The votes have all been counted, and we didn't need any electoral college reporting to us either. Thousands of our readers—apparently getting into the voting spirit in this election year—stuffed our virtual ballot boxes with all their favorite people, places and things in the GLBT communities of Tampa Bay, Sarasota and Orlando.

There were some surprises this year—for instance, Orlando's Favorite Spiritual Leader is far from being a man of the cloth. Some new businesses, such as Streetcar Charlie's in Tampa's bustling GaYbor District, won in multiple categories. And apparently, Sarasotans can't get enough of Munchies.

[TAMPA BAY WINNERS]

Greatest Straight Ally to the Local GLBT Community
Bonnie Plumtree
Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio
Rep. Richard Kriseman

Favorite Local GLBT Artist
Peter Botti
Ryan Prado
Randy Evans

Greatest Unsung Hero
Steve Moss
and Steve Donahue
Anthony Barros
Mark Bias
and Carrie West

Favorite Local Spiritual Leader
Rev. Phyllis Hunt
Karen Whitney
Rev. Manish Mishra

Favorite Local Bartender
Jeff at Valentines
Cowboy Roger
Peter at G. Bar

Favorite Local Server
John Paul at Streetcar Charlie's
Jeremy at Georgie's Alibi
Keith at Shula's Steakhouse

Gayest Local Movie Theatre
Tampa Theatre
Centro Ybor Muvico
Beach Theater
Bravo for taste! The historic Tampa Theatre has more décor than all other theaters combined—and such theaters are rarities in the age of the multiplex. The Clip Film Festival host theater is GLBT-friendly inside and out.

Favorite Local Massage Therapist
Corey Jeffries
Roger Medrano
Russell Fox

Favorite Local Health Professional
Dr. Nick Okeson
Dr. Mike Holkins, DDS
Dr. Scott Barry
and Dr. Michael Dunn

Favorite Local Hair Stylist
Ian Hensley
Jeff Lyle
Steve Caldwell

Favorite Local Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor
JT Tapias
Christine Myers
Johnny Oye

Favorite Local Automobile Salesperson
Sonny Gonzales at Tyrone Square Mazda
Keith Roberts at Reeves BMW
John Crapper at Ferman BMW/Mini Cooper

Favorite Local Upscale Restaurant
Bella Brava
Bern's Steakhouse
Café Ponte
When Bella Brava opened, the owners wanted it to be St. Pete's neighborhood Italian restaurant. It has become that—and more. GLBTs feel welcomed in this upscale setting, and the wait staff is pretty damn sexy to boot.

Favorite Local Veterinarian
Brent Finkelstein at Highland Animal Hospital, Dunedin
Animal Hospital of Dunedin
Beach Animal Clinic, Tampa and Pet Pal Spay/Neuter Clinic

Favorite Local Florist
Island Flowers
The Flower Center
Carter's Florist and Greenhouses and KaBloom

Most Effective Local GLBT Organization
AIDS Service Association of Pinellas
GaYbor District Coalition
Tampa Bay Business Guild

Favorite Local GLBT Sports League/Organization
Suncoast Softball League
Florida Mavericks
Advantage Tampa Bay Tennis League

Favorite Local GLBT Political Group
GLBTA Democratic Caucus
Pinellas Stonewall Democrats
Equality Florida

Most-Missed Departed GLBT Business
Suncoast Resort
7@14 Lounge
Tomes and Treasures
We couldn't agree more with this one! Sundays just haven't been the same since the famed resort closed its doors in 2007.

Favorite Local GLBT Dancer
George of Men of Rico
Donkey Dick at G. Bar
Dustin of G. Bar

Funniest Local GLBT Comedian
Judy B. Goode
Macaviti
ChristineOleary

Favorite Local Politician
Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio
Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner
Rep. Rick Kriseman

Favorite Local GLBT Writer/Journalist
Mark Bias and Carrie West
Steve Blanchard
Brian Feist

Favorite Place for Karaoke
Christopher Street
Streetcar Charlie's
Chelsea Nightclub
With so much emphasis on Tampa and St. Petersburg, it's good to see that a Clearwater club can get the respect it deserves. Karaoke with Stormin' Normie at Christopher Street is always a festive event—and the buffet spread on the pool table doesn't hurt either.

