You have heard the rumblings for months and now it’s come to reality: the return of the oldest nationally-recognized female impersonator pageant, dating back to 1972. Miss Florida F.I. takes place on Monday, August 11 at the beautiful Deauville Beach Resort in Miami Beach. The pageant was nicknamed “The Social Event of the Season,” attracting some of the top names in female impersonators, and movie, TV and fashion stars from across the U.S. and beyond.
In the past Miss Florida had celebrity judges including KC and Sunshine Band, Boy George, and Sylvester. This year we have Latrice Royale of RuPaul’s Drag Race season four and All-Stars, fashion designer Rafael Cennamo, and make-up artist Ronny Anuzzkka, just to name a few.
Although many pageant systems have started since, they have followed the lead of Miss Florida F.I. Although Miss Florida F.I. is a state title, the system has always been recognized as one of the top five national pageants.
Former winners have gone onto great careers in TV, movies, and coveted lead roles in shows and cabarets including Las Vegas and Provincetown, and have traveled not only across the state of Florida but around the world.
The new owners who plan to uphold the vision of original owners Keith Landon and Rene Rodriguez include:
Alyson Thomas, a seasoned professional in the art form of female impersonation herself for 40 years, brings professionalism, style, stability, and experience to the pageant. She is also known throughout the country as a leading promoter and supporter to many who have gone on to become national title holders and a coach to newcomers. Well respected by everyone in the art form, she is a hands-on owner with an eye for detail, coupled with personality, hospitality and vision.
Scott Holland, whose knowledge and experience in the Florida market includes media and editorial experience, experience in judging many pageantry systems, coordinating pageants, public relations, professionalism, and a love for entertainment that cannot be touched.
Victor Zepka and Gary Santis, who have owned the pageant for the last 15 years, stay on as owners to keep the history of the system alive. They bring 15 years of hands-on working knowledge of the system, and it’s the experience that makes Miss Florida F.I. rich in history and memories. Victor brings long-standing established relationships with sponsors, vendors and local business and community leaders to the pageant. Gary continues to create amazing sets, outrageous productions, and state-of-the-art sound and lighting, encompassing a show and a night of entertainment not to be missed.
What the future holds for the Miss Florida F.I. Pageant contestants, formers, and the gay/lesbian and transgender community:
A yearly Miss Florida F.I. Pageant at our new home, the beautiful Deauville Beach Resort
The return of the Miss Florida F.I. at Large Pageant in Central Florida
The Miss Florida F.I.’s on Parade
Preliminaries throughout the state
The establishment of the Miss Florida F.I. (not-for-profit) Foundation
The Miss Florida F.I. pageant will be held Monday, August 11, 2014 at the beautiful Deauville Beach Resort in Miami Beach, starting at 8 p.m. with a VIP cocktail reception at 7 p.m. To reserve your hotel room, go to DeauvilleBeachResort.com and don’t forget to enter the code Miss)* as you get a FREE upgrade. To purchase tickets go to MissFloridaFIPageant.com or call Scott at (954) 478-4587.
