The Miss Florida USA & Miss Florida Teen USA

Magazine of April 12th, 2006

Dear Miss Florida USA Family:

Welcome to another edition of YOUR Miss Florida USA & Miss Florida Teen USA Magazine YOUR information source for everything pageantry in the Sunshine State. It’s heating up in Baltimore as tomorrow night the competition begins in the Preliminary Presentation Show. We will be working hard on Saturday to get you all the pictures from Friday night. Also we have four more delegates for state as we visited Pensacola and Palm Beach in stops on The Road to Hollywood. Don’t forget one more week until Miss USA April 21^st on NBC, don’t forget to start planning your Miss USA Watching Parties now!

This week’s world news has the culmination to an Arkansas Pageant tragedy and Miss Universe signs a deal with Los Angeles. Miss Florida USA News has the latest results and news as the preliminary season enters the homestretch. Gen Art this week keeps our fashionista’s fashion forward while Faces & Places takes you into the audience in Palm Beach, puts you in the Marshmallow Drop in Hollywood and onstage at Hispanic Fest at the Broward Community College Central Campus! Plus don’t forget our daily updates from Miss USA! This sure is one busy time for pageantry in the Sunshine State! All the pageant news that fits to print updated on Thursdays and Fridays and results on Mondays only at YOUR Miss Florida USA Ezine, the only Ezine in the pageant world!

Publisher's Note: Due to travel to Baltimore this week's Ezine will be published on Wednesday instead of Thursday. Look for Faces & Places in it’s normal Friday posting and of course our Miss USA reports continue with live event coverage starting Friday from Baltimore!

Grant H. Gravitt, Jr.

Executive Producer

Miss Florida USA & Miss Florida Teen USA

» 93 Days until Miss Florida USA!

» 9 Days until Miss USA!

PAGEANT NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

» MISS UNIVERSE THIS JULY IN LOS ANGELES

NEW YORK CITY- The Miss Universe Organization confirmed on Thursday that the Miss Universe 2006 pageant will take place in Los Angeles, California (USA) on Sunday, July 23rd, live on NBC.

About 85 of the world's most beautiful women will arrive in the City of Angels on July 5th to participate in a number of activities including the annual charity auction, fashion show, candlelight vigil, national costume competition, and of course, the grand final of the show. The preliminary competition, where all contestants will compete in swimsuits and evening gowns will take place on July 18th.

Natalie Glebova of Canada will become the longest reigning titleholder in the history of the pageant, serving for 14 months. The Miss Universe Organization will make details about the venue and other information available soon. This is the second time Los Angeles hosts the pageant. The first time was in 1990, when the finals of the contest took place on Sunday, April 15th, at the Century City Convention Center. The winner back then was Norway's Mona Grudt.

» MISS EL SALVADOR UNIVERSE

In pictures provided by the Nuestra Belleza pageant, Rebecca Iraheta, 18 , wins the crown during the national beauty pageant Friday April 7, 2006 in San Salvador, El Salvador . She was elected Miss El Salvador to represent the country in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant

» MISS SINGAPORE UNIVERSE:

24-year old art director crowned the new Miss Singapore Universe 2006

SINGAPORE: Carol Cheong has been crowned the new Miss Singapore Universe. The 24-year old won the title at a glitzy ceremony at MediaCorp on Sunday night. Miss Cheong is an art director and received the award from last year's winner, Cheryl Tay. Miss Cheong will represent Singapore in Los Angeles in July.

» Miss Iraq pageant winner steps down

(BAGHDAD, Iraq) - Iraq's newly crowned beauty queen, Tamar Goregian, has decided to step down -- just four days after her election, making this the shortest reign in the pageant's 60-year history.

On April 9, the 23-year-old, who was the first Armenian Iraqi to win the Miss Iraq pageant, announced her resignation after receiving threats by a group of religious extremists who referred to her as "the queen of infidels" for participating in the contest.

