Miss Florida F.I.'s 44th Anniversary Pageant

The social event of the season returns as the Miss Florida F.I. Pageant takes place on Monday, August 8 at the beautiful Deauville Beach Resort in Miami Beach. The pageant attracts some of the top-named female impersonators, as well as movie, TV and fashion stars from across the USA and beyond.

I thought it would be timely to sit down with Miss Florida F.I., Chasity Ross Boen, for this interview less than one week before she crowns her successor.

When was the first time you found out about Miss Florida F.I.?

When I came out of the closet and started performing I found out about Miss Florida F.I. from my drag mom, Lillian Ross. Another one of her drag daughters was Chena Kelly, who was a former Miss Florida and she had recently passed away.

When did you first attend the Miss Florida F.I. pageant?

Unfortunately I had never had the opportunity to see Miss Florida F.I. live, but I have seen most of the video's.

How long have you wanted to be a Miss Florida F.I.?

The seed was planted over 20 years ago when my drag mom told me about it.

How many times did you enter?

I was incredibly fortunate enough to win on my first attempt.

Do you remember how it felt when your name was called out as the winner?

It was an overwhelming feeling of "Oh My, Oh My, Oh My."

Tell me about your reigning year.

So many things happened this year. First, I traveled to so many places, towns, cities, clubs, bars, preliminary pageants. However, I am so happy I traveled so much as I feel I have made lifelong friendships and relationships, not only from people who live in Florida, but across the nation and worldwide. I feel that I have also learned so many things about the Miss Florida system, and pageantry in general.

Do you have any advice for the next Miss Florida F.I.?

I have 3 pieces of advice for my successor: Be Kind, Be Kind, Be Kind.

What does the future hold for you?

It's hard for me to predict what the future holds, but I envision I will stay creative, continue my activism, and my education. I am also sure I will continue to perform -- Continental has my interest as well as AAG, EOY and Miss International Queen.

In the past Miss Florida F.I. had celebrity judges, including KC and the Sunshine Band, Boy George, and Sylvester. This year we have Latrice Royale of "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season Four and "All-Stars" joining six other qualified judges.

Although many pageant systems have started since, they have followed the lead of Miss Florida F.I. Although Miss Florida F.I. is a state title, the system has always been recognized as one of the top five national pageants.
Former winners have gone onto great careers in TV, movies, and coveted lead roles in shows and cabarets including in Las Vegas and Provincetown, and have traveled not only across the state of Florida but around the world.
The new 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 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 (yes, that's me), whose knowledge and experience in the Florida market includes media and editorial experience, judging experience in many pageantry systems, experience as a pageant coordinator and in public relations, professionalism, has a love for entertainment that cannot be touched.

Victor Zepka and Gary Santis, who have owned the pageant for many years, stay on as owners to keep the history of the system alive. They bring decades of hands-on working knowledge of the system and the experience that makes Miss Florida F.I. rich in history and memories. Victor brings long-standing established relationships with sponsors, vendors and local business and community leaders to the pageant. 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.

Here's what the future holds for the Miss Florida F.I. Pageant contestants, formers, and the gay, lesbian and transgender community:

A Yearly Miss Florida F.I. Pageant at our new home, the beautiful Deauville Beach Resort.

A Yearly Miss Florida F.I. at Large Pageant at the Parliament House in Orlando.

The establishment of the not-for-profit Miss Florida F.I. Foundation.

The Miss Florida F.I. pageant will be held Monday, August 8, 2016 at the beautiful Deauville Beach Resort in Miami Beach starting at 7:15pm with the pre-show the pageant starts promptly at 8 pm. To reserve your hotel room, go to DeauvilleBeachResort.com and don't forget to enter the code MissFL16; if you do, you will get a FREE upgrade.

To purchase tickets, go to MissFloridaFIPageant.com or directly to BrownPaperTickets.com and search Miss Florida FI 2016. For more information, call (954) 478-4587