Miss Ft. Myers USA 2009 May 26, 2007     Miss Florida Teen USA Jillian Wunderlich  co-hosted the evening       The Road to Hollywood opened up the new season in Southwest Florida for the first ever Miss Ft. Myers USA & Teen Pageants. It was quite a day of pageantry as the direction team of Suzi Hosfeld and her Envy Pageant Production Team presented a great show. The Ft. Myers Arts Alliance Theater hosted ten Miss Ft. Myers Teen and six Miss Ft. Myers USA delegates. The event was standing room only and excitement was in the air as for the first time a Miss USA qualifying pageant took place in Lee County.   Hosted by B103.9 Radio Personality Matt Johnson and Miss Florida Teen USA Jillian Wunderlich (herself a former Miss Ft. Myers Teen USA) the delegates hit the stage in a high-energy opening production number. Then each delegate presented themselves to the audience and judges with insight into their careers and education during the self-introductions. With the pageant underway it was time to meet the judges in charge of tonight’s results.         Mr. Dohack interviews Melody Cooke     This years judging panel included: Stuart Duncan, owner Dunkin Diamonds; popular Ft. Myers columnist Stephanie “The Downtown Diva” Davis; Tammy Tuscano, Artisan Hair Designs owner; Patricia Dickey, Director of Special Events for The Greater Ft. Myers Chamber; George Ghanem, President of Creative Events & Rentals; Arlene Richards, former professor of art and Island Sand Paper columnist Keri Hendry.   After the judges were introduced it was onto the traditional pageantry competitions of swimsuits and evening gowns. The swimwear was of the delegates choosing while the evening gown segment featured the delegates fashion sense on parade. The final phase of competition saw the delegates in onstage interviews conducted by ActionCOACH business consultant Bradley Dohack. Up next was a poetic presentation by Miss Sarasota Teen USA Brianna Lupo and then an added surprise came from the stage. Due to a tie the Teen delegates made one last evening gown presentation before the results were tallied.          Benecia Toyloy in her evening gown (left) Lindsey Lee introduces herself to the audience (right)          Myra Alvarado (white), Krystal Gillen (peach)  and Maria Demoya (red) in swimsuits of their own choosing.           When the final delegate completed her presentation it was time to get down to the business of the Day. Up first was the announcement of the Miss Amity Award and that went to Kendra Altemeyer. Then the photographers chose Donna Snow  (FMT) and Morgan Lucas (FMUSA) who have now qualified to state. The cover model award went to Riley Nowell while the Spirit Award also was given to Donna Snow.   Then the announcement of the results for Miss Ft. Myers Teen as the field was first narrowed down to the top five finalists. Those selected were Morgan Lucas; Kendra Altemeyer; Riley Nowell, Melody Cooke and Jenna Canfield.      Then it was time for the envelope: The 4th runner up is Melody Cooke The 3rd runner up is Riley Nowell The 2nd runner up is Morgan Lucas The 1st runner up is Jenna Michelle Canfield Miss Ft. Myers 2008 is Kendra Altemyer       Then the first entry into state was still alive for Maria Demoya, Donna Snow and  Benecia Toyloy as the finalists for Miss Ft. Myers USA were announced. Then the final judges decision was about to be called.       The 2nd runner up is Benecia Toyloy The 1st runner up is Donna Snow The new Miss Ft. Myers Teen USA 2009 is Maria Demoya       Ms. Demoya is all smiles after winning the title!       Qualifiers from Ft. Myers Teen to state       Miss Altemeyer is congratulated by her pageant friends!         What a great pageant and wonderful start to the new season. Congratulations goes to Ms. Hosfeld and her team of volunteers and staff as they put together a very professional and well run event! Also congratulations to Miss Altemyer and Ms. Demoya on representing their region at state. The Road to Hollywood is closed next week but we return to action on January 26th in Gainesville for Miss Alachua/Marion County USA & Teen Pageants.             Team Ft Myers USA!       Ft. Myers USA qualifiers to state