FLORIDA, USA — The Florida Highway Patrol is calling on Florida residents to stand with Florida and vote for its cruiser to be the best-looking in the nation.
The FHP announced its enrollment in the "Best Cruiser Competition" on Monday, aiming to win for the second year in a row. The competition is hosted by the American Association of State Troopers (AAST).
This year, the FHP picked an "Out of This World" theme, with the submission picture taken at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Space Launch Complex on April 18, 2024, during the final liftoff of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy. The photo features the FHP 2019 Dodge Challenger.
“This year's photo entry embodies Florida's spirit of innovation and commitment to excellence, capturing iconic elements of our state," president and CEO of Space Florida Rob Long said in a statement. "Space Florida is proud to support our state troopers in this competition and we hope to see Florida take home another victory."
State law enforcement agencies have between July 15 to July 29 to gather public support in the form of votes. Last year, Florida won with the most significant number of votes in the history of the competition: 180,000.
The winner, or the cruiser with the most votes, will be on the cover of the AAST 2025 calendar, according to a news release.
The proceeds from the calendar support the AAST Foundation, which offers educational scholarships to troops' dependents in the AAST.
"The competition for 'America's Best-Looking Cruiser' provides a positive opportunity to support law enforcement nationally," FHP Colonel Gary Howze II said in a statement. "Your Florida State Troopers are working to represent Florida and be America’s best for the second year in a row while promoting public safety.”
FHP used a picture of the same cruiser at Gatorland in Orlando and featured a 15-year-old, 8.5 ft. long, 180 pound female alligator named Tamale.
To vote for the 2024 competition, the National State Trooper's website has the SurveyMonkey, which includes every state submission. There are no restrictions on who can vote.
