The Miss Florida USA & Miss Florida Teen USA

Magazine of December 29th, 2005

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. This week we focus on looking back at the pageant year of 2005. It was a historic season as this has really turned in the “Country of Florida”. Only nationals had more titleholders onstage and the enthusiasm throughout Florida was unprecedented.

Before we get back to business I want to think the Preliminary Pageant Directors for all of their effort’s as they are the unsung hero’s of pageantry. It is obvious the preliminary pageant directors have elevated our state as they ensure that each of our titleholders are prepared for the state competition but more importantly all of our young women will take away great things from their pageant experience. I have seen it first hand as for many the changes are obvious from their first prelims to state. That takes a lot of effort and support; thank you also goes out to all of the pageant parents, coaches, trainers, sponsors, judges, volunteers and friends as it truly takes a village to promote the goodness that is pageantry.

Back to business as World Pageant News has the latest from Arkansas in a true pageant mystery. We also go back to Russia for the Miss Russia Pageant crowned this past week. On The Road to Baltimore we make a stop in Connecticut for a profile of their state winner. Miss Florida USA News announces a new pageant in Orlando and news from Miss Sunset Place. One last chance to get hip for the New Year awaits at Gen Art while Faces & Places has a recap of 2005 in Florida Pageantry. All the pageant news that fits to print updated on Thursdays and Mondays only at YOUR Miss Florida USA Ezine, the only Ezine in the pageant world!

Grant H. Gravitt, Jr.

Executive Producer

Miss Florida USA & Miss Florida Teen USA

8 Days until Miss Nature Coast USA & Teen USA!

PAGEANT NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

» Police say they have a suspect in mind in Arkansas pageant murder
By Brooke Vermillion / government@couriernews.com

Russellville (Arkansas) police indicated in a press conference Thursday morning they are confident they know the identity of the person responsible for the death of Arkansas Tech University student Nona Dirksmeyer, 19. No arrests have been made or charges filed because the investigation is ongoing, according to authorities. Police Chief James Bacon verified that all but one of the department’s initial suspects in the case have been ruled out through process of elimination and witness statements. But he would not confirm or deny any information about the suspect, including any identifying characteristics or whether the person knew Dirksmeyer. Bacon also declined to confirm whether Dirksmeyer’s boyfriend (also listed as her fiancé) had been cleared as a suspect. Asked if police believed Russellville residents should be concerned about a random attacker, Bacon said, “at this point in time, we are confident that is not the case.”
No one has been taken into custody at this time, Bacon said, because certain evidence has not been completely evaluated by the State Crime Lab.

“Until a person is formally charged, they have the same rights and freedoms as any other citizen of this country,” Bacon said, noting he would not discuss whether or not the department was monitoring the suspect’s whereabouts. The family was informed prior to the press conference of all details Bacon disclosed Thursday. Those details, including the cause of death and when formal charges may be filed against the individual in question, were mentioned at Thursday’s press conference. With Russellville Police Detective Mark Frost, lead investigator in the case, and 5th Judicial District Prosecutor David Gibbons at his side, Bacon said: “On Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005, the Russellville Police Department, along with paramedics, responded to a reported medical emergency at the Inglewood Apartments located at 12th (Street) and (South) Inglewood. “At the scene, paramedics located the nude body of Nona Dirksmeyer. After determining that she was deceased, the scene was released to the Russellville Police Department. Our initial review of the apartment provided us with suspicions of a homicide, so her body was subsequently sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. “The preliminary report indicates that the cause of death was multiple blunt- and sharp-force injuries, which included a stab wound to the back right side of the neck and superficial cuts on the front and right side of the neck, shoulder and ear. Additionally, there were abrasions to the front of the face around the eyes, nose and chin.

“There was no sign of a sexual assault, nor trauma to the body that indicated a sexual assault.”
Over the past week, the Russellville Police Department has worked tirelessly to locate and interview more than 50 different people that may have had knowledge of Ms. Dirksmeyer’s activities on or around the date of Dec. 15. Additionally, some interviews were conducted to either prove or disprove the activities of specific people we were asked to investigate and/or develop as persons of interest. “Through these interviews, we have conclusively cleared all but one of these people. Subsequently, this person was administered a polygraph examination by the Arkansas State Police. “Forensic evidence recovered at the scene has also proved additional information in this investigation, but not all of the evidence has been processed or evaluated, and it could be several days or weeks before all of the results are available.

