Miss Florida USA 2014 contestants hit pool for photo shoot

Contestants gather for bikini day at Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Thursday was press photo day for the Miss Florida USA 2014 Pageant.

The 71 contestants stripped down to their bikinis and took photos besides the pool at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa.

PHOTOS: Miss Florida USA bikini day

"Well, I'm from Puerto Rico, so my family is all about the island and that involves being hot and sweaty all the time," said Cristina Neal, Miss Puerto Rican Parade of Florida.

"This is rather refreshing," said Madison Brooke, Miss Emerald Coast USA. "It's very nice out and I feel like I'm getting a bronzed glow which is excellent."

WATCH: Contestants rehearse | Competition kicks off

"The secret is sunscreen," said Brittany Oldehoff, Miss Fort Lauderdale USA. "I want to say all 71 contestants are wearing sunscreen right now."

Despite the summer heat and humidity, the delegates were happy to be poolside after days of non-stop rehearsing.

"It's really fun. Everyone's got a lot of energy," said Tori Petry, Miss Marion County USA. "We've all worked so hard for our swimsuit bodies, so it's fun to get to show them off."

Miss Pembroke Pines, Miss Magic City, and Miss Miami Lakes USA are all former Miami Dolphins cheerleaders. While they still share their sisterhood, the pageant stage is a new playing field.

"Training for the pageant is completely different than training for the Miami Dolphins," said Monica Mason, Miss Pembroke Pines USA. "I had a pageant coach teach me how to walk, but in boots I'm completely comfortable on the field."

"You're trying to stand out as an individual," said Vanessa Ferbeyre, Miss Magic City USA. "Everyone is going for that crown. Everyone's dream is to take home that crown."

The contestants got to lounge a little bit longer before they got back to work. The competition officially starts Thursday night with the judges panel interview.