The Miss Florida USA & Miss Florida Teen USA

Magazine of June 29th, 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. With the 4^th of July approaching it’s also about time for Miss Florida USA! We are putting the finishing touches on the show and will have a peak on U Tube in the next few days. We are also unveiling the final pageant field the Monday July 3^rd around lunchtime. Then it’s full production fun from Hollywood all the way until July 15^th!

This weeks World Pageant News goes up close and personal with Miss Universe delegates from South Africa and New Zealand as all eyes will be on The Miss Universe on July 27^th. The Road To Miss USA starts this year in Texas as the Lone Star State puts their best foot forward. Miss Florida USA News features reports from last weeks “Too Hot For Fashion” which was all the talk of Hollywood. Then Friday featured more shooting for the live broadcast. We also have all the information you need on Miss Escambia County Teen USA. Faces & Places goes backstage and in the audience at Thursdays show. Gen Art All the pageant news that fits to print updated on Thursdays and Fridays 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

» 9 Days until Miss Escambia Teen USA!

» 17 Days until Miss Florida USA!

PAGEANT NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

» Miss South Africa gets ready to take on the Universe

By Chana Viljoen

Miss South Africa, Nokuthula Sithole, who will be jetting off to Los Angeles for the Miss Universe pageant, believes that her advantage over other contenders is that she is an African woman. Sithole describes herself as a versatile woman who always enjoys what she does and is very committed.

The most important item in her luggage is her camera. She said she couldn’t wait to meet the girls from the other countries and capture all the memories.

Extremely patriotic

Sithole is extremely patriotic, and her pride in her heritage comes across in the national gift she has handcrafted for the pageant. She created a sculpture of a nude woman in the "get-ready" position. The woman has markings on her face and wings in the shape of Africa on her back.

According to Sithole, the sculpture symbolizes African women, who have had to endure a lot of hardship. The golden wings show how the resources of South Africa will carry women who strive to reach their dreams.

Each contestant will present a gift, which is auctioned off before the night of the pageant. All the money collected for the gifts will be given to charity.

Sithole is the first Shangaan woman to take part in the Miss Universe pageant and - to pay tribute to her culture - she will be wearing a Shangaan-inspired dress designed by Sun Goddess. Thuli, as she is known, will also wear a red ball gown, which she describes as "glamorous" and "elegant". It is designed by Norman Callan of The Boys.

Sithole will compete against 88 contestants from around the globe on July 4. However, the actual event will be broadcast on July 23. The 22-year-old town and regional planning student at Wits University will also take part in the Miss World pageant in September

African queen: Miss South Africa, Nokuthula Sithole, who will be jetting off to Los Angeles for the Miss Universe pageant, believes that her advantage over other contenders is that she is an African woman. Photo: Bongiwe Mchunu, The Star

» Getting to Know Miss New Zealand Universe

Kiwi Fashion plate: Elizabeth Gray

By Leanne Moore

Elizabeth Gray is off to Los Angeles next month to represent New Zealand in the Miss Universe Pageant. A talented dancer, the former Air NZ flight attendant spent two years in the United States, one year as a student at the Kirov Academy of Ballet and the following year dancing professionally with the Colorado Ballet Company. The 23-year-old, now working in the advertising industry, is a part-time model and dances professionally whenever she can.

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

My favourite label in New Zealand is Vamp. I love their range, which includes bright funky prints and jackets with fabulous detailing. I will be taking a lot of Vamp's summer range to LA. European labels like Tuzzi and Bandolera from Germany are also among my favorites.

What is your favourite accessory?

I'm really into patterned tights this winter - they look great with skirts and boots.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

A Liz Claiborne black leather bag. It goes with everything.

What is your beauty routine?

I always remove my makeup with Yves Saint Laurent products and also use their night and day skin products. For my hair I regularly use Kerastase hair treatments.

Who inspires you?

The Miss Universe New Zealand National Director, Val Lott. She has been faced with so many challenges in her lifetime and yet she is such a giving person who is always willing to help others. Val has taught me the importance of working voluntarily for the community.

What's your favourite look?

