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Pasco to host Fla. teen pageant

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By GEOFF FOX

gfox@tampatrib.com

Published: November 7, 2009

DADE CITY - Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen Pageant is coming to Dade City next year. The pageant is expected to draw hundreds of people to the area when the contest opens April 23.

The pageant winner stands to receive thousands of dollars in scholarship money. Last year, about 30 girls between 13 and 17 competed. The winner will be eligible for the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant.

Keith Williams, secretary of Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen Pageant, credited officials with the Pasco County Fair Association for being "gracious and accommodating" in negotiating for the pageant to held at the Dan Cannon Auditorium.

"We're hoping this will be a long-term home," Williams said.

During the competition, contestants are interviewed by a team of five judges. There is a physical fitness portion, but it does not include swimsuits. Contestants also are judged on a talent and other criteria.

Along with the pageant at the fairgrounds, a golf tournament will be held April 24 at Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club to raise money for the pageant's scholarships.

Joey Wubbena, president of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, said he was excited for the tourism dollars the expected 400 to 450 visitors could inject into the Dade City area.

"Because of the economy in the Orlando and Tampa markets, any of those other (potential venues) would have meant big money in rental fees" for the pageant, he said. "But they want to make Dade City their home and Dan Cannon their site.

"We're putting together a tourism packet for them. It's going to be a win-win as far as enhancing Dade City."

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