The pageant director said: "I respect her decision. The country is undergoing rough times, and we understand her desire to protect herself and her family." This was the first time since the U.S.-led war against Iraq that the pageant was held on Iraqi soil. The last time this pageant was held here was in 2002. Since then, Iraqi exiles had been forced to hold the contest in Kenya where a wealthy Iraqi businessman funded the event. The pageant organizers will now pass the crown to the runner-up, or "Maiden of Beauty," Mona Hilmi, an Iraqi Sunni Muslim. One of the organizers said she was "equally intelligent and beautiful." Pageants in Iraq usually attract girls from wealthy, liberal families who often have Western educations. The pageant organizers are hoping to send the winner to the Miss Universe pageant in an effort to promote a positive and modern image of Iraqi women.

The last time Iraq sent a delegate to Miss Universe was in 1972 when Wijdan Sulyman represented the country in Puerto Rico. This year's Miss Universe pageant is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on July 23. During her acceptance speech, Goregian told the crowd, "Maybe beauty is the final step to end violence and preach world peace after all." The Iraqis who disagree have forced her to give up her crown and flee her country.

Tamar Goregian, 23, stepped down after four days

as "Iraqi Queen of Beauty" following threats.

» Milford beauty steps on to the universal stage

By HALEY LYNCH

For New Zealand's newly crowned Miss Universe entrant being a beauty queen is in the genes - and swimwear and evening wear. Twenty-three-year old Elizabeth Gray from Milford was recently crowned Miss Universe New Zealand. She was judged against 22 contestants in categories like swimwear, daywear, eveningwear and was given one-on-one interviews with the judges.

Her mother and sister had entered beauty pageants before and said she should give it a go. Elizabeth says unlike the stereotypes of beauty pageants, there was no cattiness in the competition. "I was really surprised. My mum had warned me about that, so I had my guard up in case the people were like that. But everyone was so lovely, especially the out of town girls. I'm still emailing them now."

Elizabeth attended Browns Bay Primary School, Murray’s Bay Intermediate and Westlake Girls High School. After her schooling she traveled to the United States and studied at Kirov Ballet Academy in Washington DC, later dancing professionally for the Colorado Ballet Company.

About four years ago Elizabeth returned home to New Zealand and is working in the advertising industry, as well as doing the occasional modeling job.

"It's funny because everyone else is going on with their lives now, and it's weird thinking I'm going to the Miss Universe pageant."

She says she can't wait to get there. "You get to stay in a resort, wear the very best clothes, and be around so many people that have achieved so much." Elizabeth says being Miss Universe isn't just about looking good in a bathing suit.

"To be Miss Universe is all about representing New Zealand and being a good ambassador. You have to be gracious and down to earth. It's not all about what you look like. You have to have a personality to get anywhere. You have to be someone who can talk maturely and confidently about a lot of issues."

She says she doesn't have a strict beauty regimen and has been struggling to find time to exercise recently. "It's very low maintenance," she laughs. "I do the least amount possible."

» Trial date prolongs the agony
Nona's uncle lends comments on case
By Scott Perkins/ Editor

Sources close to the Nona Dirksmeyer murder case told The Courier Thursday about certain never-before released facts. However, after investigating the lead, The Courier decided to not publish its findings. Law enforcement officials involved with the investigation would not go on the record to confirm the information because of a conflict with "ethical and legal" boundaries. Kevin Jones, arrested and charged last Friday with Dirksmeyer's murder, was released from the Pope County Detention Center on Tuesday after posting the requirements of a $250,000 bond.
"We would like Nona's friends to chime in and share their thoughts with the community," said Greg "Duke" Dirksmeyer, Nona's brother. "We feel she had a network of friends, and we would like to hear what they have to say."

Jones, Dirksmeyer's longtime boyfriend, surrendered to Russellville police about 30 minutes after a warrant was issued for his arrest Friday. After an investigation that carried on for more than three months, Jones spent last weekend in custody until he met his bond requirements Tuesday.
"I felt all along that that's what would happen," Mike Rome, Nona's uncle, said. "He (Kevin) is well connected in the county. I expected this. I would have liked it (bond) to be a little stronger or harder."

