Miss Florida USA contestant is 63 years old

Karen Russo, 63, prides herself on her senior status.

When a West Kendall resident takes the Miss Florida USA stage this weekend, she will make history as the oldest contestant.

This year the competition will be held for the first time – which selects a representative from the state of Florida to the title of Miss USA – has no age restrictions.

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@panthera61 In response to @randy.good4 #michaeljackson #michaeljacksonfan #babyboomersunited #wehadthebestmusic #wehadthebestmusic #nomatterwhat #lata70. #the 80’s. #thankyou #lovinglifeatage63 #femaledummersunited #panthera61ageinfluencer #classof1979 #makeyouownhappy #batman #batgirl ♬ PYT (Pretty Young Thing) – Michael Jackson

This means you don’t have to be 28 or younger to enter. The 72-year-old contest also lifted the ban on married women and mothers.

Russo, who has more than 7,000 followers on TikTok, often dances to 1970s hits in her videos with the hashtags #boomerqueen, #classof1979 and #Wehadthebestmusic.

Yep, she’s definitely living her dreams.

“Miss Florida USA has fulfilled my teenage dream,” the New Jersey native said. “I want to be that bright, positive light on the stage that shines for women 40 and older.”

There seems to be a portrait of Russo somewhere out there of him drowning. So what’s the secret?

“Laughter and self-discipline,” says Russo, who works in sales, adding that she exercises for about 10 minutes every morning and eats a healthy balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates.

We had to ask: Any Botox?

“I’ve never had an ounce.”

MISS FLORIDA USA

The pageant, hosted by actor Brian McFayden and WWE commentator McKenzie Mitchell, will be broadcast live from the Coral Springs Performing Arts Center on www.MissFloridaUSA.com Friday through Sunday, starting at 4 p.m.