PRELIMINARY PAGEANT UPDATES!

» Orlando/City Beautiful Pageant Weekend - March 20, 2005

Look out for Citrus Productions eight new titleholders!

The first pageant of our Sunday doubleheader saw four titles in both the Miss USA & Miss Teen USA divisions. The titles of Orlando, City Beautiful, Central Florida and Winter Park were on the line as twenty delegates competed for the Miss Teen USA titles and twenty-seven delegates in the Miss USA division. This Citrus Productions/City Beautiful co-production featured some great competition with several familiar faces from last year’s state as well as some very promising newcomers.

Saturday night started the competition with the preliminary interview competition at the Orlando North Hotel in Maitland. This is where the judges met the young ladies competing for the first time. The preliminary interview award went to Nicole Boyd in the Teen USA division while Kylee Errett was judged best in interview in the Miss USA division.

This years judging panel: Corina Clark; pageant consultant and former Miss Florida Teen USA finalist; Janet McCulloh; Mrs. Connecticut United States and former Air Force Aircraft Technician; Shannon Williams; former Florida USA finalist and Disney Performer; Julie Bogart; Weather Reporter – Channel 13 Central Florida; and Katy Carson; former Miss Florida America and recent newlywed.

A Sunday matinee awaited the standing room audience! The delegates opened the pageant with a high energy dance number that saw the Teen USA delegates in white outfits of their own choosing while the Miss USA delegates wore all black. Pageant directors Michael Galanes and Frank Arcidiacono put together a team that really had the girls ready for this afternoon of pageantry.

While the delegates were changing into swimwear the audience was introduced to our Mistress of Ceremonies Jennifer Nohra who once again did an outstanding job of hosting the afternoon. Up first was the swimsuit preliminary competition. The delegates were presented in one or two-piece suits of their own choosing. The swimsuit winner’s were Jennifer Bentson in the Teen USA division while Caryn Stamp won in the Miss USA division.

Michelle Spaleta competes in the Evening Gown Competition (left)

The high energy opening featured delegates in either

white or black outfits of their own choosing (center)

Tara Szczepanski competes in the swimsuit competition (right)

Keeping the fast paced tempo it was time to introduce the visiting titleholders who included Miss Citrus Teen USA Annilie Hastey; Miss Tampa USA Nari Gil; Miss Clearwater USA Julianne Pruitt; First Coast Teen USA; Miss Clearwater Teen USA Tess Wilensky; Miss Citrus Teen Tatianna Schoepler and Miss Orlando Teen USA 2005 Jaime Stramondo. Then it was everyone’s favorite competition, Evening Gowns. It was fashion on parade as the gowns in the pageant were fierce!

Then with the competition over it was time to announce the finalists for the Miss Teen USA titles were Amanda Maldonado; Jennifer Johnson; Lauren Lacompete; Nicolette Moore; Jennifer Wooten; Sierra Golden; Nicole Boyd; Amanda Masson; Chelsi Bedell and Chauntel Spear. The twelve delegates advancing to the final vote were Tasheia Pelham; Caryn Stamp; Deanna Pollina; Kylie Errett; Chelsea Flack; Heather Johnson; Tara Szczepanski; Johanna Torres; Kimyata Perry; Lori Duncan; Chelsea Zedar and Melissa McGhee.

After some special performances it was time to announce the winners. The first awards were presented to Miss Photogenic and the winners were Chauntel Spear (Teen USA) and Kimyatta Perry (Miss USA). The Spirit Ward went to Kristeen Layne. Finally the Peoples Choice Award Winners were Lauren Lacompte (Teen USA) and Stephanie Casimir (Miss USA). These award winners are now eligible for the state competitions.

After the ceremonial final walk by Miss Orlando Teen USA 2005 Jaime Stramondo, it was time to announce the results starting with The Miss Orlando Teen USA division.

4^th Runner Up – Amanda Masson

3^rd Runner Up – Chelsi Bedell

2^nd Runner Up – Amanda Maldonado

1^st Runner Up – Nicole Boyd

Miss Central Florida Teen USA 2006 is Stephanie Patino!

Miss Winter Park Teen USA 2006 is Jennifer Wooten!

Miss City Beautiful Teen USA 2006 is Jennifer Bentson!

Miss Orlando Teen USA is Laureen Lacompte!

Jennifer Wootens crowning moment!

Then the final results for Miss Orlando USA:

4^th Runner Up – Tasheia Pelham

3^rd Runner Up – Caryn Stamp

2^nd Runner Up – Johanna Torres

1^st Runner Up – Kylie Errett

Miss Central Florida USA 2006 is Heather Johnson!

Miss Winter Park USA 2006 is Lori Duncan!

Miss City Beautiful USA 2006 is Deanna Pollina!

