Jacksonville, Fla. – June 18, 2024 – Callie Johnson will compete in the Miss Florida USA pageant from July 5 until July 7 in Coral Springs, Fla. Johnson is currently the reigning Miss Jacksonville USA, and a full-time teacher in English Language Arts (ELA) for seventh grade students at Switzerland Point Middle School in the St. Johns County School District. She also owns and operates Callie’s Collection Cakes and Confections as a cottage industry baker based in Jacksonville, Fla.
Johnson, 27, began her professional career in Jacksonville and St. Johns County focusing on retail, food, non-profit programs, events, and administration. Johnson developed her intensive interest in pageantry while her mother was the pageant director at Creekside High School in St. Johns, Fla.
Johnson was inspired by a mentor to follow and compete in the Florida Forestry pageants. Johnson served as a state title holder within that organization three times as Teen Miss Florida Forestry, Miss Florida Turpentine, and Miss Florida Forestry where she honed her interview and communication skills. She became involved in community volunteering at Ronald McDonald House Charities, raising awareness for the Florida Forest Service, and appearances at local elementary schools to read to students.
After a seven-year break from pageantry, Johnson returned to competing to pursue her goal of becoming Miss Florida USA, the precursor to Miss USA which she hopes to qualify for as a future competitor. “As a teacher and a role model, I hope to inspire women of all ages that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams,” said Johnson. “Qualifying and participating in Miss Florida USA holds a special place in my heart while being able to gain access, visibility, and experience to help others and reach my professional, business, and philanthropic goals,” she said. “I’m excited to bring my pageant, beauty, and communications expertise to the upscale event, and to help change the lives of many in need through the high-profile notoriety of this pageant.”
Johnson is requesting sponsors to help her reach her financial needs to compete in the upcoming pageant. “Every donation, big or small, helps me to get one step closer to the crown with sponsorships for outfits, hair and make-up, training, and more,” she said. “Miss Florida USA is highly competitive with women participating from throughout the state. If an individual or business would like to sponsor me, there is an opportunity for the upcoming pageant and my plans to continuing competing. I share a huge thank you to my current sponsors, friends, and family who have already contributed to the effort.”
Johnson was born and raised, and currently resides in Jacksonville, Fla. and attended elementary, middle and high schools in St. Johns County. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Strategic Communications from Jacksonville University and a Master of Science degree in Communication Management from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. She was active in Alpha Delta Pi sorority, public relations organizations, and cheerleading in college. She is a Certified Development Executive with NANOE (National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives) and a Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWP). Johnson currently volunteers for a variety of faith-based activities which help women and children, and she mentors young women with interests in pageant competitions.
Johnson’s sponsors include Beautary Lash Bar, Bono’s BBQ, Dick’s Wings and Grill in Mandarin, Donna Guzzo, Dr. Arun Gulani, First Date Beauty, Five Star Pizza in Julington Creek, Malachi’s Ice Cream Bar, Murgado Automotive Group, Soo Gilvarry, State Farm – Chris Bedford Agency, and many friends and family who believe in and support her in the pageant endeavor.
Additional supporters may vote for Johnson on People’s Choice at https://missfloridausa.com/product/jacksonville-callie-johnson/. On the live website, donations may be made on behalf of Johnson. The People’s Choice winner for the Miss pageant division automatically earns a spot among the top 16 event contestants.
Miss Florida USA is produced by Hayat Amyra Productions LLC, which holds the State License for the MISS USA® & MISS TEEN USA® State Pageants in Florida. For more information, contact Callie Johnson at email calliej.15@gmail.com.
