities.
Ruby Web Marketing, based at 658 Main Street in Chipley, was named a 2026 Best of Florida Winner in the Website Design Firms category. The business provides website design, search engine optimization, and digital marketing services, with a focus on custom, mobile-responsive websites. Its other services include e-commerce development, website maintenance, hosting, branding, and digital media. Michelle Kelly owns and operates Ruby Web Marketing, serving businesses in Chipley, throughout Northwest Florida, and beyond.
Spanish Trail Playhouse, located at 680 2nd Street in Chipley, was named a 2026 Best of Florida Winner in the Theater Venues category. The community theater presents live stage productions and other performing arts events, including plays, concerts, musicals, and special programs. The nonprofit organization has been part of the local arts community for more than a decade, providing opportunities for performers, volunteers, and audiences in the area.
Tattered & Tarnished Antiques, located at 1348 North Railroad Avenue in Chipley, was named a 2026 Best of Florida Winner in the Antique Stores category. The shop offers a selection of antiques, vintage items, and other distinctive merchandise from local vendors. The business also operates as a consignment shop, which gives customers an opportunity to browse a variety of items and collections in one location.
Wisefly Auto Glass, located at 1231 Jackson Avenue in Chipley, was named a 2026 Best of Florida Winner in the Auto Glass Shops category. The business provides automotive glass services throughout Northwest Florida, including windshield repair and replacement, rock-chip repair and ADAS calibration. Wisefly also works with commercial vehicles and heavy equipment and offers both in-shop and mobile services.
SEA Divers Scuba, located at 3005 Main Street in Vernon, was named a 2026 Best of Florida Regional Winner in the Sports Instruction Facilities category. The PADI-affiliated dive center offers scuba certification and continuing education, along with equipment sales and rentals, air fills, equipment service and repair, and dive-club activities. Its instruction includes introductory opportunities for those new to scuba as well as additional training for experienced divers.
Together, the five honorees represent a wide range of local businesses and organizations that received recognition through the 2026 Best of Florida program. Nominations are now open for the 2027 Best of Florida awards, giving local residents another opportunity to recognize businesses they feel are deserving of statewide recognition. Nominations can be submitted through Guide to Florida’s Best of Florida program, online at https://guidetoflorida.com/best-of/nominate.
Staff Report