“After conferring with David Gibbons, the prosecuting attorney for the 5th Judicial District of Arkansas, he has requested that our office compile an investigative report that can be reviewed by his office for the filing of formal charges. At the request of his office, we will not release the identity of the suspect at this time. “At this time, our department would also like to extend our appreciation for the assistance of the Pope County Sheriff’s Office and the Arkansas State Police who have provided great assistance in this matter.” When asked, Bacon would not comment on a specific weapon used in the homicide or if there was forced entry into the apartment. A 2004 graduate of Dover High School, reigning Miss Petit Jean Valley, and contestant in the 2005 Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant, Dirksmeyer’s death has not only shaken her family and friends, but the entire community as well.

» MISS RUSSIA CROWNED IN MOSCOW:

Girls participate in the 'Miss Russia' beauty contest in Moscow

Alexandra Ivanovskaya, 16, from Khabarovsk, was named as the winner of 'Miss Russia' beauty contest in Moscow Thursday, Dec. 22, 2005. Beautiful Alexandra will be competing in the Miss Europe 2006 pageant. The Miss Russia organization used to send delegates to the Miss Universe pageant from 1999 to 2003.

In 2002, the winner of the Miss Russia 2001 pageant, Oxana Fedorova, went on to win the Miss Universe crown. In 2003, 1st runner-up Olesya Bondarenko was the last delegate in Miss Universe sent by the "Miss Russia" organization.

Russian show master Nikolai Fomenko, left, speaks to Alexandra

Ivanovskaya, 16, 2nd from left, during the 'Miss Russia' beauty

contest in Moscow Thursday, Dec. 22, 2005. Ivanovskaya was named

as the winner and, according to organizers, will represent Russia

at the 'Miss World' contest next year.

Alexandra Ivanovskaya, 16, from Khabarovsk,

takes part in the 'Miss Russia' Evening Gown Competiton

Alexandra Ivanovskaya, 16, from Khabarovsk, poses after

she was named as th winner of 'Miss Russia' beauty contest in

Moscow Thursday, Dec. 22, 2005. According to organizers, she will

represent Russia at the 'Miss World' contest next year.

(AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)

» Fashion Icon prefers simple but beautiful dressing

PETALING JAYA: Simple but beautiful – that is the fashion tip given by Miss France Tourism Isabelle Lamant, who was crowned Miss 1 Utama Fashion Icon yesterday. The title was one of several subsidiary ones up for grabs for the 35 Miss Tourism International 2005 World finalists. The 24-year-old said: “I'm very happy to win this title as fashion is very important in France,” said Lamant, who is inspired by fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier. She said people should choose fashion that was simple but beautiful.

“I don't like clothes which are too sexy and revealing,” added Lamant, whose ambition is to be a pageant fitness coach. At the event yesterday, the finalists wore fitness and high street fashion, and they had to mix and match clothing from different brands. Judges at the event were Miss Malaysia Universe 1990 and Mrs. Malaysia World 2004/2005 Datin Anna Lim, international model Amber Chia, Miss Chinese Cosmo International 2004/2005 Carrie Lee, Miss Astro Chinese International 2004/2005 Jolene Chin, Bandar Utama City Center Sdn Bhd director Datuk Teo Chiang Kok and 1 Utama centre manager Kenny Chin. The Miss Tourism International 2005 World contest finals will be held at the Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel on Dec 31.

FASHIONABLE: Ms. Lamant smiling

for the camera after winning the

Miss 1 Utama Fashion Icon subsidiary title.

MISS FL USA NEWS!

