On Friday, November 14th, 2025, CL ’26 took a deep dive into the world of Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Transportation.
First, we travelled via bus (the first of many methods of transportation we used throughout the day) to Sky Center One, a multipurpose office building on the Tampa International Airport campus. We listened to a panel discussion focusing on the intersection of sustainability, architecture, and construction. The panelists emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives. When preparing for a construction project, or really any project at all, open communication between different departments in an organization is critical to ensure that leadership understands the needs of the end users, and the project stays on schedule and on-budget.
Next, we boarded our second mode of transportation, the People Mover, to reach the main terminal of Tampa International Airport. We were then split into two groups. My group received a tour of the checked baggage sorting and screening facilities. Our guide, the maintenance manager, shared insights on how processes have changed since 9/11 and how the airport plans to expand with the addition of Airside D. I connected with Manuela Henao Coca of St. Leo University to learn about the other group’s experience on their tour led by the Guest Experience Team. They had the opportunity to view the plane fueling stations, the arrival area for private jets and planes, and learn about the thought process behind the airport’s artwork and amenities. She said that it gave her a deeper appreciation for TPA’s history, design, and traveler-focused vision.
After the tours, we took off to the Florida Aquarium where we were introduced to Cayenne the anteater, enjoyed lunch, and had the opportunity to explore the aquarium’s exhibits. The Florida Aquarium celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. The aquarium, which is home to more than 20,000 animals, is more than a place of entertainment; it is a nonprofit organization with a strong dedication to its mission. We learned about the aquarium’s most recent exhibit, fundraising, education, and conservation initiatives. I found it fascinating to hear about their commitment to sustainability in every aspect of operations including eco-friendly giftshop offerings, the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, and Oscar, the AI recycling assistant. Recycling guidelines vary widely in different states and counties, but Oscar helps bridge the gap by telling guests if an item belongs in the trash or the recycle bin. The aquarium was definitely the highlight of the day for me because I hope to work in the nonprofit sector in the future, plus, being from the Tampa Bay Area, it was fun to see how the aquarium has changed since I visited it as a child.
Next, we embarked on the Pirate Water Taxi and received a tour of the Port of Tampa, which is Florida’s largest port by tonnage, land, and cargo diversity, and generates more than 34 billion dollars in economic activity during the year.
To end the day we rode a TECO Streetcar back to the Tampa Bay Chamber Offices where Alexis Black, an Environmental Specialist for the City of Tampa and one of our day chairs, gave us an overview of Environmental Program Management and ways we can reduce our own environmental impact.
It was fascinating to get a behind the scenes look at the extensive planning it takes to support the everyday activities of the growing and thriving Tampa Bay region. Likewise, it was inspiring to learn about sustainability in action on a local level and the unwavering commitment of various industries to stewardship and giving back. Special thanks to our day chairs for organizing and facilitating such an action-packed, fun-filled day, and to all of the wonderful individuals who took time out of their day to share their insights with us!