WASHINGTON -- It was zany and surreal. But Florida planted its flag before the nation's Capitol this afternoon to promote the good life: Sunny weather, beaches, oranges and this guy -- an ancient explorer who is evidence there really is a Fountain of Youth.

"We don't have snow in Florida." Gov. Rick Scott told a crowd gathered on the National Mall, hoping to win one of the travel packages being given away. "Our goal with this trip is to make sure everyone knows that Florida is open for business, open for tourists."

Five people in Washington were awarded trips for them and three friends to Coco Key Hotel & Water Resort along with tickets to a Washington Nationals spring training game. Scott is taking the show to Philly, New York and Chicago (no, he's not traveling by train). In Chicago tomorrow, he'll board a flight along with contest winners and fly to Miami.

See below for more sights and sounds.

Gov. Scott addressing the crowd.

A man playing the explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés poses with workers in Florida Secretary of State Kurt Browning's Washington office.

U.S. Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, showed up to greet Scott but quickly left.

Scott awards this man with a travel prize.

FOX News' Greta Van Susteren says "Nice boots," and Scott shows them off.

Van Susteren interviews Scott.

_{Photos, video by Alex Leary | St. Petersburg Times}