Tampa International Airport’s famed flamingo finally has a name

Tampa International Airport has announced the name of their 21-foot flamingo sculpture as “Phoebe” after a public contest that received over 65,000 entries and 37,000 votes. The winning submission came from a 63-year-old retired educator named Bryan M., who chose the name “Phoebe” as it is a playful alliteration to flamingo and also references the scientific name for the bird, Phoenicopterus.

The airport originally planned to reveal the finalist names on December 16th, but delayed the process due to a high volume of entries. The winner, Bryan M. will receive 4 round-trip tickets for himself and 3 companions on Silver Airways and a VIP Experience package to Busch Gardens.

Tampa International Airport’s famed flamingo finally has a name

Tampa International Airport’s pink feathery friend, the beloved 21-foot flamingo sculpture, has finally been named after a nationwide search that garnered over 65,000 entries and 37,000 votes. The winning name, “Phoebe” was submitted by a 63-year-old retired educator named Bryan M. Phoebe not only rolls off the tongue with a playful alliteration, it also cleverly references the flamingo’s scientific name, Phoenicopterus.

The contest, which began in November, saw thousands of creative and unique submissions. The final round of voting was held on December 30th, where the three finalist names of Cora, Finn and Phoebe were revealed to the public. Travellers passing through the main terminal of Tampa International Airport will now be greeted by the pink-hued Phoebe, who stands tall as a symbol of the airport and its vibrant community.

The contest not only gave the airport a mascot but also gave an opportunity for the community to come together and take part in this feathery fun.

The contest winner, Bryan M. was awarded four nonstop, round-trip tickets for himself and three companions on Silver Airways and a “VIP Experience package to Busch Gardens” as the prize. It’s safe to say that Phoebe will be a shining star in the airport and will continue to be loved by many for years to come.

Tampa International Airport made a bold and creative decision when they commissioned a 21-foot flamingo sculpture for the main terminal. The airport’s leadership sifted through over 700 art proposals submitted from around the world before selecting artist Matthew Mazzotta’s vision and bringing it to life for a sum of $520,000.

The sculpture, now known as Phoebe, is not only a stunning visual addition to the airport but also serves as a beloved mascot for travelers passing through.

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Matthew Mazzotta, the artist behind the sculpture, gave it the title “Home” which reflects the inquisitive nature of the flamingo as it hunts for food in the shallows. Mazzotta and the airport agreed that the sculpture needed a fitting nickname, something that would reflect its character, and that’s how the naming contest came to be.

Tampa International Airport’s famed flamingo finally has a name Phoebe, the brilliantly inquisitive flamingo, now stands tall as a symbol of the airport and its vibrant community. This $520,000 investment was not only an artistic choice but also a smart move to bring the community together, engage them in the process of naming the mascot and add a fun element to the airport. As Phoebe welcomes travelers to the airport, it is a reminder that art can bring joy, connect people and create a memorable experience.