Gov. Rick Scott gives President Obama a gift

Tampa, Florida - Governor Rick Scott greeted President Barack Obama on the tarmac at Tampa International Airport Friday afternoon with a gift. Governor Scott gave the President a "Tampa Bay Rays" baseball cap.

It was the second time Scott has met the President out on the tarmac at the airport. President Obama was in town to tour the Port of Tampa before heading off to a Latin American summit.

President Obama toured Tampa's port and told port workers that his administration was aiming to increase exports for small businesses and companies in the U.S. as a key ingredient of the economic recovery.

Governor Scott said he only met with President Obama briefly, but said he told him his plans when it comes to pushing new trade agreements. Scott said, "It was great to talk to the President. We talked about how I'm going to Columbia at the end of December - I did four trade missions last year - international trade as you know is very important to our state."

Scott added, "I went to Panama, I went to Brazil, I went to Israel, I went to Canada - this year I'm going to Columbia... to Spain." The governor said he's also going to an air show outside of London. Governor Scott said, "Aviation is a big part of our state."

Governor Rick Scott was at Tampa International Airport as part of his previously planned "Let's Get to Work Day" which focuses on creating jobs and promoting Florida as a tourist destination.
Scott said for every 85 visitors to the Sunshine State - one job is created.

Governor Scott worked several different jobs at the airport, including the ticket counter for Southwest Airlines, which is the airport's largest carrier.

Scott said, "I really enjoyed the people I met this morning - the stories about their jobs and what they're doing."

Many of the customers flying to Las Vegas said they appreciated the effort. It's an important stamp of approval since the results of a January Quinnipiac poll show only 38 percent of those polled said they approve of the governor's job performance.

Airline passenger, Becky Burress, said, "Well you know that's a tough job over there. People are cranky and grouchy and if their flight is late or canceled ... yeah it's really awesome for him to do that I was quite excited to see him there."

Walter Hepp was flying out Friday, "I thought he was very nice and very personable and he's definitely fitting in with middle America."

Kay Caldwell said while it's not something she wants to see Governor Rick Scott doing every day, she believed it does have value. "Certainly periodically to be involved in what people do every day ... I think that's great."

Governor Rick Scott, worked at the airport for most of the day, at the ticket counter and as a skycap carrying luggage.

During his "Let's "Get to Work Days" the Governor has taught school and even worked in a doughnut shop.

Tammie Fields, 10 News