The Miss Florida USA & Miss Florida Teen USA

Magazine of August 24th, 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. After a week in the California Desert town of Palm Springs (110+ degrees) and then a tour of Southern California it is back to Florida USA Pageantry! But first lets congratulate our Miss Florida Teen USA Jennifer Wooten on her semifinal result at Miss Teen USA as our state placed in the pageant for the first time since 1998. This weekend is the last of the qualifiers for Miss Florida Teen USA and yet the first official qualifier for Miss Florida USA 2008! Then two weeks later Miss Florida Teen USA is on!

This week we return to work with World Pageant News featuring news from Mauritius, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Vietnam and Cambodia. Miss Florida USA News has results from Miss Coconut Grove/Coral Gables Teen USA and everything you need to know about Miss Florida Sunshine USA & Teen USA. Also we announce a new pageant for our northern friends and Miss Nature Coast dates. Faces & Places takes you into the audience this past Sunday as well as a personality piece on our new Miss Teen USA. Gen Art keeps you fashion forward in the coolest article in pageantry. All the pageant news that fits to print and now video 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

52 Days Until Miss Florida Teen USA!

PAGEANT NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

» Miss Mauritius Named

A 16-year-old former Peace River beauty has been named Miss Mauritius and now has her eyes set on becoming Miss Universe. Melody Selvon recently returned to the island nation of Mauritius - in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar - after living in Peace River and graduating high school there.

Her parents emigrated to Canada in 2003 but have since returned to their homeland to publish a magazine. "I will come back to Alberta, it's beautiful there. I want to take law in university and will certainly do so in Canada," said the Miss World and Miss Universe hopeful.

The dozen finalists with the reigning Miss Mauritius 2005.

The French-English bilingual teen spoke to the Sun yesterday from Mauritius. As that country's pageant winner, she'll spend the next year working to promote the nation's tourism and investment industries for the government. "After that I plan to return to Canada with my brother."

The pair both graduated from Glenmary School in Peace River. Their family moved there from Nova Scotia when Selvon's father Sydney took a job as editor of the Peace River Record-Gazette. He told the Sun his daughter is now eligible to compete in Miss World, but is looking for a loophole that she may enter next year's Miss Universe contest, which typically demands contestants be 18 years old.

"I miss Canada already, but I love being back in Mauritius," the beauty winner said, eager to begin her new job as a national promoter. "Mauritius is small and maybe not as well known as Canada, but we are a shopping paradise, a great place to work and invest, and a wonderful place to visit for a holiday." Mauritius is a French-speaking nation with an estimated population of about 1.2 million people. It's economy relies heavily on agriculture and tourism.

Eliana Jeeban, Miss Elégance 2006, entourée de ses deux dauphines,

Sandra Faro (gauche) et Annabelle Françoise.

Melody Selvon smiles after being announced as the winner

of the 2006 Miss Mauritius Pageant in capital Port Louis

» MISS VENEZUELA UNVEILINGS:

Miss Venezuela beauty pageant candidates pose on stage during the

media presentation of this year's 28 contest finalists in Caracas.

» MISS HONG KONG

Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2006 winner Aimee Chan waves

after winning the Miss Hong Kong Pageant in Hong Kong

Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2006 winner Aimee Chan (seated)

is surrounded by the other contestants

Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2006 winner Aimee Chan (C) poses with

1st runner up Janet Chow (L) and 2nd runner up Koni Lui

» Cambodia cancels Miss Universe qualifying pageant

Cambodia has cancelled plans to choose its first Miss Universe contestant in more than a decade after critics slammed the contest as unsuitable for the local culture, organizers said. The Miss Cambodia 2006 pageant was due to take place this week minus the customary swimsuit round, but slapping a ban on skimpy beachwear was not enough to satisfy the critics.

Kem Tola, marketing manager for pageant organizer Planet Communication, said the Ministry of Culture had banned the contest after an outcry over the possible corruption of traditional values and culture. "The ministry said there have been some criticisms against the contest... then the ministry said they would not allow my company to continue to hold the competition," Kem Tola told AFP. "We feel regret at the cancellation," he said, adding that his company would seek permission again next year.

Sim Sarak, a director-general of the Ministry of Culture, confirmed the competition had been cancelled but declined to give a reason. At the end of July, he told AFP that Miss Cambodia competitions had not been held in the kingdom since 1995 because the government thought they were a waste of money. He also said that the ministry wanted to ensure that Cambodian culture remained a civilized and sustainable one.

The competition was due to begin Tuesday with the winning Miss Cambodia to be announced in October. She would likely have been nominated to take part in next year's Miss Universe contest.

» Countdown to final night of Miss Vietnam pageant

VietNamNet Bridge – After competing for the Miss Photo, Miss Beach, Miss Sport and Miss Friendship titles, the 34 beauties today will have three days to prepare for the final night on August 26 Organisers of Miss Vietnam 2006 have hired professional directors and experts to provide the ladies with training in performing and dancing for the final night as there will be several dance performances for the eager audience.

