The Miss Florida USA & Miss Florida Teen USA

Magazine of February 9th, 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. This is such an exciting week as after one hurricane delay it’s time for our Hollywood Helping Katrina’s Kids (and Wilma’s too!) Telethon live Thursday night. Cristin Duren, Jennifer Wooten, Kristen Berset and Anastagia Pierre all are co-host’s along with Y-100’s Footy in The Morning on Broward’s Becon Television. Over $150,000 has already been raised for The Boys & Girls Club of New Orleans and Broward County. If you would like to help our cause visit www.hollwoodfl.org and click the telethon banner!

This weeks World News In Review has pictures from Universe qualifiers in Germany and Finland. We also have an update on a great tragedy from the peach state. The Road to Nationals profiles a great cause and a great delegate for the hurricane ravaged state of Louisiana. Miss Florida USA News profiles tonight’s telethon, Saturday’s Miss Sunset Place USA and all the results from last weekends Miss Citrus USA Pageant. Faces & Places keeps you hip while Faces & Places keeps you up to date! 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!

Grant H. Gravitt, Jr.

Executive Producer

Miss Florida USA & Miss Florida Teen USA

» 2 Days until Miss Sunset Place USA & Teen USA!

» 9 Days until Miss Jacksonville USA & Teen USA!

» 2 Days until Miss Ormond Beach USA & Teen USA!

PAGEANT NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

» MISS GERMANY 2006

Contestants walk on the catwalk during the 'Miss Germany'

Pageant in Rust, Germany February 4, 2006.

Contestants pose in jerseys of the German national soccer team during the Miss Germany pageant. Isabelle Knispel, 18, earlier voted as Miss Berlin, won the competition ahead of Miss Rheinland-Pfalz Jennifer Schaefer, 21, and Miss Brandenburg Wlada Schueler,17.

» MISS SUOMI (FINLAND) 2006

Miss Suomi 2006 Ninni Laaksonen with 1st runner up Sini Vahela (R) and 2nd runner up Karoliina Yläjoki (L). Ninni will represent Finland in Miss Universe, while Sini will compete in Miss Europe, and Karoliina will go to Miss International

Ms. Laaksonen with Ms. Vahela (R) and Ms. Yläjoki

» Mystery still shrouds disappearance of beauty queen, popular teacher in South Georgia

By ELLIOTT MINOR/Associated Press

CILLA, Ga. - An orange jack-o-lantern, illuminated by an electric bulb, still grins mockingly from Tara Grinstead's porch - a Halloween adornment the beauty queen and promising young teacher put out just before she vanished more than three months ago. Grinstead's disappearance on Oct. 22 has fueled lots of speculation and rumors on Web blogs and has been the fodder for national talk shows. Despite massive searches involving hundreds of volunteers and countless hours of investigative work by various agencies, no one can find her.

Authorities have never said they suspect the 30-year-old woman was a victim of foul play. A cell phone that she was known to always carry was found in her house, her unlocked car was in the driveway, but her purse and keys were gone. A latex glove - the type worn by police officers and medical workers - was found in her front yard.

"There's a lot of speculation," Police Chief Billy Hancock said. "We certainly are still considering it a missing persons case and the possibility of abduction is not being ruled out. We don't have any evidence of that."

While Grinstead is just one of 2,300 missing adults and children in Georgia, she is easily the most well-known. Her disappearance has led to the posting of $200,000 in rewards and a huge outpouring of support in Ocilla, a south Georgia farm town of 3,300. Volunteers have set up a Tara Command Center in the town's senior center with a telephone tip line and a Web page, http://www.findtara.com. Students have formed a group called "Teens for Tara" and co-workers have formed "Teachers for Tara."

"This is a teacher who significantly affected her students, not just in the classroom," said Wendy McFarland, a fellow teacher at Irwin County High School. "She was willing to help kids no matter what problems they had. If it was academic or personal, she was there for them." Supporters plan to honor her in March with a "Miss Spirit of Tara" pageant in nearby Tifton, where Grinstead won the title of Miss Tifton in 1999. Money raised from the $75 entry fees will be used to increase the reward money. Two rewards are being offered: $100,000 for Grinstead's safe return and $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for her disappearance. Half of the reward for her safe return is funded by Liberty National Insurance Co., where Grinstead's father is a vice president, while the other half is from donors in Ocilla and surrounding communities. An anonymous individual is funding the second reward. Grinstead's sister, Anita Gattis, has made frequent appearances on nationally televised crime shows to appeal for information leading to her. People who before October had never heard of Ocilla, about 165 miles southeast of Atlanta, now ask about the Grinstead case when meet people from the town on their travels. "It's put Ocilla on the map," said Linda Fletcher, command center director. "We've gotten thousands of e-mails from all over the world."