Favorite Local Drag Performer
Summer Breeze
Ami DeMilo
Macaviti

Favorite Local Actor/Actress
DJ Holt
Jeremy Gloff
Jesse Luttrell

Favorite Local GLBT Musician/Band/DJ
Jeremy Gloff
DJ Structure
Judy B. Goode

Favorite Place for a First Date
GaYbor District and Streetcar Charlie's
Bella Brava
Sunset Beach

Favorite Area Museum or Gallery
Gallery Live
Dalí Museum
St. Petersburg Museum
of Fine Arts
Great choice, guys. Gallery Live has been causing quite a stir since it opened in the heart of Tampa's GaYbor District, featuring provocative works by the area's most creative souls, including WAVE winner Peter Botti.

Gayest Local Neighborhood
GaYbor District
Kenwood
Seminole Heights

Favorite GLBT Bar
G. Bar
Georgie's Alibi
Valentines

Favorite GLBT Happy Hour
Streetcar Charlie's
Christopher Street
Georgie's Alibi

Favorite Local Music Venue
Crowbar
Honey Pot
Ruth Eckerd Hall

Favorite Local Coffee House
The Bunker
Starbucks
King Corona

Favorite Non-Bar Social Hangout
Gallery Live
Sunset Beach
Sacred Grounds

Favorite Local Home Furnishings Retailer
DOMA Home Furnishings
Livingston's
Robb & Stucky

Best-Dressed Local GLBT Personality
Summer Breeze
Mathieu Stanoch
Macaviti
We gays have a reputation to uphold by looking fab all the time. It's great to see that voters in Tampa recognize the work behind Summer Breeze's amazing wardrobe. Summer has wowed the customers of Valentines consistently, and her undeniable star quality has reached across both sides of Tampa Bay.

Favorite Local Restaurant for an Inexpensive Meal
Streetcar Charlie's
New York, New York
Georgie's Alibi and King & I

Favorite Local Restaurant for Brunch/Breakfast
Streetcar Charlie's
Pach's Place
The Creperia

Favorite Local Bookstore
MC Film Fest
Borders
Inkwood Books Tampa

Favorite Framing Shop/Place to Buy Art
Gallery Live
Fiorini Gallery and Frame
Frame Factory, St. Petersburg

Favorite GLBT Annual Event
St. Pete Pride
Clip Film Festival
All Hallows Ball

Favorite Local Clothing Store
Urban Body
MC Film Fest
Revolve

Gayest Local Shopping Center or Mall
International Plaza
Tyrone Mall
WestShore Plaza

Favorite Place to Pamper Your Pet
Bark Place Hotel
Fancy Pets
Bark & Browse and Reef Dog in Gulfport

Favorite Place to Purchase Wine and Spirits (Non-Bar)
Total Wine & More
ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
Vintage Wine Cellars

Best Local Gym or Fitness Center
Sweat Shop Urban Gym
LA Fitness
Lifestyle Fitness and Gold's Gym on 38th Ave in St. Pete

Favorite Local Spa
Bodywork Massage and Day Spa
H20 Spa
Spa Tampa

Favorite Local Hotel/B&B
Hampton Inn Ybor
Don Vicente de Ybor
Gay St. Pete Guesthouse

Favorite Adult Novelty Store
MC Film Fest
XTC
Buddies in Tampa

Favorite New GLBT Business
Streetcar Charlie's
Gallery Live
MC Film Fest, Ybor City

[ORLANDO WINNERS]

Favorite Local Spiritual Leader
Michael Wanzie
Rev. John Middleton
Rev. Jim Merritt

Favorite Local GLBT Artist (Non-Performance)
Marla Mirabal
Cake
Julie Milford

Greatest Straight Ally to the Local GLBT Community
Barbara Poma
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
Jim Phillips of Real Radio, and Don Granatstein and Susan Unger of the Parliament House

Favorite Local Bartender
Juan Miller at Pulse
Steven Watkins at Stonewall
Taylor Bulloch at the Parliament House

Favorite Local Server
Steven Watkins at Stonewall
Luis at Pulse
Michael Tubbs at Maggiano's Little Italy

