PCHS Senior Layla Rothman was crowned the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen
Photos courtesy of Jose Lozoya
On Saturday, Jan. 19, the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center was filled with excitement as 32 contestants took the stage for the 91st annual Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant, presented by the Plant City Lions Club. By the end of the evening, five young women were crowned in the 2026 Strawberry Queen Pageant, sponsored by the Florida Strawberry Festival.
Layla Rothman was crowned the 2026 Florida Strawberry Queen, earning the title during a celebratory coronation ceremony. Joining her on the royal court is Marley Mueller, who was named First Maid, alongside Addison Griffin, Addison Pope, and Cadence Cape. The honor of Miss Congeniality was awarded to Brooke Browning, recognized by her fellow contestants for her warmth, sportsmanship, and positive spirit throughout the competition.
Strawberry Queen 2019 Kendall Gaudens and FSC Men’s Tennis Coach Rhett Rollyson hosted this year’s pageant, turning the wait into half the fun throughout the evening. The judges of the event were Jaylen Baron, Jayne Case, Casana Fink, Rita Lowman, Megan Price, and Dr. Joe Wallace.
Contestants were evaluated across several phases designed to showcase both personality and poise. Judges considered each participant’s personal interview, where authenticity and composure took center stage, as well as casual wear, which offered a glimpse into individual style and confidence. The competition also tested public speaking skills, challenging contestants to command attention and articulate their thoughts before an audience, before culminating in the elegance and precision of the evening gown presentation.
As the group grew smaller, every moment carried a little more weight. Each was asked to respond to an impromptu question, a moment that required quick thinking under pressure and revealed how contestants carried themselves when the script disappeared. Judges also weighed overall appearance and stage presence, assessing how seamlessly each finalist brought together confidence, grace, and connection with the audience in the final moments of the competition.
This year’s impromptu question asked contestants to reflect on leadership and character: “The Strawberry Queen is expected to be a positive role model in our community. Who is one of your role models, and what have you learned from them?”
Strawberry Queen Layla Rothman shared that her grandfather is her role model, citing his quiet dedication to service as the example she hopes to follow in her own reign. “Service is about showing up when no one else is watching, and showing up with consistency,” she said.
Following the impromptu question, Gabriela Hagman, the 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen, took the stage alongside her court to deliver a heartfelt farewell to the audience. The message, filled with gratitude and reflection, was dedicated to her fellow court members, the wider community, and the city she proudly represented throughout her reign.
“The 2025 festival really put into perspective just how vital community service is to this town,” Hagman said. “Thank you to all the volunteers who work so selflessly to serve others.” She closed with a final note of appreciation, adding, “This year was unforgettable. Thank you, Plant City. I will never forget you.”
As the final crown was placed and applause rose to fill the room, Layla Rothman stepped forward as the 2026 Florida Strawberry Queen, flanked by her court and greeted by a standing ovation. In that moment, tradition met promise, a new chapter beginning under bright lights and proud smiles. With crowns gleaming and hearts full, the newly crowned queen and her court looked ahead to a year rich with service, celebration, and connection, ready to represent the spirit of Plant City with grace and purpose.
The coronation marked not just the close of an unforgettable evening, but the opening of an exciting year to come—one that will carry the Strawberry Queen and her court into classrooms, community events, and festival traditions yet to unfold. As they begin their reign, the 2026 royal court steps forward united, prepared to serve, inspire, and make memories that will last long after the final strawberry is crowned.
The 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival begins Thur., Feb. 26, and runs through Sun., Mar. 8. For more information about the Florida Strawberry Festival, visit flstrawberryfestival.com. For more information about the Plant City Lions Club, visit plantcitylions.org.
Queen: Layla Rothman
First Maid: Marley Mueller
Court: Addison Griffin, Addison Pope, and Cadence Cape
Ten Finalists: Addison Griffin, Ivy Garner, Addison Pope, Marley Mueller, Brooke Browning, Cadence Cape, Micah Duncan, Layla Rothman, Kori Turner, and Chesney Stackhouse-Woody
