MIAMI FL – After a seven year hiatus, the Miss Florida Female Impersonator pageant returns to Miami on Monday, August 11 at the Deauville Beach Resort, 6701 Collins Avenue, in Miami Beach. Previously, the pageant was nicknamed “The Social Event of the Season” attracting some of the top-named female impersonators and entertainment personalities from across the US. Judges for this year’s event include Latrice Royale of Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 4 and All Stars, Venezuelan-born fashion designer Rafael Cennamo, and make-up artist Ronny Anuzzkka.
The current Miss Florida F.I., Victoria Michaels, told Guy Magazine, “My reign as your distinguished Miss Florida F.I. has been the longest in the Florida pageantry history, and it’s been my distinct honor and unequivocal privilege to have held this coveted title over the years. Many talented entertainers aspire to reign as a Miss Florida for one year, so for me to have carried this envied Miss Florida crown for seven years has been more than I ever imagined and it’s been a true blessing that I will cherish forever.”
Using the Miss Florida F.I. win as a launching platform, in 2008 Victoria joined a coalition force in cooperation with TERI (Transgender Equal Rights Initiative), Equality Florida, and activist Michael Rajner to stand before the Broward County Board of Commissioners. Her advocacy insured that all transgender individuals would have protection against hate crimes and anti-discrimination laws in the work place. The board voted unanimously in favor of transgender rights.
The pageant was started in 1972 by Keith Landon and Rene Rodriguez. This year’s pageant will offer a diverse mix of the old rich history and fond memories as the show pays tribute to former Miss Florida F.I. who will participate in the show. Miss Florida F.I. Pageant 2014 opens Monday evening at 7pm with a celebratory gathering at the Deauville Hotel lobby bar with a Silver Anniversary soiree honoring former Miss Florida F.I. 1988 Lakishah Lucky.
The current owners of the event are all locally known professionals including impersonator Alyson Thomas, publisher Scott Holland, businessman Victor Zepka and events promoter Gary Santis. To purchase tickets, go to www.MissFloridaFIPageant.com or call Scott Holland at 954-478-4587.
