Miss Florida Citrus Crowned

The first Miss Florida Citrus since 2004 was chosen at the Ritz Theatre in Winter Haven on March 21, 2015. Continuing the tradition, Summer Foley, 17, of Ormond Beach was crowned by the 2004 Miss Florida Citrus, Nikki Upthegrove Matthews, Saturday night during the Miss America preliminary pageant. She was sponsored by Florida’s Natural Growers and will go on to represent the industry in the Miss Florida Pageant, which takes place June 16-20, 2015 in St. Petersburg. The winner of that pageant advances to the Miss America Pageant in September.

Miss Florida 2014 Victoria Cowen and David Lang of Regalia Magnificent Apparel emceed the event. Foley’s court consisted of first runner-up Taylor Pohl of Wauchul, second runner-up Danielle Ball of Wellington, third runner-up Anne-Marie Campbell of West Palm Beach and fourth runner-up Keilany Francis of Pembroke Pines. Taylor Brown of Avon Park won the non-finalist talent award.

Judging criteria included a personal interview, evening gown, talent and swimsuit, along with an on-stage question. As Miss Florida Citrus, Foley will receive a $1,000 scholarship, a $350 gift certificate toward a $1,000 gown purchase at Regalia Gowns, entry into the 2015 Miss Florida Pageant, an official Miss America crown and trophy and various other prizes. In addition, she will travel the state representing the Florida citrus industry at various speaking engagements and functions.

The Miss America Organization is one of the nation’s leading achievement programs and one of the world’s largest providers of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available millions in cash and scholarship assistance.

For more information or to schedule Miss Florida Citrus for an appearance, please contact Executive Director Brenda Eubanks Burnette at 561-351-4314 or BBurne1003@aol.com.