DORAL, Fla. – Miss Florida USA contestants checked into the Provident Doral Wednesday morning, days before the pageant is scheduled to take place.
Many of the young women from around the state told Local 10 News that they're disappointed by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's recent comments on Mexican immigrants, but they are all clearly focused on winning the crown.
"I've been getting ready for these days for a long time now, so I'm finally ready to show everyone what I've been working for," Miss Miami Beach USA Jessica Corpancho said.
All 59 contestants are vying for the crown to be Miss Florida USA and hope for a shot at the Miss USA title.
"My face expression says it all," Miss Magic City USA Nathalie Soler said. "My sisters are all gorgeous and, like I said, it's going to be a tough competition. I don't know how the judges are going to decide."
"You might be the prettiest girl, but at the end of day it all comes down to who is most prepared and who represents Florida the best," Miss Miami Shayra Medal said.
Although the women are focused on the pageant, there are a lot of strong opinions about Trump and his recent controversial comments about Mexican immigrants.
"Being Hispanic, how did that make you feel?" Local 10 News reporter Michael Seiden asked Miss Miami.
"Of course I felt disappointed, but I try to be open-minded and see that maybe he didn't mean it that way," Medal said.
Trump's comments made while he announced his run for president have scared off some beauty pageant sponsors and two TV stations.
Local 10 will carry the show Saturday night, but without Local 10 News sports director Will Manso as host or reporter MJ Acosta.
"There was absolutely no chance that we would in any way, shape or form compromise what could be appeared to look as our integrity and professionalism," Bert Medina, president of WPLG, Inc., said.
Medina said Local 10 considered dropping the pageant, but decided that would be unfair to the contestants.
"We totally disagree with the comments made by Donald Trump and believe that they are absolutely unacceptable," Medina said.
Most of the contestants agree and said they won't let one man ruin their hard work.
"I try not to let things like that faze me, because if I listen to every negative comment then it would really hurt me," Soler said.
The Miss Florida USA pageant, held at the Parker Playhouse, will air on Local 10 at 9 p.m. Saturday.
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