New Miss Florida Citrus Claims Her Crown

The Florida citrus industry has deep roots. And along with the multitude of accomplishments achieved in growing, packing, and marketing the Sunshine State’s signature fruit comes the pageantry and prestige of Miss Florida Citrus. The latest in a long line of industry advocates was crowned on St. Patrick’s Day. Megan Price of LaBelle was announced the big winner during the Miss America preliminary gala held at the Theatre Winter Haven. Sharing in Price’s good luck was Morgan Boykin who took the title of Miss Winter Haven 2018.

Price is a student at Florida Southern College working on a double major Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Communication and Marketing and Broadcast Journalism. She hopes to earn a Master’s Degree in Sports Management and Marketing and be able to work as a sports broadcaster for a major sports agency. She was sponsored by Seald Sweet LLC and works part-time for Perfect Game Baseball. Her platform is “Organ Donation – Be A Lifesaver,” promoting the awareness and importance of organ donation and how many lives can be saved through the process.

She will receive a $1,000 scholarship along with numerous other prizes and will represent the Florida citrus industry at various trade shows and events throughout the year.

Boykin attends Hillsborough Community College where she is working toward a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Communications. Her platform is “Agriculture Awareness,” and she believes education is important to advocate others to get involved in the agriculture industry.

Sponsored by Wm. G. Roe & Sons, Boykin’s goal is to work in marketing and public relations with a major agriculture industry. She owns an online boutique (“The Southern B Boutique”) and lives on a small family farm in Thonotosassa. She, too, will receive a $1,000 scholarship, along with other gifts, and will represent Winter Haven at various events throughout the year.

Hosted by David Lang of Regalia Magnificent Apparel, the pageant contestants were judged on the following criteria: Interview/On Stage Question, Evening Wear, Talent, and Swimsuit, with more than $3,000 in cash and prizes awarded to the top five finalists.

Brenda Eubanks Burnette, Executive Director of the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame and past Florida Citrus Queen, says she’s excited for both the industry and the City of Winter Haven to have such deserving representatives for the coming year. “It’s even better that they are both from agriculture families and we’re happy to have them as the new Miss Florida Citrus and Miss Winter Haven. They want to make as many appearances as possible, so I hope people will think of them for their events and contact me to schedule them.”

The Florida Citrus Queen Pageant began in 1924 and has been part of the Miss America Organization off and on throughout the years, with the name changing to Miss Florida Citrus in 1984. Miss Winter Haven was added to the program this year.

Both titleholders will go on to compete in the Miss Florida Pageant, which is scheduled to take place in Lakeland June 26 – June 30. The winner will then go on to compete in the Miss America pageant.