Jacksonville native 23-year-old Paris Richardson hit the stage last night representing Florida in the Miss America pageant, taking home the second runner-up title.

The Ribault High School and University of Florida alum won the Miss Florida title on June 28.

On Sunday night at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, she graced the stage with 51 other ladies to compete for the Miss America title.

Richardson was a top-five finalist. Cassie Donegan from New York was crowned Miss America 2026.

The top five finalists were: • Winner: Miss New York 2025, Cassie Donegan • 1st Runner-Up: Miss Texas 2025, Sadie Schiermeyer • 2nd Runner-Up: Miss Florida 2025, Paris Richardson • 3rd Runner-Up: Miss Georgia 2025, Audrey Kittila • 4th Runner-Up: Miss Alabama 2025, Emma Terry

The day before her

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