LAKELAND, Fla. – A field of more than 40 women will descend on Lakeland next month, but they aren’t just chasing a crown—they are marking nearly a century of a Sunshine State tradition.
The Miss Florida Competition is officially celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The four-day event is scheduled to run from June 24 to June 27 at the RP Funding Center. The high-stakes week wraps up with the final round on June 27, where the winner will earn a spot in the national Miss America Competition.
Since it first kicked off back in 1936, the organization has focused heavily on giving out educational scholarships, building leadership skills, and pushing for community service. This year’s lineup reflects that focus, featuring a roster of contestants aiming to become future lawyers, doctors, and industry executives.
Over the decades, the state program has served as a major launching pad. Florida has walked away with the ultimate national title twice: first with Leanza Cornett (Miss America 1993) and later with Ericka Dunlap (Miss America 2004).
The state pageant’s alumni list also includes several high-profile names who found mainstream success after their time on the stage. Among them are Designing Women actress Delta Burke (Miss Florida 1974), actress Nancy Stafford (Miss Florida 1976), Christian recording artist Kim Boyce Koreiba (Miss Florida 1983), and ESPN host Laura Rutledge (Miss Florida 2012).
Audiences attending the showcase this year will see the contestants judged across several distinct categories. The schedule includes live talent performances, formal wear displays, and an on-stage question-and-answer segment designed to highlight the candidates’ achievements and community platforms.
For those wanting to catch the action live in Lakeland, tickets are currently on sale through the RP Funding Center box office or via their official website. Additional details regarding the daily schedule and the contestants can be found on the organization’s main website.
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