👑 Jacksonville’s Own Takes Crown

Jacksonville native and Ribault High alum Paris Richardson was officially crowned Miss Florida 2025 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland over the weekend. She’ll proudly wear the Gator green-and-orange next year when she competes for the Miss America title in September.

🏆 A Historic Victory

Richardson made history as the first Miss Gainesville winner since 1952—and only the second ever from the city—emerging victorious from a field of 38 contestants statewide.

🎓 Credentials That Wow

A Jean Ribault High School graduate (class of 2023), Richardson is deeply rooted in Jacksonville ﹣ born and raised in the city.
She earned both a Bachelor’s in Public Health and a Master’s in Health Administration from the University of Florida—where she also served as Miss University of Florida and charmed crowds as a UF Cheerleader for four seasons.
A UF Hall of Fame inductee, she is also a children’s book author, and founder of C.R.O.W.N. of Health—a non-profit focused on community wellness and health equity.

💃 Talent & Advocacy on Stage

For her talent segment, Richardson delivered an athletic, acrobatic dance—a standout that wowed judges. Her signature platform, C.R.O.W.N. of Health (Community, Research, Outreach, Wellness, & Nutrition), reflects her passion for bridging health disparities at the community level.

📚 Scholarships & What’s Ahead

Richardson earned over $20,000–$24,000 in scholarships through her Miss Florida win.
She’ll represent Gainesville, Jacksonville, and all of Florida at the 2025 Miss America competition in early September in Orlando.

🗣️ Her Own Words

“Before I stepped on that stage I prayed the judges would see my heart… The late nights. The early mornings. The years of preparation. I asked God to let my effort speak for itself…and He did,” Richardson shared via social media.

🌟 What This Means for Jacksonville

Her win marks a much‑celebrated accomplishment for Jacksonville, shining a spotlight on its young talent and potential.
As a native daughter, she underscores community pride, especially for future participants looking to follow in her trailblazing footsteps.
Her health equity initiative brings additional prestige, highlighting Jacksonville’s growing reputation for impactful civic engagement.

🧭 What’s Next

Richardson will spend the summer traveling across Florida—speaking, promoting C.R.O.W.N. of Health, and preparing for Miss America.
Anticipate local events in Jacksonville and Gainesville celebrating her journey, culminating in a high-stakes national pageant in Orlando, September 2–7.

📌 Final Take

Paris Richardson’s crowning as Miss Florida 2025 offers more than an individual achievement—it’s a win for Jacksonville, education, public health, and empowered youth. As she embarks on the Miss America stage this September, the First Coast will be cheering her on every step of the way.

Crowned & Confident: Jacksonville’s Paris Richardson to Represent Florida at Miss America 2025

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