Favorite Local Realtor
David Dorman
Scott Gartska
Patrick James

Favorite Local Massage Therapist
Wayne McKay
Dee Toscano
Randy Becker

Favorite Local Health Professional
Dr. Roberto Ortiz
Dr. Dan Giaquinto
Dr. Rafael Piñero and Dr. Michael Watkins

Favorite New GLBT Business
Hamburger Mary's
Stonewall
Funky Monkey Wine Company
All three eateries in this category have changed the face of gay Orlando over the past year. All three sell delectable taste treats that force us to work our abs endlessly the day after dining. But Hamburger Mary's, with its sinfully fried appetizers, massive burgers and envelope-pushing entertainment, makes us wanna say, "Hail, Mary!"

Favorite Local Hair Stylist
John "Tweeka" Barber
Robert Brings
Jeffrey Spell

Favorite Local Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor
Turner Elliott
Tony Edge
Blake McIntyre

Favorite Local Automobile Salesperson
Fred Berliner at Don Reid Ford
Rada Kleyman at MercedesBenz of South Orlando
TL Dancy at Classic Honda

Favorite Local Florist
Lee James
Forever Young Flowers
House of Flowers

Best-Dressed Local GLBT Personality
Ron Legler
Sam Singhaus
Keven Callahan

Most Effective Local GLBT Organization
Men Uniting Men
The Center
StudiOut at Universal and Orlando Youth Alliance

Favorite Local Drag Performer
Miss Sammy
Roxxy Andrews
Sassy Devine
We're not shocked that perennial fave Miss Sammy won in this category, but there are several other drag entertainers we believe deserve kudos, including Darcel Stevens, Carol Lee, Gidget Galore, April Fresh and Danielle Hunter. You are all lovely to us, ladies.

Favorite Local GLBT Sports League/Organization
Central Florida Softball League
Gay and Lesbian Bowling League
Orange Blossom Tennis Association

Favorite Local GLBT Political Group
Rainbow Democratic Club
Human Rights Campaign
Log Cabin Republicans

Favorite Local GLBT Dancer
Baby Blue
Bricen at Pulse
Paul Pecko

Funniest Local GLBT Comedian
Jeff Jones
Ronni Radner
Michael Wanzie

Favorite Local Politician
City Commissioner Patty Sheehan
Mayor Buddy Dyer
City Commissioner Daisy Lynum

Favorite Local GLBT Writer/Journalist
Billy Manes
Ronni Radner
John Sullivan and Michael Wanzie

Favorite Local GLBT Actor/Actress
Michael Wanzie
Doug Ba'aser
Sam Singhaus

Favorite Local GLBT Musician/Band/DJ
Orlando Gay Chorus
Baby Blue
DJ Brianna

Favorite Place for a First Date
Lake Eola Park
Hamburger Mary's
Enzian Theater and Funky Monkey Wine Company

Greatest Unsung Hero
Jeff Horn
Keven Callahan
Maggie King & David Dorman
It's about time our community sang the collective praises of Jeff Horn. Ever been to a political gathering of any kind where he hasn't shown up? Horn is always donating his time, intellect and good humor to those who are less fortunate.

Favorite Place for Karaoke
Pulse
Hamburger Mary's
Parliament House

Gayest Local Neighborhood
Thornton Park
College Park
Colonialtown

Favorite GLBT Club/Bar
Parliament House
Pulse
Savoy

Favorite GLBT Happy Hour
Parliament House
Savoy
Stonewall and Paradise

Most Welcoming Non-GLBT Club/Bar
The Peacock Room
Stardust
Independent Bar and The Beacon

Favorite Local Music Venue
Hard Rock Live
The Social
House of Blues

Gayest Local Movie Theater
Enzian Theater
Regal Winter Park Village
AMC Disney

Favorite Non-Bar Social Hangout
Central Florida Softball League
Pom Pom's Teahouse and Sandwicheria
Infusion Tea

Favorite Local Home Furnishings Retailer
IKEA
Rooms to Go
Slone Brothers

Favorite Local Upscale Restaurant
Funky Monkey Wine Company
Hue
Seasons 52

Favorite Local Restaurant for an Inexpensive Meal
Wildside
Hamburger Mary's
Stonewall

