FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Brie Gabrielle of Palm Beach was named Miss Florida USA 2016 Saturday night at Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale.
Gabrielle will go on to represent Florida in the Miss USA pageant.
After a tough year preparing for the swimsuit, evening gown and interview portions of the competition, the 59 delegates representing all parts of the Sunshine State got to show the judges they had what it takes.
But recent controversy cast a shadow on the big show, stemming from Donald Trump's comments regarding illegal Mexican immigrants.
Trump, who is seeking the Republican nomination for president, is part owner of the Miss Universe Organization.
Past Miss Florida USAs Michelle Aguirre and Brittany Oldehoff told WPLG-TV before the pageant that Trump's comments have not tarnished the crown.