» LADIES ENCOURAGED TO COMPETE IN THE MISS SUNSET PLACE USA® PAGEANT

AT THE SHOPS AT SUNSET PLACE

-Pageant Will Take Place on February 11^th, 2006-

SOUTH MIAMI – Women between the ages of 13 and 26 years of age can take their first step to becoming Miss Florida USA® by participating in the Miss Sunset Place USA® Pageant at the Shops at Sunset Place located at 5701 Sunset Drive on Saturday, February 11^th at 6 p.m. Winners of the Miss Sunset Place USA® Pageant will then be able to represent Sunset Place while competing in the statewide televised Miss Florida USA® Pageant in July 2006. There will be two divisions of various age competing in the Miss Sunset Place USA® Pageant: Young women ages 13 to 17 years competing for the title of Miss Sunset Place Teen USA® and young women ages 17 to 26 years competing for the title of Miss Sunset Place USA®. The competition will include three categories for each title: personality, swimsuit, and evening gown. Winners of the Miss Sunset Place USA® 2007 Pageant will win a cash and prize package, which includes the $1500 entry fee required to represent Sunset Place in the Miss Florida USA® and the Miss Florida Teen USA® 2007 pageants, as well as clothing, hair products and numerous other prizes.

Participants in the pageant must be United States citizens, as well as Florida residents. Ladies competing for the Miss Sunset Place USA® title must be at least 18 and under 27 years of age by February 1, 2007. All ladies competing for the Miss Sunset Place Teen USA® title must be at least 15 and under 19 years of age by September 1, 2007. Each applicant will be required to pay a sponsorship or registration fee of $375.

The Miss Sunset Place USA® Pageant will take place at The Shops at Sunset Place on Saturday, February 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information, contact Grant Gravitt Jr. or Mary Lou Gravitt at (954) 924-4949 or email at telair@aol.com

About Simon:

Simon Property Group, Inc., headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership, development and management of retail real estate, primarily regional malls, Premium Outlet® centers and community/lifestyle centers. The Company's current total market capitalization is approximately $38 billion. Through its subsidiary partnership, it currently owns or has an interest in 296 properties in the United States containing an aggregate of 202 million square feet of gross leasable area in 40 states plus Puerto Rico. Simon also owns interests in 51 European shopping centers in France, Italy, and Poland; 5 Premium Outlet® centers in Japan; and one Premium Outlet® center in Mexico. Additional Simon Property Group information is available at www.simon.com.

» Miss Orange County USA/Central Florida USA Announced – Regalia Trunk Show Added:

Citrus Productions announces the first ever Miss Orange County USA/Teen USA as well as the

second annual Miss Central Florida USA/Teen USA Pageants.

The pageant host is the Sheraton at Walt Disney World with the competition on March 12, 2006.

For more information contact director Michael Galanes via email at

director@missvermontusa.com or call (407) 896-5787.

Citrus productions also announced that there would be a Regalia Trunk Show during the day

of the Miss Tampa USA Pageants.

» 2007 Miss Florida USA Preliminary Season Schedule

UPDATED 12/29/05

Jan 6-7:Miss Nature Coast USA & Teen USA Pageants

Jan 13-15: Miss Daytona Beach/Ormond Beach/Volusia USA & Teen USA Pageants

Jan 15: Miss Tampa/Clearwater/St. Pete USA & Teen USA Pageants

Jan 27-29 Miss Sarasota/Manatee County USA & Teen USA Pageants

Jan 29:Miss Hollywood USA & Teen USA Pageants

Feb 4: Miss Tallahassee USA & Teen USA Pageants

Feb 4-5: Miss Citrus USA & Teen USA Pageants

Feb 11: Miss Polk County USA/Miss Lake Buena Vista USA & Teen USA Pageants

Feb 11:Miss Sunset Place USA & Teen USA Pageants

Feb 18-19: Miss First Coast USA & Teen USA Pageants

March 3: Miss Pembroke Pine USA & Miss Pembroke Pines Teen USA

March 12: Miss Orange County/Central Florida USA & Teen USA

March 18: Miss Southwest Florida USA & Teen USA Pageants

March TBD: Miss Weston USA & Teen USA Pageants

April 2: Miss West Broward USA & Teen USA Pageants

April 8: Miss Gold Coast USA & Miss Palm Beach County USA & Teen Pageants

April 23:Miss Treasure Coast USA & Teen USA Pageants

May 6: Miss Boca Raton USA & Teen USA Pageants

May 7: Miss Homestead USA & Teen USA Pageants

May 14: Miss Tourism Super Pageant

TBD Miss Jacksonville USA & Teen USA Pageants

TBD Miss Miami USA & Teen USA Pageants

TBD Miss Emerald Coast USA & Teen USA Pageants

TBD Miss Orlando USA & Teen USA Pageants

TBD Miss City Beautiful USA & Teen USA Pageant

TBD Miss North Miami Dade USA & Teen USA Pageants

TBD Miss Gainesville USA & Teen USA Pageants

TBD Miss Plant City USA & Teen USA Pageants

MISS FLORIDA TEEN USA TV LISTINGS:

