editor's note

T his is it: the day you can go to cltampa.com/botb2017 and start voting for the tastiest restaurants, the baddest local bands, the politicians who inspire and infuriate you — even for your favorite acupuncturist. Now in its 27th year, Creative Loafifing's Best Of The Bay has long been a local institution, but it's one that always depends on you. These awards aren't for sale, aren't for added advertising value, aren't for buying us a beer that one time; hell, the Readers Poll awards aren't for us to decide in the fifirst place. You suggested the categories, you submitted the nominations, and now you'll decide who wins. Your voice, your choice. But hold on a minute. The incredibly enthusiastic people who submitted potential winners this year made more than 17,500 — count 'em, 17,500 — nominations. Sure, we had to nix a few here and there as inappropriate (Gino & The Goons are not up for Best Local Theater Company, sorry), and if you nominated "Steve from that place by the school" for Best Hairstylist, you might be disappointed. But still, there's an insane number of nominations on this year's ballot. Which means you're going to need a little help. First, some important advice. When you open a ballot in any one of the four main categories — say, Food & Drink — you can vote for as many awards as you want: Best All-Around Restaurant, Best Bagels, etc. Just sign in using your CL or social media account. BUT, don't hit the Submit button till you're fifinished making all your selections, because once you do, the system will decide you've fiinished voting in that section. And you won't be able to go back. So do your research beforehand ("What was the name of that show that we liked so much, honey?"). Once you're ready, visit cltampa.com/botb2017, click through to the categories, and log in. Take your time working through the nominees in each award's drop-down (Best All-Around Restaurant has around 70 nominees, for instance, so you'll need it), make sure you select your favorite, and move on to the next award. You don't have to select a winner for each award, but the more you do, the more inflfluence you wield in determining who gets honored at this year's Best Of The Bay party on Sept. 27 and in our annual issue, out Sept. 28. We suggest you use your power wisely, but also, you know, a lot. The polls are open until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23. Thanks for once again making it possible for us to spotlight so many wonderful members of the Tampa Bay community (as well as a few who are here for being not so wonderful). We couldn't do it without you. Your voice, your choice. We'll see you on September 27th! —David Warner & Scott Harrell