Wilton Manors Woman Crowned Miss Florida Senior

This 70-year-old is passionate about gardening

M.E. DePalma is not your typical beauty queen. She is 70 years old and is changing the way many live their lives outside in Wilton Manors.

Gardening is M.E. DePalma's passion. It's what she devotes her life to, and it's what got her crowned Miss Florida Senior this month.

"This pageant is more about personality than it is beauty," DePalma said.

DePalma is very active in Wilton Manors working for the city's planning and zoning committee. Her goal in life _ and pageant platform _ is wildlife preservation through naturescaping.

She helped make Wilton Manors the 17th wildlife habitat in the nation in 2006.

The city of Wilton Manors even named a park after her in 2009. It's a butterfly garden about a mile from DePalma's home.

DePalma said she thinks she earned the crown because she truly believes in what she does.

"This is my renaissance and it's my time to follow my passion," DePalma said.

In July, DePalma will compete for the national title.

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