MIAMI/FT LAUDERDALE

WSVN-FOX

Channel 7

Saturday, January 7

4PM

NAPLES/FT MEYERS

WINK-CBS

Channel 11

TBD

TAMPA/ST PETE/CLEARWATER

WMOR-IND

Channel 32

Friday, December 30, 2005

10:30PM

ORLANDO/DAYTONA BEACH

WRDQ-IND

Channel 27

Saturday, February 18, 2006

1PM

TALLAHASSEE

WTLS (Ch. 24, UPN)

WTLH FOX Channel 49

TBD

PANAMA CITY

WJHG-TV Ch. 7 NBC

Saturday, December 31, 2005

10:30PM

PENSACOLA/MOBILE

WFGX-WB

Channel 35

Saturday, January 7

8PM

OCALA/GAINESVILLE

WGFL-CBS

Channel 53

TBD

JACKSONVILLE

WAWS FOX

Channel 47

TBD

WEST PALM BEACH

WTCN-WB Ch. 15

Sunday, December 18

3PM

STUART/FT PIERCE

WTCN-WB

Channel 15

Sunday, December 18

3PM

VENICE

W56CN-IND

Channel 56

Saturday, December 30, 2005

10:30PM

PORT RICHEY

W46BQ-IND

Channel 46

Saturday, December 30, 2005

10:30PM

SEMINOLE

WMOR-LP

Channel 63

Saturday, December 30, 2005

10:30PM

» Profile of a newsmaker:

NFA graduate crowned Miss Connecticut USA 2006

In the news: Jeannine Phillips, 22, of Old Lyme was crowned Miss Connecticut USA Nov. 20 at the Sheraton Danbury Hotel.

Background: Ms. Phillips, a business administration major at Eastern Connecticut State University, had never taken part previously in a pageant. She graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 2002, where she participated in the theater department and played varsity basketball all four years.

The pageant: Ms. Phillips endured three days of pageant events that began Nov. 18, including dance, swimsuit and evening gown competitions. The pageant was narrowed from more than 30 contestants to five, who each faced three-minute interviews from host Jennifer Ferrin, actress on the daytime soap opera, "As the World Turns." Phillips was ultimately crowned winner, and received a six-day-five-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort in Rose Hall, Jamaica.

Responsibilities: Throughout the year, Phillips will appear at parades, fund-raisers and events where she will focus on being a positive role model. Phillips will also enroll in pageant classes and spend three weeks with other state winners to prepare for the Miss USA Pageant on April 21 in Baltimore.

Quotable: “I hope to stay true to myself and my values," Phillips said. "To me, that is most important and if that remains my focus, everything will fall into place from there."

A New Spin On Fine Art
Cartoons And Comics Make A Comeback

Remember the days when Mom said cartoons were a waste of time? Not so, says the art world. A crop of artists whose inspiration comes from influences comics and cartoons are creating an accessible and cutting edge spin to the definition of “fine art”.
Take Japanese pop artist extraordinaire Yoshitomo Nara who’s heavily influenced by anime and cartoons. You may have seen Nara’s doe-eyed, yet malicious toddlers looking up at you from shelves in the hippest design stores. Ashtrays, t-shirts, wall prints, clocks; you name it and Nara has it. It’s art in bite sized formats.

Or try our favorite, James Jean. With deceptive simplicity, Jean crafts a nostalgic world of characters and settings that will tug on your emotions. From Star Wars portraits and a series about grade school life, Jean mixes fine art with the technique of comic book illustration to perfection. His new book "Process Recess" is more than just coffee table material, but an inexpensive way to own a bit of this breaking aesthetic. Fine art is a vague term, but these two artists are certainly pushing its hazy boundaries. See, Mom – there was a point all along.