Jacksonville native Paris Richardson may have competed as Miss Gainesville, but her heart — and roots — are all in Duval. Now, she’s Miss Florida 2025.

On June 28, after three nights of dazzling performances, thoughtful interviews, and inspiring community impact presentations, Ricardson was crowned Miss Florida 2025 at the 2025 Miss Florida Scholarship Competition at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

The proud 2020 Jean Ribault High School alum made history by bringing the Miss Florida crown back to Gainesville for the first time in more than 70 years. She’s only the second Miss Gainesville to win the title, and the first since Marcia Crane earned the title in 1952.

After graduating from Ribault, Richardson went on to earn a bachelor’s in public health and a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Florida, where she was also a cheerleader. A proud ” Double Gator,” she now sets her sights on an even bigger stage: representing Florida at the Miss America pageant in September, and ultimately, pursuing her dream of becoming a hospital CEO.

Richardson was presented with her new crown from 2024 Miss Florida winner Casana Fink and was awarded a $20,000 scholarship for her win. In the 2024 Miss Florida competition, Richardson was third runner-up as Miss Northeast Florida.

Where Jacksonville roots meet a calling in healthcare

Beyond the Miss Florida crown, Richardson’s true passion lies in healthcare — a calling she first discovered during her time at Ribault High School. As a high school student, she launched Ribault Get RAW, a student-led health advocacy group focused on raising awareness and promoting wellness among her peers. That spark ignited a larger mission. While attending the University of Florida, she expanded her vision into a community-wide initiative called C.R.O.W.N. of Health, aimed at advancing education, wellness, and health equity.

From Jacksonville’s Northside to the state spotlight, Paris Richardson is a hometown star making the Sunshine State shine a little brighter with her talent by leading with heart, purpose, and a powerful sense of mission.

In addition to this week’s on-stage success, Richardson earned multiple scholarships during Miss Florida week, highlighted by winning the talent competition on night two with an inspirational acrobatic performance to “Big Noise” by Bette Midler. The former University of Florida cheerleader was also one of just four candidates to win two scholarships during the 2025 Scholarship Award Gala held at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins in Auburndale on June 27. She was the recipient of the Women in Business ($500) and Miss Florida Marketing Plan ($1,000) scholarships.

Richardson was one of 16 semifinalists announced at the beginning of the finals on June 28. The semifinalists presented their community service initiatives and went through the health and fitness portion of the program. The event concluded with the talent and evening gown competition, followed by an on-stage conversation with the 2003 Miss Florida winner and 2004 Miss America winner, Ericka Dunlop before the winner was announced.

Richardson will use her platform as Miss Florida to expand the reach of her initiative, CROWN of Health, by collaborating with local schools, community organizations and healthcare professionals to promote wellness education and equitable access to healthcare through workshops, school visits, and community events, with hopes to equip individuals with the knowledge and resources necessary to make informed health decisions.

Additionally, she intends to serve as a liaison between communities and healthcare providers, advocating for policies that address health disparities and promote inclusivity.

Who was Miss Florida’s Teen 2025?

Earlier in the evening, Noelle Schnacky, Miss Orlando’s Teen, was named Miss Florida’s Teen 2025 and will compete in the Miss America’s Teen Competition. Noelle received a $5,000 scholarship and full tuition to one of the following schools of higher education: Stetson, Florida Southern, Florida State University Panama City and Gulf Coast State College.

Noelle, a native of Clermont, is a recent graduate of Lake Mineola High School and is enrolled at Lake Sumter State College, where she will receive her associate degree this summer. While at Lake Mineola, Noelle was a member of the girls’ varsity lacrosse team, as well as the varsity cheer and competition cheer teams. She is also a Fellowship of Christian Athletes student leader and the recipient of the FCA Coaches Choice Awards in 2025.

She will utilize her platform as Miss Florida’s Teen to advance her community service initiative and 501(c)(3) organization, Hope for Heart Kids, which raises awareness of heart defects by building partnerships with all 15 major children’s hospitals in Florida.

Miss Florida runners-up and finalists

  • Winner – Paris Richardson (Miss Gainesville) $20,000 Scholarship
  • First Runner-Up – Anjelica Jones (Miss Jacksonville) $7,000 Scholarship
  • Second Runner-Up – Halle Burton (Miss Florida Citrus) $6,000 Scholarship
  • Third Runner-Up – Alexandra De Roos (Miss Tampa) $5,000 Scholarship
  • Fourth Runner-Up – Megan Price (Miss Miami) $3,000 Scholarship
  • Finalist – Mikayla Summerall (Miss Treasure Coast)
  • Finalist – Carolina Schapanski (Miss Ocala)
  • Finalist – Emma Manthos (Miss Ponte Vedra)
  • Finalist – Bailee Perdue (Miss University of Florida)
  • Finalist – Juliana Fray (Miss Hillsborough County)
  • Finalist – Tia Unsell (Miss St. Augustine)
  • Finalist – Jada Brown (Miss Polk County)
  • Finalist – Bethany Worley (Miss Orlando)
  • Finalist – Annie McGrath (Miss South Florida Fair)
  • Finalist – Julia Roberson (Miss Sumpter County)
  • Finalist – Briana Florexil (Miss City Beautiful)

Miss Florida’s Teen runners-up and finalists

  • Winner – Noelle Schnacky (Miss Orlando) $5,000 Scholarship
  • First Runner-Up – Kady McKenna (Miss Jacksonville’s Teen) $1,500 Scholarship
  • Second Runner-Up – Madison Pedreiro (Miss Ponte Vedra’s Teen) $1,000 Scholarship
  • Third Runner-Up – Nehyssa Turenne (Miss Northeast Florida’s Teen) $600
  • Fourth Runner-Up – Milee Hasting (Miss Winter Park’s Teen) $500
  • Finalist – Monica Kobeirowski (Miss Broward County’s Teen)
  • Finalist – Juliann Gill (Miss St. Augustine’s Teen)
  • Finalist – Ashlee Combee (Miss Gainesville’s Teen)
  • Finalist – Taylor Gregory (Miss Hillsborough County’s Teen)
  • Finalist – Annistyn Griffin (Miss Plant City’s Teen)
  • Finalist – Madison Anderer (Miss City Beautiful’s Teen)
  • Finalist – Janai Newball-Oladapo (Miss First Coast’s Teen)
  • Finalist – Vaishnavi Rednam (Miss Miami Beach’s Teen)
  • Finalist – Kenley McKenna (Miss South Florida’s Teen)

What’s next?

The winners of Miss Florida and Miss Florida’s Teen will represent the state at the 2026 Miss America and Miss America’s Teen competition in September at The Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in Orlando.

Miss America, founded in 1921, is the longest-running competition of its kind in the world.

The Lakeland Ledger contributed to this report.