The Social event of the season presents the 52nd Anniversary of the Miss Florida F.I. Pageantry System on Sunday and Monday, October 6th and 7th in the beautiful “Crystal Ballroom” at The Venue/The Manor Fort Lauderdale (2345 Wilton Drive). On Sunday October 6 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 7 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 Sylvester, Boy George, 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.
Our new host hotel is the beautiful Hampton by Hilton Fort Lauderdale/Downtown. They are offering rooms from only $119 a night until September 18, and there is no resort fee.
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 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 the current court (Minus Mr. Florida who has a full interview in this issue in the Kings we love feature) and asked Yeisa and Brittany the same 5 questions. Dorae was traveling and gave us a quote. Here are their answers:
Yeisa Jovovich – Miss Florida F.I. 2023/24
For those who don’t know you, tell us a little about yourself?
Yeisa Jovovich is a cheerful and charismatic person. A person who never says NO when someone needs my help. I am an excellent sister, mother, daughter, wife and above all, a perfect friend. I feel a lot of love for myself that leads me to give the same to each one of the people who touch my life.
Why did you want to win Miss Florida?
I wanted to win Miss Florida, because since I arrived to this state of Florida, I feel that it has given me a lot personally. And I wanted to be Miss Florida because I understand that it is a way or a tool for me to be able to give back to this land some of what it has given me (friends, work, happy moments, love, etc.)
Why is Miss Florida so important?
Miss Florida is important because of the work and effort that has been achieved over many years and because of the legacy of each of the outstanding queens. In addition, it is recognized as the most important pageant in the state and throughout the entire country.
How has your life changed since you won Miss Florida?
It changed my life in the sense of having more relevance for my name here in the state and outside of it, by standing on every stage and being recognized. Now people notice me even more wherever I am. For me it was a chance to have a voice of power and enrichment.
What is the best thing that has happened to you in your career?
The best thing has been winning the national titles that I have in my career such as Miss Florida F.I. and Miss universal Latina USA. It gives us professional and mental growth and opens many more doors for us to continue working for ourselves and for our own community, inspiring others and touching hearts.
Brittany Moore – Miss Florida F.I. Supreme 2023/24
For anyone who may not know who you are, tell us about yourself in a paragraph?
My name is Brittany Moore, and I reside in Jacksonville, Florida. I was born and raised in Miami, Florida! I live in Jacksonville with my partner of 13 years Gary. I am a hairstylist of 35 years and a graduate of South Ridge High School in Miami.
Why did you want to win Miss Florida?
Funny fact I won Miss Florida on my second try 20 years after I first entered! I wanted to win Miss Florida because growing up watching my heroes Nikki Adams, Dana Manchester, Tiffany Arieagus (just name a few) were all Miss Florida’s and they traveled the country entertaining.
Why is Miss Florida so important?
I knew it would be the highlight of my career to be Miss Florida because it has such a rooted legacy. Winning Miss Florida was so special to me and was my favorite reign by far! I loved traveling and working and meeting new people! I had the time of my life.
How has life changed for you since you won Miss Florida?
I think winning Miss Florida helped me get a lot of work and it made me feel so accomplished.
What’s the best thing that has happened to you in your career?
Growing up we didn’t have mainstream tv shows like we do now that showcased our talents and pageantry was what we did to make a name for ourselves, and it’s been on honor of a lifetime to be Miss Florida.
Dorae Saunders – Miss Florida F.I. at Large 2023/24
I wanted to win Miss Florida F.I at Large because of Tiffany Arieagus and Tasha Long It was important because I am getting older and before I stop competing this was something I wanted to add to my resume I am so lucky that show directors continue to book me consistently due to my work ethic and me being dedicated to my craft in addition to being likeable approachable and having a genuine love of this business
The Miss Florida F.I. pageantry system will take place on Sunday and Monday, October 6 and 7 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.
