As Miss Florida USA contestants gear up for competition this weekend in Doral, contestants weighed in on their feelings about presidential candidate Donald Trump’s recent controversial comments about immigration.
"It’s a big responsibility but at the same time a great opportunity to show what we stand for," said Maria Serrano, Miss Coral Gables. "Now I have a bigger stage to prove that the immigrant community is a really positive community. We are really hard workers."
The Colombia-born Serrano is one of the nearly 60 women who will compete for the Miss Florida USA crown.
Officials with the pageant also weighed in on Trump's comments.
“We are very inclusive. So we feel the benefits go to all those who would like to participate. So certainly we don’t agree,” said Grant Gravitt, Miss Florida USA executive producer.
More than 50 young women registered to compete in Doral this weekend. One contestant responded with disappointment, but acknowledged that America grants its citizen freedom of speech. Others were firm in their disagreement.
But no matter the opinion of the women, excitement is in the air. Contestants and officials alike said they will not let Trump’s comments put a damper on Miss Florida USA. The winner will be crowned Saturday evening.