Gattis, who lives with her physician husband in nearby Hawkinsville, says Grinstead was too considerate and dedicated to simply leave town. "She would not have done that to my mother," Gattis said. "She and my mom were very close. She would have never left her students without a teacher. She had too much respect of her students to leave them."

In addition, Grinstead was devoted to her dog, Dolly Madison, and her cat, Herman Talmadge, and wouldn't have abandoned them, Gattis said. The sister believes Grinstead was abducted or worse. "I think someone she knew is involved," Gattis said. "I think something bad happened." Before her disappearance, Grinstead was despondent over the end of a six-year relationship with a former Ocilla police officer, friends say. He joined the Army after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and now works as a civilian security consultant in Iraq, with occasional visits to Ocilla. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has questioned him and several of Grinstead's other male friends, but has made no arrests. Grinstead lived in a small brick-and-frame house that is still surrounded by yellow crime-scene tape. The decorations she put out for Halloween remain on the front steps. Supporters have wrapped her mail box and several pine trees with yellow, black and red ribbons.

Yellow expresses their desire for her safe return, while red and black are the colors of Irwin County High. A "Happy Birthday" banner hangs beneath a front window, commemorating the 31st birthday she would have celebrated on Nov. 14. Friends say Grinstead competed in pageants to win scholarships, and she encouraged other young women to do the same.

She paid for most of her college education at Valdosta State University with beauty pageant scholarships, friends say. After receiving a master's degree, she continued her studies and was preparing to enter a doctoral program, Gattis said. On Oct. 22, the last day she was seen, Grinstead had helped contestants in a beauty pageant Miss Sweet Potato Festival in Fitzgerald and then attended a cookout with friends in Ocilla. She was reported missing two days later when she failed to report to work.

The GBI has assumed responsibility for the investigation, with help from the local police and sheriff's departments. "There's nothing new. It's still under investigation and the search for Tara continues," said GBI spokeswoman Vicki Metz. The case has frustrated the police chief and Irwin County Sheriff Donnie Youghn. "I just wish there was some way ... we could come up with closure on this for the family and for us," the sheriff said.

MISS FL USA NEWS!

» Hollywood Helps Katrina’s & Wilma’s Kids Telethon Tonight!

Remember the Hurricane Relief efforts that took place in Hollywood last October? Well Wilma couldn’t wipe it our as next tonight our live telethon will be seen throughout Broward County on Beacon-TV and originating from The Marriott Hollywood Beach. The live special features celebrities and is hosted by South Florida Radio Star Footy and our Miss Florida USA’s Cristen Duren and Kristen Berset along with Miss Florida Teen USA’s Jennifer Wooten & Anastagia Pierre who are joined by ten local titleholders and a cast of thousands.

We have already raised over $150,000.00 and hope to top $200,000.00 by the end of the evening! All of the monies will be distributed between the New Orleans and Hollywood Boys & Girls Club, Police Athletic League and YMCA’s. The stars confirmed include Bill O’Reilly; Loreta Swit (MASH); Florence Henderson (The Brady Bunch); Michael Winslow (Police Academy); Tito Puente Jr. and Ed O’Ross (Six Feet Under). It will be a special evening and we thank all of our Miss Florida USA family for their assistance. Pictures up tomorrow at Faces & Places!

» MISS SUNSET PLACE USA THIS WEEKEND!
For the first time ever the Kendall/Coral Gables/South Miami region has a representative at Miss Florida USA. Miss Sunset Place USA and Teen USA crowns four titleholders in two divisions Saturday night under the stars of the open aired Sunset Place Amphitheater. Miss Florida USA 2004 Kristen Berset and Miss Florida Teen USA 2004 Anastagia Pierre host this extra special Preliminary Pageant as the second titles of Miss South Florida USA and Teen USA have been added.

It is also a FREE event for those attending! Once again it is outdoors in the courtyard of Sunset Place and it begins at 6:00pm prompt. If any preliminary titleholder would like to help with the crowning of four new queens please check in at 5:45pm at the front of the stage or rsvp to Tel-Air at either 954 924-4949 or via email to telair@aol.com.

IF YOU GO:

The Shops at Sunset Place

5701 Sunset Drive, Suite 100
South Miami, FL 33143

Performance Amphitheater

Saturday February 11^th

6:00pm – 8:00pm

All Categories Swimsuit, Interview & Evening Gown Onstage

DIRECTIONS:

The Shops at Sunset Place is located at the intersection of US 1 and Red Road/SW 57th Avenue in South Miami, Florida.

