After a launch in 2025 that drew more than 100 nominations and generated a packed-house ceremony, the Jacksonville Daily Record’s Trailblazer Awards return this year to honor the boldest and brightest minds in Northeast Florida’s business community.
The awards celebrate executives, managers, owners, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers at all levels whose work and leadership set a path for innovation, success and a positive impact in the community.
In 2026, the Daily Record will once again select 10 winners who will be featured in the Oct. 15 issue of the Daily Record and be honored at an awards ceremony that evening at The River Club in Downtown Jacksonville.
Nominations are open. If you know someone in your workplace or elsewhere who has set themselves apart with their skills, creativity, personality or know-how, this is a chance for them to receive the recognition they deserve.
To see last year’s award winners, visit www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/trailblazer-awards.
To nominate a Trailblazer, visit jaxdailyrecord.com/2026-trailblazer-nomination.
Here are more details:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Trailblazer nominees can come from any field or industry, including nonprofits, in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties. Their organizations can be big or small.
Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged.
HOW TO NOMINATE
To nominate someone, you must include the nominee’s industry, company and title along with your contact information and the nominee’s contact information.
Please describe in 100 words or fewer why the nominee is a Trailblazer. Include an anecdote or story about what sets them apart.
Selected Trailblazers must be willing to participate in a photo and video shoot for the issue, and to talk about their success to share their story with Jacksonville Daily Record readers.
Please do not nominate someone who would not want to be interviewed.
On the online nomination form, you will be asked for the following:
TO NOMINATE A TRAILBLAZER, VISIT:
jaxdailyrecord.com/2026-trailblazer-nomination
QUESTIONS?
Email Editor Ric Anderson at [email protected].
The deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m. Aug. 21.