Favorite Local Restaurant for Brunch/Breakfast
903 Mills Market
Hue
Brian's

Favorite Local Coffee House
Starbucks
Drunken Monkey
Stardust

Favorite Local Bookstore
Urban Think!
Barnes & Noble
Borders

Favorite Area Museum or Gallery
Orlando Museum of Art
Morse Museum
Orlando Science Center

Favorite Framing Shop/Place to Buy Art
Framing of Central Florida
Scott Laurent Collection
Sam Flax

Favorite GLBT Annual Event
Come Out With Pride
Gay Days
Headdress Ball

Greatest GLBT Accomplishment of 2008
Domestic-partner benefits for City of Orlando employees.

Favorite Local Clothing Store
Macy's
Gucci
Sunset Strip and Urban Body

Gayest Local Shopping Center or Mall
Mall at Millenia
Orlando Fashion Square
The Florida Mall

Favorite Local Veterinarian
Dr. Jim Martin
Dr. Carolyn Schlick
Dr. Chris Brown

Favorite Place to Pamper Your Pet
Ranger's Outpost
Sparky's
K9 Lounge

Favorite Place to Purchase Wine and Spirits (Non-Bar)
Total Wine and More
903 Mills Market
ABC Fine Wine & Spirits

Favorite Local Gym or Fitness Center
Metro 24/7 Fitness
LA Fitness
Downtown YMCA

Favorite Local Spa
EO Inn
Spa of Thornton Park
Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes

Favorite Local Hotel/B&B
EO Inn
The Veranda
The Grand Bohemian

Most Missed Departed GLBT Business
Friends
Lava
Southern Nights and Out & About Books

Favorite Adult Novelty Store
Fairvilla Megastore
Premier Adult Factory Outlet
Orlando Leather Company

[SARASOTA WINNERS]

Favorite Local Drag Performer
Trixxie
David "Scarbie" Mitchell
6-Pak

Favorite Local GLBT Artist (Non-Performance)
Brian Miller
John Greske
Chris Fitzgibbons

Greatest Straight Ally to the Local GLBT Community
Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota
Debbie Miller and Judy Weinstein
St. Boniface Church Community

Greatest Unsung Hero
Jim Jablonski
David Phillips
Bart Coyle and Matt Orr

Favorite Local Spiritual Leader
Fr. Ted Copeland
Rev. Sherry Kennedy
Deacon David Phillips

Favorite GLBT Annual Event
Sarasota Pridefest
Bowling in Boxers
The Nights of Alternative Theatre at the Golden Apple
For a while, it looked as though Pridefest wasn't even going to happen in 2008. But thanks to dedicated volunteers and a sweet location at the Van Wezel, 2008's Pridefest was a smashing success. We're proud of your Pride, Sarasota!

Favorite Local Bartender
Jay at ID Martini
Joe at ID Martini
Pete at Witness Café

Favorite Local Server
Jay at ID Martini
Jared Green at 5 One 6 Burns
Donna DesIsles at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre

Favorite Local Realtor
Jim Jablonski
Michael Bruno
Mark Eary

Favorite Local Massage Therapist
Selena Fuller
Richard Bell
Brian George

Favorite Local Health Professional
Dr. Steven Gupta
Dr. Bart Price
Dr. Jason Cross

Favorite Local Hair Stylist
Frank Maggese
Terry McGee
Jim Reese and Frank Star

Favorite Local Automobile Salesperson
Lenny D'Amelio at Gettle Nissan
Paul Gonzalez at Tippit Auto Sales
Sonny Gonzales at Tyrone Square Mazda

Favorite Place to Purchase Wine and Spirits (Non-Bar)
ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
Normand's
Memories Liquors
Some of us prefer to go to fancy schmancy wine cellars to sample various vinos in expensive "flights." For the rest of us, especially in this economy, getting decent booze is as easy as ABC. We adore the ol' reliable palace of spirits at great prices.

