13th Annual Good ‘Burger Awards Highlight the Best of St. Pete

Nearly 400 attendees gathered Wednesday at St. Pete Athletic Paddle & Social Club. The 13th annual Good 'Burger Awards celebrated people, businesses, and groups across 11 categories.

Chris Steinocher, CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, dedicated the 2024 awards to storm heroes after consecutive hurricanes battered the city. Winners received trophies crafted from pickleball paddles. They earned bragging rights. They got a chance to showcase their work.

The event's name honors a former mayor who called residents 'Burgers — short for St. Petersburg-ers. Residents cast votes for finalists in each category.

"This event symbolizes the best of St. Pete, and I think that's why it's so much fun to be here," Steinocher said, per the St. Pete Catalyst. "We say every good conversation starts with, 'I love St. Pete,' and I think this is why. These kinds of events."

Steinocher explained that recognizing people who are "doing great things" pushes other entrepreneurs to "take that leap." Wednesday's turnout proved they are "not alone, they're with this big community here to celebrate them."

City Council Chair Copley Gerdes, nominated for Most Valuable 'Burger, applauded the chamber team. Councilmember Mike Harting's business, 3 Daughters Brewing, claimed Favorite St. Pete Hangout.

The Parks and Recreation Department claimed the Sustaining St. Pete award. Director Mike Jefferis said his crew keeps seeking ways to strengthen environmental sustainability across the city's green spaces and waterfront areas.

"When you look at the seven miles of waterfront parkland we have, third-largest in North America, we've got something to be proud of," Jefferis said. "The second line of the city charters says that we are to protect parkland, and that's what we do, very seriously, every day."

The Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg won Arts & Culture. The Florida Orchestra took Best of the OG's. St. Anthony's Hospital grabbed Corporate Champs. The Children's Dream Fund secured Do-Good Organizations.

Lokesh Vale from The Twisted Indian won Greenhouse Grown, while Tony and Dalia Morcos from The UPS Store Historic Uptown claimed I've Got Someone for You. Kevin Milkey from Grand Central Brewhouse earned Favorite Founders, and Stephanie Vranich from Volunteers of America of Florida took Most Valuable 'Burger.