PLANT CITY - Two Hooters employees, including one who trains servers in Florida, placed in the top 10 at the 12th annual Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant.
Marie Butler of St. Petersburg and Niki Longtin of Lakeland said this morning they were thrilled even though they didn't win the crown Tuesday night.
"It has been unbelievable," said Butler, who trains servers in Florida and entered the contest for the first time.
Longtin competed for the second time, and this was the first time she placed in the top 10.
"It feels awesome," said Longtin, who works at the Hooters near U.S. 98 and Interstate 4.
Sara Hoots of Selma, Texas, won the pageant.
Butler, a 24-year-old graduate of Dixie Hollins High School, said the contest in Fort Lauderdale was like a reunion because she saw so many employees she had trained. Butler said this has been a banner year for her, placing in the top 10 in Tuesday's swimsuit contest and recently winning a spot in the 2009 Hooters calendar.
Longtin, a 24-year-old Auburndale High School graduate, said this is the latest in a long list of accomplishments. Her photo appears on area billboards, and she has been on the Hooters calendar for three years.
Both women said they had heard from family and friends who had watched the pageant, which was broadcast live to all 440 Hooters locations.
The more than 130 pageant contestants included Adrianne French of Tampa, Lynn McCoy of Lakeland and Carra O'Sullivan of Sarasota, who did not place in the top 10.
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