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Everything you always wanted to know about Phoebe, TPA’s 21-ft-tall flamingo

It’s hard to miss Phoebe on your way to catch your flight at TPA. | Photo via Tampa International Airport

She’s turned down the Bucs. Rejected the Valspar Championship. Even shot down hosting a happy couple’s nuptials between her legs.

It’s not a statement against the NFL or the PGA, and Phoebe — Tampa International Airport’s 21-ft-tall flamingo sculpture — is not reticent to love. They’re just not in her rider… err, artist’s vision, and residing at the airport comes with its own stipulations. The fluorescent, long-legged bird nested in the main terminal less than four years ago, but she’s grown into far and away one of Tampa’s biggest celebrities, on par with Mayor Jane, Denis Phillips, or former resident, Gronk.

“I cannot think of a comparable art installation in another airport in the United States … that draws the kind of attention and devotion that Phoebe has,” said Josh Gillin, Senior Manager of Communications at TPA.

Dreamed up by the artist Matthew Mazzotta, the towering sculpture of Florida’s new state bird greets the 30,000 to 50,000 folks passing through the airport every day. Many of whom stop for a quick snap every time they fly.

We got inside access to the TBAY icon

Asked

Have you ever snapped a pic of Phoebe?

A. Only every time I’m at TPA
B. I definitely have before
C. No, but I have noticed her
D. I’ve actually never witnessed her in the flesh

Phoebe fans, where you at?

Events

Thursday, March 5

Friday, March 6

Saturday, March 7

Sunday, March 8

See our full events calendar

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News Notes

Development

A citizens advisory council just warned Tampa City Council against funding the incoming Rays stadium. Why? The budget advisory committee cited the city’s rising debt and potential property tax cuts. Council still needs to vote on funding the project. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Closed

Soho Saloon is no more. The South Tampa drinkery closed its doors this week after 14 years of honky tonk-themed sports bar fun. Owners promise they’re bringing something new to the space. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Watch

Calling all movie buffs. The Gasparilla Film Festival runs through Sunday, March 8. The lineup is stacked with local films, industry panels on financing movies and AI perspectives, and well ... too much to mention here.

Announced

Wrexham AFC — which is co-owned by Ryan Reynolds — and Leeds United will play a preseason match at Ray Jay on Saturday, July 25. Preregister for tickets. (That’s So Tampa)

Plan Ahead

Speaking of footie, the Premier League Trophy made a special pilgrimage to Tampa this week ahead of the NBC Sports 2026 Premier League Mornings Live fan festival. Who could resist a sunny day at Armature Works? Don’t miss your chance to see the award in person this April. (That’s So Tampa)

Quoted

“We gotta get another mural up there, but something that encompasses some of the stuff that went down on 22nd Street.” That’s what the operator of Jay Que’s on the Deuces told the Catalyst he wants to put up on the building’s facade to replace the now-gone Louis Armstrong mural. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Number

Port Tampa Bay is breaking records with 51 scheduled visits in March — and they’re from big players. Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Margaritaville at Sea all dock in Tampa. They’re still time to book a spring break trip.

Answered

Yesterday, we asked, “What’s the name of the youngest person to hike the Florida Trail?” Most folks didn’t guess correctly. So, let’s try that again.

Show

An electrifying experience is coming to Florida Southern College on Saturday, March 14: Video Games Live, an immersive concert experience, features iconic video game music with synchronized music + lighting, from nostalgic classics to modern favorites. Grab tickets.*

Health

ReadyRx pairs GLP-1 treatment with structure: physician oversight, lifestyle guidance, and support designed for follow-through. If your BMI is 27+, you may qualify for 24/7 medical access and program support. Check your eligibility and save $100 as a new patient with code HEALTH100.*

Post of the Day

Screenshot 2026-03-04 at 12.40.53 PM.png — A look at the The Dalí Museum’s next era.

What’s next for one of TBAY’s biggest arts institutions? Dalí Museum leaders just unveiled plans for a $65 million, 35,000-sqft expansion.

Don’t worry, the dome’s not going anywhere. The new addition — from the original building’s same designer — will feature:

Waterfront views
Flexible gallery spaces for shows that blend art and technology
A learning center serving K-12 students and lifelong learners
Community-focused event spaces

Want to be featured?

The Buy

Five viral products that are actually worth paying attention to:

🛍️ A popular swap for claw clips: these flat hair clips for better comfortability and all-day wear.
🛍️ Owala’s best-selling water bottles, now available in exclusive prints + patterns from Urban Outfitters. Or, you can never go wrong with one of the classic color combos.
🛍️ This practical long-handle wall cleaner easily goes from cleaning baseboards to high areas — no step ladder required.
🛍️ A pair of cloud slides with an ultra-cushioned sole and sleek, durable design.
🛍️ Kasa’s smart lightbulbs that have 16+ million color options + can be controlled from anywhere using a free app.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

I had a delightful time digging into the life of Phoebe, and learning about TPA’s art program. Are there any other TBAY fixtures — or oddities you’d like to hear more about? Let me know.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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