I love a sleek classic look. Although I'm tall I love wearing heels. They complete an outfit and make you feel confident.

Worst beauty mistake?

When I was 15 I had my hair cut very short and dyed red. It was one of those phases teenagers go through. Definitely a bad beauty mistake. It certainly won't happen again.

The one rule you always dress by?

I like the classic look. I try and keep things simple and elegant.

The one fashion rule you always break?

I don't think fashion really has rules, everyone has their own style and quirkiness. It's great to just wear what you're comfortable and confident in.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

Mischa Barton of the OC. I always admire the way she dresses. I would have such fun raiding her wardrobe.

MISS FL USA NEWS!

» Re-shoot Day: June 23, 2006

We have been having so much fun we thought we would do it again one more time for those who either hadn’t attended a pre-shot or just had so much fun the last time they wanted to join us again! The itinerary for the day included The Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa; Pollo Tropical and both Downtown Hollywood and Hollywood Beach. Joining us for the day was Miss Florida USA 2006 Cristin Duren whose duties on the live televised special include taking the audience on tours of our host city.

The Holly Trolley arrives at The Westin Diplomat

Convention Center Friday morning.

Joining the fun for the morning were; Heidi Bullock (Ovido): Angel Coleman (Oakland Park); Lissette Garcia (Coconut Grove USA); Nicole Graham (Heartland USA); Carissa Grazel (Orange County); Summer Leigh (Central Florida USA); Cristie Anne Quesada (Coral Gables USA); Pam Rindone (Delray Beach); Brigitte Rodriquez (Miami Lakes); and Nicole Webb (Treasure Coast USA).

Ms. Coleman and Ms. Bullock during their introductions on

Hollywood Beach (left) & Ms. Webb in downtown Hollywood

The day included visiting our host hotel The Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa for the Regalia Prize Segment. Then it was a special moment for Ms. Duren as it was time to be presented a special necklace designed just for her from Carroll’s Jewelers of Las Olas Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale. The reaction from Ms. Duren was “wow”! Thank you Carroll’s Jewelers.

Ms. Garcia and Ms. Webb at Pollo Tropical (left)

& Ms. Graham amongst the palms

Then it was back on the Holly Trolley (The official Trolley of Miss Florida USA) for a trip to West Hollywood and Pollo Tropical. After a few minutes to relax and share fellowship amongst the delegates it was back to work! Downtown Hollywood was the third location of the day as Spanish Leather Shoes were displayed on Hollywood Boulevard.

Ms. Quesada and Ms. Rodriquez share a photo opportunity (left)

& Ms. Duren with her custom designed Carroll's Jewelers Prize

One last trip on the Trolley and it was off to the Johnson Street Band Shell right on the world famous Hollywood Broadwalk (not Boardwalk!). It was another standup for Miss Duren before the day ended with introductions and swimsuit montage modeling. At 6:00pm the final call of the Miss Florida USA pre-taping season was made. The Holly Trolley took us home and we all said see everyone in two weeks!

Ms. Duren lead the Regalia wear session

» Hollywood Sizzles “Its Never Too Hot For Fashion”

June 22, 2006

For the sixth year our Miss Florida USA delegates lent their modeling abilities to a good cause to help those in need. This year the locals were also playing models at the fourth annual Hollywood Sizzles: It's Never Too Hot For Fashion, benefiting the Broward Outreach Center for Women & Children, an organization assisting the homeless and displaced.

Backstage with Ms. Graham; Ms. Coleman; Ms. Quesada;

and Ms. Grazel before the show

Cops, firefighters along with State and Hollywood city officials like State Senator Ken Gotlieb; City Manager Cameron Benson and City Commissioner Beam Furr gave it their all as they paraded down the catwalk in clothing provided by hot H-wood boutiques. The event was hosted by The Hollywood Beach Culture & Community Center. Sponsors included our own Miss Florida USA Pageant as well as several Hollywood Agencies and leading companies from the region.

