One of the little (but actually giant) things I love about Tampa is Phoebe, the 21-foot-tall pink flamingo sculpture located in the main terminal of Tampa International Airport.
Officially named "Home," this art installation by Matthew Mazzotta has been welcoming visitors to Tampa for the past four years, and she's a hit.
Phoebe is located on Level 3 of the Main Terminal, directly across from the information desk. You can see her before going through security, so even non-travelers can visit.
Find out what's happening in Carrollwood-Northdalefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Stand by Phoebe's beak and look up at the glittering surface as she pokes her head under the water on a beautiful day in paradise. Special lighting even creates the sensation of sunlight rippling through the waves.
Many people don't know that Phoebe got her name after a contest drew tens of thousands of suggestions. Phoebe is a play on the word Phoenicopterus, the scientific genus name for flamingos.
Find out what's happening in Carrollwood-Northdalefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Phoebe is probably the only pink flamingo you'll see in the wild in Tampa. Despite being native to Florida, the large flocks that once inhabited the state were mostly wiped out by hunting in the 1800s.
Researchers believe they may be slowing reintroducing themselves to the Sunshine State, and there have been sightings in the Everglades and the Florida Keys.
It may take them a while to make it back to Tampa, but when they do, Phoebe will be here to welcome them "Home."