The Miss Florida USA Organization Announces Sunshine State Title Holders
Photo Credit - Houston M Photography
The Miss Florida USA Organization has proudly crowned 26-year-old Peyton Lewis from Orlando as 2024 Miss Florida USA, and 18-year-old Kennedie Clinton from Plant City as 2024 Miss Florida Teen USA. Both of the beautiful ladies will grace the main stages in California next month, proudly representing the sunshine state. In response to hosts Brian McFayden and Mackenzie Mitchell's question of how the newly crowned winners felt at the time of their win, both responded, "It's a DREAM come true."
Peyton Lewis, a current Sotheby’s real estate professional and UCF graduate with a bachelor’s degree in integrated business, will take the national stage at Miss USA on August 4th in Hollywood, California. Peyton took to social media after her Miss Florida USA win, sharing with her Instagram followers, “As I move forward to Miss USA 2024, I am committed to empowering women, inspiring them to become financially literate leaders and thriving business owners.” Peyton also shared her praise for Miss Florida Teen USA winner Kennedie Clinton, stating “Congratulations to my new little sister Kennedie for your well deserved win…Your hard work paid off!!! I’m glad I get to go on this journey with you,”.
Photo Credit - Houston M Photography
Prior to Peyton’s participation in Miss USA, Kennedie will compete alongside 50 other teens at the companion Miss Teen USA pageant on August 1st, which will be televised for the first time in 17 years. Kennedie shared an equally heartfelt message with social media followers after her win, stating “Blessed can’t even begin to describe how I feel right now…I proudly know that the young Kennedie who never thought she was enough has healed and found herself.” Both the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA competitions will be broadcasted on the CW network, in addition to being open for in-person viewing at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Photo Credit - Houston M Photography
This year, the Miss Florida USA Organization is under new direction by former pageant title holder Jaclyn Stapp. Still coming down from her whirlwind as new director, Jaclyn states, "It truly is amazing to see the pageant from the non-contestant side. This is such an extraordinary time to return to my roots. I was able to meet some of Florida's most amazing ladies. They are not only beautiful, they are smart and believe in their community. I am blessed to be able to further forge these bonds between women and pass along everything I learned from my time as a title-holder. I look forward to spending time with Peyton and Kennedie this year."
In the event that Peyton and Kennedie return to Florida without a double crown, they will spend their time making a meaningful impact in communities across their home state by getting involved in charities, attending events, elevating their personal brands, and participating in other promotional activities. Talk about a win-win! The pair’s commitment to positive change and social impact truly showcases their inner beauty.
Year after year, the accomplished Miss USA and Miss Teen USA contestants are debunking false perceptions about the pageant industry, which has long been harshly criticized. These women prove to the world that pageants are not just about physical appearance, but about highlighting important social issues, building confidence, showcasing the professional success and intelligence of women from various cultures, and most importantly, empowering one another.
Photo Credit - Houston M Photography
To follow along on Peyton and Kennedie’s journeys as they gear up for competition next month, follow them on Instagram at @peytonllewis and @kennedieclinton. Don’t forget to stream the pageants live on August 1st and 4th via The CW Network, or purchase your tickets for in-person attendance at TheMissUSA.com. On behalf of BELLA, we wish the best of luck to both of these amazing women!
