By Angela Rozier, WPBF
August 31, 2026
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Miss America Week has begun in West Palm Beach, marking the first time the pageant is being held in the city, which now serves as the headquarters of the Miss America Organization.
Milton Segarra, president and CEO of Discover the Palm Beaches, said the event is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the area, with an estimated impact of $11 million to $12.3 million over three years.
“And we were able to sign this deal for three years,” Segarra said.
Segarra also highlighted the influence of events like this on tourism, stating, “47% of travelers they said were influenced by events and destinations.”
He added, “And when you have such a compelling number, 47%, that’s pretty much close to 50% of all your visitors, we really want to identify options that will allow us to showcase the destination in a different way, and what a better way than to partner with one of the most iconic events.”
Over the weekend, 52 contestants representing the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico were welcomed to the area. They participated in a walking food tour of local restaurants, where they sampled dishes and learned about the area’s history.
“Every restaurant we take them to is part of the story of the neighborhood,” said Kristl Story, owner of West Palm Beach Food Tours.
Story expressed excitement about the exposure the event brings, saying, “With the Miss America pageant, yes, we see them, they’re walking around with their sashes, it’s exciting, but it’s also just great publicity for the city of West Palm.”
Officials said the event will attract a national audience and showcase South Florida as contestants participate in various Miss America events throughout the week.
“We’re excited that this will really become an event that will not only have the exposure side of it but also the economic impact in a period in which we need business,” Segarra said.
The weeklong festivities will conclude Sunday with the crowning of the new Miss America.
Read the article HERE: https://www.wpbf.com/article/florida-miss-america-food-pageant-economy/73572671