The new Miss Jamaica Florida Queens for 2016 received their crowns on October 23, 2016, in Lauderhill, Florida. The pageant was hosted by Barrington Russell Jr. and Simone Russell and featured performances by pop star Blake G. and international reggae soul artiste Blade Martin. The 2016 event celebrated 27 years of sophistication and elegance at the new Lauderhill Performing Arts Center. The theme of the pageant was “Jamaica Land We Love: A Tribute to the Treasures of Our Culture” and was designed to fete Jamaicans worldwide. The pageant is proud to be more than just a beauty pageant, said Orkisha Wright Edmond, its new director, who noted the organization emphasizes the cultural development of young people in South Florida. The event featured contestants between the ages of five and 24 in four age categories. Over 20 competitors showcased their poise and pride in speech, creative expression and eveningwear. The Miss Jamaica Florida pageant was launched in 1989 by the late Anthony Baker. The contestants recognized in 2016 included Teen Miss – Shanna Francis, sponsored by Nu Life Beauty Salon; Little Miss – Danniella Spence, sponsored by Sunlife Pediatrics Network; Junior Miss – Sade White, sponsored by Bethlehem Junior Academy; Miss – Shanique Brown, sponsored by Vision Hair Studio. Runners up were 1st runner Up Delanique Stanburry, sponsored by Aspect Marketing Group; Little Miss Category, 2nd Runner Up Angel Blake sponsored by Elijah Bell Funeral Home; Junior Miss Category, 1st Runner Up India Wynter sponsored by Top Notch Era; Junior Miss Category, 2nd Runner Up Bianca Gayle, sponsored by De Jamaica Shop; Miss Teen Category, 1st Runner Up Shantay Gordon sponsored by Prestige Music Center; Miss Teen Category, 2nd Runner Up Ryanna Bennett sponsored by Exotic Island Products; Miss Category, 1st Runner Up Yanique Bryan sponsored by Carl’s Seafood; Miss Category, 2nd Runner Up Sybrena Buckley sponsored by Blue Mountain Restaurant.