Favorite Local Veterinarian
Dr. Koch
Dr. Kate Brown at Brandt Veterinary Clinic
Dr. Ann Hyle and Dr. Joanna Maza

Favorite Local Florist
Bee Ridge Florist
Beneva Florists
Mr. Florist

Best-Dressed Local GLBT Personality
Tim Cameresi
6-Pak
Trixxie

Most Effective Local GLBT Organization
A League of Our Own
ALSO Out Youth
Human Rights Campaign

Favorite Local Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor
Michael Fricchione
Gerri Fernandez
Kem Lindsay
In today's youth-obsessed culture, many older GLBTs are taking comfort in Michael Fricchione's focus on the 40-plus set. The buff, straight trainer found he most enjoyed working with more mature fitness freaks, so much so that he opened his own private gym just for men and women 40 and up

Favorite Local GLBT Sports League/Organization
A League of Our Own
Sarasota Strokers
Softball Team

Favorite Local GLBT Political Group
Stonewall Democrats
Fairness for All Families
Equality Florida

Favorite Local GLBT Dancer
Dewayne Barrett
Stephen Seig
Trixxie

Favorite Local Politician
Sarasota Vice Mayor Ken Shelin
Congressional candidate Christine Jennings
Rep. Keith Fitzgerald

Favorite Local GLBT Writer/Journalist
Anthony Paull
Christine Hawes
Jay Handelman

Favorite Local GLBT Actor/Actress
Jeffrey Kinn
Dewayne Barrett
Catherine Randazzo

Favorite Local GLBT Musician/Band/DJ
Jay at ID Martini
Ricky at Witness Café
Skull Duggery

Favorite Place for a First Date
ID Martini
Siesta Key Beach
St. Armands Circle

Favorite Place for Karaoke
ID Martini
Captain Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar
My shower

Gayest Local Neighborhood
Glen Oaks
Kensington Park
Burns Court/Burns Lane

Most Welcoming Non-GLBT Club/Bar
Kirby's Bar & Grill
Polo Club at Lakewood Ranch
Esca
Welcoming is an understatement when it comes to Kirby's Bar & Grill. The club has hosted so many lesbian dances that it could easily be mistaken for a girls' bar. We love our straight allies at Kirby's and look forward to many more estrogen-infused dances there.

Favorite GLBT Club/Bar
ID Martini
Witness Café
Georgie's Alibi

Favorite GLBT Happy Hour
ID Martini
Witness Café
Polo Grill

Favorite Local Music Venue
ID Martini
5 O'Clock Club
Van Wezel Performing Arts Center

Gayest Local Movie Theatre
Burns Court Cinema
Hollywood 20
Channelside

Favorite Local Coffee House
Sarasota News and Books
Main Street Books
Word of Mouth

Favorite Non-Bar Social Hangout
The mall
A League of Our Own
Siesta Beach

Favorite Local Home Furnishings Retailer
Pamaro Shop
August 3rd
Ethan Allen

Favorite Local Upscale Restaurant
Zoria
Esca
Chart House and Ophelia's

Favorite Local Restaurant for an Inexpensive Meal
Munchies 4:20 Café
Denny's
Bob Evans and Italian Delight

Favorite Local Restaurant for Brunch/Breakfast
Munchies 4:20 Café
Denny's
Broken Egg and First Watch

Favorite Local Bookstore
Barnes & Noble
Main Street Books
Sarasota News and Books

Favorite Area Museum or Gallery
Ringling Museum
Dali Museum
Museum of Science and Industry

Favorite Framing Shop/Place to Buy Art
August 3rd
Gallery Live
Michael's

Gayest Local Shopping Center or Mall
Westfield Sarasota Square
Westfield Southgate
DeSoto Square Mall

Favorite Place to Pamper Your Pet
Pampered Poodle
At home
Holistic for Pets

Best Local Gym or Fitness Center
Gold's Gym
Downtown YMCA
Lifestyles

Favorite Local Spa
Body and Sprit
The Met
Nuovo Salon

Favorite Local Hotel/B&B
Hampton Inn
Days Inn and Hotel Indigo
Hyatt

Most Missed Departed GLBT Business
Club Tri-Angles
Metro Coffee & Wine
Roosters

Favorite Adult Novelty Store
Giggles
XTC
Zone D'Erotica

Favorite New GLBT Business
ID Martini
Jake's Downtown