PUNTA GORDA — More than 400 local business owners, their families and friends gathered on Friday for a night of celebration at the 2026 Best Of Charlotte.
Hosted by Adams MultiMedia’s The Daily Sun, it was celebrated at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, the event invited guests to dress up in their spookiest outfits for Halloween.
From loofahs and pimps to vampires and the Chicago Pope, attendees took the assignment very seriously.
Many businesses up for an award Friday night credited their clients and the community’s trust for their success.
Custom Pools, owned by Jason Tarl, won Best Pool Builder, Remodel and Pool Service. It’s not the first nomination the company’s been up for. Staff say the reason is because of its customers.
“We’re very thankful,” said Kristin Culrera, a design consultant and construction manager. “Jason does a lot for the community, and in turn, they reciprocate.”
Mary Rodriguez, owner of Love You Selfie Studio, feels the same way.
Despite her business starting only two years ago, Rodriguez had won a Best Of award two times prior to Friday.
“To be here with three more is incredible,” she said.
Rodriguez was dressed as Morticia from “The Addams Family,” after deciding that a scarecrow wasn’t the best she could do.
Just like Rodriguez, the Suncoast Credit Union at Charlotte Harbor, which was up for Best Bank and Credit Union, dressing up was not an option.
Five representatives of the company banded together as crayons of different shades.
“We may all be different colors, but together, we make one amazing team, just like crayons in a box,” said Kassandra Gomez, the assistant branch manager.
Since 2018, the company has received and won several Best Of nominations. Friday was no different. The credit union’s staff said it doesn’t do it for the glory.
“We are here to improve the financial lives of our community, one member at a time,” Gomez said.