Rome said he and his family came to Russellville the day after Nona's body was discovered to support Carol and Duane, Nona's mother and stepfather, and stayed until a few days after the funeral. "It's unfortunate that a young lady that had a bright a future and was reaching her peak and reaching for the stars.... it's unfortunate her story and her life ended in this manner. I feel like probably Nona was outgrowing him (Kevin). She was doing well in school and in all her other endeavors. That's so typical of kids when they go off to college. I think that's a part of my reasoning for understanding that Kevin is the suspect."

Rome said his 6-year-old granddaughter was looking forward to being Nona's princess in this year's Miss Arkansas Pageant. "She was too young last year when Nona competed, but this year, she was excited to be Nona's princess," Rome said. "You see a young person like Nona coming into her own with a very bright future, and now that's no more."

MISS FL USA NEWS!

» MISS ORMOND BEACH USA/TEEN USA & VOLUSIA TEEN USA:

The Miss Ormond Beach USA/Teen USA & Volusia County Teen USA Contestant Profiles are online and now posted. The pageant is April 23^rd in Ormond Beach and there is still room for contestants to enter and win their way to the state competition. Great Prize package too, including: Zoom Whitening, Photo Shoot, Fitness Membership, tons of training, and DVD to list a few. All profiles can be found at www.missdaytonausa.com or you can email Kim Decker-Antos at info@missdaytonabeachteen.com for more information.

» MISS ALACHUA COUNTRY USA & TEEN USA UPDATE:

The MISS ALACHUA COUNTY USA and TEEN USA is Sun. May 7th in Gainesville. If anyone would like an entry form, email MISSALACHUACOUSA@AOL.COM SO FAR THE PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS ARE PHOTO SHOOT WITH BILL HORNE PHOTOGRAPHY, AN 8X10 CROWNING PHOTO, A DVD OF THE PAGEANT, AND AN INTERVIEW TRAINING SESSION WITH MIKE NORHA AND MORE TO COME FROM PAGEANT DIRECTORS MAXINE AND SHERRIE RAYBORNE.

» Miss Gold Coast USA & Miss Gold Coast Teen USA

April 8, 2006

The Road To Hollywood visited Palm Beach for the second annual Miss Gold Coast USA & Miss Gold Coast Teen USA Pageants returned to Palm Beach County. Hosted by they welcomed the enthusiastic crowd at The Royal Palm Beach Auditorium. The show started with an outstanding production number featuring Freddy Cannon’s “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans”. The ladies entered through the back of the theater and ended on stage in a choreographed number that was very high energy. The New Orleans Theme continued throughout the evening.

During breaks in the competition the audience was entertained by the vocal styling of Jasmine Edwards, Junior Miss Gold Coast 2006; Denesha Jenkins, Miss South Florida Fair 2006 who sang two New Orleans themed songs and Mike Jamison who channeled Elton John in a finale featuring the entire cast. After the final song it was time to announce the evenings winner’s starting with the special awards.

Miss Amity:

Miss USA – Leticia

Miss Teen USA – Ashley Koerick

Miss Photogenic:

Miss USA – Pamela Rindone

Miss Teen USA – Ashley Koerick

Peoples Choice:

Miss USA – Daniella Gallo

Miss Teen USA – Ashley Koerick

Modeling Scholarship:

Miss USA - Leticia Curry

Miss Teen USA – Michelle Gorrin

Pageantry Spirit Award – Elizabeth Figueroa

Then it was time to announce the results as the following finalist are qualified to compete at state next year. The results started with The Teen USA Division:

4^th Runner Up is Elizabeth Figueroa

3^rd Runner Up is Michelle Gorrin

2^nd Runner Up is Ashley Koerick

1^st Runner Up is June Umchinda

Miss Gold Coast Teen USA 2007 is Barbara Cosme!

