Daytona Beach has a new local celebrity to celebrate! Holly Burns, recently crowned Mrs. Florida USA 2025, is more than just a titleholder—she’s a successful businesswoman, a passionate advocate, and a driving force behind a cause that Daytona’s community can rally around. Holly is now using her platform to champion Type 1 diabetes awareness and access to life-changing diabetes camps for children.
A Journey to the Crown
Holly was selected for the prestigious title of Mrs. Florida USA based on her advocacy work, business acumen, and contributions to the community. She stood out for her relentless dedication to improving people’s lives—whether through her environmental business, her training institute, or her advocacy.
Her selection was not just about beauty and poise, but about influence and impact. As she prepares to represent Florida at the national competition in Omaha, Nebraska, in July 2025, she’s eager to use this platform to make a difference in the lives of others.
A Multifaceted Businesswoman
Holly’s career is a testament to her passion for science and health. She founded Action Consulting Environmental, a company dedicated to indoor air quality assessments and mold remediation. With a background in the restoration and construction industry, she became deeply fascinated with microorganisms and their impact on human health. Her company helps homeowners maintain safe and healthy environments, ensuring their living spaces are free from harmful mold and bacteria.
Additionally, Holly runs ACE Training Institute, where she serves as an IICRC approved instructor. Through her training programs, she educates restoration professionals across the country—and even internationally—on the best practices and techniques following IICRC standards for dealing with water and mold damage.
Recently, she and her husband also ventured into marine construction, co-founding B&W Marine Construction of Central Florida, a company specializing in building docks and seawalls in Central Florida. Her impressive business portfolio showcases her ability to excel in diverse fields, but her true passion lies in advocacy.
Advocacy for Type 1 Diabetes
Holly’s mission is deeply personal. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just five years old, she was told she wouldn’t live past the age of 20. Growing up in financial hardship, she faced significant challenges, including periods of homelessness. Yet, through resilience and determination, she defied the odds.
One of the turning points in her life was attending a diabetes camp, a program that provided her with medical education, stability, and a sense of belonging. Thanks to an anonymous donor, she was able to attend camp despite financial difficulties. There, she learned essential diabetes management skills and met other children who shared her experiences.
Now, as Mrs. Florida USA 2025, Holly is on a mission to ensure that children facing similar struggles have the opportunity to attend diabetes camp. Through fundraising efforts, she has already raised enough money to send 18 children to camp, and she’s just getting started.
Community Event to Support the Cause
To further her advocacy, Holly is organizing a special fundraising event on May 3 at REvive Fitness called Fit for a Cure. The event, hosted by local fitness expert Arnold Kolozsvari, will be a fun and educational experience designed to raise awareness about Type 1 diabetes while encouraging healthy living.
Attendees can expect:
- Informative discussions on diabetes management
- Fun fitness activities
- Nutrition tips and healthy shake demonstrations
- Raffle prizes, including a free month of personal training from Arnold Kolozsvari
This event is not just about raising money—it’s about bringing the Daytona Beach community together to support a meaningful cause. With a goal of raising $50,000, Holly aims to send even more children to camp, providing them with the same life-changing experience that helped her thrive.
How You Can Help
Holly has set up a GoFundMe campaign, where 100% of donations go directly to Florida Diabetes Camp, an organization affiliated with the University of Florida. These camps, held throughout the state—including one in nearby Lake County—help children develop the skills they need to manage their diabetes while also enjoying fun activities like swimming, water sports, and arts and crafts.
The Daytona Beach community has a unique opportunity to support this initiative by attending the May 3 event, making a donation, or simply spreading awareness. Every contribution helps provide a child with the knowledge, confidence, and support system needed to live a healthy life with Type 1 diabetes.
A Role Model for Daytona Beach
Holly Burns is a shining example of resilience, determination, and generosity. From overcoming personal hardships to building successful businesses and now using her platform to uplift others, she embodies the spirit of community leadership. As she prepares for the Mrs. USA competition, she hopes to continue inspiring others—not just with her title, but with her mission.
Daytona, let’s rally behind Holly and help her turn her vision into reality. Whether by donating, attending her event, or simply spreading the word, we can all play a part in making a difference in the lives of children with Type 1 diabetes.
Let’s support our Mrs. Florida USA 2025 as she paves the way for a healthier, more compassionate future!
Join Holly on May 3,.9-11am at REvive Fitness, 180 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach for Fit for a Cure for information, activities, prizes and to help raise money for Florida Diabetes Camp.