TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Before pirates invaded the land, the scallywags invaded the water and took the key to the city from Mayor Jane Castor.

The pirate invasion was packed with people crowding around the Tampa Convention Center to watch.

Mayor Jane Castor put up a little bit of a fight, but she made a compromised with the pirates and said they could get the city just for one day, if they promised to put on the best parade Tampa has ever seen.

“ARGGG, it was wonderful, it was fantastic, greatest day of the year for Tampa Bay and go pirates,” said a Gasparilla goer.

Land pirates all crowded around to watch the invasion, everyone cheering and enjoying the weather.

“It’s perfect weather and I didn’t think it was going to be a big turnout, because it’s kind of cold for a Floridian, but it’s perfect, it’s great,” said a pirate in the crowd.

People travel all over to experience Gasparilla, from Canada, Maine, or even just right down the street.

“It’s amazing, we do this every year, we love it. So, happy Gasparilla and we love Tampa,” said a pirate who has been attending for 15 years.

A bunch of the pirates are seasoned Gasparilla goers filled with advice and jokes.

“What’s the least favorite exercise for pirates, planking,” said a scallywag.

There was a huge portion of the crowd that experienced Gasparilla for the very first time.

Hundreds of pirates came ashore and demanded the key to the city.

“Mayor and fair citizens of Tampa, we have not and will not let hurricanes, or foul weather, keep us away,” said the captain.

“Tampa is the best city in the world and we’re not going to just give it away,” Mayor Castor responded.

“The ship came in, the loud noises, and they took the key. They got the key, and the mayor said ARGGG and gave it up, so I’m happy,” said a pirate.

With the key to the city secured, it was another successful water invasion in the books.