The Republican Party of Florida today announced Carrie Prejean as a special guest speaker at the RPOF’s Drive the Discussion Exchange ’09 youth event Aug. 22, at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, said spokeswoman Katie Gordon.

Prejean is a model and former beauty queen from Vista, California. She held the title of Miss California USA 2009, and placed first runner-up in the Miss USA 2009 pageant. Prejean gained nationwide attention over her answer to a question about same-sex marriage during the Miss USA 2009 pageant.

Drive the Discussion Exchange ’09 — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — will be a gathering for young people from across Florida to discuss the future of the Republican Party. The event is open to all ages, but will focus on young voters, 18-35 years of age.

The Exchange will include a keynote address by Bruce Jenner, special guest speaker Jonathan Krohn, panel discussions on “the benefits of social networking” and “What does the Republican Party mean to me,” as well as a trade show. Additional speakers will include technology professionals, elected officials, and professional athletes between the ages of 25-40.