The Miss Gold Coast Teen USA finalists and state qualifiers

Then it was time for The Miss USA Divisions results:

4^th Runner Up is Pamela Rindone

3^rd Runner Up is Daniella Gallo

2^nd Runner Up is Christina Moons

1^st Runner Up is Tasheia Pelham

The New Miss Gold Coast USA 2007 is Kendra Waller!

The Miss Gold Coast USA Team!

What a great pageant it was as Glenda Byrd and The Gold Coast Pageant Team who all deserve a well earned congratulations on an outstanding pageant! Also a big congratulations to Miss Cosme and Ms. Waller on their victories and entry to state in Hollywood!

The Miss Gold Coast USA finalists and state qualifiers

» Miss Pensacola USA and Miss Pensacola Teen USA

April 9, 2006

The Road to Hollywood ventured to our states Westernmost City for the first ever Miss Pensacola USA and Miss Pensacola Teen USA Pageants at the University Mall’s Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom. Under the direction of Michael Galanes and Citrus Productions it was evident that this will be an annual event in an area that supported the pageant and embraced the two winners wholeheartedly!

There were 10 young ladies competing in the Miss Pensacola Teen USA Pageant and 11 outstanding women competing in the Miss Pensacola USA Pageant. Each young lady competed in one-minute on-stage introductions to learn about the contestant’s ability to speak in public then the traditional pageant competitions of swimsuit presentation and evening gowns.

The judges decided the following with the winners qualifying for the state competition: Teen Congeniality was Amanda Aldridge, Teen Photogenic was Hillary Hughes and the Teen Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimwear was Alyssa Sopenasky. In the Miss Pensacola USA division: Miss Congeniality was Nichole Pertubal. Miss Photogenic was Candis Smith. Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimwear was Candis Smith.

The Teen Top 5 in a very particular order were:

4^th Runner-Up- Amanda Aldridge

3^rd Runner-Up was Kelly Haffner and Chelsea Cooper

2^nd Runner-Up was Madison Lewis

1^st Runner-Up was Sally Wusstig

The new Miss Pensacola Teen USA is ALYSSA SOPENASKY.

The first ever Miss Pensacola Teen USA!

The Miss Pensacola Teen USA state qualifiers

The Miss Top 5 were the following:

4^th runner up was Alyshia Kelly

3^rd runner-up was Vida Sheffield

2^nd runner-up was Candis Smith

1^st Runner-Up was Susan Salamone

The first ever and new Miss Pensacola USA is Krystal McKown.

Congratulations to Mr. Galanes and his Citrus Productions staff and volunteers who made our first visit to Pensacola such a success. A big congratulation’s also goes to Miss Sopenansky and Ms. McKown who now represent their region in Hollywood later this year. Mr. Galanes states “I am confident that we just experienced the making of a new North Florida Tradition! Pensacola is a community that supports the performing arts and community awareness! I will book appearances with my titleholders in that area throughout the course of the year so that next year’s Miss Pensacola USA/Teen USA, will be the event of the year in North Florida.”

Team Pensacola USA with visiting royalty

The Road to Hollywood is taking a Miss USA break as this next week all eyes will be on Baltimore and our Miss Florida USA Cristin Duren as she pursues our national championship of pageantry. See everyone in two weeks in Orlando and Ormond Beach as The Road to Hollywood reopens April 22^nd!

» Miss Homestead/FL Keys USA & Teen USA News

Have you seen the Speedway? Thatâ€™s right, the Homestead Miami Speedway is the sponsoring location for the Miss Homestead/Florida Keys USA & Teen USA pageants on May 7th 2006. Come out to the new Champions Club on the third floor of turn one over looking the track. The pageant will start at 5pm. See the beautiful delegates compete for the title of Miss Homestead/Florida Keys USA & Teen USA in swim wear and evening wear. For tickets or more info contact Angie Halavin at (954) 445-8181.

