Aileen Cerchiara, known for her title as Miss Gulf Coast USA, was crowned as the new Miss Florida USA 2026 this past Sunday during a gala at the Linda W. Chapin Theater, located in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The official pageant's Instagram account announced her victory.
Cerchiara, a nurse and model with Colombian heritage, had previously been a runner-up in an earlier state competition before finally claiming the Miss Florida USA crown and sash this weekend. Her accomplishment highlights her determination and perseverance in the world of beauty pageants.
As the new state representative, Cerchiara is set to compete in Miss USA 2026, celebrating its 75th anniversary on August 27 at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami. The event will be broadcast live on The CW from 8 to 10 p.m. Eastern Time and will be available for streaming the next day on The Roku Channel.
Embracing Heritage and Achievements
Cerchiara's victory is acclaimed by the Colombian community in Florida, viewing it as a proud moment for Latin representation in American beauty pageants.
Meanwhile, Lisbeth Fernández, a Cuban-American competing as Miss Pinecrest USA, did not make it among the six finalists, ending her journey toward Miss USA 2026. Fernández, 28, originally from Consolación del Sur, Pinar del Río, and now residing in Pinecrest, Miami, had previously gained attention as the first runner-up in Miss Universe Cuba 2025, held on July 8, 2025, at the Milander Amphitheater in Hialeah, where Lina Luaces took the crown.
A Voice of Faith and Freedom
Fernández stood out as the first openly Christian—specifically Baptist—contestant in Miss Universe Cuba. Her media presence was bolstered by a powerful speech on July 11, where she stated, "The Cuban people are ready to stop surviving and start living." The Miami Herald reported that Fernández holds a degree in Theology from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently studying Government Intelligence at Liberty University. She also works as an international speaker across various Latin American countries.
Before the competition, Fernández expressed her ambition to use the Miss USA platform to share her story, blending her Cuban roots with her experiences in the United States. "My roots are Cuban, but this country gave me wings," she declared. Unfortunately, her elimination from the finals prevents her from pursuing this goal, at least for this edition.
The national Miss USA 2026 pageant promises an exceptional setting: Thom Brodeur, the pageant's CEO since September 2025 and a Miami native, has committed to hosting Miss USA and Miss Teen USA at the Adrienne Arsht Center for at least five consecutive years.
Frequently Asked Questions about Miss Florida USA 2026
Who is Aileen Cerchiara?
Aileen Cerchiara is a nurse and model with Colombian roots who was crowned Miss Florida USA 2026. She previously competed as Miss Gulf Coast USA.
What is the significance of Lisbeth Fernández's participation in Miss Universe Cuba?
Lisbeth Fernández was the first openly Christian contestant in Miss Universe Cuba and gained attention for her speech about freedom for the Cuban people. She was also a first runner-up in the 2025 competition.