Miss Orlando USA 2006 is Chelsea Zedar!

Congratulations to all of the winners in The Orlando Super Pageant Weekend! Kudos to Pageant Directors Michael Galanes and his Citrus Productions Staff on a great pageant!

» Miss Emerald Coast USA & Miss Emerald Coast Teen USA - March 20, 2005

The opening production number featured Caycee Griffen

and titleholders Kimberly Wright and Lauren Howell.

The Road To Hollywood returned to Panama City as the second annual Miss Emerald Coast USA & Miss Emerald Coast Teen USA Pageants The only live television broadcast of a preliminary pageant in the Miss USA system featured twenty-four delegates competing for the coveted title. The Leading Ladies outdid themselves this year as they set the bar on pageantry in Northern Florida. It was also the second pageant of a Sunday doubleheader.

The pageant started on Friday morning with seminars and workshops at the Legacy by The Sea on Panama City Beach. With such attention to detail the delegates knew this was going to be an amazing weekend of pageantry. After a great day of learning pageant secrets and making new friends it was off to The Panama City Marina Civic Center as an evening of rehearsals awaited. This was the first time the ladies saw the stage and worked with the shows choreographer and producers.

Once the rehearsals ended it was time to get ready for the rest of the weekends competition. Saturday afternoon saw the girls return to the Marina Civic Center for the personal interview competition.

The evening began with vocalist Cayce Griffen and her upbeat rendition of "Follow The Sun." The entire cast of delegates joined in on the production number in yellow and white outfits. Then the pageant was on as co-hostess Miss Florida USA 2003 Carrie Mewha and Paul Goulding were introduced. They explained the evening would be a “staging” show as practice for Sunday nights Broadcast.

Up next the delegates competed in both swimwear and evening gowns of their own choosing. Then it was one final production number and Ms. Mewha & Mr. Goulding said good night and invited the audience back for the Sunday competition!

A judge's perspective of the onstage interviews.

Finals Night

Sunday night it was time for the lights and cameras as the final competition was underway. The evening began with the ten Miss USA delegates and fourteen Miss Teen USA delegates introducing themselves and the final competition was on! Up first the announcements of two special awards that qualify the delegates for both state pageants. Miss Amity in Teen USA was Joy Russo while the USA winner was Leslie Registar. Then the Miss Photogenic winners were Sally Wusstig and Cristin Duren. The People's Choice winners were Suzette Temple and Amanda Willis.

Up first was the interview competition. With the questions in a crystal bowl it was up to the ladies to pick their own. Mr. Goulding handled the interview duties as The Teen USA delegates were up first then followed by the USA delegates. This years titleholders will have to think on their feet, as they will become official spokespersons of The Big Bend United Way.

Beach Balls were all the rage this weekend in Panama City!

The Swimwear Competition then followed with each delegate in swimwear and sarongs. The segment opened with a fun Beach Ball themed montage with all the girls dancing to “Walking on Sunshine”. Then the evening gown competition followed to complete the semifinal competition. A lovely rendition of “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” set the dramatic theme. Then it was time to announce the finalists for both competitions. In the Miss Teen USA division qualifiers were Sarah Zurrell, Sally Wusstig, Ruthie Christie, Casey Jo Cooper and Joy Russo. In the Miss USA division it was Jami Daniels; Amanda Willis; Cristen Duren; Liberty Williams and Allison Kreiger.

All the delegates in their gown revue

These young women are now qualified to participate in the Miss Florida USA and Miss Florida Teen USA Pageants. After one last round of interviews it was time for the entire cast to return to the stage for the final walk of two great titleholders. Up first for her final walk was Kimberly Wright, the first Miss Emerald Coast Teen USA and 4^th runner up at state. Following her was Lauren Howell, Miss Emerald Coast USA and first runner-up in the Miss Florida USA 2005 Pageant. They both thanked their families, friends and Leading Ladies! It was quite a special year for these amazing ladies and some rather large shoes to fill.

Up first were the results for Miss Emerald Coast Teen USA 2006 were:

4th Runner-up Ruthie Christie
3rd Runner-up Joy Russo
2nd Runner-up Sally Wusstig
1st Runner-up Sarah Zurell
The New Miss Emerald Coast Teen USA 2006 is Casey Jo Cooper.

Then it was time for The Miss Emerald Coast USA results, and they were:

4th Runner-up Liberty Williams
3rd Runner-up Allison Kreiger
2nd Runner-up Amanda Willis
1st Runner-up Jami Daniels
The New Miss Emerald Coast USA 2006 is Cristen Duren!

Miss Emerald Coast Teen USA Casey Jo Cooper,

Miss Georgia Teen USA Katie Conkle
and Miss Emerald Coast USA Cristin Duren.