As the resort is on an Island in Nha Trang Bay, viewers will have to travel for 10 minutes by boat to the venue. It is estimated that there will be at least 5,000 people coming for the last show. 50 boats have been added to take people from Phu Quy boat station to the island from now until August 26. The local government will arrange for more waterway traffic to stand on duty during the time of the pageant to ensure that there will be no traffic problems.

The show will be organised on a floating stage which cost organisers US$700,000.

Many experts have said that this Miss Vietnam pageant had been

organised in a much more professional way.

MISS FL USA NEWS!

» Miss Coral Gables Teen USA & Miss Coconut Grove Teen USA

August 20, 2006

It’s a special summer season for Miss Florida Teen USA as the second of three pageants was contested Sunday afternoon. The inaugural Miss Coral Gables Teen USA & Miss Coconut Grove Teen USA Pageants allowed for two more delegates to qualify for state from The Magic City. Citrus Productions stepped up and five hopeful’s competed for the two titles and entries into state. Hosted by Miss Coral Gables USA 2007 Christie Ann Quesada as an enthusiastic audience attended the matinee at the Miami Airport Hilton’s Ballroom.

Miss Clearwater Teen USA 2007 Annabelle Desisto joins Miss Wines

and Miss Leesa Gayle- Weetom (atlarge delegate) onstage

After introducing our hostesses it was time to meet the contestants as the first phase of the competition was the self-introductions. The delegates had up to one minute to give the audience and judges insight into their personality and ability to speak in public. The attire was jeans and matching pageant t-shirts.

Cristian Erickson, Miss Oakland Park Teen USA, rocks the mic! (left)

& Miss Melbourne Teen USA Brandi Wines holds the mic

for Miss Mak during introductions (right)

After the audience had the chance to meet the young ladies the pageantry continued with the swimwear competition, the delegates competed in one piece or two-piece suits of their own choosing. Then it was everyone favorite, the evening gown competition showed the delegates flair for fashion. All competitions ended with group comparison judging.

Comparison evening gown judging

Mr. Galanes introduces hostess Cristie Ann Quesada (Coral Gables USA 2007)

and special guest Pam Rindone (Delray Beach)

Comparison swimsuit competition

After a few more introductions of the Miss Florida USA family onstage Ms. Quesada was ready to read the judges results. Up first was the special awards for the day. Up first was Miss Amity and that was presented to Kristen Beran. Then Miss Photogenic was Kristy Mak.

3^rd Runner Up is Kristen Beran

2^nd Runner Up is Stefany Thomas

1^st Runner Up is Kristy Mak

Miss Coconut Grove Teen USA 2007 is Ivis Vega!

Miss Coral Gables Teen USA 2007 is Natalia Lopez!

Big thanks go to the hard working group of volunteers and staff of Citrus Productions. Congratulations to Miss Vega and Miss Lopez on their victories and entry to state in Hollywood. Next week is the final stop on the Miss Florida Teen USA Road to Hollywood and that’s the Miss Florida Sunshine USA & Teen USA Pageants in Orlando. See everyone next weekend in Central Florida.

The titleholders and qualifiers for Miss Florida Teen USA

next up is state!

YouTube Movie:

Miss Coconut Grove Teen USA

and Miss Coral Gables Teen USA in Review:

» ANNOUNCING MISS PANHANDLE USA & TEEN USA

We want to welcome to the Miss Florida USA Family new directors David Pert and Christa Merrifield-Mitchell of P & M Rising Star Productions. The pageants will be held in the town of DeFuniak Springs at the Florida Chautauqua Theatre on February 24 at 7:00 p.m. The contact information for Miss Panhandle USA and Miss Panhandle Teen USA will be misspanhandleusa@yahoo.com . The mailing address will be P & M Rising Stars Productions.

» MISS NATURE COAST USA & TEEN USA DATES ANNOUNCED

Miss Nature Coast USA and Miss Nature Coast Teen USA 2008 will be held Saturday, January 6^th, 2007 at Terra Vista at Citrus Hills. Terra Vista, a community along the Nature Coast known for its beautiful golf courses, luxury living, and home to the late, great Ted Williams, will be the perfect venue for this year’s pageant with their new auditorium. Visit http://www.citrushills.com/ for more information. The Miss Nature Coast USA and Miss Nature Coast Teen USA Pageant will also have a new twist this year by adding sister pageants for ages birth to thirteen years as a fundraiser for a cash prize for our Nature Coast Queens headed to the state competition. Combined by the sister pageants, a beautiful venue, and cash prizes, this year’s pageant is sure to be one of the top preliminaries to enter. Applications will be available in mid-September. Visit http://www.naturecoastpageants.com/ for more information.