From North: I-95 turns into US1 – South Dixie Highway

Follow 5.6 Miles and Shops on South Side – Public Parking Garage onsite

» Miss Citrus USA & Teen USA Results:

February 5, 2006

The Road To Hollywood ventured north on I-95 for the Citrus Pageant Weekend in Daytona Beach as the Miss Citrus USA & Miss Citrus Teen USA 2007 titles were on the line. Hosted by Jennifer Nohra it was quite the weekend as twelve titles in several age divisions were awarded in this two-day event. The Plaza Ocean Clubs Grand Ball Room hosted the event for the first time. For the fourth straight pageant we were greeted by standing room only crowds Miss Citrus made it first trip to Volusia County and by the response it will be the first of many visits!

Michael Galanes welcomed the audience to Miss Citrus USA

Saturday was a full day of pageantry as all of the delegates competed in the interview competition with the pageant judges. The competition then hit the stage as Swimwear and Evening Gowns of their own choosing completed the competition on Saturday Afternoon. It was then back to the ballroom Sunday morning as the results from all twelve divisions were announced.

The Miss Citrus Teen USA finalists await the announcement!

The judges responsible for the selection of Miss Citrus USA and Miss Citrus Teen USA were Jackie Hart, Miss Galaxy 2006; Melissa Quesada Lazzara, Miss Florida USA 1999; Janet Mc Culloh, Mrs. Connecticut United States; Janice Oulton, Banker; Penny Mays, Attorney and Jackqueline Briggs -Vermillion, Realtor & Mortgage Broker.

The first results to be read were those of Miss Citrus Teen USA 2007. Helping in the crowning and saying goodbye to her audience was Miss Citrus Teen USA 2006 Annile Hasty. From the twelve original contestants the group was narrowed down to a top five as the finalists qualify for state. In no particular order; Morgan Fehr; Nicolette Moore; Brittany Smith; Kristy Mak and Keianna Bennett.

Then Ms. Nohra called to the front of the stage The Teen USA

delegates to read the results for the title of Miss Citrus Teen USA:

4^th Runner Up is Morgan Fehr

3^rd Runner Up is Keianna Bennett

2^nd Runner Up is Kristy Mak

1^st Runner Up is Nicolette Moore

Miss Citrus Teen USA 2006 is Brittany Smith!

Miss Smith is the new Miss Citrus Teen USA!

Then it was time to bring out the six finalists for The Miss Citrus Teen USA title. The first announcement is there is a tie for 4^th runner up thus the six finalists as each now has qualified for state in Hollywood. The results were voted on by the judging panel and their selections;

4^th Runner Up is Sunner Negron & Kristen Ballentine

3^rd Runner Up is Brittany Gaither

2^nd Runner Up is Natasha Shelton

1^st Runner Up is Jacquelyn Bick

The first ever Miss Citrus USA 2006 is Noelle Johnson!

Ms. Johnsons winning moment as Miss Citrus USA

Congratulations to the staff and volunteers of Citrus Productions for another great weekend of pageantry! Another congratulation’s to Ms. Johnson and Miss. Smith on their victories and entries into the state pageants in Hollywood this upcoming summer and fall. Up next is a trip all the way South on I-95 as it runs into US1 to South Miami for the Miss Sunset Place USA Super Pageants as four titles are on the line next week on The Road To Hollywood!

The Citrus team heading to state!

» Miss Pembroke Pines USA and Teen USA Update
Miss Pembroke Pines USA and Miss Pembroke Pines Teen USA is well on it's way. The orientation was held on February 7th and it provided the delegates with a mountaing of information, form tips on potential sponsors and how to approach them to shoe selection and everything in between. Application date is February 14th with any progam ads needed by February 20th.

A make up technique seminar is planned for February 19th. Mr. Hanan is the facilitator and you can check his web site at http://www.hananhairmakeup.com/ If you are a paid delegate the 2 hour seminar is free, however, a charge of $50.00 will be requaired if your not a pageant participant. We would love to have you come out for this as "color" delection is not the topic, but the technique is. Bring your make up and a table top mirror to the Herald Building First Floor Conference Room at 1pm. The address is 2010 S.W. 150th Avenue, Pembroke Pines.

