The Social event of the season presents the 51st Anniversary of the Miss Florida F.I. Pageantry System on Sunday and Monday, October 1st and 2nd in the beautiful “Crystal Ballroom” at The Venue/The Manor Fort Lauderdale (2345 Wilton Drive). On Sunday October 1 it will be three pageants in one night with Miss Florida F.I. At Large, Mr. Florida M.E. and Miss Florida F.I. Supreme pageants. Then on Monday October 2nd is The Miss Florida F.I. pageant. The pageantry system attracts some of the top named female impersonators, and Movie, TV, and Fashion stars from across the USofA and beyond.
In the past Miss Florida F.I. had celebrity judges including Boy George, Sylvester, and KC and Sunshine Band, Many pageant systems have started since, they have followed the lead of Miss Florida F.I., but Miss Florida F.I. is still recognized as one of the top 5 national pageants.
Former winners have gone onto great careers in TV, movies, and coveted lead roles in shows and cabarets including Las Vegas and P-Town, and have traveled not only across the state of Florida but around the world.
The host hotel is, once again, the Gallery One Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotel (2670 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale).
The Venue Fort Lauderdale will be serving a limited menu of delicious food, and of course amazing cocktails.
The 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 over 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, 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, producer of events, judge to many pageantry systems including nationals and prelims to nationals, a pageant coordinator, public relations, professionalism, and a love for entertainment that cannot be touched.
Gary Santis, who has been involved with the pageant since 1990, is instrumental in keeping the history of the system alive. He brings decades of hands-on working knowledge of the system, and the experience that’s makes Miss Florida F.I. rich in history, and memories. Gary continues to create amazing sets, outrageous productions, state of the art sound and lighting, encompassing a show and a night of entertainment not to be missed. Gary Santis is also the owner of Gary Santis events which has produced some of the biggest gay events south Florida has seen.
We sat down with former Miss Florida’s who are celebrating anniversaries!
Tiffany Arieagus – Celebrating 45 years
For anyone who may not know who you are, tell us about yourself in a paragraph?
My name is Tiffany Arieagus and I was crowned Miss Florida, F.I. on My mother’s birthday, May 16th, 1978. It was Ma Dear’s first time seeing me perform or compete. We walked the runway together in front of a crowd of over 2200 people in the Grand Ballroom of the Fountainbeau Hotel on Miami Beach.
Why did you want to win Miss Florida?
I wanted to be Miss Florida because I was just beginning in professional entertainment when my show director was entering Miss Universe in Pensacola, Florida and I decided that I wanted to enter also. There I met Miss Florida, Emory Dubois, Keith Landon, owner of Miss Florida and Rene Rodriguez, Owner of Rene’s in Tampa. By the way, Rene was my sponsor and mentor when I won Miss Florida. Rene’s still holds the honor of having the most Miss Florida’s. I also met 20 of the most talented ladies from all over the country. I was number 21 out of 21 contestants which was very intimidating, but I won Talent and was Second Runner-up. I was invited to enter Miss Florida and I did.
Why is Miss Florida so important?
Miss Florida was the Social Event of the Year. People came from all over the world to vacation and commiserate with old friends, make new friends and to witness the Premier Pageant for Female Impersonators in the USA. Many National Titleholders such as Miss Continental USA, Miss America, and Miss USA, entered Miss Florida after their national reign.
How has life changed for you since you won Miss Florida?
Winning the title helped to propel me into the national spotlight and have been blessed to be able to work around the world. Through Miss Florida Pageant, I received a call from Keith Landon to fly to Miami to film Miami Vice. I Love entertaining but I love being involved in Social Service at Sunserve and the community.
What’s the best thing that has happened to you in your career?
The best thing to happen in my career is the Gift of Life and the Blessing of being able to give back to Family, Friends, and Community the Love that they have given me. I hope to be around for many more years and do more to make a difference in the world. The greatest gift is to love and me loved. Share the love!!
Esme Russell – Celebrating 30 Years
For anyone who may not know who you are, tell us about yourself in a paragraph?
My stage name is ESME’ RUSSELL I was born in Tampa, Florida to Cuban parents, I didn’t speak English until I was 5 years old . I’ve been doing Drag since 1976, I got my show business break in 1983 when I got hired at RENE’s in Tampa and won Miss Florida in 1993.
Why did you want to win Miss Florida?
I wanted to be Miss Florida because I was always surrounded by Miss Florida’s, my drag mothers Dana Douglas and Tiffani Middlesexx were both huge influences in my early days.
Why is Miss Florida so important?
Miss Florida is important because the title transforms you into a representative of the people and the LGBTQ plus community. Being Miss Florida especially today in 2023 is important because we need positive representation…Miss Florida is that and more!
How has life changed for you since you won Miss Florida?
My life has changed a lot since winning. I’m definitely older and a lot wiser. In addition, I furthered my education and I now have an award winning career as the only openly transgender radio broadcaster in the United States. I’m extremely proud of that…WMNF 88.5.
What’s the best thing that has happened to you in your career?
Winning Miss Florida remains the highlight of my Drag career. Also the longevity of my career as I’m very proud and grateful for that!
Erika Norell – Celebrating 25 years
For anyone who may not know who you are, tell us about yourself in a paragraph?
I am Cuban American born in Miami and I reside in Fort Lauderdale. I’ve been performing as a drag entertainer for 30 years and I’ve won multiple local and national titles including Miss Florida FI 1998 and Miss Florida Supreme 2021. I am also a licensed cosmetologist and a fashion designer.
Why did you want to win Miss Florida?
The first pageant I ever attended was Miss Florida and I just loved it. I wanted to be a part of such a great legacy.
Why is Miss Florida so important?
Miss Florida is the second longest running pageant for female impersonators in this country. It represents the best of the best in our community, and our art. Just look at the list of former winners. It is truly iconic.
How has life changed for you since you won Miss Florida?
Miss Florida opened so many doors for me in my career. I would not be the entertainer I am today without it.
What’s the best thing that has happened to you in your career?
The best thing that happened to me in my career is that I’ve gotten to share my talent and love of entertainment with so many wonderful audiences, but especially with my mother, who was always my biggest supporter.
Cezanne – Celebrating 20 years
For anyone who may not know who you are, tell us about yourself in a paragraph?
I am Cezanne! Miss Florida F.F.I. 2003. This year I am celebrating My 20 Year Anniversary!
Why did you want to win Miss Florida?
Originally entered Miss Florida because of its Legendary Status in the LGBTQ community. I wanted to be a part of that LEGACY!
How has life changed for you since you won Miss Florida?
When I won it gave me the opportunity to travel across The State of Florida and see and meet Many of the people of Florida! With that I will always be a part of The Miss Florida F.F.I. HISTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Miss Florida F.I. pageantry system will take place on Sunday and Monday, October 1 and 2 at the beautiful “The Venue” in Fort Lauderdale with doors opening each night at 7pm and pageant starting at 8pm sharp. To purchase tickets, go to https://MissFloridaFIPageant.com. For sponsorship or more information call Scott at 954-478-4587.