» THE HILTON GARDEN INN FT. LAUDERDALE ANNOUNCED HOST HOTEL:

The official host hotel for the 2007 Miss Florida Teen USA Pageant is the Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Lauderdale. Located minutes from Bailey Concert Hall and right on I-95 it is a beautiful, new edition to Hollywood’s list of travel acommidations. It is also located with a mile of the Miss Florida Teen USA’s home, The Hollywood Production Center. Special Miss Florida Teen USA rates will apply for both the mandatory Seminar Day and State Pageant Weekend. For reservations call (954) 924-9204 and ask for the special Miss Florida Teen USA 2007 Pageant rate. The Hilton Garden Inn’s address (for you map quest fans!) is 180 S.W. 18^th Avenue; Dania Beach, FL.

» Miss Sunshine USA and Miss Sunshine Teen USA

IF YOU GO:

WHEN: Saturday, AUGUST 26^TH 1:00PM
WHERE: Wyndham Orlando Resort
8001 International Drive
Orlando, Florida 32819
Phone: 407-351-2420

****Friday night workshop to learn some extra tips. At 6pm we will have a workshop for anyone learn some pageant tips. For reservation please call 941-371-0625.
**Teen winner will compete this October for Miss Florida Teen USA!!
** Miss winner will compete next July.
**Great title for appearances!! Entry fee is $350.00

For Application please e-mail Moden41@aol.com or call 941-371-0625.
Checks payable to M Production

Send application & entry fee to:
M Productions

4912 Hidden Oaks Trail
Sarasota, Fl 34232

» NEW MYSPACE.com SITES FOR MISS FLORIDA USA

& MISS FLORIDA TEEN USA!

For the latest news reports posted around the clock check out our

dedicated pages to Miss Florida USA

and Miss Florida Teen USA on www.MySpace.com.

Our addresses are

www.MySpace.com/MissFloridaTeenUSA

and

www.MySpace.com/TheOfficialMissFloridaUSA

and features latest updates, postings by our network of friends, unique pictures

and when the prelim season roles around the first place to see the reports and pictures

the evening of the pageants.

Also video file sharing is in full effect on our www.YouTube.com

site with Miss Florida USA being the key word.

» MISS FLORIDA USA PAGEANT SCHEDULE:

August 26^th - Miss Sunshine USA & Teen USA Pageants
September 7^th   - Prize Segment/Opening Pretape Shoot 1:30pm
September 8^th - Opening/Water Park Day Pretape Shoot 7:30am
September 9^th  - PageantDiva.com Miss Florida Teen USA Seminar Day 1:30pm
September 10^th   - Opening/Hollywood Beach Pretape Shoot 7:30am 
October 13^th  - Miss Florida Teen USA Registration
October 14^th  - Miss Florida Teen USA Preliminary Pageant 7:30pm
October 15^th  - Miss Florida Teen USA Finals – 2:00pm

Will Be Back Soon!

FEATURED MISS FLORIDA USA MINI MOVIE OF THE WEEK:

To get everyone in the Miss Florida Teen USA mode our Miss Florida Teen USA

Jennifer Wooten leads us on a review of the 2006 state championship for teen pageantry.

Past Clips:

Miss FL Teen USA Recap

Jenna Edwards @ Miss Seminole

Swimsuit Montage, part 2

Swimsuit Montage, part 1

Miss FL USA Crowning & Congratulations

Don't Be Sad - Get Bold, Brash And Beautiful

Don't get all depressed. It's fall, which means that we all have an excellent excuse to reinvent our wardrobe and ourselves. First on our shopping list is the bling. We're interested in shirking the trends for fall to be bold, rash and totally over the top. Gentleman and ladies? Here's our favorites.

Silvester Ribbon's collection is filled with duality. Their 2005 collection, titled "Like Knives" is very regal as the template for their designs come straight from generations past with pin badges, square gems, and brooches. On the other hand, these restyled pieces are altogether exuberant with their gems, feathers and heavy embellishments. Standing out from the crowd is going to be easy, especially with their men's gold heart and dagger necklace.

A piece from Fenton, designed by Dana Lorenz can take any outfit from simple to an Oscar Wilde laced dream. Lorenz's creations are made from silk, fabric, chains and rope. Her collection is beyond cutting-edge existing in space of total originality with its intricacies and dark color palate. We're not the only ones who have found her collection eye catching. Her line has frequently been used to accessorize runway shows for hot labels like Gen Art alums Cloak and hot Proenza Schouler. Our favorite piece is her rolled fabric neckwear with its exotic, more 80s appeal.

You don't actually have to buy anything new for fall, but why not? Shirk off the remains of summer and transform yourself into a creature who goes boldly into the the season.

Blog: The Perfect Canvas Tote
The problem with those re-useable shopping bags is that most of them are straight ugly. Look, we love Mother Earth, but the nasty, rough raw canvas of most eco-bags had us wishing for something a little more fun. Thankfully...

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