Miss Hispanidad USA 2006  August 13, 2006   The Road to Hollywood made it’s second stop of the new season in Downtown Miami and the historic Gusman Hall for the 27th edition of Miss Hispanidad. This traditional stop is uniquely South Florida as it’s one of two qualifiers that is exclusively in Spanish. Hosted by Univision anchor Ivan Donoso and the “face of Telefutura” Pamela Silva. The afternoon also featured a concert by Latin recording artist Jencarlos and several dance performances from different dance companies around the region.     Over 120 Hispanic, young ladies presented themselves in the preliminary competition two weeks prior at The Miami International Mall while the top 32 participated at the Gusman Center Sunday afternoon. The show started with an dance number followed by contestant introductions to showcase their onstage presence and grasp of the Spanish language. Afterwards the contestants were judged on their beauty, poise and personality throughout a series of competitions including bathing suit, evening gown and personal interviews.            The field was then narrowed down to five finalists. Before the results were read it was time to present the special awards of the evening. Miss Photogenic went to Anay Villar while the delegates voted as “Miss Congeniality” Dania Perez. Then it was a final walk by reigning Miss Hispanidad USA 2005 Cindy Kohn-Cybulkiewicz. Then it was time to announce the results.    The Fourth runner-up is Susan Martinez The Third runner-up is Nathalie Pozo The Second runner-up is Maria Pia Sanz The First runner-up is Melissa Hernandez,.; Miss Hispanidad USA 2006 is Merylin Gonzalez                Ms. Gonzalez will also represent the Hispanic American young woman in the South Florida community and preside over the official activities of the 34th annual Hispanic Heritage Festival.  Ms. Gonzalez was born in Cuba of Cuban Parents.  She is 5’4” tall, has brown eyes, and brown hair. Currently she attends “Miami-Dade College” and aspires to graduate in accounting at the “Florida International University”.         Congratulations to the hard working volunteers of The Hispanic Heritage Festival and Executive Director Eduardo Mendoza. Also a big congratulations and welcome to the Miss Florida USA family to Ms. Gonzalez who is the second delegate in this years state pageant. Next stop on the Road to Hollywood is at a special summer edition of Miss Florida Sunshine USA and Teen USA in Orlando next week.