Center stage during the finale

The evenings supermodels were; Heidi Bullock (Ovido): Angel Coleman (Oakland Park USA); Nicole Graham (Heartland USA); Carissa Grazel (Orange County); Chelsea Korka (West Broward USA); Summer Leigh (Central Florida USA); Jennifer Olkininsky (Broward USA); Cristie Anne Quesada (Coral Gables USA); Rachel Rose (Hollywood USA) and Krizia Toledo (Hollywood Teen USA).

State Representative Ken Gottlieb and family on the catwalk

Ms. Olkininsky in casual wear

Ms. Quesada strikes a pose center stage

The best part of the evening besides the new friends made was the fact that over $30,000.00 was raised that evening to build a playground at the new women’s & children’s center. Truly goose bump stuff. Thank you goes to our delegates who donated their time, efforts and long travels to do a good thing. The Miss Florida USA family is amazing! Luckily the evening was over before sunset as an early morning call awaited for shoot on Friday.

» Miss Escambia Teen USA Information:

The Miss Escambia Teen USA® pageant will be held on July 9th, 2006, 5pm (CST), at the WSRE Television Station on the PJC campus (Location: WSRE "Jean and Paul Amos Performance Studio" Building at College Blvd & 12th Ave., Pensacola, Florida )

Fast Facts:

Date of Pageant Sunday July 9th, 2006
Pageant Host - WEAR TV 3 Dan Shugart

Pageant Hostesses: Miss Escambia USA © Sarah Zurell & Miss Pensacola USA © Krystal McKown

Call Today for more information: 850-484-4757

» 2007 Miss Florida USA Preliminary Season Schedule

UPDATED 6/8/06

July 11: Miss Florida USA Registration Day

July 12 Miss Florida USA Fun Night

July 13 Miss Florida USA Preliminary Interviews

July 14: Miss Florida USA Preliminary Night

July 15: Miss Florida USA Finals & Telecast

Miss Houston named Miss Texas USA
Associated Press

LAREDO — For the second year in a row, Miss Houston has been crowned Miss Texas USA. Magen Ellis won the title Sunday night in the pageant held in Laredo. She was crowned by Miss Texas USA Lauren Lanning, who represented Houston last year. Crystle Stewart, Miss Southeast Texas, was chosen as first runner-up. Kendhal Beal, Miss Bay Area, was selected as second runner-up.

It was another statewide victory for Ellis, who won the 2004 Miss Texas Teen USA. The 19-year-old said she plans to keep up her training regimen in preparation for the Miss USA pageant next year. "I'm going to continue doing all the things I did to become Miss Texas," Ellis said in a story in Monday's Laredo Morning Times.

The 132 contestants were judged in three categories: interviews, swimsuits and evening gowns. Ellis said she intends to use her position to call attention to issues including preventing childhood obesity, and screening for ovarian and breast cancer. It was the third year of a five-year contract for Laredo to host the event.

Winona Steals The Show - In A Scanner Darkly

New film "A Scanner Darkly" is chocked full of all the nutrients one needs to satisfy their recommended dose of vitamin Hollywood. The film was produced by Steven Soderbergh and goodie-two-shoes George Clooney. Plus, it stars Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr, Woody Harreslon and the infamous Winona Ryder. Despite having indulged in a five-finger discount in some of Beverly Hills' finest shops, she's still the girl from "Heathers," which means all you haters should step off. Ryder steals the show from the boys without barely lifting one of her sticky little fingers.

Director Richard Linklater ("Dazed and Confused," "Waking Life," "School of Rock") follows the age old indie director's ethos "one for them, one for me" ("them" being the Hollywood fat cats). "A Scanner Darkly" is totally for "him" and is based on the book by the perfectly paranoid

Watch the trailer here.

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Video: Tom Cruise At The M3 Premiere

Backstage Pass To Tribeca

So, here's our behind-the-scenes footage shot at the premiere of Mission Impossible: 3 by our man David Jr.. Watch Tomkat's little speech to the crowd at the Ziegfeld. Hear Cynthia Rowley's reaction of the film, plus check in with the Target dog, JJ Abrams (the director), Sean Combs, John Carmichael (President of the Church of Scientology) and a few other familiar faces.

Watch the rest of the Tribeca Film Festival Interviews