Downtown Vision Inc. (DVI), Downtown Jacksonville’s Business Improvement District (BID), announced their ninth annual #DTJax Award Winners. The #DTJax Awards honor and celebrate the community leaders, businesses, organizations, entrepreneurs, and projects that contribute to the transformation and vibrancy of Downtown Jacksonville. The #DTJax Award winners consistently demonstrate their commitment creating and supporting a safe, clean and dynamic Downtown Jacksonville.
Downtowner of the Year: Kay Ehas
Kay Ehas is the CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, the City of Jacksonville’s nonprofit partner in creating the 30-mile Emerald Trail and restoring McCoys and Hogans Creeks. Since joining Groundwork Jacksonville in 2017, Ehas has been relentless in pursuing Jacksonville’s long-held dream of a vibrant, connected urban core and worked swiftly to develop the Emerald Trail Master Plan. Within four years, 40% of the trail is in design, under construction, or completed. With 15 years of local government experience, including a role as chief administrative officer for the Duval County Property Appraiser, Ehas brings a wealth of expertise to her endeavors. Her impactful tenure on the Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) board from 2004 to 2015, including a three-year term as board president, resulted in significant milestones, including the establishment of the Riverside Arts Market and the planting more than 1,000 trees along neighborhood streets.
This award recognizes an individual who in 2023 has demonstrated inspirational leadership and has made strides to create and support a vibrant Downtown.
Winners were celebrated November 30th, 2023 at The Lark Downtown Jacksonville. The 2023 #DTJax Awards were made possible by VyStar Credit Union, First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, JEA Visit Jacksonville, Steve & Betsy Crosby, The Lark, Sight & Sound Productions, and 360 Photo Booth. For more information about the #DTJax Awards and previous winners, visit DTJaxAwards.com