Congratulations to Ms. Cooper & Ms. Duren as they represent the Emerald Coast later this year in The Miss Florida USA and Miss Florida Teen USA Pageants. Also congratulations to The Leading Ladies of The Panhandle on producing the only televised preliminary pageants in The Miss USA system. Truly an outstanding effort to all those involved!

Up next on The Road To Hollywood is a trip down I-95 for our first venture into Palm Beach this season with Saturday nights Miss Palm Beach County USA Pageants. We can’t wait for another exciting pageantry weekend!

» MISS NORTH MIAMI BEACH USA SEMINAR DAY THIS SATURDAY:

With the first ever Miss North Miami Beach USA and Miss North Miami Beach Teen USA Pageants being held this April 16^th we are excited to have a “pageant seminar day” this Saturday March 26^th from 1:00 – 3:00pm at The North Miami Beach Performing Arts Center. This is the perfect opportunity to learn the inside secrets of pageantry from the experts from the home office of Miss Florida USA. This seminar is open to all contestant of any prelim in the South Florida Region as well as those who would like to check out the pageant before registering!

We also have a great surprise! Anne B. Freedman of Speak Out, Inc. will present an interview seminar that will give you confidence in the most challenging aspect of pageantry. Her seminars are valued at over $1,000.00 in the business community and she is volunteering her time to help our delegates gain confidence in this arena that will help you well beyond your pageant competitions.

Space is limited so RSVP now at either telair@aol.com or call the pageant office directly at 954 924-4949 and ask for Mary Lou or Rachel. We look forward to seeing everyone this Saturday.

The venue is located at 17051 NE 19^th Avenue, NMB 33162. This event is perfect for those who are either new to Miss USA or pageantry in general!

» MISS GOLD COAST USA EXTENDS DEADLINE

The second seminar day for Miss Gold Coast contestants will be Saturday, March 19th from 10 am to noon at the Safe Schools Institute in Boca Raton. Training in evening gown selection and pageant prep will be on the agenda. New contestants have until March 26th to register for the April 2nd pageant. Please visit www.missgoldcoastpageants.com or call the director, Glenda Byrd at 252-2907.

» MISS JACKSONVILLE/GAINESVILLE USA PAGEANTS TAKING APPLICATIONS:

Pageant Date/Location CHANGE! In order to not conflict with Florida USA Day at Tel-Air, the Miss Jacksonville USA/Teen USA and Miss Gainesville USA / Teen USA pageants will now be held April 29-30, 2005, on the University of North Florida campus. Leading Ladies to produce Miss Jacksonville USA and Miss Jacksonville Teen USA in 2005!

TWO TITLES will be awarded in each age division: Ages 13-17 will compete for Miss Jacksonville Teen USA & Miss Gainesville Teen USA . . . Ages 17-25 will compete for Miss Jacksonville USA and Miss Gainesville USA.

We are proud to begin the search for Jax's next leading lady . . . YOU could be the next Miss Jacksonville USA . . . Miss USA . . . or even MISS UNIVERSE! Registration is now open! Click on Register to reserve your spot or contact Amanda Broadfoot at amanda@leadingladymagazine.com (or 850-773-2795) if you're interested. Orientations to begin soon! Just click here to apply: http://www.leadingladymagazine.com/loginandregistration/

delregnewprospect.php?Pageant=Miss%20Jacksonville

» MARCH PRELIMINARY PAGEANT CALENDAR

A little reminder of what’s ahead this month as we continue Florida’s search for the new Miss Florida USA and Miss Florida Teen USA!

Preliminary Pageant Important Dates

March 26

Miss Palm Beach County USA Pageants

March 26

Miss North Miami Beach USA Seminar Day

March 26

Miss Gold Coast USA Seminar Day

April 02

Miss Gold Coast USA Pageants

April 02

Miss Space Coast USA Seminar Day

April 11

Miss USA Pageant – Baltimore – NBC 9:00pm EDT

April 16

Miss North Miami Beach USA

April 29 – 30

Miss Jacksonville/Gainesville USA Pageants

May 01

Miss Space Coast USA Pageant

» STATE PAGEANT CORNER / NEW MISS FLORIDA USA IMPORTANT DATES CALENDAR:

Finally we have put together a calendar with all of the important dates for this year’s Miss Florida USA Pageant. Look for it’s permanent home every week at YOUR Miss Florida USA Ezine.

