BY AYANA STEWARTMIAMIHERALD.COM
After Elizabeth Fechtel was crowned Miss Florida 2014 on Saturday, sorority sisters gushed on social media. Several news outlets interviewed the Leesburg native. Fechtel called the pageant life-changing, saying she was “privileged and thrilled to have become Miss Florida.” The excitement was short-lived. Late Thursday, pageant officials visited Fechtel to inform her of a massive error: The crown should’ve gone to the first runner-up instead. The Miami-based organization released a press release Friday saying that a tabulation mistake resulted in the title being awarded to Fechtel instead of runner-up Victoria Cowen. Fechtel planned to take a year off from her studies at the University of Florida to prepare for the Miss America Pageant, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
The university shared a congratulatory message on Twitter and sent out a press release. By Friday evening, the statement was updated to reflect the pageant error. But the Miss Florida website still showed Fechtel next to a sparkling “Miss Florida” graphic. Florida isn’t the only state making news for pageant blunders. Amanda Longacre, Miss Delaware, had her title revoked Tuesday because she turns 25 in October, which violates Miss America rules. Participants cannot turn 25 before the end of 2014. While Longacre will reportedly keep the $9,000 in scholarship money she received with the crown, the Tampa Bay Times reports that Fechtel will have to give her scholarship winnings to Cowen. The national pageant will be held in Atlantic City, N.J. Calls to the pageant’s president and executive director Mary E. Sullivan weren't returned as of Friday afternoon. Late Friday, the Miss America organization shared a headshot of Cowen on its Facebook page and congratulated her on her new title.
“We thank Elizabeth Fechtel and wish her the very best,” the post adds. Further down, there’s a post with nearly 3,000 likes from earlier in the week — a smiling portrait of Fechtel. The caption reads, “Congratulations to Elizabeth Fechtel on being crowned Miss Florida 2014!”
By Mark Schlueb, Orlando Sentinel
A Leesburg woman was crowned Miss Florida Saturday night, earning her a spot in the Miss America pageant in September. Elizabeth Fechtel, a 20-year-old junior at the University of Florida, took the top spot after first being among the five finalists in the Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant held at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg over the past several days.
Fechtel won a preliminary swimsuit competition on Wednesday, and danced to Pharrell Williams' song "Happy" in a preliminary talent competition. Fechtel, who is currently Miss University of Florida, graduated from First Academy-Leesburg and is majoring in political science with a minor in communications and entrepreneurship at UF. Among the other finalists was Miss Winter Park, Chloe Lupo. Arianna Beyer, 19, of Mount Dora, also competed.
Leah Sykes, 16, new queen
Author: Hailey Winslow
JACKSONVILLE, Fla A 16-year-old from Jacksonville holds a new title and a very impressive background. Leah Sykes was crowned Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen 2014 on August 17. Sykes sang for Channel 4’s cameras Tuesday night, which we quickly learned is just one of her many talents. What impressed us the most about the 16-year-old is her enormous heart. Sykes has already started her own foundation to create a handicapped accessible beach park, making it easier for disabled people to enjoy the beach.
“Especially here in Florida it’s often something we take for granted, the beautiful sunrises, or the water or sand and I wanted to get that opportunity to everyone,” said Sykes. Sykes will now be able to take her platform across the country and serve as the teenage ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Sykes first pageant was in January, and she explained it was something she never thought she’d do, let alone to win the crown for Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen. “The way society views pageants is always toddlers and tiaras and Honey Booboo, and although I love those shows, I don’t condone anybody who does that. I wasn’t necessarily interested in being part of anything like that,” said Sykes.
Sykes changed her mind when she went to watch a pageant and became inspired. “It was about rewarding, talented, intelligent, young women who are actually doing things in the community,” said Sykes.