Delegates orientation will be Saturday, April 15, 2006 at 1pm at the Days Inn, 51 S. Homestead Blvd, Homestead, FL (S.W. 320th Street and US-1). Learn all about pageant day; outfit selection, scheduling, make up and hair tips, and much more in the two hour session. Halavin Productions, Inc. new pageant sponsor; FiertÃ© has provided a fantastic prize package for our new title holders. FiertÃ© Cosmetics will provide, Couture Evening Gown, 2 Training sessions on Speech, Ethics, Tone Seminar, Training Session on Make-up & Application with FiertÃ©â€™ Make up Artist, $250.00 gift certificate for make-up & 2 Sessions on Hair Cut/Color & Head Shot Photograph all for the state pageant. ($5000 value)

The Orientation is open to anyone who is interested or wants more information on what is involved in the State level system. Delegates, remember Halavin Productions, Inc. gives you a Â½ page ad space so you can use it for your sponsors and friends. They also have page ads in case you want to earn money by selling them. See you there.

» 2007 Miss Florida USA Preliminary Season Schedule

UPDATED 4/12/06

April 14: Miss USA Presentation Show – Baltimore

April 21: Miss USA Finals – Baltimore

April 22 Miss City Beautiful USA & Teen USA Pageants

April 23: Miss Ormond Beach USA & Teen USA Pageants

April 30: Miss Emerald Coast USA & Teen USA Pageants

May 6: Miss Northwest Florida USA & Teen USA Pageants (Ocala)

May 7: Miss Homestead USA & Teen USA Pageants

May 7: Miss Alachua County USA & Teen USA Pageants

May 11 Too Hot for Fashion – Hollywood Beach Community Center

May 13 Miss Miami USA & Teen USA

May 20: Miss Boca Raton USA & Teen USA Pageants

May 21: Miss Space Coast USA & Teen USA Super Pageant – Melbourne

May 21: Miss Ft. Lauderdale USA & Teen USA Pageants

TBD Miss Magic City USA & Teen USA Pageants

June 1 – 4 Final Pre Tape Weekend - Hollywood

June 2: Miss Florida USA Seminar Day

July 11:Miss Florida USA Registration Day

July 14: Miss Florida USA Preliminary Night

July 15: Miss Florida USA Finals & Telecast

MISS FLORIDA TEEN USA TV LISTINGS:

JACKSONVILLE

WAWS FOX

Channel 47

TBD

» Check Out Our Daily MISS USA 2007 UPDATES!

Starlets And Their Fashion Lines

Check Out Aleksia Landeau's, Webster

Can you believe that Tori Spelling is currently hawking a jewelry line or that Posh Spice is writing a fashion "bible"? Okay, they've totally broken the golden rule, which reads: celebs should NOT be dabbling in the fashion biz, but sticking to what they know best - reading lines off a page and carrying their yappying puppies around in flowered purses. However, we recently found out about actress Aleksia Landeau, who's changed our tune.

When we heard that Landeau, an indie film actress (Marie Antoinette, Riding In Cars With Boys), had started a fashion label we immediately turned up our noses. We were so, so wrong. For the past two years, Landeau has been working her fingers to the bone on her chic collection called Webster. The clothes line is full of feminine silhouettes paired with menswear fabrics like glen plaid. The collection is also rife with Peter Pan collars, slim jackets, and layered summer dresses that have an overall old-school European feel. We adore her knee-length cuffed shorts, as well as her slightly oversized buttons downs made of Italian cotton - sexy and tough, but regal, too. In the war of the Hepburn's, Webster falls decidedly on tough talk! ing Katherine's side rather than darling, little Audrey's.

You might really love ditzy Donna's, ugh - we mean Tori's collection of trinkets or be holding your breath for the undoubtedly pending maternity line from Katie "Zombie-Wife" Holmes, but if you're craving real style from an actress who knows what fashion is all about, skip 90210. There's a new star in Hollywood and her name is Aleksia Landeau.

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