Miss Florida USA 2006 Important Dates

March 25

Miss Florida USA Arrives for Miss USA

March 31

Temple Solel Charity Fashion Show (Hollywood)

April 06

Miss USA Presentation Show (Baltimore)

April 11

Miss USA Pageant on NBC (from Baltimore)

April 22

Pre Tape Session #1

April 23

Miss Florida USA Seminar Day (Mandatory for Titleholders)

April 28

Broward Outreach “Too Hot For Fashion Show” (Hollywood)

May 14

Hollywood Beach Red, White & Bluegrass Taping

May 18

Expo Al Fresco Pre Tape Shoot (Hollywood)

May 21-23

Pre Tape Session #2

June 11-12

Pre Tape Session #3

July 2

Miss Florida USA @ FLMAO Reception

July 5^th

Miss Florida USA Registration Day

July 7^th

Press Photo Day/Interview Competition

July 8^th

Preliminary Presentation Show (Bailey Concert Hall)

July 9^th

Miss Florida USA Finals (Bailey Concert Hall)

August 7^th

Pageant University (Freshman Directors)

August 8^th

Annual Directors Meeting

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STATE PAGEANT ELIGIBILITY STATS

Miss Florida USA 2006

Delegates Entered: 27

Delegates Eligible: 66

Miss Florida Teen USA

Delegates Entered: 23

Delegates Eligible: 51

Every week more delegates become eligible to compete at state.

The season started with qualifiers from the past year. All of each pageants top15 qualify

along with Miss Amity & Miss Photogenic. Each preliminary pageant qualifies delegates

as “at large” status with their finalist, amity, photogenic and peoples choice awards.

Next Pageant: Miss Palm Beach County; Saturday March 26^th

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ROAD TO MISS USA

American Beauty

Richmond’s shot at Miss USA, Jennifer Pitts,

talks about chapped lips, her Pomeranian

and what she can offer Donald Trump.

Interviewed by Brandon Walters
March 23, 2005

NBC will broadcast the 54th annual Miss USA pageant live from Baltimore April 11. The list of “delegates” from the 50 states and the District of Columbia includes Richmond-er Jennifer Pitts, who represents Virginia in the contest.

Pitts, 26, is the oldest competitor and the only one ever to contend for titles as both Miss USA and Miss America.

“The jewels are in the journey,” Pitts says of her many pageant experiences. Her current post as Miss Virginia USA has taken her to every county in the commonwealth to raise money and awareness for the fight against cancer. Pitts, a tobacco lawyer who works in the Virginia attorney general’s office, talked to Style just a week before her departure about competing against 19-year-olds, her secret weapon and why it’s not smart to say you want world peace

Style: Do you have to display a talent?

Pitts: For the Miss America pageant, I did a ballet routine on pointe, but there isn’t a talent requirement for the Miss USA contest, and I’ve kind of let my ballet fall by the wayside since becoming a career woman. I came here to work for the attorney general’s office and at the time it was Jerry Kilgore, and I knew he had his eye on running for governor. I’m very interested in politics. In fact, I want to be the first female governor in Virginia myself.

Are there any secret items or talismans you’ll pack with you to help you win?

I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of this — it’s kind of crazy. It’s my greatest beauty secret and it’s called Bag Balm. You can buy it at drugstores, and it’s the best lubricant for elbows and your lips if they’re really chapped, which mine tend to be. It’s actually what they use on cows’ udders when they get chapped [laughs]. Christie Brinkley uses it.

Will anyone go with you to Baltimore?

I have to go by myself because there are two weeks of prerecordings and rehearsals. I’ll actually room with another contestant. My parents live in Raleigh, and they and my close friends will come competition week and will be there the night of the pageant. I have a little brown fluffy Pomeranian named Coco Chanel. People can see me walking her all the time down Cary Street near where I live in the Fan. I wish I could bring her with me.

Do you find that people want to home in on your personal life? I say that as I ask you whether you’re single.

I am single. It’s funny, people will bring up that fact and say, “A pretty girl like you, you shouldn’t be single.” Do I want a boyfriend? Of course. Am I looking for a husband? Not yet.

When asked what they wish for or what they’d like most to contribute to, we’ve come to expect contestants to say, “World peace.” What would you say that would be more tangible or explicit that you could contribute to in making the world a better place?

Being the oldest contestant, that right there speaks a lot for me. I don’t have to say I hope one day to do this or that. I’ve done it, accomplished it. I would bring to the table as Miss USA maturity and knowledge of the industry. I’m a professional and a career woman. A 19-year-old out there on stage certainly won’t have the same life experiences. This is one of Donald Trump’s enterprises. He owns the pageant just as he owns “The Apprentice” or his real-estate company. He needs people who will help his businesses prosper and grow, and I can do that very, very well.

That’s interesting. I didn’t know Trump was the proprietor of this particular pageant.

Yes. He [along with NBC] owns Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and the Miss Universe organization. And if I were to win, I’d move to New York for the year and live at Trump Place in the city and share an apartment with Miss Universe and Miss Teen USA.

Wouldn’t some people pay a premium price to be a fly on the wall for that?

[Laughs] Security’s very tight.