Miss Florida USA Pageant Press Release

On June 10, 2004, 48 contestants from all over the State of Florida competed for the Miss Florida USA, an affiliate of the Trump line of Miss USA pageants. At the Westin Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Florida, contestants participated in a grueling week of activities including seminars on hair styling and makeup, an intense series of rehearsals, press photos, and more. While pageant coordinators Arlene Saitz, Angela Grant, Kim Decker, and Sandra LaMarche worked diligently under the guidance of Contestant Director Rachel Uziel and Long time Pageant Director MaryLou Gravitt, Grant Gravitt, Sr. and Grant Gravitt, Jr., the father and son Executive Producer team, kept the show at split second timing with the assistance of Choreographer team Roy and Ali Bramwell.

The girls performed with energy and enthusiasm despite the exhaustive schedule. They competed in bathing suit, interviews, and evening gown competitions. The display was a stunning array of color and a well done performance. The women oozed personality and professionalism and clearly represented the millennium woman.

The prestigious judging panel consisting of City Manager Cameron Benson, President Gene Engle of Engle Realty, Telemundo Network Executive Idalmis Vidal, Broward Community College’s Newly Appointed President Dr. Larry Calderon, 1994 Indy Rookie, Former President of the Woman’s Sports Foundation, and President of the Lyn St. James Foundation Lyn St. James, President of the Kaplan Group and Fur Information Council of America Keith Kaplan, and Talent Agent of the Greene Agency in Miami Marni Shechtman faced a tough challenge as they rated the well-poised and elegant selection of women between the ages of 18-25 at Broward Community College’s Bailey Hall. St James notes,” It’s a phenomenal experience. A competition in a different areana, but very much a competition.” Benson agrees, “I can truly say I felt like we had 48 of the most beautiful women in Hollywood this week. It was difficult to narrow down the choice to just one.”

All contestants are well educated with aspirations that span across a wide spectrum of careers such as Art & Design, Medicine, Marketing, Law, Education, and Fitness. In addition, woman came from such unique and diversified lifestyles that added a unique flavor to the show with such personalities as Celine Cardona, daughter of famous Mexican performer Jose Jose, visually challenged Katerina Goldstein, and Anna Noriega who came to Miami from the Ukraine. Says Executive Producer Grant Gravitt, Jr. “These are tomorrows leaders today. This is a group of career minded over achieving women who see the Miss Florida USA pageant as a stepping stone in their careers. We are all very proud of each one of them. They are all leaders in their community. One day we’ll all be working for them.”

Kaplan comments, “There was an exceptional group of young women this year. You can hardly question the scholarly phenomena of these accomplished women.” During the personal interview segment, the women were asked about their prized possessions and responded with a variety of sentimental comments with anything from Grandma’s jewelry to Dad’s homemade jewelry box, and a long awaited cat. Other questions include comments centered on social consciousness issues. Adds a gratified Gravitt, Jr. “Our program is designed to give our hosts, sponsors, and delegates a chance to tell their message to five million viewers across the world, all from the City of Hollywood in Broward County.”

A filled auditorium cheered for their favorites and waived hand made signs with personalized notes, names, and photo designs while co-hosts Louis Aguirre of Deco Drive Entertainment Television Show and Kristin Ludecke named the winners for this year’s Miss Florida USA title.

Winners include:

Amity Award-Stella Da Cruz of Weston

Most Photogenic- Anna Noriega of Miami

Lori Duncan of Tampa

Lauren Howell of Panama City

Melissa Witek of Cocoa Beach

Jacqueline Browne of Coral Springs

Caryn Stamp of Melbourne

Claudia Santiano of Miami

Sheria Johnson of Jacksonville

Kimberly Duncan of St. Petersburg

Megan Henry of Gainesville

Rosanna Lawrie of Tallahassee

Sheena Monnin of Sarasota

Rachel O’Connor of Zephyrhills

Tiffany Simons of Coral Springs

Heather Yearwood of Daytona Beach

Kelly Gaudet of Miami

Five Finalists

Heather Yearwood

Rosanna Lawrie

Kelly Gaudet

Lauren Howell

Melissa Witek

Final Winner

Fourth Runner Up- Kelly Gaudet

Third Runner Up- Heather Yearwood

Second Runner Up- Rosanna Lawrie

First Runner Up- Lauren Howell

Winner- Melissa Witek

Melissa Witek, a native Floridian, born in Rockledge, Florida, comments on her win, "I'm so proud to have spent the past week with 47 beautiful and successful women. I want them to know that I plan to work hard for Miss USA and for issues important to them that are facing our Florida communities." Melissa, 23, is a graduate of the University of Florida and CEO/President of Ampex Granite, Inc. Her hobbies are playing piano and writing songs. She describes herself as outgoing, open-minded, and passionate.

For more information, visit www.MissFloridaUSA.com or contact: