Readers' Poll 2011: Which categories are the hottest?

• Hit parade: A&E's big vote-getters include Best Local Band and Best Museum. But where's the love for Best Jazz Ensemble or Best Local Comedian?


• County strong: We already told you that the race for Best City is bringing in votes by the thousands. But Best County is also showing high numbers: Which side of the Bay are you on? And which parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas will win the ever-coveted Best Neighborhood titles?


• They're so pop-u-lar: The Worst Local Politician category is inflaming the electorate, but voters are also hot to name the public figures they adore — like Best Local Politician and Best Local Hero.

You have less than 48 hours to vote in the Best of the Bay Readers' Poll 2011, which closes on Wed. Aug. 31 at 4 a.m. 11:59 p.m.

We told you last week which races are the tightest — and it looks like someone paid attention, because things have changed in categories like Best Italian Restaurant and Best Gym.

Well, here's some more intel you might find of interest — the categories drawing the biggest number of votes, plus a few that could use a little love. And remember: There's still plenty of time for a dark horse to pull ahead in the poll's final days.

• Hair and there: In Goods & Services, voters are flipping their wigs for the Best Hairstylist and Best Hair Salon categories. Best Clothing Boutique (Women) is also a hotly contested race. And in what may be an indication that huge institutions=huge votes, we're seeing big tallies for Best Hospital and Best Department Store. But if you've got a favorite Pilates Studio, it's time to stand up (or stretch out?) and be counted.

• If you lived there, you'd be voting now: Love where you're living? Two contenders are currently tied for first place for Best Apartment Complex — so it's time to get off the couch and get out the vote.

• Big appetites: The votes are pouring in like gravy for categories like Best Breakfast, Best Pizza and Best All-Around Restaurant (a new category this year). But vote counts for Best Middle Eastern Restaurant and Best Soul Food could use some fattening up.

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