By Sherry Jones
Miss Florida 2024, Casana Fink, from Ocala recently visited Fort Walton Beach, embodying the spirit of service and empowerment that defines her role within the Miss America Organization. Her visit was a testament to her commitment to enacting meaningful change in every community she touches, as she prepares for the upcoming Miss America Pageant on January 5, 2025.
During her time in Fort Walton Beach, one of the standout moments was her role as the master of ceremonies for the 2024 Official Community Choice Awards: Finest on the Emerald Coast. This prestigious event celebrates the best of the Emerald Coast, recognizing businesses, organizations and individuals for their exceptional contributions to the community. Casana’s poise and professionalism as emcee highlighted the qualities that have defined her reign as Miss Florida.
Championing Organ and Tissue Donation
Since her crowning in June 2024, Casana has passionately advocated for organ and tissue donation through her platform, “CSI – Give to Live; Donate Life.” This cause is deeply personal to her, driven by her father’s experience as a liver transplant recipient. Her advocacy is not just a platform, but a mission to save lives by raising awareness and encouraging others to become donors.
In Fort Walton Beach, Casana made a meaningful visit to Fresenius Kidney Care Dialysis Center. Here, she connected with healthcare professionals and patients, deepening her understanding of the challenges faced by those dealing with kidney disease and organ donation. This visit reinforced her commitment to raising awareness about the life-saving importance of organ and tissue donation, a cause that continues to gain momentum under her leadership.
Engaging with One Hopeful Place
Another significant aspect of Casana’s visit was her engagement with One Hopeful Place, an organization dedicated to helping individuals transition from crisis to stability. This visit stood out as one of the most profound moments of her time in Fort Walton Beach, highlighting her unwavering commitment to supporting those in need and addressing the complex issues of homelessness and recovery.
At One Hopeful Place, Casana immersed herself in the organization’s mission, connecting personally with staff, volunteers and residents. Her genuine interest in their lives, coupled with her compassionate approach, left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. Casana’s words of encouragement and support reflected the core of her service-oriented mission as Miss Florida, emphasizing her dedication to uplifting those often overlooked by society.
Strengthening Community Connections
Following her visit to One Hopeful Place, Casana took a moment to recharge at Coastal Spa in Fort Walton Beach. The spa’s serene environment provided her with a peaceful space for reflection on the meaningful connections she had made throughout the day. This moment of respite allowed her to process the impact of her work and the importance of community engagement.
Casana’s visit also included a stop at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. Here, she met with the dedicated staff and engaged in meaningful conversations with President Ted Corcoran and Mayor Dick Rynearson, both of whom have played pivotal roles in fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in the area. Their involvement underscored the strong sense of community in Fort Walton Beach and the importance of collaboration among local leaders and organizations.
A particularly memorable moment occurred when Casana spent time with Ted Corcoran’s seven granddaughters, engaging them in conversations that left a lasting impression. This warm and joyful encounter epitomized the close-knit community ties that Fort Walton Beach is known for. The visit concluded with a delightful meal at Magnolia Grill, hosted by owner Tom Rice, providing an opportunity to further connect and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Promoting the Miss West Florida Scholarship Competition
In addition to her other engagements, Casana’s visit focused on promoting the Miss West Florida Scholarship Competition. Owned by pageant directors Sherry Jones and Jula Ruhland, this competition is scheduled to take place on March 9, 2025, at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Theater at the University of West Florida in Pensacola. The Miss West Florida scholarship competition is an official preliminary to enter the Miss Florida America scholarship competition in May 2025, offering young women invaluable opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and academic achievement.
As a former participant and current titleholder, Casana exemplifies how the competition empowers women to reach their full potential, both on stage and within their communities. Her involvement in promoting the Miss West Florida Scholarship Competition underscores her dedication to helping other young women achieve their dreams and make a difference in their own communities.
A Shared Mission for the Future
As Casana prepares to represent Florida on the national stage at the Miss America Pageant on January 5, 2025, her visit to Fort Walton Beach serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that community service can have. Her dedication to her platform, her involvement with the Miss West Florida Scholarship Competition, and, most notably, her time spent at One Hopeful Place illustrate the transformative power of collaboration and community support in creating lasting, positive change.
Casana’s journey continues to inspire those around her as she carries the experiences and lessons from her visit into her future endeavors. Her commitment to service and community engagement is making a significant impact, not only in her local community but across the state of Florida.
As we cheer Casana on in the Miss America Pageant on January 5, 2025, we are reminded of the importance of supporting leaders who are dedicated to making a difference. With the backing of her community and the guidance of local leaders, Casana is well-equipped to continue her mission of empowering others and creating a brighter future for all.
