By: Ashlyn Ducker, Spring Marketing Intern
2025 DTJax Awards
The DTJax Awards recognize community leaders, organizations, businesses and entrepreneurs who in 2025 worked to create a vibrant and dynamic 24-hour, pedestrian-friendly Downtown. Award winners are not only excellent advocates for Downtown, but have also shown their dedication by supporting economic revitalization efforts, creating jobs, operating beloved amenities, and maintaining a clean and safe DTJax.
Downtown Achievement Award | Guy Parola
The Downtown Achievement Award was presented to Guy Parola, Director of Operations at the Downtown Investment Authority. Parola brings more than 20 years of experience in public and private land development and planning. In addition to being a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, he has served as a board member for the local sections of both the Florida Planning and Zoning Association and the Florida chapter of the American Planning Association.
The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) was created to revitalize and grow Downtown Jacksonville and serves as the governing body for the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) established by the City of Jacksonville. Together, Parola and the DIA are invaluable assets in fostering sustainable growth and long-term continuity within the Downtown Jacksonville community.
Winners were celebrated on November 13, 2025, at The Lark in Downtown Jacksonville. The 2025 DTJax Awards were made possible by First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, VyStar Credit Union, Steve & Betsy Crosby, the Downtown Investment Authority and Visit Jacksonville. For more information about the DTJax Awards and this year’s winners, visit DTJax.com/awards