This year a dinner show will be provided prior to the actual start of the pageant. Tickets are $50.00 and includes dinner, show and pageant. Contact Halavin Productions, Inc. at (954) 445-8181 for tickets. - Written by Angie Halavin

» 2007 Miss Florida USA Preliminary Season Schedule

UPDATED 2/9/06

Feb 11: Miss Sunset Place/South Florida USA & Teen USA Pageants

Feb 18-19: Miss Ormond Beach USA & Teen USA Pageants

Feb 18: Miss Jacksonville USA & Teen USA Pageants

Feb 24: Miss Tallahassee USA & Teen USA Pageants

March 4: Miss Pembroke Pine USA & Miss Pembroke Pines Teen USA

March 4: Miss Sarasota/Manatee County/West Coast USA & Teen USA Pageants

March 5: Miss City Beautiful/Orlando/Lake Buena Vista USA & Teen USA Pageants

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

March 18: Miss Southwest Florida USA & Teen USA Pageants

April 1 Miss Gainesville 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 7: Miss Homestead USA & Teen USA Pageants

May 13: Miss Northwest Florida USA & Teen USA Pageants (Ocala)

May 14: Miss Tourism Super Pageant - Melbourne

May 20: Miss Boca Raton USA & Teen USA Pageants

TBD Miss Miami USA & Teen USA Pageants

TBD Miss Emerald Coast USA & Teen USA Pageants

TBD Miss North Miami USA & Teen USA Pageants

TBD Miss Magic City USA & Teen USA Pageants

TBD Miss Plant City USA & Teen USA Pageants

MISS FLORIDA TEEN USA TV LISTINGS:

ORLANDO/DAYTONA BEACH

WRDQ-IND

Channel 27

Saturday, February 18, 2006

1PM

JACKSONVILLE

WAWS FOX

Channel 47

TBD

» Miss Louisiana Teen USA promotes cancer awareness

By CHANTE DIONNE WARREN / Advocate staff writer

Photo provided by DON SEIDMAN

Miss Louisiana Teen USA Kelsey Lawson of Denham Springs

reacts to her victory in the pageant held on Jan. 22 in Lafayette

Fulfilling her dream of becoming Miss Louisiana Teen USA has brought a few changes for Kelsey Lawson. “No body calls me by name — it’s ‘Hey Miss Teen or Queen,’ ” the Denham Springs High School senior said. Lawson will also have to keep up with dozens of speaking engagements and community-service efforts that her title obligates her to provide.

Lawson competed and won against 76 other contestants during the Jan. 22 pageant in Lafayette. “This is something I’ve worked for, for a long time,” Lawson said. “You work for it and you hope for it, but it’s not something I honestly thought would happened. It was amazing.”

Lawson won a crown and banner, a crown ring, fitness training instruction, a dress for the national competition, a laptop computer and other perks, she said. She first started competing in the pageant three years ago and earned a top five placing. “It’s a lot more work than people would expect because of training,” she said. Much of that included modeling training. Competing in pageants can also be “emotionally draining,” Lawson said.

Finding the right dress and hairstyle and makeup is time consuming. During a trip to South Carolina in November, Lawson said she also lucked out and found her complete wardrobe. “We found my interview suit, dress and swimsuit. It’s tough to find the right dress,” she said.

Lawson said she decided to break from her usual white gown and wear a hot pink gown this year. “Simplicity is what I go for,” she said. Her schedule will be busy. “I plan on doing a lot with breast cancer awareness and talking with preteens and teens about peer pressure and achieving goals and having dreams,” Lawson said.

Lawson said her grandmother died from breast cancer four years ago. The new Miss Louisiana Teen also anticipates many public appearances, including Mardi Gras parades, and interviews with the media. She will speak at a children’s hospital fund-raiser in New Orleans and help with various New Orleans assistance efforts.

“It’s going to be a bit of a juggle,” said Lawson, who works two after-school jobs. She plans to attend LSU and wants to become a morning talk-show host much like her role model, Katie Couric of NBC’s “Today” show. She also plans to compete in the national Miss Teen USA pageant contest in August.

It's 2006
Time To Go Shopping

It's 2006, which means it's time to get yourself a new wardrobe to match the new you. Here are two designers with amazing clothes for this spring.
First up is Built By Wendy. Maybe you already know about Wendy, but if you don't -- stop what you are doing and head directly to her website. Offering stylish clothes for the very busy woman, Built By Wendy is line for anyone who wants to look cool while being comfortable.Take her ingenious buttons with almost 70s era patterns and her sleek slacks. Or, give her jackets a go - from her fitted trench to her any-weather knit coat.

For those who want a feminine elegance with a contemporary cut peruse Laila Azhar's 2006 offerings. Full of spring colors (turquoise, beige, pinks), this collection is low on embellishments but high on graceful draping and comfortable fabrics.

2006 is your year. We can feel it, so be sure to dress the part for absolute success.

# Shop Built By Wendy
# Find Stores Selling Laila Azhar