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.
DTJax Awards 2025: Downtown Activator of the Year | Hush Hush Headphones
The Downtown Activator of the Year Award is presented to David McCrackin of Hush Hush Headphones. Founded in 2015, Hush Hush Headphones began with David’s background in booking music talent for local music venues in Athens, Georgia. Looking to enhance these live performances, they introduced silent disco headphones as an innovative complement—an idea that quickly gained popularity. Over time, this concept evolved into standalone silent disco dance parties that redefined how people experience music and events.
After partnering with Cory McCrackin, a third-generation Jacksonville native, the duo worked together to bring the silent disco movement to Downtown Jacksonville. Today, Hush Hush Headphones is the leading silent disco provider in the city, activating public spaces and creating vibrant, inclusive experiences for the community.
Hush Hush Headphones can be found at numerous events throughout Jacksonville, including Downtown Vision’s Sip & Stroll Presented by PNC Bank every third Thursday and Last Saturdays at Friendship Fountain.
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 DTJaxAwards.com