PETA's Sexiest Vegan Next Door: 3 Floridians Vie For 2019 Title

SARASOTA, FL — Three Floridians who chomped celery, downed cashew milk and ate nothing from the animal kingdom, have beaten out hundreds of other plant-loving entrants nationwide as they vie to become PETA's Sexiest Vegan Next Door for 2019.

The three Sunshine State contestants are among 20 finalists nationwide, two of whom will win a trip to Hawaii. PETA voting to determine the winners ends at noon ET on May 13

Representing Florida are Amanda, an Army sergeant from Sarasota, who is deployed in Iraq; Daniela, a "boots-on-the-ground emergency animal responder" from Fort Myers and Peter of Clermont, who promotes the vegan lifestyle to help people attain spiritual and personal fulfillment.

Amanda, who is permanently stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas in the signal corps, went vegan seven years ago out of a love of animals and to improve her health.

"When she gets deployed, she advocates for more vegan options such as veggie burgers and soy milk in cafeterias," noted PETA. "In her free time, she enjoys volunteering at animal shelters in order to help as many animals as possible find loving homes and sharing delicious vegan recipes and fitness tips online."

Daniela has been a vegan for two years but credits the lifestyle with giving her increased energy. Her passion for animals has taken her to the front lines of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Hurricane Florence in North Carolina and the flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

"She even helped secure a home for an abandoned and starving dog who was swept up in Hurricane Harvey’s floodwaters," said PETA. "She grew up participating in the 4-H program, but now she’s dedicating her life to helping animals."

Peter was inspired to his vegan lifestyle by the documentary "Earthlings," which focuses attention on humanity's use of animals as pets, food, clothing and for scientific research.

"After watching "Earthlings," he realized that he could no longer contribute to the immense suffering caused by industries that use animals, so he went vegan," PETA explained. "He never turns down an opportunity to speak up for, or assist animals, which is why he always stops to help turtles when they’re crossing the road and discourages people from hunting local wildlife."

The winners of PETA's Sexiest Vegan Next Door will be announced on May 20. They will be selected based on several factors, including vote count.

This is the first year that the contest is gender neutral, according to PETA. See the full contest details here.

Both winners will each receive a free vacation for two to Maui, courtesy of Humane Travel.

For more information, visit PETA.org.