It wasn’t quite the same as having the toned lifeguards on the popular TV show Baywatch cavorting about.
But shoppers at Sawgrass Mills mall on Monday were delighted to catch a glimpse of those competing in the Baywatch search.
Baywatch star Jose Solano, who recently joined the show, and 10 other judges were in town to select the best contestant who might fit in with the Baywatch cast of beauties and hunks.
About 25 contestants – a quarter of them men – were judged on presentation, appearance and model potential.
And when it was over, Michelle Janetis, 18, of Coconut Creek, who has no modeling experience, walked away with the prize.
“I was walking in the mall, and I saw the sign [about the Baywatch Search),” said Janetis, who wore white platform sandals, a white mini skirt and a blue and white checked halter top for her walk across the stage. “And I guess it was a good idea.”
Janetis won a trip for two to Los Angeles. She gets to hang out on the Baywatch set and now has a place in a video montage that will air before an episode of the show. Channel 39/WDZL sponsored the event.
On Monday, contestants walked across a stage set up near the JC Penney Outlet Store. They walked, ran fingers through their hair and carressed their chests while Color Me Badd, Marky Mark and C&C; Music Factory played. One contenstant even chewed gum. Many hopefuls wore platform shoes, and a few wore go-go boots.
Helena Kassis, of Hollywood, said she watches Baywatch “once in a while. [Solano) should have won the contest,” she said, laughing.
Julissaca Delarosa of Miami Lakes had mixed feelings about the contest.
“It was cool, but they should have had more contestants and more guys,” Delarosa said.
“Just watching the girls and the way they dress was fun,” said Kassis.
