Ocala native ‘Miss Florida’ wins third runner-up in ‘Miss America’ pageant

“Miss Alabama” Abbie Stockard was crowned “Miss America” on Jan. 5. [Peyton Higgs]

Ocala’s very own Casana Fink was honored Sunday as the third runner up of the “Miss America” competition, earning a finalist position representing the state of Florida and her hometown in Marion County.

Fresh from winning the “Miss Florida” crown in July, Fink advanced to the national stage and placed fourth out of 52 delegates from each of the United States, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. As the third runner up, Fink was awarded $10,000 in scholarship funds.

The competition began on Dec. 31 and culminated on Jan. 5 with the finals and coronation ceremony. In a preliminary event, Fink was chosen as a Gown Winner, earning a $3,000 scholarship from the Sherri Hill clothing company.

The “Miss America” crown was awarded to Abbie Stockard, representing the state of Alabama.

Before the rankings were announced in the finals, each finalist had the opportunity to answer one last question ahead of the crowning. Fink, 26, was asked about to describe what qualities make a good leader.

“As a business owner, I have learned that without the village around me, there is no way that I would have found success and leaning into that has really made the biggest difference,” she said.

[Casana Fink]

A graduate of Forest High School, Fink earned her bachelor’s degree in telecommunications from the University of Florida and is currently working toward a master’s degree in business administration at UF.

Fink is the CEO of More Transplants More Life, a group that advocates for organ donation. She also founded Give to Live, a nonprofit dedicated to education, advocacy, and access in organ donation, according to her website.

“As someone who owns two businesses, I’ve really had to learn how to be a good leader, and I think the heart of that is knowing what you’re good at and learning how to delegate tasks,” she said.

As an entrepreneur, Fink owns two businesses—her self-founded clothing brand The Unverified, in addition to an LED Christmas tree company.

“What’s also really important is authenticity and making sure that when you wake up every single day that you’re doing what you love and you’re putting your best foot forward,” she said.

Fink is also the author of the children’s book, “The Gift of Life,” which introduces children to the concept of organ donation.

The “Miss America” Organization awards over $5 million in tuition scholarships to women each year. The overall “Miss America” title winner is awarded a $50,000 tuition scholarship award.

After the finals competition, Fink posted a social media message to Stockard as she takes on the role of “Miss America,” and her fellow pageant queens.

“To my girls, you will forever be my best friends. The bond we formed so quickly is something so special,” Fink wrote on Instagram. “Our new ‘Miss America 2025’ is our girl, Abbie Stockard. We love you and we are so insanely proud of you! We are with you every step of the way.”

Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano paid tribute to Fink, commending her for representing the city on a national stage.

“So very proud of Casana Fink and her placement as 3rd runner up in the iconic Miss America pageant,” Marciano wrote on Facebook. “Her hard work, perseverance, professionalism and poise are inspiring.”