Philanthropic queen to retire

By Observer Staff
| 4:00 a.m. March 21, 2013

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sarasota resident Dr. Dede Howard was crowned Miss Florida Classic March 4, at the Miss U.S. of America Pageant. Howard has competed in pageants for the past 35 years and says the national competition in August will be her last. The philanthropist has donated time and money to dozens of charities throughout the years. She is the founder of House of Hope for Runways and Teddy Bear days for terminally ill children.