Photos courtesy of Jose Lozoya
Layla Rothman
Age: 17
Education: Senior at Plant City High School
What does being crowned Florida Strawberry Festival Queen mean to you personally?
It truly means so much to serve my community. I believe one of my best qualities is having a servant’s heart, and our festival is truly about giving back. As Strawberry Queen, you are the ambassador and the face of the festival, so it is important to lead with intention and be selfless with everyone who walks through the gates. I always want to make sure I represent myself—and the festival—as my best self.
What are you most excited about as you begin your year as Queen?
I am definitely most excited for Special Smiles Day. Stevie, the daughter of one of my mom’s best friends, is one of my very close friends and an individual with a disability. I’ve grown up with her my entire life, and every time she sees me she tells me I’m going to be one of her bridesmaids at her wedding. Last night, after I was crowned queen, she told me I was upgraded to her maid of honor. It truly made my night and was incredibly sweet.
We went to dinner together, and she hyped me up the entire time. Special Smiles Day is a day when we can give kids a sensory-friendly experience, and that means so much to me because Stevie is so close to my heart. Sharing that moment with her last year was incredibly special, and as Queen, I cannot wait to experience and share that day with her again.
How do you hope to represent the festival and Plant City during your reign?
I hope to represent the festival with a sense of selflessness, showing people that I am doing this not for the crown or the title, but to serve the community that has given so much to me. I have truly grown up with this festival, and it feels like home to me. To share that feeling of home with everyone else is a dream of mine.
What inspired you to compete in the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s pageant?
I was never a pageant girl growing up, so for me, this was never about the crown. It was truly about serving, having a great year and meeting these special girls that I cannot wait to spend an amazing 2026 with.
Last year, I competed in this pageant and placed in the top 10 but did not advance to the court. That was extremely disappointing, as I felt a deep sense of rejection- like a dream of mine had fallen short. However, after the pageant had ended I still volunteered all 11 days of the festival, because consistency is one of the most important parts of serving. What you do when no one is watching matters most.
One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to never give up. If you keep going, you create endless opportunities to achieve anything you truly set your mind to. My faith is something I really lean on, especially throughout this pageant, and it has really helped me to gain a sense of peace that whatever I do, it’s all for the glory of God.
How did you prepare for the pageant- mentally, physically, emotionally?
I prepared for the pageant mentally, physically and emotionally through a combination of coaching, personal discipline and faith. In addition to spending countless hours with my coach and participating in mock interviews, I dedicated time on my own to practice. I would sit in my room with a chair in front of a mirror and ask myself interview questions for about an hour each day, which helped build confidence and clarity.
Establishing a consistent morning routine was also a key part of my preparation. I woke up at 6:30 a.m. each morning to read my Bible and spend quiet time with God without my phone. Starting my day without distractions allowed me to focus on gratitude and maintain a positive mindset rather than becoming consumed by social media. That routing brought me peace and comfort and helped me approach each day with intention.
Much of my preparation was mental. Having competed before, I felt confident onstage, so I focused primarily on the interview portion. My goal was to ensure the judges clearly saw my heart, my purpose and my genuine desire to serve throughout the pageant.
What part of the pageant experience challenged you the most?
The interview process challenged me the most. It required me to reflect deeply and recognize qualities in myself that I had not fully acknowledged before. Through that experience, I learned that I am intentional, selfless, kind and compassionate, and that understanding helped me become more confident and assured in who I am.
I believe true confidence comes from what is within. When you have a genuine heart and clear intentions, that confidence naturally shows on the outside and allows you to present your best self.
What is your favorite Florida Strawberry Festival memory- past or present?
One of my favorite Florida Strawberry Festival memories is the Lauren Daigle last year. The concerts are my favorite part of the festival, and that night was especially meaningful. During the performance, she invited a young girl in a wheelchair onto the stage and allowed her to sing with her. It was an incredibly powerful moment- when I looked around, nearly everyone had tears in their eyes.
In that moment, the festival felt like family. It highlighted how special the festival is and the strong relationships the directors and staff build with the artists. Lauren Daigle has performed at the festival several times and will be returning again this year. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to meet her as the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen, especially since her music has guided me throughout this entire journey.
What message do you want to share with young girls who look up to you?
I would encourage young girls to have confidence in themselves. Confidence is essential to being who you are without worrying about others’ opinions. We live in a world where comparison is a thief of joy. Knowing who you are and embracing your authentic self without changing for anyone else is so important.
I strive to be as authentic as possible so that the person people see is the same in every setting. I believe that being genuine and true to yourself is one of the most important qualities of being Queen.
Do you have a good luck charm or tradition you brought with you?
I brought two meaningful items with me. One was my lamb, Lily, which was given to me when I was born and has been with me through many stages of life. I also brought my Bible backstage, which is what I truly leaned on throughout the experience. While waiting for my turn, I would turn to God’s word for confidence and strength. It grounded me and allowed me to step onstage with peace, purpose and the intention to reflect His light in everything I do.
What is your favorite food at the festival?
My favorite festival foods are Peachey’s Amish donuts and pretzels. Not only are they delicious, but the vendors who run those stands are incredibly welcoming and kind, which makes people want to return year after year. They take the time to start conversations and build relationships.
That sense of connection reflects what I hope to do as Queen- create meaningful relationships with everyone who walks through the gates and make them feel seen and heard. I know what it feels like to walk into a room and feel unnoticed or alone, and being someone who offers kindness and connection is something I strive for as a role model in my community.
If you could describe this moment in just a few words, what would they be?
I would describe this moment as God’s will. His will is always fulfilled, and whenever I found myself in doubt, I reminded myself that doubt does not come from Him. He brings a peace that is indescribable, and that is exactly how this moment feels. It still does not feel real, but I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve my community with a heart centered on the Lord.
